Niacinamide is a water soluble vitamin B3. It was first recognised in the early 20th century as vitamin PP due to its ability to prevent pellagra, an epidemic disease with severe cutaneous lesions. Topical application of niacinamide helps improve scalp condition and boost hair growth.
Niacinamide for Hair Loss Treatment
Scientific studies show that dihydrotestosterone causes hair follicles to shrink in people who suffer from androgenetic hair loss. Both men and women produce dihydrotestosterone in their body. Some studies suggest that niacinamide helps reduce dihydrotestosterone levels in the scalp, and therefore it can be used for hair loss treatment.
For best results, a leave-on hair loss treatment product should contain a combination of niacinamide, caffeine, d-panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), menthol and hair growth boosting essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, cedarwood and thyme, like Hair Growth Serum. In April 2025, I increased the concentration of niacianmide and d-panthenol in Hair Growth Serum to 5 times higher than in the previous formulas. The results are amazing, my hair grows faster and thicker.
The key benefits of niacinamide for hair loss
Due to its ability to create a better environment for stronger hair growth, niacinamide offers a wide range of benefits for scalp and hair health. The following paragraphs explain the hair growth boosting properties of niacinamide.
1. Niacinamide reduces the risk of thinning hair and excessive hair fall
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory and anti-irritation properties which help prevent inflammation and irritation in the scalp. Inflammation and irritation can trigger excessive hair fall and thinning hair. Using a leave-on product which contains niacinamide as one of the active ingredients helps reduce hair fall.
2. Niacinamide protects hair follicles from oxidative stress
Free radicals in the environment can trigger oxidative stress which weakens hair follicles and disrupts hair growth cycle. Niacinamide has antioxidant properties which help prevent oxidative stress in the scalp. In addition to this, niacinamide may also reduce DHT levels in the scalp and hence, it helps prevent hair follicles from shrinking.
3. Niacinamide promotes strong hair growth
Niacinamide has the ability to boost the production of collagen, elastin and other proteins in the scalp by up to 100%. Collagen, elastin and other proteins in the scalp strengthens hair follicles and promotes stronger hair growth.
4. Niacinamide helps prevent UV-induced scalp damage
Excessive exposure to UV rays can damage hair shaft and worsen hair loss. A study by University of Sydney in Australia showed that niacinamide blocks different types of ultraviolet light. People who suffer from hair loss will benefit from using a leave-on treatment product which contains a high concentration of niacinamide like Hair Growth Serum.
5. Niacinamide reinforces the scalp's barrier function
Niacinamide stimulates collagen and protein synthesis in the scalp, and as a result, it strengthens the scalp's barrier function. Niacinamide enhances the scalp's ability to retain water, so it helps prevent a dry, flaky, itchy scalp.
The Best Hair Loss Treatmet Product With Niacinamide
For those who suffer from hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia, it is highly recommended to use an overnight leave-on scalp serum like Hair Growth Serum which has been developed and perfected over 15 years.
Hair Growth Serum with niacinamide, caffeine, menthol, aloevera juice, d-panthenol and essential oils learn more >>>
Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Specialist with 2 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list.
Scientific Sources: (1) Niacinamide Down-Regulates the Expression of DKK-1 and Protects Cells from Oxidative Stress in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells, Clinical Cosmetic Investigational Dermatology, 2021 Oct 18;14:1519–1528. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S334145. (2) A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2005 Dec;4(4):258-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2005.00201.x. (3) Niacinamide Improves Scalp Health and Hair Growth, Fatma Aydin, Department of Dermatology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hair Therapy & Transplantation, Commentary - (2023)Volume 13, Issue 3. (4) Scalp care efficacy of a leave-on treatment based on niacinamide, caffeine, and panthenol, Clinical Dermatology and Other Cutaneous DisordersVolume 70, Issue 5, Supplement 1AB54May 2014. (5) Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021 Nov:43 Suppl 1:S14-S25. doi: 10.1111/ics.12734.
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