Thulium Laser & PRP for Hair Rejuvenation
Pure Tone Journal · Clinical Evidence
Thulium Laser for Hair Rejuvenation With PRP
Can 1927nm fractional Thulium laser offer an additional treatment approach alongside platelet-rich plasma for pattern hair loss?
For clinics already offering PRP hair rejuvenation, the interest in combining it with Thulium lies in two different treatment mechanisms: platelet-derived biological signalling and controlled fractional laser treatment of the scalp.
There is published research investigating this combination, including a small pilot study in men with androgenetic alopecia. However, the evidence remains limited and does not establish that adding Thulium outperforms PRP alone.
In this guide, we examine the clinical studies, explain the proposed treatment rationale and consider how clinics can assess its place within a professional hair-rejuvenation service.
Quick Answer: Is There Evidence for Thulium Laser Combined With PRP?
Yes. A published pilot study investigated 1927nm fractional Thulium followed by PRP injections in nine men with androgenetic alopecia.
The researchers reported improvements from baseline in terminal hair density, total hair density and hair mass index six months after the final treatment.
However, the study did not include a PRP-only comparison group. It therefore cannot establish whether the combination produces better results than PRP alone.
Other small clinical studies have investigated fractional Thulium for pattern hair loss, including combinations with growth-factor solutions and PDRN. These provide supporting context but are not equivalent to direct PRP evidence.
The PRP component
What Is PRP Hair Rejuvenation?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma and is prepared from the patient's own blood.
A blood sample is collected and processed to obtain a preparation containing a higher concentration of platelets than ordinary plasma.
Within hair-loss treatment programmes, PRP is commonly administered by scalp injection.
Platelets contain growth factors involved in tissue repair and cellular signalling. The possibility that these signals may support follicular activity is part of the rationale for PRP treatment in androgenetic alopecia.
However, the concentration and composition of PRP can differ between preparation systems and protocols. Treatment results can also vary between patients.
PRP is not a guaranteed treatment for hair loss, and the appropriate management depends on the underlying diagnosis.
The fractional laser component
How Might 1927nm Thulium Contribute to Hair Rejuvenation?
The treatment is being investigated for its effects on the scalp and follicular environment.
1927nm Thulium laser energy is absorbed by water within skin tissue.
Fractional delivery creates controlled microscopic thermal treatment zones while leaving surrounding tissue largely untreated.
In aesthetic dermatology, the wavelength is best known for superficial skin renewal, pigmentation and texture.
Researchers have also investigated whether controlled fractional treatment of the scalp may influence biological processes relevant to pattern hair loss.
Proposed mechanisms include changes in local tissue signalling and the response to controlled thermal injury.
Another research area concerns laser-assisted delivery of appropriate topical substances following fractional treatment.
However, these mechanisms remain areas of investigation. They should not be presented as proof that a particular Thulium machine will stimulate hair regrowth.
Thulium and PRP Are Different Treatments
PRP introduces an autologous platelet preparation, usually through scalp injection.
Fractional Thulium creates a controlled laser-induced tissue response.
The clinical question is whether combining the two offers meaningful additional benefit, and for which patients.
That question has not yet been answered conclusively by large, well-controlled trials.
Understanding the clinical rationale
Why Are Researchers Combining Thulium Laser With PRP?
The proposed benefit comes from combining different treatment mechanisms, not simply from adding more procedures.
Platelet-Derived Signalling
PRP contains platelet-associated growth factors involved in cellular signalling and tissue repair.
Its use for pattern hair loss has been investigated in clinical studies, although protocols and outcomes vary.
Controlled Scalp Stimulation
Fractional Thulium creates microscopic thermal treatment zones.
Researchers have investigated whether the associated healing response may support changes in hair density and thickness.
Combination Treatment
The idea is that the two interventions may offer complementary effects.
The evidence does not yet establish the optimal combination, the ideal protocol or whether adding laser improves on PRP alone.
Avoiding an important misconception
PRP Injections and Laser-Assisted Topical Delivery Are Not the Same
One distinction is particularly important when interpreting the published research.
In the direct Thulium and PRP pilot study, the laser treatment was followed by PRP injections.
That is not the same as applying PRP topically after fractional laser treatment.
Other studies have explored fractional laser treatment followed by topical growth-factor solutions, but those preparations are not interchangeable with PRP.
Research involving PDRN also represents a separate treatment approach.
The delivery method, substance used, treatment parameters and resulting biological effects all need to be considered separately.
Published clinical studies
What Does the Research Actually Show?
The relevant studies are small, use different protocols and answer different questions.
Chulalongkorn Medical Journal · 2019
1. Thulium Laser Combined With PRP
Brownell, Panchaprateep and Glinhom investigated a 1927nm non-ablative fractional Thulium laser combined with autologous PRP in nine men with androgenetic alopecia.
Participants received three treatments at monthly intervals. Each session used fractional Thulium, followed by PRP injections.
Six months after the final session, the investigators reported increases from baseline of:
- 28.1% in terminal hair density
- 9.7% in total hair density
- 26.4% in hair mass index
These are results from the participants in that specific small study, not expected results for all patients.
Crucially, the study did not include a PRP-only comparison group. It cannot demonstrate that the addition of Thulium produced better results than PRP alone.
The researchers recommended larger randomised, placebo-controlled trials and longer follow-up.
Lasers in Medical Science · 2018
2. Fractional Thulium With and Without a Growth-Factor Solution
Cho and colleagues published an evaluator-blinded split-scalp study involving ten patients with pattern hair loss.
The investigators examined 1927nm fractional Thulium with and without post-treatment application of a growth-factor-containing solution.
Following twelve weekly treatment sessions, they reported increases in hair density and thickness, with additional improvements in the group receiving the growth-factor solution.
The study provides evidence relevant to fractional Thulium scalp treatment and combination approaches.
However, the topical solution was not PRP, and the study was small.
Medical Lasers · 2016
3. Fractional Thulium Combined With PDRN
A study by Cho and colleagues examined fractional 1927nm Thulium combined with polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injections for pattern hair loss.
The researchers studied sixteen patients divided between two treatment groups.
Eight received Thulium with PDRN injections, while eight received mesotherapy with PDRN injections.
Both groups experienced improvements. The investigators reported a greater improvement in hair thickness in the Thulium group, but the between-group difference in hair counts was not statistically significant.
This supports research interest in fractional Thulium combined with regenerative approaches.
PDRN is not PRP, so these results should not be described as evidence for Thulium plus PRP.
ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05129254
4. A Registered Trial That Was Withdrawn
A separate clinical trial was registered to compare fractional Thulium with topical PRP against PRP injection for male androgenetic alopecia.
However, the trial record shows its status as withdrawn, with no participants enrolled.
It therefore provides no clinical outcome evidence.
The registration is useful historical context, but it should not be represented as an active study or evidence of treatment effectiveness.
Putting the findings into context
What Can Clinics Reasonably Conclude?
The research provides a credible basis for further investigation of 1927nm fractional Thulium in pattern hair loss.
The direct Thulium and PRP pilot reported improvements, but it involved only nine men and lacked a comparison arm receiving PRP alone.
Other studies support interest in fractional Thulium as a scalp treatment or in combination with other substances. However, these do not directly establish the benefits of Thulium plus PRP.
The current evidence is therefore preliminary rather than conclusive.
Larger controlled trials would be needed to establish how much additional benefit the laser provides, which patients benefit and how results compare with established treatment options.
An Important Note About Pure Tone Equipment
The published studies discussed above used other fractional Thulium laser systems.
They were not clinical trials of Pure Tone's Thulium Laser Pro™.
Their findings help explain the developing scientific rationale, but should not be interpreted as device-specific clinical results for our machine.
Before considering treatment
Hair Loss Needs a Diagnosis, Not Just a Treatment
A professional hair-rejuvenation programme begins with understanding why hair loss is occurring.
Hair thinning can be associated with genetic, hormonal, nutritional, inflammatory, autoimmune and other medical causes.
The studies reviewed in this article largely concern pattern hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia.
They should not be used to claim that Thulium and PRP can treat every form of hair loss.
Scarring alopecia, sudden shedding, patchy hair loss and symptoms of an underlying scalp disorder may require medical investigation or referral.
Treatment outcomes also depend on the stage of hair loss and the condition of the remaining follicles.
A scalp-based regenerative approach should not be presented as capable of replacing follicles that are no longer viable.
Assessment Before Treatment
- Establish the pattern, duration and progression of hair loss
- Review medical history, medications and previous treatments
- Assess scalp condition and signs of inflammation
- Consider whether medical investigation or referral is needed
- Discuss established treatment options and their suitability
- Evaluate the possible role of PRP and fractional laser treatment
- Explain the limitations of the available clinical evidence
- Set realistic expectations about outcomes and follow-up
- Use consistent photographic and hair-density assessments where appropriate
Treatment and patient experience
What Should Clinics Consider During a Thulium Scalp Treatment?
The scalp presents different practical considerations from facial skin rejuvenation.
Hair density, scalp condition, patient sensitivity and the possibility of heat affecting hair shafts must all be considered.
In the published PDRN study, the researchers specifically discussed the potential for excessive settings to damage hair shafts.
For this reason, facial treatment settings should not simply be transferred to the scalp.
Practitioners should follow machine-specific training and protocols appropriate to the intended application.
Temporary redness, warmth or irritation may occur after fractional laser treatment. Where PRP injection is also used, the patient must understand the risks and aftercare associated with both procedures.
There is no universally established Thulium and PRP treatment schedule, and a protocol used in one published study should not automatically be adopted for another laser system.
Professional clinic applications
Where Could Thulium Fit Within a Hair-Rejuvenation Clinic?
For clinics already providing PRP or fractional laser treatments, scalp applications may be an area worth evaluating carefully.
The potential commercial advantage is not simply adding another treatment to a price list.
It is the opportunity to build a structured consultation and treatment pathway, with an appropriate role for each technology.
However, a commercial opportunity should not be confused with established clinical efficacy.
Clinics should only offer applications supported by their device's intended use, appropriate training and relevant professional and regulatory requirements.
Clinics Already Offering PRP
Fractional laser may be an additional treatment approach worth evaluating where suitable protocols and practitioner expertise are available.
Clinics Already Using Thulium
Scalp applications may broaden the possible use of existing equipment, subject to the machine's supported applications and professional training.
Structured Patient Reviews
Hair-rejuvenation programmes benefit from proper diagnosis, photographic assessment, follow-up and realistic evaluation of results.
Clear Patient Communication
Patients should understand that the combined approach is supported by preliminary research, not guaranteed hair regrowth.
Pure Tone professional technology
Thulium Laser Pro™
A professional floor-standing 1927nm fractional Thulium platform.
Thulium Laser Pro™ is part of Pure Tone's professional fractional laser range.
Its established skin-treatment focus includes selected pigmentation, uneven tone, visible pores and skin quality.
For clinics interested in specialist scalp applications, we recommend discussing intended use, practitioner experience and the availability of suitable machine-specific training and protocols before purchasing.
The wider treatment menu is also an important consideration. A clinic investing in Thulium should evaluate the machine's relevance across all its planned services, not simply one possible application.
Technology · Training · Support
Specialist Laser Knowledge. Training at Your Clinic.
Professional scalp applications require more than an understanding of how to operate a laser.
We Travel to You
Pure Tone provides practical equipment training at the customer's own clinic.
Your team can learn using the machine in the environment where treatments will be delivered.
Laser Science
Understanding laser-tissue interaction, wavelength choice, treatment parameters, skin response and safe operation is essential.
Appropriate Experience
Practitioner backgrounds and existing laser knowledge vary between clinics.
Training arrangements should be appropriate to the equipment and proposed treatment applications.
Pure Tone's current professional equipment offering includes practical training, personal delivery and installation, and ongoing clinical and technical support.
For specialist hair-rejuvenation applications, clinics should confirm the training, protocol and professional requirements relevant to their proposed treatment before introducing it to patients.
Training delivered with a laser machine does not automatically constitute training or qualification in PRP preparation or injection.
Pure Tone also provides flexible finance options for eligible equipment purchases, alongside Concierge Clinic Support and limited local clinic availability where applicable.
1927nm Thulium · PRP · Hair Rejuvenation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 1927nm Thulium laser be used for hair rejuvenation?
Published studies have investigated 1927nm fractional Thulium for pattern hair loss. The evidence remains relatively limited, and suitability depends on the diagnosis, machine and professional protocol.
Is there clinical evidence for Thulium laser with PRP?
Yes. A pilot study involving nine men reported improvements following 1927nm Thulium combined with PRP injections. However, the study was small and did not include a PRP-only comparison group.
Does adding Thulium produce better results than PRP alone?
The available direct pilot study does not establish this. A sufficiently powered controlled trial comparing combination treatment with PRP alone would be needed to answer the question more reliably.
What results did the nine-patient study report?
Six months after the final treatment, the researchers reported increases in terminal hair density, total hair density and hair mass index compared with baseline. These were study-specific findings, not guaranteed results for other patients or laser systems.
Is topical PRP the same as PRP injections?
No. The delivery method differs. The published nine-patient Thulium and PRP pilot used PRP injections after fractional laser treatment. It should not be cited as proof of a topical PRP protocol.
Is PDRN the same as PRP?
No. PDRN and PRP are different preparations. A study of fractional Thulium combined with PDRN cannot automatically be used to support clinical claims about Thulium plus PRP.
Can Thulium and PRP reverse advanced baldness?
There is no reliable evidence that this approach can restore hair where follicles are no longer viable. The cause and stage of hair loss must be assessed before considering treatment.
How many sessions are required?
There is no established universal protocol. The nine-patient pilot used three monthly sessions, but that should not be treated as a standard schedule for every laser, patient or clinical application.
Was the registered Thulium and topical PRP trial completed?
No. Clinical trial NCT05129254 was withdrawn without enrolling participants. It therefore does not provide clinical outcome data.
Were the studies carried out using Pure Tone equipment?
No. The published studies reviewed here involved other 1927nm Thulium laser systems. Their findings should not be presented as device-specific clinical results for Pure Tone.
Does Pure Tone supply PRP equipment?
Pure Tone supplies professional laser technology. PRP preparation, injection equipment and associated clinical protocols are separate from the Thulium platform.
Can Pure Tone provide training at our clinic?
Yes. Pure Tone offers practical machine training at the customer's own clinic, alongside personal installation and ongoing clinical and technical support. Specialist scalp applications and PRP-related training requirements should be discussed separately.
From the Pure Tone Journal
Encouraging Research. Important Questions Remain.
1927nm fractional Thulium has been investigated for pattern hair loss, including treatment alongside PRP and other regenerative approaches.
The direct Thulium and PRP pilot reported improvements, but its small sample size and lack of a PRP-only comparison mean the findings should be interpreted with care.
For clinics, the opportunity is to assess whether this developing treatment approach is relevant to appropriately selected patients.
Sound diagnosis, realistic expectations, appropriate practitioner expertise and device-specific protocols must come first.
Technology · Training · Support
Explore Thulium Laser Pro™ for Your Clinic
Learn more about our professional 1927nm Thulium platform or speak to our team about your existing treatment menu and proposed clinical applications.
Pure Tone provides personal delivery and installation, practical on-site equipment training and ongoing clinical and technical support.