Relationship: Hair (loss or thinning) and niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Evidence supporting the use of: Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is increasingly found in hair care products and supplements marketed for hair loss or thinning. The rationale for its use is based on its well-established roles in cellular energy metabolism, improving skin barrier function, and enhancing microcirculation. Some laboratory and small clinical studies suggest that niacinamide may help improve scalp health by reducing inflammation, supporting the skin barrier, and potentially increasing blood flow to hair follicles, theoretically promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.

However, direct evidence for niacinamide specifically treating hair loss (such as androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium) is limited. A few small-scale studies and patents have reported that topical application of niacinamide, sometimes in combination with other ingredients like panthenol or caffeine, can improve hair fullness, tensile strength, or reduce scalp inflammation. For example, one study found improvements in hair appearance and strength in subjects using a leave-on treatment containing niacinamide, but these effects were modest and not clearly linked to new hair growth.

Overall, while there is some preliminary scientific rationale and early supportive data, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials demonstrating substantial efficacy for hair loss are lacking. Therefore, the evidence is rated 2/5—suggestive but not conclusive. Niacinamide may support scalp health and hair quality, but should not be considered a primary treatment for hair loss based on current evidence.

More about niacinamide (vitamin B3)
More about Hair (loss or thinning)

Other ingredients used for Hair (loss or thinning)

alfalfa
amino acids
apricot
ashwagandha
biotin
black garlic
bovine gelatin
rice
burdock
collagen
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flavonols
gelatin
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
onion
green tea
iron
l-cystine
l-methionine
licorice root
moringa
nettle
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
protein
quail egg
quercetin
reishi mushroom
selenium
silicon
spinach
spirulina
almond fruit
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
bee pollen
dioscorea
ganoderma
morinda
royal jelly
trace minerals
fulvic acid
algae
thyroid substance
Argan nut oil
Animal protein
Black Seed
Babchi
Beef liver
Ba Ji Tian
Borassus aethiopum
coconut oil
Chlorophytum
Cystine
DL-Methionine
Epidermal Growth Factor
Egg
Eugenol
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
walnut

Other health conditions supported by niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Acne
Age Spots
Alzheimer's Disease
Arthritis
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Hair (loss or thinning)
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Psoriasis
Wounds and Sores

Products containing niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Hair (loss or thinning)

Other health conditions supported by niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Products containing niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Niacinamide (vitamin B3)For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Hair (loss or thinning)

Other health conditions supported by niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Products containing niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Evidence supporting the use of: Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)