Nicotinic Acid for Hair: Benefits, Safety, and How to Use

Nicotinic acid (никотиновая кислота) — also called niacin — is a water-soluble vitamin from the B family. It helps the body convert nutrients into energy and supports the health of the skin, hair, and DNA repair. This quick guide explains how it works, safe usage, and practical tips for English learners exploring hair-care options.

What is nicotinic acid?

Nicotinic acid (никотиновая кислота) is a nutrient found in foods and can also be produced by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It plays a role in energy production, cholesterol management, and repairing genetic material, while also helping the skin and scalp stay healthy.

Good dietary sources include:

• Beef, liver, and pork
• Poultry
• Fish
• Brown rice
• Fortified cereals and bread
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes
• Bananas

How nicotinic acid helps hair

Applying or ingesting nicotinic acid supports metabolism in the scalp and can help repair damaged hair follicles. This may lead to faster growth, thicker strands, and less shedding over time. In a small study of people with hair loss, those taking niacin showed improvements in hair density after about six weeks, compared with a placebo, with measurements based on photo analysis.

Dr. Oksana Chernenko, a dermatologist and trichologist, notes that nicotinic acid widens the tiny vessels on the scalp, boosting blood flow to follicles and nourishing hair growth. She adds that using niacin in ampoules directly on the scalp can cause burns and irritation, so it must be used with care.

How not to use nicotinic acid for hair

Pharmacies offer ampoules of nicotinic acid, which tempts some people to apply the liquid straight to the scalp to improve blood flow. This approach can backfire: it may cause burns, dermatitis, and unwanted irritation, and in some cases can worsen shedding rather than promote growth.

Safe ways to use nicotinic acid for hair

Although using pure niacin directly on the scalp is risky, there are safer methods to harness its potential benefits.

Blend into a hair mask

If you wish to try ampoules, the safer option is to add a few drops to a hair mask that stays on the scalp for several minutes. This approach distributes the acid gradually and reduces direct exposure.

Choose products with controlled doses

The most reliable approach is to use cosmetics formulated with niacin at safe, tested levels. These products are designed to deliver benefits without irritations, thanks to careful formulation.

Usage tips and precautions

• Do a patch test on a small area of skin for 24–48 hours before first use.
• Start with a tiny amount and increase only if there is no irritation.
• Avoid applying to irritated skin or mixing with other strong acids unless the product instructions explicitly allow it.

Expert comment

Dr. Oksana Chernenko notes that nicotinic acid widens scalp blood vessels, boosting blood flow to hair follicles and promoting growth. She also warns that applying undiluted niacin from ampoules can burn the skin and may worsen shedding if not used properly.

Summary

Nicotinic acid offers potential benefits for scalp health and hair growth by improving blood flow and follicle nourishment. While research suggests possible improvements in hair density, direct application of concentrated niacin from ampoules carries a risk of irritation. Safer options include adding niacin to masks or using products with controlled doses, always starting with a patch test and using small amounts.

Key insight: For safe, effective results, rely on products with measured niacin levels rather than applying raw ampoules to the scalp.