Hair Therapy & Transplantation
Open Access

Niacinamide Improves Scalp Health and Hair Growth

Fatma Aydin^{* *}Correspondence: Fatma Aydin, Department of Dermatology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Email:

Author info »

Description

In the quest for luscious, voluminous locks, many individuals turn to hair growth serums as their secret weapon. These products have gained immense popularity in recent years, promising to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, and improve overall hair health. But do these elixirs live up to the hype? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of hair growth serums, exploring their ingredients, mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and safety. Whether you're struggling with thinning hair or simply looking to enhance your hair's natural beauty, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about using hair growth serums.

Understanding hair growth

Before we dive into the world of hair growth serums, it's essential to have a basic understanding of how hair grows. Hair growth occurs in cycles, consisting of three main phases:

Anagen phase: This is the growth phase, where hair actively grows from the hair follicle. It can last anywhere from 2 to 7 years, depending on genetics and other factors.

Catagen phase: This is a transitional phase when hair growth slows down, and the hair follicle starts to shrink. It lasts for a few weeks.

Telogen phase: This is the resting phase, where the hair follicle is dormant. It lasts for about 3 months before the hair falls out, making room for new hair to grow.

Hair growth serums aim to extend the anagen phase, stimulate hair follicles, and promote a healthier scalp environment, thereby encouraging the growth of thicker, longer, and stronger hair.

Key ingredients in hair growth serums

Hair growth serums often contain a combination of active ingredients that work synergistically to stimulate hair growth.

Some of the most common ingredients found in these serums include:

Minoxidil: Minoxidil is perhaps the most well-known and widely used ingredient in hair growth serums. It is approved by the FDA and has been shown to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and prolonging the anagen phase. Minoxidil-based serums are available over-the-counter and in prescription strengths.

Biotin: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is essential for maintaining healthy hair and nails. While biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, its supplementation in hair growth serums may strengthen hair and improve its overall condition.

Caffeine: Caffeine is believed to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. It can also help prevent hair loss by blocking the effects of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone associated with hair thinning and loss.

Keratin: Keratin is a protein that makes up the structure of hair. Serums containing keratin may help strengthen and repair damaged hair, making it less prone to breakage.

Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide can improve the health of the scalp and promote hair growth by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Saw palmetto: Extracted from the fruit of the saw palmetto plant, this ingredient may block the action of DHT, which is often implicated in male and female pattern baldness.

Peptides: Certain peptides, such as copper peptides, are believed to support hair follicles and promote hair growth.

Natural oils: Oils like castor oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil are often included in hair growth serums for their moisturizing and conditioning properties.