Niacinamide for Haircare; should I use it in my routine?

It’s skincare/haircare again! The crossover continues. Niacinamide for haircare – should we use it?

This ingredient has come to our attention when it comes to skincare, but can it also help us to look after our hair?

This time I want to have a quick look at Niacinamide for haircare and its benefits.

It’s popping up in products everywhere at the moment.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and hair. It’s often celebrated for its soothing and barrier-strengthening properties when it comes to skincare, but more brands are starting to add it to hair products for its potential to boost shine, repair damage, and support overall hair health.

What are niacinamide’s benefits for hair?

Should we be using niacinamide for haircare? This powerful ingredient can provide a range of benefits for hair including boosting shine and repairing damage.

LOOKING FOR THE FAST TRACK TO CURLS? >>

Can niacinamide boost shine?

A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that using niacinamide for eight weeks increased hair shine by 52% (talk about gleaming curls). It works by supporting your scalp’s natural sebum production. Sebum is that magical oil your scalp produces, which coats every strand and gives your hair a healthy, glossy appearance.

For curly folks, this is especially helpful as our curl pattern tends to slow down the travel of sebum from roots to ends, leaving lengths looking (and feeling) dry. Niacinamide can help rebalance this by encouraging optimal oil production and locking in moisture. The result? Softer, silkier hair that’s easier to style and less prone to dullness.

Tip for curlies: Try a lightweight leave-in or scalp serum with niacinamide for haircare if you have fine or wavy curls. For tighter textures, look for deep conditioners or masks with this ingredient to supercharge your wash day routine.

Can niacinamide help to repair damage?

Curly hair lovers know the struggle of split ends, frizz, and breakage all too well. The good news? Niacinamide helps support the hair’s strength from the inside out. It plays a role in boosting the production of keratin, which is the main protein your hair is made from. When hair is damaged, either from colour, heat styling, or even rough detangling, the keratin structure can break down. Niacinamide steps in here, helping to rebuild and reinforce these protein bonds.

Beyond just repairing the strand itself, niacinamide for haircare may also support the integrity of your scalp’s barrier. A healthy scalp means healthier hair growth and less risk of breakage at the root. Some studies suggest that niacinamide has anti-inflammatory benefits, which could be a real game-changer if you have a sensitive or irritated scalp.

Hack: On wash day, massage a niacinamide-rich treatment into your scalp before shampooing to support your roots and promote a balanced scalp environment.

Does niacinamide reduce hair loss?

There’s been a lot of buzz about niacinamide as a hero for hair growth, but what does the science actually say? Early speculation was that niacinamide might reduce hair loss by boosting blood flow to the scalp, leading to healthier follicles. However, more recent research, including a 2020 letter published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, has shown that there isn’t strong evidence to back up claims that niacinamide directly stimulates significant hair growth or reduces hair loss. The study found that it doesn’t noticeably boost the production of VEGF (a protein involved in new blood vessel growth), which is often linked to increased hair growth.

That being said, a healthy scalp and well-nourished hair can certainly help maintain thickness and reduce breakage, so using niacinamide regularly in your routine can still contribute to keeping your curls looking their fullest.

Bottom line: While niacinamide isn’t a miracle cure for hair loss, it absolutely helps your hair look and feel its healthiest.

Which products contain niacinamide?

You’ll find niacinamide in everything from scalp serums and hair masks to shampoos and conditioners these days. For best results, look for formulas that list niacinamide high up on the ingredients list and use them consistently. Pair it with gentle, curl-friendly practices, like avoiding harsh sulphates, limiting direct heat, and using a microfibre towel for drying.

Pro tip: Combine niacinamide treatments with lightweight plant oils (like argan or jojoba) for an extra hit of moisture and strength.

There are a number of hair care products that contain niacinamide. Here are a couple of examples:

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Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Hair Shampoo

Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Hair Conditioner

Thanks for reading,

Lauren xx