Nicotinic acid for hair

Nikotinka, she is also vitamin PP, she is also vitamin B3, she is also niacin – nicotinic acid is found under different names. It is part of various anti-hair loss shampoos, but it is especially popular in its pure form. Why not? Both trichologists and hair stylists recommend it, it is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, and the Internet is full of rave reviews about these “magic ampoules”. Is nicotine really so omnipotent, and if desired, any woman with her help can grow braids a la Rapunzel, and men can get rid of premature bald spots? Let’s talk to an expert – trichologist Yulia Markova.

What is nicotinic acid

This is one of the B vitamins, which takes part in many vital processes in the body. Here are just a few of his accomplishments:

• maintains healthy skin condition
• improves digestion,
• participates in the production of enzymes that provide cells with energy,
• necessary for the formation of hormones, including sex,
• protects the nervous system from breakdowns and depressions.

The benefits of nicotinic acid for hair

Hair suffers greatly from a deficiency of nicotinic acid – it becomes lifeless and dull, and begins to fall out badly. The solution to the problem is both hair products containing niacin and nicotinic acid itself. What is her strength?

Nicotinic acid enhances blood microcirculation in the epidermis – expands the peripheral blood vessels, improves metabolic processes, due to which the hair follicles receive more nutrition and awaken, which means new hair grows.

With the help of nicotinic acid, the hair follicles are saturated with oxygen, the hair is strengthened, and the hair loss process is stopped. It helps to moisturize the hair along the entire length, which makes it shiny and smooth, improves the natural color.

Another plus of nicotinic acid is its drying property, due to which the activity of the sebaceous glands is normalized, which means that there is less dandruff.

The harm of nicotinic acid for hair

Nicotinic acid in the composition of cosmetics is completely safe. But self-administration of nicotine can cause the opposite effect – hair loss. To the point of baldness. This happens if you use it incorrectly, mixing with incompatible components, or for too long (the optimal course duration is 1 month)¹.

In addition, nicotinic acid, like any drug, has contraindications (see below). And they cannot be ignored.

Ways to use nicotinic acid for hair at home

Rub into the scalp

This method is considered the most effective. Rub nicotinic acid, which is sold in ampoules, into the scalp. Apply it to clean and dry hair. The application technique is as follows: open the ampoule, put on the applicator if it comes with it (if not, take a syringe without a needle), divide the hair into partings and gently apply the product to the scalp. We distribute, starting from the temples, to the back of the head. Rub nicotinic acid into the hair roots in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes. You can use a mesoscooter – a beauty gadget with many needles. The procedure is not the most pleasant – microtraumas are applied to the skin during the process, but this way nicotinic acid penetrates the skin better.

In the same way, nicotinic acid is rubbed into the scalp in the form of an ointment.

How long to keep the drug and whether it should be washed off is indicated in the instructions for each product.

IMPORTANT

Nicotinic acid may cause a slight tingling and warm sensation on the scalp. The skin will begin to turn pink and become covered with small pimples. This is normal and even good – it means that the drug works as intended. But if tingling sensations are replaced by severe burning, itching and redness – stop using, this is not your remedy. Therefore, before using nicotinic acid, test it for a possible allergic reaction. Just apply a few drops on your wrist. If redness or itching is not observed, you can use it.

Therefore, before using nicotinic acid, test it for a possible allergic reaction. Just apply a few drops on your wrist. If redness or itching is not observed, you can use it.

Add to shampoo

To enrich the shampoo bottle, one ampoule of nicotinic acid is enough. But washing your hair with such a product is still less productive than rubbing nicotine.

Hair masks with niacin

Mask for hair growth

IMPORTANT: do not use during active fallout!

– One ampoule of nicotinic acid + 2 tablespoons of olive (castor) oil + 1 teaspoon of honey.

The oil should be warmed up a little, stir honey in it, then add nicotine. Rub into the scalp with massaging movements, leave for 30 minutes. Wash off with shampoo.

Nourishing hair mask

One ampoule of nicotinic acid + 5 drops of vitamin A oil solution + 5 drops of vitamin E oil solution + 2 tablespoons of aloe juice + 1 tablespoon of hair balm.

We mix the ingredients, apply on the scalp after washing, rinse thoroughly with warm water after an hour.

Mask for strengthening hair

One ampoule of nicotinic acid + one package of white henna diluted in water according to the instructions.

Add nicotine to the resulting henna solution at room temperature, apply to the roots of pre-washed hair, hold for 1 hour, rinse with water.

After applying the mask, it is advisable to wrap the head with a bag and a towel. Wash off without the use of detergents (with the exception of honey).

A SPECIAL CASE

And this recipe is for those who often use tongs, thermal curlers, irons for styling their hair:

We mix the pharmacy tincture of propolis with nicotinic acid in a combination of 1 to 2, apply to the hair. We keep it on the hair for two hours, wash it off and additionally rinse it with infusion of chamomile, nettle or St. John’s wort.

Reviews of a trichologist about nicotinic acid for hair

– The good old nicotine, known to our grandmothers, is part of many cosmetics, and is also produced as an independent product. She fell in love with many for her accessibility and positive effect on hair follicles – says Julia Markova. – But how not to count on it – as a remedy for baldness. There are other drugs and methods for this problem. It is possible to use it in complex therapy as an aid for post-covid hair loss, with episodic hair loss provoked by antibiotics, anesthesia, after hyperthermia, stress, etc.

It is important to choose a specially formulated product for application to the scalp, and not ampoules for intramuscular injection!

Popular questions and answers

One of the most popular questions about nicotinic acid is “Is it in cigarettes?”. No. Vitamin PP, as a matter of fact, there are no other useful substances in tobacco. On the contrary, smoking can cause their deficiency, including nicotinic acid. Let’s approach the issue of this vitamin for hair from a practical side!

Sources:

1. On the negative effect of certain drugs on the development cycle of hair follicles and hair growth. — https://www.lvrach.ru/1999/06/4527899