Decoding Regenerative Hair Therapies: PRP, PRF & GFC
PRP: Before & After images, showing effects of hair regrowth treatment solution
Hair loss can be distressing at any age, whether you’re noticing a widening part, thinning temples or a receding hairline. Fortunately, modern medicine has moved beyond topical lotions and pills. Now, we have access to regenerative therapies that harness the body’s own healing power to stimulate hair regrowth. At The Hair Clinic in Auckland, we offer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Platelet‑Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) treatments. Each method uses your own blood to deliver growth factors back to the scalp, but their preparation, composition and longevity differ. This guide explains how each therapy works, who might benefit and how to choose the right option for your hair journey.
Understanding Platelet‑Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy has been used for decades to speed up wound healing in surgery and sports medicine. In hair restoration, a small sample of your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from red and white cells. The resulting platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors and cytokines that promote tissue repair and blood-vessel formation. At The Hair Clinic, PRP is injected into areas of thinning hair to stimulate increased blood flow and coax dormant follicles back into the growth phase.
PRP is often a good starting point for early hair thinning. Because the serum is relatively simple to prepare, treatment sessions are quick and cost‑effective. However, most of the growth factors are released within hours after injection, so patients typically require multiple sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, to achieve sustained results.
How PRP helps hair growth
Boosts blood supply: Growth factors in PRP promote angiogenesis, improving circulation to the follicles.
Activates dormant follicles: The concentrated plasma encourages resting hair follicles to re‑enter the growth phase.
Natural and safe: Since PRP is derived from your own blood, there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
Platelet‑Rich Fibrin (PRF): The Next Generation
PRF is considered an evolution of PRP. Our clinic offers PRF as a cutting‑edge, natural hair‑restoration treatment. We draw a small sample of blood into plain glass tubes without anticoagulants and spin it at a low speed. This produces a fibrin matrix rich in platelets, leukocytes and mesenchymal stem cells. Because there are no anticoagulants, the blood coagulates, trapping these cells within a spongy fibrin clot. When injected into the scalp, the PRF matrix gradually releases growth factors such as PDGF, VEGF, IGF and TGF‑β over 7–10 days.
Why Choose PRF?
Longer‑lasting effects: The fibrin scaffold acts like a slow‑release system. Growth factors continue to nourish hair follicles for more than a week, so treatment frequency may be reduced compared with PRP.
Stem‑cell stimulation: PRF contains mesenchymal stem cells as well as platelets. These cells can differentiate into various tissues and may enhance regeneration.
Versatility: PRF is suitable for men and women with early‑stage hair thinning, androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium. It can also be combined with Nanoxidil (a topical similar to minoxidil), finasteride, exosome therapy or PDO threads for improved results.
Post‑transplant maintenance: Many patients have PRF sessions after hair transplant surgery to support graft survival and encourage thicker regrowth.
Our clinicians at The Hair Clinic emphasise preparation for PRF to maximise results. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, aspirin, anti‑inflammatories and supplements like omega‑3, vitamin E and ginkgo two weeks before and six weeks after your session.
Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC): Purified Power
GFC therapy takes regenerative medicine one step further by delivering a potent, cell‑free dose of your own growth factors. We draw blood into tubes containing proprietary platelet activators, then spin it at high speed (~3,000 rpm for 10 minutes). The activated platelets release growth factors into the plasma, and our team extracts the cell‑free growth factor‑rich serum. Unlike PRP or PRF, there are no blood cells left, just a concentrated elixir of PDGF, VEGF, EGF and IGF.
This purified GFC is injected into areas of thinning hair using a fine 30 G needle. The growth factors improve blood flow, reduce inflammation and directly stimulate follicular stem cells, promoting new hair growth and increasing hair thickness and strength. Because it is highly concentrated, patients often see faster results. GFC is ideal for men and women with early‑stage thinning, androgenetic alopecia or hair loss due to stress, hormonal changes or post‑COVID shedding. It can also be combined with exosome therapy, PDO threads or medications like Nanoxidil or finasteride.
Comparing PRP, PRF and GFC
| Feature | PRP | PRF | GFC |
| Preparation | Blood drawn into tubes with anticoagulant; spun quickly to separate platelet‑rich plasma. | Blood drawn into plain tubes; spun at low speed to create a fibrin clot containing platelets and stem cells. | Blood drawn into tubes with platelet activators; spun at high speed to release growth factors into a cell‑free serum. |
| Components | Platelet‑rich plasma (growth factors released quickly). | Fibrin matrix with platelets, leukocytes and mesenchymal stem cells; growth factors released over 7–10 days. | Highly concentrated serum of growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, EGF, IGF) with no cells. |
| Duration of effect | Short burst of growth factors; frequent sessions may be needed. | Extended release due to fibrin scaffold; fewer treatments required. | Powerful and fast‑acting; results often visible sooner than PRP. |
| Best for | Early hair thinning, maintenance after transplant. | Androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, early hair loss; suitable for men and women. | Those seeking rapid improvement; early‑stage hair loss, stress‑related shedding and post‑COVID hair thinning. |
Choosing the Right Therapy
While all three treatments harness your body’s regenerative potential, they aren’t interchangeable. The best choice depends on the extent and cause of your hair loss, your medical history and how quickly you hope to see results. PRP is ideal if you’re new to regenerative hair therapy or want a cost‑effective option that can easily be combined with other treatments. PRF may suit you if you prefer longer‑lasting effects and the added benefits of stem cells. GFC delivers a high‑potency dose of growth factors and may be the right fit if you’re looking for fast results without introducing any cells back into your body.
At The Hair Clinic, Dr Mark Morunga and his team will evaluate your scalp, medical history and lifestyle before recommending a tailored plan. In many cases, combining therapies such as PRF with exosome mesotherapy produces the best outcome. We also stress the importance of supporting any medical treatment with good nutrition, stress management and proper scalp care. Hair health is influenced by hormones, diet and environmental factors, so addressing these alongside regenerative therapy is crucial.
Ready to restore your hair?
Hair loss can take a toll on confidence, but you have options. To learn more about PRP, PRF and GFC or to discover which therapy suits you, explore our detailed service pages on PRP treatments, PRF treatments and GFC treatments. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a confidential online hair growth consultation with our team.
For additional background reading on hair loss causes and general treatment options, the New Zealand dermatology resource DermNet NZ provides an authoritative overview of alopecia.
With the right therapy and a personalised plan, you can stimulate regrowth, strengthen existing hair and regain your confidence. We look forward to supporting you on your hair‑restoration journey.
Get In Touch online or reach our team on (09) 523 5999.
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