Priorities
Thinning hair
A widening part, a receding hairline, or a thinning crown.
Treatments from $899
The short version
Pattern hair thinning develops gradually, as a part that widens, a hairline that recedes, or a crown that loses density. It affects both men and women, and we treat it at our Arlington Heights office.
We treat pattern thinning where the follicles are still alive. We don’t treat areas where the scalp has already gone smooth, but we can discuss other options with you.
Why it happens
Why hair thins in a pattern
Pattern thinning happens when hair follicles gradually shrink. Each new hair grows back a little thinner and shorter than the last, until the follicle stops producing hair at all. Hormones and genes decide where and how fast it happens.
Follicles shrink over time
As a follicle shrinks, the hair it grows becomes finer and shorter, so the part widens or the crown thins.
Hormones play a role
A hormone called DHT is linked to follicles shrinking in people who are sensitive to it.
It runs in families
Your genes shape how sensitive your follicles are. It affects about two thirds of men, and many women too.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, androgenic alopecia, Cleveland Clinic, female pattern hair loss
Your options
How we'd approach it
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Step 1We'd start with
PRP hair restoration
From $899
About PRP hair restorationIf you have thinning at the crown, the part, or the hairline with hair still growing there, we'd suggest PRP injections into the scalp. Our nurse practitioner draws your blood, spins it, and injects the platelet-rich layer into the thinning areas. You'll start with three sessions, four to six weeks apart, then move to maintenance.
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Step 2If you need a little more
Medical management alongside it
From $899
About Medical management alongside itPRP works best alongside minoxidil or finasteride, not instead of them, because it doesn't block the hormone that drives pattern loss. If you're not using either, we'll discuss whether one makes sense for you.
Side by side
Your options side by side
PRP works best alongside medication, not instead of it. Here's how the options compare.
We'd start with
PRP hair restoration
From $899
- Best for
- Thinning at the part, crown or hairline where hair is still growing
- Appointment
- 45 to 60 minutes, blood draw included
- Downtime
- Tender scalp for a day, no washing until the next day
- First results
- Less shedding by month 2 or 3
- Sessions
- 3 to 4, then maintenance every 4 to 6 months
Works well together
Medication alongside it
Discussed at your consult
- Best for
- Slowing the hormone-driven process PRP doesn't block
- Appointment
- Part of your consult
- Downtime
- None
- First results
- Usually a few months
- Sessions
- Daily, ongoing, if prescribed
Prices are starting prices from our menu. Your provider will confirm the plan and total cost at your consult. Individual results vary.
What to expect
What to expect with PRP for hair
The first thing most people notice is less shedding, by month two or three. Density changes take longer, and we judge them at about six months.
Visit 1
Draw and inject
Blood draw, spin, and injections. Your scalp may be tender for a day.
Weeks 4 to 12
Visits 2 to 4
Sessions continue four to six weeks apart, with a PRF add-on if recommended.
Months 2 to 3
Shedding slows
Shedding slows as the growth phase lengthens.
Month 6+
Judge, then maintain
Judge density with a photo in the same light as your starting photo. One maintenance visit every 4 to 6 months holds the result.
Timeline for PRP hair restoration, from our treatment page. Individual results vary.
Our reasoning
How we decide
We’ll part your hair and take a close look at the follicles. Fine, short hairs where thick ones used to be mean the follicle is alive and can be helped. Smooth, shiny scalp means the follicles are gone. We’ll also ask about sudden shedding, patchy loss, and scalp symptoms, because those are different conditions that need a dermatologist’s care.
For pattern thinning with living follicles, we’ll recommend PRP hair restoration. The evidence is real but modest. A 2023 systematic review of 27 controlled trials found PRP increased hair density by a mean of 25.6 hairs per square centimeter versus saline, and rated the evidence as low quality, per Blood Transfusion. PRP plus minoxidil beat either alone in a six-study meta-analysis, which is why we’ll usually plan PRP alongside medication. Individual results vary.
The first thing you’ll likely notice is slower shedding, usually by month two or three. Density changes were most often reported after the third month in the reviewed trials, so early progress can be hard to see. Without maintenance, the results fade, because the underlying process continues.
Your questions, answered
How many PRP sessions do I need for hair?
We'll start you with three, four to six weeks apart. Then comes maintenance every three to six months in the first year, and once or twice a year after that. Our PRP schedule post walks through it visit by visit.
Can I drive back to work after?
Yes. Your scalp will be tender, and you can wear a cap afterward. Skip the gym and swimming for a day or two, and wait until the next day to wash your hair.
Does PRP work for women?
Yes, it can help with female pattern thinning, the diffuse widening of the part. A network meta-analysis found better responses in younger and female patients. Sudden or patchy loss in women is often something else, such as a thyroid or iron issue, so we'll ask about recent lab work first.
Why is my hair thinning on top?
For most people it's pattern thinning, where the follicles on the top of the scalp gradually shrink and grow finer, shorter hairs. Hormones and genes drive it. Sudden shedding or patchy loss is different and worth a dermatologist's visit, since thyroid, iron or stress can be the cause.
Can thinning hair grow back?
Hair can thicken where the follicles are still alive, which is where PRP and medication help most. Once the scalp has gone smooth and shiny, the follicles are gone, and a hair transplant is the option. Starting early makes the biggest difference.
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