By the Edge Naturale Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Shelia Davis, Edge Naturale Medical Team · Last updated June 2026
What is Niacin?
Niacin is a nutrient found in dietary supplements and health foods, but this B3 vitamin has benefits for your hair growth as well. Niacin is naturally found in green vegetables, milk, eggs, and meat, and is often used in hair care to help improve circulation to provide nutrients to the skin and scalp. Topical products can be a highly effective way to deliver niacin to the skin and scalp, and when used in addition to a dietary supplement for hair growth or a healthy balanced diet, can help repair and increase hair follicles’ ability to grow fuller, more luscious hair.
What Does Niacin Do?
When taken in high doses, niacin is known to cause “niacin flush,” which is a rush of blood to the blood vessels and can cause tingling or skin flushing, but when taken in smaller doses, or in its more gentle form, niacinamide, niacin can help improve nutrient absorption and increase metabolism. As a complex B vitamin, niacin works with other B vitamins, like biotin, to improve natural hair growth. Improved circulation is known to combat hair thinning and loss by stimulating the hair follicles and nourishing them with vitamins, minerals, and proteins in your diet.
Major Health Benefits:
• Powerful in increasing blood circulation
• Seals in moisture to prevent hair and scalp dryness
• Improves the follicles’ ability to produce keratin, the protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails
• Supports natural cell turnover, protecting the skin and scalp from sun damage
• Anti-aging properties
• Prevents oiliness in hair and scalp by regulating sebum production
Bottom Line:
Niacin is a vital B vitamin that works with the nutrients in your diet to help protect, moisturize, and increase circulation to help maintain a healthy scalp and keep your hair growing fuller, stronger, and longer.
