PRP vs. GFC Hair Treatment: What’s the Difference and Which One Works Best
What are we humans most proud of in our physiology? Complexion? Figure? Facial features? Yes!! All these, but they are secondary. Our prime piece de resistance is our ‘crowning glory- our headful of hair’
What is hair?
Hair is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the scalp. The human body, apart from areas of smooth skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and fine vellus hair. Hair is also an important biomaterial primarily composed of the protein alpha-keratin.
The word “hair” usually refers to two distinct structures: the part beneath the skin, called the hair follicle, and the root. This root is located in the dermis and maintains stem cells, which not only regrow the hair after it falls out, but also regrow skin after a wound
A person can have a head full of voluminous hair, average hair and even scanty hair. You can be born with a thick mop of hair, but it can thin out as you age, and vice versa
In an adult, Hair Density can be Full, Average, or Scanty
Hair density refers to the actual number of hair follicles or strands per square centimetre on the scalp. This determines how “full” or “scanty” the hair appears
- Full / Thick Density refers to a high concentration of hair follicles across the scalp. Here, the scalp is difficult to see without parting the hair, and ponytails are thick and substantial
- Average Density refers to a standard or moderate amount of hair on the head. The scalp is partially visible but only when the hair is parted or moved. Most people fall into this category
- Scanty / Low Density (Thinning)is a sparse distribution of hair follicles where the scalp is easily visible through the hair. This can be a natural feature or caused by hair loss conditions like shedding or pattern thinning
Balding or thinning or greying of hair can occur at any age. It is normal in people who are in their 40s and above but very abnormal in young people
There are two types of treatments for thinning or balding hair and a receding hairline:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
- GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate)
What Is GFC?
GFC means Growth Factor Concentrate. This is a blood-derived preparation for application to the scalp, intended to provide a concentrated source of growth-factor components
What Is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is prepared from a patient’s own blood sample which is collected and processed so that a plasma containing a high concentration of platelets is obtained. This preparation is then injected into the treatment or balding area
PRP vs GFC: What Is the Difference?
| Factor | PRP | GFC |
| Full form | Platelet-Rich Plasma | Growth Factor Concentrate |
| Source | Patient’s own blood | Patient’s own blood |
| Basic concept | Concentrates platelets and associated growth factors in plasma. | Uses a preparation designed to concentrate growth-factor components. |
| Main hair-treatment use | May be used as part of treatment for selected hair-loss conditions, particularly pattern hair loss. | Used in some hair-restoration protocols to support existing hair follicles. |
| Research base | Larger published evidence base for androgenetic alopecia. | More limited published evidence specifically for hair loss. |
| Preparation | Blood is processed to obtain platelet-rich plasma. | Preparation is designed to obtain a growth-factor concentrate; the exact protocol depends on the system used. |
| Number of sessions | Depends on diagnosis, protocol and response. | Depends on diagnosis, protocol and response. |
| Downtime | Usually limited, although temporary tenderness, swelling or bruising can occur. | Temporary injection-site discomfort or other local effects may occur. |
| Who should decide? | A qualified clinician after assessing the hair-loss condition. | A qualified clinician after assessing the hair-loss condition. |
At first glance, PRP and GFC can appear almost identical because both begin with the patient’s blood. The meaningful differences are mainly related to how the sample is processed, what the final preparation is intended to concentrate, the treatment protocol and the evidence available for that protocol.
TEAM, PLEASE ALIGN THE TABLE.
Do you notice more hair on your pillow or in your comb or in the shower zone? Do not wait until thinning becomes more pronounced to seek advice. Some women backcomb their hair to avoid the visibility of bald patches. That is not a solution; it’s a temporary disguise. At the first sign of hair loss, consult a qualified dermatologist to understand the cause and explore the best treatment-PRP, GFC – or some another treatment is right for you. Early assessment can help you make informed decisions and take better care of your hair. Retain your crowning glory by taking care and undergoing the right treatment at the right time