Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss diseases, significantly affecting both physical appearance and mental health of individuals. In recent years, injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) and concentrated growth factor (CGF) have emerged as promising novel adjuvant therapies for AGA. This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of i-PRF and CGF in treating male patients with AGA.

This prospective, half-head study enrolled male patients with AGA at Norwood-Hamilton stages Ⅲ vertex to Ⅴ. For each patient, one half of the scalp was injected with i-PRF and the other half with CGF. Each patient underwent four monthly treatment sessions and three monthly follow-up. Hair growth parameters were assessed monthly using trichoscopy. The concentrations of growth factors in the i-PRF and CGF were quantified using ELISA.

Thirty-two male patients completed the study. Both i-PRF and CGF treatments significantly improved hair density, hair growth (HG) ratio, and terminal hair density. The mean Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) score showed significant improvement between three- and six-month follow-up. No major adverse events were reported during treatment. The concentration of growth factors was significantly different between the two groups. There were no correlations between the concentration of growth factors and clinical parameters.

Both i-PRF and CGF were effective and well-tolerated treatments for AGA. Despite differences in growth factor levels, no correlation with clinical outcomes was found. These findings support their potential as safe therapeutic options and warrant further research.