Written by EsthetiCare Medical Content Team
- Medically reviewed by
Dr. Umair Hafeez, MBBS
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026
GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) hair treatment is a non-surgical procedure that uses a concentrate prepared from your own blood. It is injected into the scalp to support hair growth in areas of thinning. At EsthetiCare Dubai, GFC starts from AED 900 per session and is performed by a licensed doctor at our Jumeirah clinic.
Before treatment, the doctor first assesses your scalp and the likely cause of your hair loss. GFC is not a guaranteed cure and it doesn’t suit everyone. If it isn’t right for you, we will explain the alternatives, such as PRP, medical treatment or a hair transplant.
Quick Facts About GFC Hair Treatment
- Full form: Growth Factor Concentrate
- Treatment type: Injectable, non-surgical hair restoration procedure
- Cost: From AED 900 per session
- Main purpose: To support hair restoration in selected patients with hair thinning
- Potential candidates: Some people with early-stage or patterned hair loss
- Procedure duration: Often around 30–60 minutes, depending on the protocol
- Preparation: A blood sample is collected and processed
- Treatment method: The prepared concentrate is injected into selected scalp areas
- Downtime: Usually limited, although temporary scalp discomfort or redness may occur
- Results: Gradual changes may be assessed over several months
- Sessions required: Determined by the treating clinician according to the protocol and individual response
- Safety: Uses material derived from the patient’s own blood, but injection-related risks remain
- Common comparison: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
Individual treatment details, eligibility, and expected outcomes should be confirmed during a medical consultation.
Table of Contents
- Quick Facts About GFC Hair Treatment
- GFC Hair Treatment Cost in Dubai
- What Is GFC Hair Treatment?
- How Does GFC Hair Treatment Work?
- GFC vs PRP Hair Treatment: What Is the Difference?
- GFC Hair Treatment vs Hair Transplant
- Who Is a Suitable Candidate for GFC Hair Treatment?
- GFC Hair Treatment Procedure in Dubai: Step by Step
- Does GFC Hair Treatment Hurt?
- GFC Hair Treatment Results: When Can You Expect Changes?
- Benefits of GFC Hair Treatment
- Possible Side Effects and Safety Considerations
- GFC Hair Treatment Aftercare
- GFC Hair Treatment for Men and Women
- Why Choose EsthetiCare Dubai for Hair Restoration?
- Book a Hair Restoration Consultation in Dubai
GFC Hair Treatment Cost in Dubai
GFC hair treatment at EsthetiCare Dubai starts from AED 900 per session. The number of sessions is recommended by the doctor after your scalp assessment.
What affects the cost of GFC treatment?
Several factors may influence the overall treatment cost:
- Treatment plan: The recommended number and spacing of sessions.
- Hair-loss pattern: The scalp areas requiring treatment.
- Medical assessment: Whether additional investigation or another treatment is appropriate.
- Preparation protocol: The specific system used to prepare the growth factor concentrate.
- Follow-up: The monitoring and reassessment included in the treatment plan.
A consultation helps establish a suitable approach and provides a clearer estimate of the total cost. Patients should compare treatments based on clinical suitability, the treatment protocol, follow-up arrangements, and realistic expectations—not price alone.
What Is GFC Hair Treatment?
Growth Factor Concentrate, commonly called GFC, is an autologous treatment prepared using a patient’s own blood. The blood is processed using a specific system to obtain a concentrate containing selected growth factors and other biological components.
Growth factors are signalling molecules involved in biological processes, including cellular activity and tissue repair. GFC treatment aims to deliver these components into selected areas of the scalp to support the hair-growth environment.
GFC is sometimes compared with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), another blood-derived treatment used in hair restoration. Although the preparation methods differ, both treatments are intended to support hair growth in selected patients.
The evidence for GFC is still developing, and most studies are small.. Treatment outcomes depend on the cause of hair loss, the preparation protocol, and individual factors. It is important to understand that GFC does not create new hair follicles and may not be suitable for areas where follicles have been permanently lost.
How Does GFC Hair Treatment Work?
Hair growth is influenced by genetics, hormones, age, general health, nutrition, and the condition of the scalp. In some types of hair loss, existing follicles gradually produce thinner hairs or spend less time in the active growth phase.
GFC treatment aims to deliver a prepared concentration of growth factors into selected scalp areas. These biological signals may support processes associated with the hair-growth cycle, although the exact clinical response varies and is not fully established for every type of hair loss.
The treatment generally involves three main stages:
- Blood collection: A small blood sample is collected from the patient.
- Preparation: The sample is processed using the clinic’s designated system to prepare the concentrate.
- Scalp administration: A qualified medical professional injects the prepared material into selected areas of the scalp.
GFC is not a replacement for diagnosing the cause of hair loss. Where shedding is caused by a nutritional deficiency, a medical condition, medication, or a scalp disorder, the underlying issue may require separate treatment.
GFC vs PRP Hair Treatment: What Is the Difference?
GFC and PRP are both blood-derived treatments that may be considered for selected patients experiencing hair thinning. Their preparation methods and resulting compositions are not identical.
| Feature | GFC hair treatment | PRP hair treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Growth Factor Concentrate | Platelet-Rich Plasma |
| Source | Patient’s own blood | Patient’s own blood |
| Preparation | Uses a specific system to prepare a growth factor concentrate | Processes blood to obtain a platelet-rich plasma fraction |
| Intended purpose | To support hair restoration in selected patients | To support hair restoration in selected patients |
| Evidence | Promising but still limited and protocol-dependent | More extensively studied, although evidence and protocols also vary |
| Best option | Depends on diagnosis, treatment protocol, and patient factors | Depends on diagnosis, treatment protocol, and patient factors |
Is GFC better than PRP?
Not always. A 2025 study in Dermatologic Surgery (Garg and Thirumalaiswamy) compared PRP and GFC in 42 patients with pattern hair loss over three sessions each. GFC showed faster early improvement in hair count and shaft diameter, while PRP did better on hair diameter and overall improvement at 6 months. The study was small, so neither treatment can be called better for everyone.
The most appropriate option depends on your type of hair loss, medical history and goals. Our doctor will recommend the one that fits you, and may suggest using them one after the other.
GFC Hair Treatment vs Hair Transplant
GFC and hair transplantation address hair loss in different ways.
GFC is an injectable treatment intended to support the scalp and existing hair follicles. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which hair follicles are relocated from a donor area to areas affected by hair loss.
| Consideration | GFC treatment | Hair transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Scalp injections | Surgical relocation of hair follicles |
| Main purpose | Support hair restoration in selected patients | Restore hair in suitable areas using transplanted follicles |
| Creates new follicles | No | Relocates existing follicles |
| Suitable for extensive baldness | May have limited benefit where follicles are no longer functional | May be considered if suitable donor hair and other criteria are present |
| Recovery | Usually limited, with possible temporary injection-site effects | Requires postoperative care and a longer recovery process |
| Planning | Depends on diagnosis and treatment protocol | Depends on donor supply, hair-loss pattern, and surgical assessment |
GFC may be considered for some patients with thinning hair, while a hair transplant may be more appropriate for selected patients with established hair loss. These treatments should not be presented as interchangeable. A clinician can discuss whether one approach, another treatment, or a combination is appropriate.
Learn more about hair transplant treatment at EsthetiCare Dubai.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for GFC Hair Treatment?
GFC may be considered for some men and women experiencing early-stage or patterned hair thinning. Suitability depends on the underlying cause of hair loss, the condition of the scalp, the presence of functioning follicles, and the patient’s medical history.
A medical assessment is particularly important because hair loss can have many causes, including:
- Androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern hair loss.
- Temporary shedding following illness, stress, or another trigger.
- Nutritional deficiencies, including iron deficiency.
- Thyroid or other medical conditions.
- Certain medications.
- Inflammatory or other scalp disorders.
GFC may not be the most appropriate first treatment for every patient. Sudden, patchy, painful, or inflamed scalp-related hair loss should be medically evaluated before considering an injectable hair restoration procedure.
Who may not benefit from GFC?
GFC may not be suitable if you have an active scalp infection, certain blood disorders, or are on blood-thinning medication, or in some other situations. Tell the doctor about your medical history and medications at your consultation. [Doctor to confirm full exclusions, e.g. pregnancy, anemia.]
GFC Hair Treatment Procedure in Dubai: Step by Step
The exact procedure depends on the preparation system used by the clinic. A typical treatment appointment may involve the following steps.
1. Consultation and scalp assessment
The clinician reviews your medical history, pattern of hair loss, scalp condition, previous treatments, and expectations. Depending on the findings, further examination or laboratory tests may be recommended to investigate possible underlying causes.
2. Blood sample collection
A small sample of blood is collected using standard clinical precautions.
3. Preparation of the growth factor concentrate
The sample is processed using the designated preparation system. The steps and resulting composition depend on the specific protocol and equipment used.
4. Scalp injections
The prepared concentrate is administered into selected scalp areas by a qualified medical professional. The injection technique and treatment area depend on the patient’s needs.
5. Aftercare instructions
The clinician explains how to care for the scalp, when to resume normal activities, and which symptoms require medical advice.
Many patients can leave the clinic on the same day. The treating clinician will advise whether any additional precautions are needed.
Does GFC Hair Treatment Hurt?
GFC involves injections into the scalp, so some discomfort is possible. Patients may experience brief stinging, pressure, tenderness, or sensitivity during or after the procedure.
The level of discomfort varies with individual sensitivity and the technique used. Ask the treating clinician what measures are available to improve comfort and whether any preparation is needed before the appointment.
GFC Hair Treatment Results: When Can You Expect Changes?
GFC does not produce immediate hair growth. Any changes in shedding, hair thickness, or density develop gradually and may vary significantly between patients.
Some patients may begin assessing changes over several months, while others may experience limited improvement. A clinician may use scalp examinations, standardized photographs, or other suitable assessments to monitor progress.
Understanding the results timeline
- Immediately after treatment: Temporary redness, tenderness, or mild swelling may occur at injection sites.
- First few weeks: It may be too early to determine whether treatment is effective.
- Following several months: Some patients notice less shedding in the first 1-2 months, with visible thickening over about 3-6 months. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
- Follow-up assessment: The clinician reviews the response and decides whether to continue, change, or stop the treatment plan.
These are general expectations rather than a guaranteed schedule. Hair-growth cycles, the cause of hair loss, and the treatment protocol all affect the timeline.
Does GFC stop hair loss permanently?
No. GFC doesn’t cure the cause of hair loss, so ongoing genetic, hormonal or medical factors can continue to affect your hair. Follow-up or maintenance sessions may be recommended after the doctor reviews your response.
Benefits of GFC Hair Treatment
For appropriately selected patients, GFC may offer several practical advantages.
Non-surgical treatment
GFC is administered through scalp injections and does not require hair transplantation surgery.
Uses the patient’s own blood
The preparation is derived from the patient’s own blood. This reduces some concerns associated with introducing material from another person, but it does not eliminate the risks associated with injections or guarantee that complications cannot occur.
Targeted scalp administration
The concentrate is administered to selected areas of the scalp according to the treatment plan.
Limited recovery in many cases
Most patients do not require a prolonged surgical recovery, although temporary discomfort, redness, swelling, or bruising can occur.
May complement a wider hair restoration plan
In selected cases, a clinician may consider GFC alongside other treatments. The combination should be based on the diagnosis and a clear explanation of the expected benefits, limitations, and risks.
Important: These potential benefits do not guarantee hair regrowth. The strength of evidence varies, and patients should receive a balanced explanation of alternatives before proceeding.
Possible Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Although GFC uses material derived from the patient’s own blood, the procedure is not completely risk-free.
Possible side effects include:
- Temporary redness or tenderness.
- Mild swelling or bruising.
- Discomfort at injection sites.
- Bleeding at the injection points.
- Infection or other injection-related complications.
The likelihood and severity of side effects depend on the clinical circumstances, preparation method, and injection technique.
Before treatment, tell your clinician about your medical history, medications, supplements, bleeding problems, and any active scalp condition. Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from the clinician responsible for your care.
Seek medical advice if you experience worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, unusual discharge, or other concerning symptoms after treatment.
GFC Hair Treatment Aftercare
Aftercare instructions should be tailored to the preparation and injection technique used. Follow the specific guidance provided by your treating clinician.
Immediately after treatment
- Avoid unnecessary touching, scratching, or rubbing of the treated scalp.
- Follow your clinician’s instructions about washing your hair.
- Avoid applying products directly to the injection sites unless advised otherwise.
- Ask when it is appropriate to resume exercise, swimming, or other activities.
During the following days
- Use hair-care products according to the instructions provided.
- Avoid irritating the scalp while it recovers.
- Contact the clinic if you notice unusual or worsening symptoms.
- Attend any recommended follow-up appointment.
Do not assume that the same washing restrictions, medication instructions, or recovery schedule apply to every GFC system.
GFC Hair Treatment for Men and Women
Hair loss affects men and women for different reasons, and the treatment plan should reflect the underlying diagnosis.
GFC for men
Men may seek treatment for thinning at the crown, a receding hairline, or reduced hair density. Pattern hair loss is one possible cause, but a clinician should assess the pattern and progression before recommending treatment.
GFC for women
Women may experience widening of the parting, diffuse thinning, or increased shedding. Potential causes include pattern hair loss, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal factors, medical conditions, and temporary shedding. Identifying the cause is particularly important before selecting a treatment.
GFC may be considered for selected patients of either sex, but suitability should be established through an individual medical assessment.
Why Choose EsthetiCare Dubai for Hair Restoration?
- Doctor-led: your treatment is planned by Dr. Humari Nasir, who also reviews this page.
- Assessment first: we examine your scalp with trichoscopy, and discuss the likely cause before recommending GFC
- Honest advice: if GFC isn’t right for you, we’ll say so and explain the alternatives.
- Licensed clinic: our Jumeirah clinic is licensed in Dubai (MOH license 1539/2/5/14/5/15).
- Follow-up: we review your progress and decide with you whether to continue, change or stop.
FAQs About GFC Treatment For Hair Loss In Dubai
Are GFC treatment outcomes lasting and permanent?
GFC results are long-lasting, but not permanent. Maintenance sessions may be recommended to maintain optimal hair growth and density.
Can GFC stop hair loss?
GFC helps significantly reduce hair fall and improve follicle strength, but results may vary depending on the underlying cause of hair loss.
Can I color or dye my hair after the treatment session?
Avoid hair coloring and chemical treatments for a few days after the procedure.
Does GFC increase hair length and thickness?
In addition to improving hair thickness, density, and strength, while also supporting healthy overall hair growth.
How much does GFC hair treatment cost in Dubai?
At EsthetiCare Dubai, GFC starts from AED 900 per session. The doctor will confirm the number of sessions after your assessment.
Is GFC hair treatment better than PRP?
Not always. Early research suggests GFC may give faster early improvement, while PRP may hold up better at 6 months. Your doctor will recommend the better option for your hair loss.
How many GFC sessions are required?
Typically 3-6 sessions, about 3-4 weeks apart, plus maintenance every 4-6 months.
How long does GFC take to show results?
Some patients notice less shedding in the first 1-2 months, with visible thickening over about 3-6 months.
Does GFC treatment regrow hair on bald patches?
GFC does not create new follicles. Areas with permanent follicle loss may respond poorly, and patchy hair loss should be medically assessed first.
Is GFC hair treatment painful?
Some discomfort, stinging, or tenderness can occur because the procedure involves scalp injections. The degree of discomfort varies from person to person.
Can GFC permanently stop hair loss?
No. It may slow it, but the underlying cause continues, so maintenance sessions are usually needed.
Is GFC suitable for both men and women?
Yes, if assessed as suitable; it depends on the cause of hair loss, scalp condition, and medical history.
Book a Hair Restoration Consultation in Dubai
If you are experiencing hair thinning or increased shedding, the first step is to find the likely cause. Book a consultation at our Jumeirah clinic, and the doctor will assess your scalp and tell you honestly whether GFC is right for you.
Call +971 4 214 0700 or message us on WhatsApp at +971 55 912 8418.





