PRP vs. Exosomes vs. Transplant: Which Hair Solution Fits Your Season?
Use this side-by-side comparison to choose the hair restoration path that aligns with your goals, timeline, and willingness for downtime.
Melissa Metz
LPN, Advanced Aesthetics Nurse & Hair Restoration Specialist
We compare the most requested options—PRP, exosome therapy, and surgical transplants—across effectiveness, timeline, cost, and recovery. You will finish with a clear sense of which to choose now and which to consider later.
Key Takeaways
- Takeaway1
Exosomes deliver standardized growth factors and often outperform PRP in density gains.
- Takeaway2
PRP is cost-effective but depends on your blood quality and requires more sessions.
- Takeaway3
Transplants provide permanent redistribution but involve surgery, scarring, and higher cost.
- Takeaway4
Combine non-surgical options with lifestyle support before or after transplant for best results.
- Takeaway5
Consider emotional readiness, downtime, and budget equally when deciding.
Meet the Three Main Players
PRP: your blood is spun and injected to stimulate follicles. Exosomes: lab-purified messengers deliver consistent growth signals through microneedling. Transplants: follicles are surgically moved from dense areas to thinning regions. Each has a place; the right fit depends on where you are in your hair journey.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Exosomes — Sessions: Single (90 min), Growth Protocol (3), or Complete Restoration (4); Results: 3–6 months; Downtime: 24 hours; Cost: $$; Ideal For: postpartum, stress, or early thinning. PRP — Sessions: 6+; Results: 4–9 months; Downtime: minimal; Cost: $; Ideal For: early shedding with healthy blood markers. Transplant — Sessions: 1–2; Results: 12+ months; Downtime: 7–14 days; Cost: $$$$; Ideal For: advanced loss with stable donor hair. Layer targeted scalp serums, nutrition, and low-level laser therapy with any choice.
How to Choose Your Next Step
If you are early in the journey or postpartum, start with exosomes and supportive home care. If you have plateaued with PRP or want predictable results, upgrade to exosomes. If loss is advanced and donor hair is strong, schedule a transplant and use exosomes pre- and post-op to protect existing follicles. A consultation lets us assess scalp density, lifestyle factors, and budget to craft a phased plan.
Final Thoughts
Hair restoration is not one-size-fits-all. With a nurse-led diagnostic consult, you can invest in the right solution at the right time—and feel supported every step of the way.
Recommended Next Steps
- 1
Book a scalp mapping consult to evaluate density and candidacy.
- 2
Choose the Growth Protocol (3 sessions) or Complete Restoration (4 sessions) if you are within the first five years of shedding.
- 3
Use prescription-grade scalp serums and nourishment strategies regardless of primary treatment.
- 4
If considering transplant, plan exosome or PRP sessions before and after surgery for maintenance.
- 5
Schedule annual reviews to adjust as hormones, stress, or lifestyle evolves.
