Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that is water-soluble. This vitamin is used in many cosmetic formulations to make preparations for preventing hair loss.
Various benefits of niacinamide make it used widely in cosmetics. This article gives you information about the uses and benefits of niacinamide in hair care.
Is it safe to use niacinamide on hair?
A study found niacinamide is an aromatic compound that can be used in cosmetics as a hair conditioner. The ingredient can easily be absorbed through the skin and distributed throughout the body. This is non-toxic. There is no skin irritation or sensitization found in the research.
Benefits of niacin amide for the hair
The powerhouse ingredient has some benefits in hair care; therefore, incorporating niacin amide into your hair care routine is a good choice. The benefits of these ingredients in hair include:
Niacinamide promotes hair growth
Niacinamide decreases protein expression levels, which are responsible for catagen, the transition phase where hair stops growing and becomes detached from the skin.
It promotes hair growth by preventing oxidative stress induced by cells and also preventing catagen entry into hair follicles.
Aids in protein synthesis
Niacinamide helps in the synthesis of a protein called keratin, which helps in the structural development of hair and also stimulates ceramide synthesis.
Prevent water loss
This superfood stabilizes epidermal barrier function by reducing transdermal water loss and improving moisture content in the outermost layer of the skin, which is the stratum corneum.
Promotes hair thickness
Niacinamide helps in the treatment of thinning hair. Niacinamide, along with other ingredients, has potential benefits by increasing scalp hair fiber diameter. Improves hair density.
Increases suppleness, strengthening, and softening effects of hair
The researcher found that repeated use of products containing niacinamide increases hair suppleness.
This ingredient also has a strengthening and softening effect on hair as it penetrates through the cuticle layer and into the cortex layer of the hair structure.
How to Use Niacinamide on Hair?
According to Ayurveda, fenugreek, which is rich in niacinamide, can be used for overall hair care. You can get so many videos on the internet on how to use fenugreek on hair.
The most effective way to find the benefits of niacinamide in hair care is to use it topically.
Many topical products contain this ingredient, which comes in the form of a cream or serum. They can help with toning and moisturizing your scalp.
Before using any marketed product, read the labels carefully and follow the instructions for use to get an effective result.
The side effects of niacinamide
Generally, topical use of niacinamide is safe. As skin types vary from person to person, those with sensitive skin may experience some allergic reactions to this ingredient.
You can avoid any adverse effects by doing a patch test, which can be done by applying a little to your forearm. Wait for 24 hours. If you experience any irritation or redness, then avoid using it. And if you do not find any side effects, it is safe to apply anywhere you wish.
Product containing Niacinamide
Mamaearth Onion Oil Scalp Serum with Onion Oil and Niacinamide
- Net quantity: 50 ml
- Price: Rs. 538
- Item form: oil, serum
- Ratings until March 2023: 1,779
- Reviews: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Mamaearth Onion Oil Scalp Serum with Onion Oil and Niacinamide nourish your scalp by stimulating root and hair follicles.
This serum, rich in Niacinamide, onion, and pea sprout, reduces hair fall, strengthens your hair, and promotes a healthy scalp.
Where to buy? Buy now on Amazon
Before looking for a product for hair, first determine the reason for the cause. Here is a video from a doctor explaining the test required to identify the reason for the hair fall.
FAQ’s
Is niacinamide good for hair growth?
Yes, niacinamide is good for hair growth as it inhibits oxidative stress, decreases protein expression responsible for hair loss, and promotes hair growth.
Does niacinamide dry out hair?
No, niacinamide does not dry out hair but helps prevent transdermal water loss by stabilising epidermal barrier functions.
Can I apply niacinamide every day?
Absolutely yes, as this is the safest ingredient, the product containing this ingredient can be used every day. If your skin is sensitive, use a patch test and use it every day.
Conclusion
Niacinamide has several benefits for the hair and scalp. And research says it is safe to use and can be used for all hair types. However, it may give side effects at its higher dose.
You should consult a professional before using it and contact a dermatologist if any reaction persists. Do not forget to perform a patch test before using any product containing this ingredient.
Also Read:
Sulfates in shampoo; Why Should Sulfates Be Avoided?
References:
- A novel cosmetic approach to treat thinning hair: https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/165/s3/24/6642714
- Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/
- Final report of the safety assessment of niacinamide and niacin: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16596767/
- Niacinamide Down-Regulates the Expression of DKK-1 and Protects Cells from Oxidative Stress in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells:https://www.dovepress.com/niacinamide-down-regulates-the-expression-of-dkk-1-and-protects-cells–peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID
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