PRP vs Acorn Secretome for Hair Loss in Toronto: What Is the Difference?

Thinning hair is one of the most common reasons people book a consultation with us, and the two treatments they ask about most are PRP and Acorn secretome. Both use your own biology rather than a drug, but they work in different ways. Here is a plain-English comparison.

First: what kind of hair loss is it?

Hair thins for many reasons, including genetics, hormones, stress, nutrition and medical conditions. Some causes need a doctor first. That is why we start with a consultation and, where it makes sense, suggest you check in with your physician before treatment. The right option depends on the cause, how long it has been happening and how much hair you want to protect.

What is PRP?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) uses a small sample of your own blood. It is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which carry growth factors, and then placed into the scalp where hair is thinning.

• Good for: early to moderate thinning, and people who want a well-established option.
• Typical plan: a series of sessions about a month apart, then maintenance.
• Downtime: minimal. Some tenderness for a day.

Learn more on our PRP page.

What is Acorn secretome?

Acorn Biolabs collects about 50 hair follicles from the sides and back of your head, with no surgery and no downtime. In Acorn’s lab, cells from those follicles are grown and the beneficial proteins they produce, called the secretome, are prepared for treatment. Your cells can also be banked for future use, which means you are preserving a younger version of your own biology.

• Good for: people who want a regenerative option made from their own cells, and those thinking long-term.
• Typical plan: a collection appointment, then treatments as recommended by your nurse.
• Downtime: none from the collection.

SSKN Firm is an Acorn Biolabs partner clinic in Toronto. See Acorn at SSKN Firm, including real client results.

Side by side

• Source: PRP uses your blood. Acorn uses cells from your hair follicles.
• Preparation: PRP is prepared in clinic the same day. Acorn is prepared in Acorn’s lab.
• Banking: PRP cannot be stored. Acorn cells can be banked for later.
• Combining: some clients use both as part of one plan. Your nurse will tell you if that makes sense for you.

Common hair loss myths

• “Only men lose their hair.” Many women experience thinning, often around the part line.
• “It is too late once you notice it.” Earlier is better, but there are options at most stages.
• “Hats cause hair loss.” They do not.

Frequently asked questions

Is PRP or Acorn better for hair loss?

Neither is better for everyone. PRP is a well-established option using your blood. Acorn secretome uses cells from your own hair follicles and lets you bank them. A consultation helps decide which suits your type of hair loss.

Does the Acorn collection hurt?

About 50 follicles are taken from the sides and back of the head. There is no surgery and no downtime.

How many PRP sessions will I need for hair?

Most plans start with a series of sessions about a month apart, followed by maintenance. Your nurse will recommend a plan at your consultation.

Where can I get Acorn secretome in Toronto?

SSKN Firm at 2310 Bloor St W, Toronto is an Acorn Biolabs partner clinic serving clients from across the GTA.

Ready to talk it through? Every treatment at SSKN Firm starts with a consultation with one of our nurses at 2310 Bloor St W, Toronto. We are steps from Runnymede station on Line 2, about 20 minutes by subway from Yorkville, and easy to reach from anywhere in the GTA. Book a consultation online or call 416 537 3333.

Related: See all SSKN Firm treatments and prices.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Your nurse will recommend what is right for you at your consultation.