Nicotinic acid - a vitamin for healthy hair

Nicotinic acid is a vitamin also known as niacin or vitamin PP, B3. With a balanced diet, the required amount of this substance enters the body along with products of plant and animal origin and is directly involved in redox processes, as well as the production of vital enzymes. For medicinal purposes, for diseases of the stomach, pellagra, pathologies of internal organs, dermatitis and neuroses, nicotinic acid preparations are used, which have a therapeutic effect.

In addition to its main purpose, the vitamin of synthetic origin is used in cosmetology. Due to the properties of the drug to penetrate the epidermis layer and stimulate the expansion of small capillaries, nicotinic acid is used externally to accelerate hair growth and strengthen hair follicles. There are many recipes for hair restoration, in which the main active component is vitamin B3 in ampoules, and the low cost of the drug makes these products very popular for salon and home use.

Composition and release forms

Nicotinic acid preparations of synthetic origin in tablet form for oral administration or 1% solution for injection in ampoules can be bought at any pharmacy without a prescription.

Women taking nicotinic acid tablets note the positive effect of the product on the condition of their hair. In addition to 0.05 g of nicotinic acid, the tablet form of the medicine contains auxiliary components (glucose, stearic acid). As a result of treatment, hair growth accelerates, its external characteristics improve, and hair loss stops. The best effect can be achieved with the complex use of vitamin PP, both internally and in the form of masks.

For the use of niacin not for its intended purpose - externally, as a stimulating hair care product, only ampoules are suitable, since they do not contain auxiliary components. Also, the vitamin in liquid form penetrates better into the scalp.

Nicotinic acid tablets used for oral administration are a medicinal product and have many contraindications. This means that such a remedy is used as prescribed by a doctor in the treatment of diseases, including those caused by a lack of vitamin B3 in the body. It is strictly prohibited to use oral tablets or vitamin solutions intravenously or intramuscularly to improve hair condition.

The drug, packaged in plastic ampoules - buffuses, is preferable for home use, since if the glass ampoule is opened unprofessionally, glass microparticles may get into the solution

Useful properties for hair

Vitamin PP is a vital element that participates at the cellular level in all biochemical processes in the body. When taken internally, niacin helps normalize cholesterol levels in the blood, synthesizes enzymes that break down proteins, dilates and strengthens blood vessels, and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

The beneficial properties of vitamin PP for hair are due to its vasodilating effect when applied externally. The niacin solution easily penetrates into the deep layers of the epidermis and capillary walls, while expanding them and improving local blood circulation. That is why, when using nicotinic acid for hair at home in the form of rubs and masks, many women feel a rush of warmth to the scalp, and in case of hypersensitivity, a burning or tingling sensation.

Increased local blood circulation contributes to the following processes that have a positive effect on the condition of the hair:

As a result of saturation of hair follicles with oxygen, metabolic processes are accelerated and toxins are eliminated.
Activation of “dormant bulbs” leads to an increase in density.
Niacin is involved in the synthesis of ceramides - the main barrier to protect hair from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and aggressive hair styling products.
Vitamin B3, subject to regular external use, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands of the head, eliminates unpleasant odor, which may indicate an excess of toxins in the body.
Vitamin PP, penetrating into the hair shafts, retains moisture and affects the synthesis of melanin, preventing early manifestations of gray hair.

The effect of using nicotinic acid for hair is achieved by accelerating blood flow in the area of the hair follicles, as a result of which they receive more nutrients and oxygen. If the diet of a person using such therapy is unbalanced and poor, there are signs of vitamin deficiency or a lack of microelements in the body, positive results should not be expected.

Possible contraindications and side effects

When using nicotinic acid for medicinal purposes, there are many contraindications based on the effect of niacin at the cellular level. In the package insert for the drug you can find a list of side effects, which states that niacin causes increased secretion of gastric juice, a decrease in blood pressure, and with long-term use, fatty infiltration of the liver. However, such contraindications are not related to the use of the drug externally.

When using vitamin PP as a means to strengthen hair, you should not exceed the dosage, which is 1 ampoule of a 1% solution for one-time use. In rare cases, the following side effects are observed:

headache;
dizziness;
redness of the scalp with severe sensitivity;
manifestations of dandruff that go away over time.

Absolute contraindications to the use of nicotinic acid to strengthen hair are:

allergic reactions to B vitamins;
children under 14 years of age;
pregnancy;
lactation period.

The optimal duration of treatment to improve hair growth and strengthening is 4 weeks. During this period, you should use the product daily, 1 ampoule, rubbing it into the scalp, as well as the root part of the hair. After a month of using nicotine, you should take a 2-month break and, if necessary, repeat the therapy.

The classic method of use is very simple and convenient for those women who do not have enough time to prepare various masks and sprays, much less carry out salon procedures to improve the condition of their hair.

Tips for use:

Before rubbing nicotinic acid into your hair, you need to wash it, since sebum prevents the product from penetrating into the epidermis and part of it will remain unused, which means the effectiveness of the procedure will decrease.
To wash your hair during treatment, it is better to use shampoos that do not contain silicone, which envelops the hair.
After opening the capsule, its contents should be taken out using a syringe, and then, after removing the tip with the needle, distribute it over the entire area of the scalp, avoiding the temple area. When using a nicotine solution in bufus, the task is made easier, since plastic ampoules are easy to open and convenient for application without the use of a syringe.
When in contact with air, the solution quickly loses its properties, so after opening the ampoule, you should use it completely, since it is useless to leave the product for future use.
After the nicotinic acid is distributed, you need to lightly massage the scalp with your fingertips, rubbing the product.
There is no need to rinse off niacin; it is perfectly absorbed, leaving no unpleasant sensations on the hair, without weighing it down, and has virtually no odor.
When using nicotinic acid to prevent hair loss, you need to add the product directly to the shampoo at the rate of 1 ampoule of the vitamin per 1 serving of shampoo. The effect of such procedures will be less noticeable, since the effect of niacin on the scalp is short-lived.

Before using the product, you should test it on the crook of your elbow for an allergic reaction. It should be borne in mind that slight redness and a rush of warmth to the skin are considered normal, while severe itching indicates an individual intolerance to the drug.

Recipes for masks based on nicotinic acid

The property of vitamin B3 to improve blood circulation in the growth zone of hair follicles, saturating them with useful substances and microelements, is used in cosmetology when preparing masks. Such hair care products contain components necessary to nourish the hair, which, under the influence of niacin, better penetrate the structure of the hair column and are absorbed faster.

Nourishing mask based on nicotinic acid and Dimexide

Suitable for dry and damaged hair. Dimexide has the ability to penetrate tissue, while transporting nutrients, vitamins and oils into the deep layers of hair follicles, thereby enhancing their beneficial properties.

Components:

vitamin B3 - 1 ampoule;
burdock or argan oil - 2 ml;
Dimexide - 1 ml;

Application:

Combine burdock oil with vitamin PP and steam until warm.
Add 1 ml Dimexide and mix.
Apply with a cotton swab, spreading first to the roots and then along the entire length of the hair.
Put on a plastic cap and wrap it with a towel to enhance the effect.
After 30 minutes, rinse off the product with warm water and shampoo.

Vitamin mask with Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and niacin (vitamin B3)

Pyridoxine moisturizes hair, making it less brittle, and also eliminates dry scalp, manifested by seborrhea. This is important when using vitamin PP, which in some cases causes dandruff. With the combined use of pyridoxine and nicotinic acid for hair growth, the positive effects of each of them are enhanced.

Mask ingredients:

egg yolk - 1 pc.;
vitamin B6 - 1 ampoule;
vitamin B3 - 1 ampoule;
almond or flaxseed oil - 1 tbsp. l.

Application:

Beat the yolk until smooth.
Mix with almond butter without whisking.
Pour the contents of capsules with vitamins B3 and B6 into the resulting mass.
Apply to slightly damp hair, paying attention to the root zone of the hair.
Put on a shower cap and then wrap it in a terry towel.
Leave on hair for 30–40 minutes, then rinse first with lukewarm water, then with shampoo.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with water, after adding a couple of drops of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Anti-dandruff mask with nicotinic acid and aloe

This product perfectly moisturizes the scalp, nourishes the hair follicles, and gives vital shine and elasticity to the hair.

Ingredients:

propolis measuring 2x2 cm;
aloe leaf - 1 pc.;
Niacin - 1 ampoule.

Application:

Propolis pour 2 tbsp. l. water and heat in a water bath until completely dissolved.
Twist the aloe leaf in a meat grinder and squeeze the juice out of the resulting mass.
Mix not completely cooled propolis with aloe and pour in vitamin PP.
Apply the mask to dry hair, from the roots along the entire length.
For greater convenience, secure your hair with an elastic band. Leave without wrapping for 25 minutes.

Anti-hair loss mask with colorless henna and niacin

Colorless henna strengthens the hair follicles, prevents hair loss, and the yeast included in the mask helps restore their structure. Nicotinic acid plays the role of a conductor, delivering all beneficial substances to their destination and accelerating their effects.

Ingredients:

colorless henna - 1 package;
nicotinic acid - 1 ampoule;
live yeast - 1 tsp;
lemon verbena oil - 3 drops.

Application:

Dilute the yeast with warm water and stir until the consistency of sour cream.
Steam a packet of colorless henna with boiling water.
After the henna has cooled to 37 degrees, mix the resulting pulp with yeast, vitamin from the ampoule and lemon verbena oil.
Apply the resulting product to your hair, wrap it in plastic and a towel.
Rinse off with plenty of warm water after 40 minutes.
Wash your hair with shampoo and rinse with acidified water.

Hair masks with nicotinic acid should not be repeated more than once a week. When taking a hair healing course, you can also use similar products, replacing the daily procedure of rubbing niacin into the scalp with masks.

Ingredients for preparing hair masks with nicotinic acid - photo gallery

Vitamin B6 in combination with nicotinic acid accelerates hair growth Argan oil improves hair structure Henna prevents hair loss Verbena oil gives hair shine Aloe moisturizes the scalp, eliminating dandruff Burdock oil has a complex effect Dimexide accelerates the effect of masks based on healing oils and vitamins Egg yolk nourishes hair bulbs

The opinion of doctors and cosmetologists on the use of nicotinic acid for hair

The use of nicotinic acid for other purposes causes ambivalence among doctors. Firstly, applying the drug externally does not compensate for the lack of vitamin B3 in case of its deficiency in the body, but only promotes a rush of blood to the scalp on the scalp. Secondly, the cause of hair loss and slower growth often lies in more serious diseases, such as problems with the gastrointestinal tract, hormonal imbalance, liver pathologies, vitamin deficiency. Such problems should be solved not by using cosmetic procedures, but by diagnosing the disease, followed by its treatment.

Nevertheless, both trichologists and cosmetologists agree that the use of vitamin B3 to improve hair growth has a positive effect on the condition of the hair. Such a remedy is not a panacea, but subject to a balanced diet and taking a complex of vitamins and microelements orally, it can enhance their positive effect on hair. growth and restoration of hair density.

Nicotinic acid for hair - reviews from ordinary consumers

I rubbed it in. There was no smell, the “undercoat” was creeping in, it was very visible on the bangs, especially. These short ones appeared in literally a month, maybe three cm. I didn't rub it in anymore.

There is absolutely no smell on the hair! I grew 5-7 cm in a month. Because I came to my specialist after the last visit after 3 months - the growth was as much as 20 cm.

https://www.u-mama.ru/forum/family/health/554659/index.html

and after some time of use, an allergic reaction began - my face and neck were covered with a small rash, it wasn’t particularly noticeable, but it itched and itched, unpleasantly. I had to stop.

https://www.u-mama.ru/forum/family/health/554659/2.html

I rubbed in exactly 30 ampoules, there was no growth, and it seemed like my hair was falling out less.

http://sovet.kidstaff.com.ua/question-766734

In general, there is an effect, but not magical, of course. I dripped into burdock oil. The downside is that it stinks a lot. The smell is persistent until the next wash, and that involves applying a new portion...

Psycho-Poll

https://deti.mail.ru/forum/zdorove/zdorove_krasota_diety/nikotinovaja_kislota_dlja_rosta_volos_nuzhny_otzyvy/

Doctor's opinion about the benefits or harms of nicotinic acid for hair - video

Nicotinic acid is an effective remedy for improving hair condition and an active component for medicinal masks at home. It has a positive effect based on the properties of vitamin B3 to dilate blood vessels on the scalp, thereby accelerating metabolism in the bulbs. However, for serious diseases that cause hair loss, such methods are ineffective. In addition, with allergic reactions to B vitamins, contact dermatitis may occur, which will lead to the opposite effect, and hair will begin to fall out with a vengeance.

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