PRP vs Minoxidil vs Finasteride: Hair Loss Guide

Female clinician in plum scrubs administering PRP hair restoration injections to a male patient at Miami Lakes Med Spa

PRP vs Minoxidil vs Finasteride: Hair Loss Guide

Female clinician in plum scrubs administering PRP hair restoration injections to a male patient at Miami Lakes Med Spa

Choosing between PRP vs minoxidil vs finasteride can feel confusing when you’re just starting to notice more hair in the shower drain. Each option works in a different way, costs a different amount, and fits a different kind of patient. At Miami Lakes Med Spa, we help patients from Miami Lakes, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Doral compare these choices every week.

The good news? You don’t have to guess. PRP uses your own blood’s growth factors to wake up sleeping follicles. Minoxidil is a daily topical that boosts blood flow to the scalp. Finasteride is a pill that blocks the hormone driving male pattern hair loss. All three are proven — but they suit very different people.

This guide breaks down the real differences so you can walk into your free consultation with Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN feeling informed and ready to pick a plan.

TL;DR

PRP vs minoxidil comparison shows PRP works best for early-stage thinning with natural growth factor stimulation, while minoxidil suits daily topical users and finasteride targets male pattern baldness at the hormonal level. Many patients at Miami Lakes Med Spa combine PRP with topical or oral therapy for stronger results.

Key Takeaways

  • PRP uses your own blood platelets to stimulate hair follicles — no drugs, no daily routine, and safe for both men and women.
  • Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical you apply daily. It works well but stops working when you stop using it.
  • Finasteride is an oral prescription for men that blocks DHT, the hormone behind male pattern hair loss.
  • At Miami Lakes Med Spa, PRP costs $495 per session or $950 for a 3-session package with Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN.
  • The best plan often combines two treatments — PRP with minoxidil, or PRP with finasteride — for stronger, longer-lasting regrowth.

Clinical Summary

  • PRP (platelet-rich plasma therapy) uses autologous growth factors drawn from your own blood to stimulate hair follicles.
  • Ideal candidates: early to moderate thinning, active follicles, ages 25-65, men and women.
  • Session length: about 60 minutes including blood draw, processing, and scalp injections.
  • Pain level: mild — topical numbing is applied before injections.
  • Downtime: none — return to normal activities the same day.
  • Results timeline: visible improvement at 3-4 months, peak results at 6-9 months.
  • Risks: minor scalp soreness, temporary redness, small bruising at injection sites.
  • Contraindications: bleeding disorders, active scalp infection, pregnancy, certain cancers.
  • Cost at Miami Lakes Med Spa: $495 single session, $950 for a 3-session package.

Cost at Miami Lakes Med Spa

PRP Hair Restoration pricing — transparent, no hidden fees

$495 single session or $950 for a 3-session package

Flat, transparent pricing — includes blood draw, processing, and full-scalp injections with Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN.

Financing available through Cherry, CareCredit, and Klarna.
Free consultation included

Decision Guide

Option Best For Not Ideal For Cost Recovery Results Alternatives
PRP Therapy Adults 25-65 with early to moderate thinning who want a drug-free, natural growth factor approach — men and women. Fully bald areas with no active follicles, bleeding disorders, active scalp infections, or pregnancy. $495 single session or $950 for a 3-session package None — same-day return to normal activity Visible growth at 3-4 months, peak at 6-9 months, maintenance every 6-12 months Exosome therapy ($950), combined PRP + minoxidil
Minoxidil (Topical) Adults who want an affordable, at-home daily routine and don’t mind ongoing application — men and women. People who dislike daily upkeep, sensitive scalps, or those seeking a one-time treatment. About $20-$50/month over-the-counter None — apply and go Shedding phase weeks 2-8, visible results at 4-6 months, must continue to maintain PRP therapy, oral minoxidil (Rx)
Finasteride (Oral) Men 18-55 with androgenic (pattern) hair loss who want a prescription pill that blocks DHT at the source. Women of childbearing age, men planning conception soon, or those worried about sexual side effects. About $20-$70/month with prescription None — daily pill Slowed shedding at 3 months, regrowth at 6-12 months, must continue indefinitely PRP therapy, dutasteride, topical finasteride
Combination Plan Anyone with moderate loss wanting maximum results — PRP paired with minoxidil or finasteride. Those with contraindications to either therapy or very advanced hair loss needing transplant. $950 PRP package + monthly topical/oral cost None from PRP; daily use of add-on therapy Faster onset by 2-3 months and stronger density than any single treatment Exosome therapy + minoxidil, hair transplant referral

How PRP vs Minoxidil vs Finasteride Actually Work

Each treatment attacks hair loss from a different angle. Understanding how they work makes it easier to pick the right one.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma therapy) starts with a small blood draw. We spin your blood in a centrifuge to separate the platelets, which are packed with autologous growth factors. Then we inject that concentrate right into your scalp. Those growth factors tell your follicles to shift back into an active growth phase.

Minoxidil is a topical solution or foam you apply twice a day. It widens blood vessels around the follicle, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients. It also seems to extend the growth phase of each hair.

Finasteride is a daily pill for men. It blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT — the hormone that shrinks follicles in male pattern baldness. Less DHT means less shrinking.

Close-up of a young woman showing thick, full hair density along her part line after PRP hair restoration

Effectiveness: What the Results Really Look Like

All three have solid research behind them, but they don’t work equally well for everyone.

PRP shines for early to moderate thinning in both men and women. Most patients see thicker, fuller hair by month 3-4, with peak results around month 6-9. Because it’s drug-free, there are no hormonal side effects.

Minoxidil is reliable but slow. You’ll usually see less shedding by month 3 and real regrowth by month 6. The catch? Stop using it, and the benefits fade within a few months.

Finasteride is the strongest option for men with pattern hair loss. It stops progression in about 80-90% of users and regrows hair in many. But it requires daily commitment, and a small number of men report sexual side effects.

The hair loss treatment comparison isn’t about which one is “best” — it’s about which fits your body, goals, and lifestyle.

Cost and Commitment at Miami Lakes Med Spa

Cost matters, and so does how much daily effort you’re willing to put in.

  • PRP: $495 for a single session, or $950 for a 3-session package. Most patients start with the package, then return once or twice a year for maintenance.
  • Exosome therapy: $950 — an advanced alternative to PRP that uses lab-purified growth signals for stronger stimulation.
  • Minoxidil: Roughly $20-$50 a month over-the-counter, but forever.
  • Finasteride: Around $20-$70 a month with a prescription, also long-term.

Over 5 years, minoxidil and finasteride can actually cost more than a PRP package with yearly touch-ups. And PRP requires no daily routine.

Who’s the Right Candidate for Each?

Here’s how we typically match patients to treatments at our Miami Lakes clinic.

You’re a strong PRP candidate if: You’re between 25-65, noticing thinning at the crown, part line, or temples, and you still have some hair in those areas. PRP works for both men and women, which makes it the top choice for female patients since finasteride isn’t safe for women of childbearing age.

You’re a strong minoxidil candidate if: You want a low-cost start, don’t mind twice-daily application, and are early in the thinning process.

You’re a strong finasteride candidate if: You’re a man with clear male pattern hair loss and want to stop it at the hormonal source. Under our medical director Dr. John Serpa, MD, we can coordinate prescription evaluation.

Can You Combine Treatments?

Yes — and often, that’s the winning move. Research shows PRP plus minoxidil produces thicker regrowth than either alone. The same is true for PRP plus finasteride in men.

A typical combo plan we design at Miami Lakes Med Spa looks like this:

  • Start with a 3-session PRP package ($950) spaced 4-6 weeks apart
  • Add daily minoxidil at home for continuous stimulation
  • For men with pattern loss, add finasteride to block DHT
  • Return for a single PRP maintenance session every 6-12 months

This layered approach gives you fast results from PRP, steady maintenance from topicals or pills, and long-term follicle health.

How Miami Lakes Med Spa in Miami Lakes, FL Helps You Choose

We don’t push one treatment over another. At your free consultation, Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN looks at your scalp, reviews your medical history, and asks about your goals and budget. From there, she’ll recommend the plan that fits — whether that’s PRP alone, a combination approach, or a referral if a transplant is the better long-term answer.

Patients from Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Doral choose us because of our transparent flat-rate pricing, our medical oversight from Dr. John Serpa, MD, and our track record of 10,000+ treatments performed. You’ll get honest answers, not a sales pitch.

Financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit, and Klarna, so cost doesn’t have to hold you back from starting.

The best hair loss treatment comparison ends with a personal answer — the one that matches your hair loss stage, your health, and your lifestyle. PRP, minoxidil, and finasteride all work. The question is which one, or which combination, works best for you.

Ready to find out? Book your free consultation at Miami Lakes Med Spa by calling 305-418-0392 or visiting our booking page. We’re open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM at 7980 NW 155th St, Suite A, Miami Lakes, FL 33016.

This content is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified provider before starting any treatment. Last reviewed 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PRP better than minoxidil for hair loss?

PRP and minoxidil work differently. PRP uses your own growth factors to stimulate follicles in a few sessions per year, while minoxidil requires daily topical use. For patients who want fewer maintenance steps and drug-free treatment, PRP at Miami Lakes Med Spa is often the preferred choice. Many patients get the best results combining both.

Can women take finasteride for hair loss?

Finasteride is generally not prescribed to women of childbearing age because it can harm a developing fetus. Most female patients do better with PRP therapy, minoxidil, or exosome therapy. At Miami Lakes Med Spa, Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN can design a female-friendly plan during your free consultation.

How much does PRP for hair loss cost in Miami Lakes?

At Miami Lakes Med Spa, PRP is $495 for a single session or $950 for a 3-session package. That flat rate includes the blood draw, processing, and full-scalp injections. Financing through Cherry, CareCredit, and Klarna makes it easy to start. Call 305-418-0392 to book your free consultation.

How soon will I see results from PRP versus finasteride?

PRP usually shows visible improvement at 3-4 months with peak results at 6-9 months. Finasteride tends to slow shedding around month 3 and produce regrowth at 6-12 months. Both require patience, and combining PRP with finasteride or minoxidil often speeds up and strengthens the outcome.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your free consultation at Miami Lakes Med Spa today and take the first step toward looking and feeling your best.

Book Your Free Consultation

Or call us at 305-418-0392  |  Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM

Financing available through Cherry, CareCredit & Klarna. Se habla español.

Individual results may vary. Consult with a qualified provider to determine the best treatment for your needs.