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When the condition of the hair leaves much to be desired, no matter what means you look at. I really want to return the curls strength and shine! Today, the focus of attention of the Healthy-Food editors was nicotinic acid for hair.
What is nicotinic acid
Is nicotinic acid really so useful for hair that it needs to devote an entire article on our website? For clarification, we turned to our expert Maria Nevskaya, who sorted everything out.
Nicotinic acid, also known as niacin, nicotinamide, niacinamide, vitamin B3, vitamin PP – all these are the names of the B vitamin involved in many redox reactions, as well as the synthesis of enzymes that are needed to provide the hair follicle with energy.
In addition, nicotinic acid is a direct participant in the synthesis of amino acids, which is very important not only for hair growth, but also for the general condition of the skin of the face and body. “Nicotinka” enhances the ability of hair follicles to withstand excessive stress, promotes the resumption of hair growth from inactive follicles.
Vitamin PP is vital for us. It is found in foods such as avocados, fish, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, fish liver, green salads.
Nicotinic acid is used in medicine for the prevention of diseases associated with the activity of the brain, the central nervous system, as well as in trichology – to stimulate hair growth.
Nicotinic acid is produced:
in powder form;
in tablet form;
in ampoules (for hair).
As part of cosmetics, this substance is absolutely safe. But when used on its own, it can play a cruel joke: when mixed with different components and used improperly at home, it can be ineffective or increase hair loss. It can even lead to baldness. We would generally not recommend preparing solutions, suspensions or masks based on niacinamide on your own at home.
Try using the test to find out what ingredients your hair needs at the moment.
The benefits of nicotinic acid for hair
The benefits of nicotinic acid for hair are beyond doubt.
It has been proven that it affects the renewal and strengthening of the hair structure, stops moisture loss and improves the condition of the epidermis.
Vitamin B3 also prevents hair breakage and reduces the risk of “white snow on the shoulders” – dandruff.
Since nicotinic acid dilates blood vessels, nutrition and hair growth are improved, and hair loss is reduced. In other words, nicotinic acid is a good prevention of hair loss (we are talking primarily about taking vitamins orally or rubbing them into the scalp).
However, the use of such a remedy, for example, in case of diffuse hair loss on its own, without prior consultation with a doctor, is fraught with troubles in the form of increased hair loss. Recommendations for use should be given by a trichologist.
As such, there are probably no contraindications to the use of nicotinic acid for hair, except for its use without prior consultation with a doctor. However, it should be taken orally with caution:
people with peptic ulcer, high blood pressure;
before important meetings, long trips, as niacin relaxes and can cause drowsiness;
with allergies (allergy to nicotinic acid, although rare, but it happens).
The main conclusion: before using nicotinic acid inside, even if you just want to stimulate hair growth, you should consult a doctor.
How to apply nicotinic acid on hair for growth: all methods of application
The composition, which is sold in ampoules, is firstly rubbed into the scalp (this is the most effective method, from our point of view), and secondly, it is added to various care products – shampoos, conditioners, hair creams (to this method we treat with great caution and do not recommend doing this in order to avoid side effects). In addition, many are wondering if nicotinic acid can be used for injection. We definitely do not recommend.
And now we will tell you in order how to apply nicotinic acid for hair growth.
Rubbing into the scalp
How to use nicotinic acid for hair to get a predictable and accelerated effect? If you have long and thick hair, you will most likely need two ampoules.
Carefully open the ampoule and put on the applicator, which is usually included. If suddenly there is no applicator, you can use a syringe without a needle as this.
Divide clean and dry hair into sections and gently apply the product to the scalp. It is important to apply nicotinic acid to dry, and not to wet hair.
Rub nicotinic acid into the hair roots in a circular motion. Experts often recommend using a mesoscooter – a cosmetic gadget with many needles. By causing microtrauma to tissues, it thus helps niacin to better penetrate the skin.
By the way, vitamin PP is also added to the composition of complexes for growth or against hair loss. To achieve the effect, a course is needed.
Means against hair loss for men Dercos Aminexil Intensive 5, Vichy
Monodoses are intended for men. This lotion contains a carefully balanced cocktail of active substances that have a positive effect on the condition of the hair and scalp, including arginine and vitamin PP.
A comprehensive remedy for hair loss for women Dercos Aminexil Clinical 5, Vichy
The monodose option against hair loss in women also includes niacinamide, which, in combination with aminexil and other components, helps strengthen hair.
With hair shampoo
Nicotinic acid will bring more benefits when rubbed into the scalp. In addition, niacinamide is already quite widely added to ready-made shampoos, where it perfectly helps to moisturize and strengthen hair. Here are some examples of such products.
Strengthening shampoo “Strength and Shine” Fructis, Garnier
Strengthening shampoo “Growth in full force”, Garnier
Shampoo is designed for weakened and prone to hair loss. Manufacturers promise that with regular and proper use, hair becomes less prone to falling out (10 times). The composition, in addition to niacinamide, includes extracts of green tea, sugar cane and other components useful for hair.
Try to figure out which shampoo you need. Our test is here to help!
With hair balms
Since concentrated nicotinic acid in ampoules is more intended for the scalp, it makes no sense to add it to the balm additionally. For hair, the presence of this vitamin in a balanced composition of the balm is enough.
Revitalizing conditioner Fructis “SOS-Recovery”, Garnier
Conditioner for hair shine Dercos Aminexil, Vichy
Contains acai berry extract and aloe vera, saturates the hair with vitamins and gives it a bright shine.
With masks
As in the previous point, we advise you to find a ready-made vitamin B3 product instead of chemizing yourself.
Fructis Triple Repair 3-in-1 Multi-Purpose Oil Mask
The mask is designed for very dry and damaged hair. “Triple recovery” provide valuable oils: coconut, shea, macadamia, almond, jojoba. Together with them, niacinamide works (by the way, it occupies the first positions in the list of ingredients) and plant extracts. Wash off the mask with warm running water.
Steam mask: intensive repair for long damaged hair Elseve “Dream Length”, L’Oréal Paris
The main active ingredients of the mask are keratin, castor oil and restorative niacinamide. This is not just a mask, but a whole ritual. First, the composition is applied to the hair, carefully distributing it along the entire length, and then a special cap is put on, which has a warming effect. As a result, nutrients are better absorbed by the hair. The difference before and after using the mask is obvious.
And I would like to warn you that it is better to test any new products (including nicotinic acid) for a possible allergic reaction before use: apply a few drops on your wrist, and if there is no negative reaction (redness, itching), you can safely use nicotinic acid.
Summary results
How to apply nicotinic acid for hair growth?
Of all the ways to use nicotinic acid for hair growth that can be found on the Internet, we advise you to stop at the most effective, according to Healthy-Food: rub the ampoules into the scalp in accordance with the instructions and after consulting a trichologist. How much to keep the composition is written in the annotation to the product.
What is nicotinic acid?
Nicotinic acid, also known as niacin, niacinamide, nicotinamide, vitamin B3, vitamin PP – all this is the same substance, a vitamin from group B, which is involved in many redox reactions, as well as the synthesis of enzymes that are needed to provide the hair follicle with energy . In addition, nicotinic acid is a direct participant in the synthesis of amino acids, which is very important not only for hair growth, but also for the general condition of the skin of the face and body.
What are the benefits of nicotinic acid for hair?
Nicotinic acid is a good prevention of hair loss. Therefore, it is usually included in vitamins for healthy skin and hair.
Niacinamide enhances the ability of hair follicle cells to withstand excessive stress.
Promotes regrowth of hair from inactive follicles.
Affects the renewal and strengthening of the hair structure, stops moisture loss.
“Nicotinka” also prevents brittle hair and even reduces the risk of dandruff. If you take nicotinic acid orally as part of a vitamin complex, it will expand the walls of blood vessels, improve microcirculation, thereby enhancing hair growth and stopping hair loss.