NMN Improves Hair Growth Status

by: GSHWORLD Time: 2026-03-09 Classify: Product News

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), as an important precursor of NAD+, has been confirmed by numerous studies to play a role in cellular energy metabolism and anti-aging.

Recent clinical research has discovered that this compound also demonstrates positive effects in improving hair growth status and enhancing hair quality, providing a new research direction for hair health maintenance among middle-aged populations.

Research Background

As age increases, human NAD+ levels continuously decline due to aging, stress, and other factors.

This not only affects normal cellular metabolism but also disrupts the hair follicle growth cycle, leading to thinner, sparser hair with reduced elasticity and luster.

Previous NMN research has primarily focused on skin anti-aging, while clinical exploration of human hair has long remained a blank area.

Only a small number of animal experiments suggested potential benefits for hair follicle health, making relevant clinical validation urgently needed.

Experimental Design

This study selected 15 healthy Japanese women aged 40-50 with hair concerns as subjects, using a single-arm pre-post intervention design.

Participants were given 500mg of yeast-fermented NMN orally daily for 12 weeks.

The study employed TrichoScan to detect hair density and growth indicators, scanning electron microscopy to observe hair diameter and cuticle condition, combined with metabolomic analysis and visual analog scale (VAS) subjective assessment, to comprehensively investigate NMN's effects on hair.

Key Findings

Experimental results showed that NMN supplementation improved hair in multiple aspects. Anagen hair elongation density increased from 55.9 hairs/cm² to 87.7 hairs/cm², and terminal hair elongation density also significantly improved.

Hair diameter increased from 75.3μm to 78.8μm, with 11 subjects showing hair thickening and significant improvement in cuticle condition. Meanwhile, in subjective perception, participants reported substantial improvements in hair elasticity, shine, and volume, with significant reductions in fatigue and anxiety about hair loss and graying.

Mechanism of Action

NMN does not directly stimulate new hair growth.

Instead, by replenishing NAD+, it activates the SIRT1/7 pathway in hair follicle stem cells, improves dermal papilla cell metabolism and mitochondrial function, enhances ATP production and amino acid synthesis efficiency, providing sufficient nutrition for terminal hair growth and promoting the thickening and growth of existing mature hair.

Metabolomic testing revealed significant increases in various amino acids and energy metabolites in hair, with decreased lactate levels, confirming its regulatory effect on hair follicle metabolism.

Research Limitations

This study still has certain limitations: the small sample size and focus only on Japanese middle-aged women limit the generalizability of results;

the single-group design without placebo control makes it difficult to exclude interference from external factors such as seasonal hair loss;

the 12-week study period is relatively short, unable to observe long-term effects of NMN on hair;

and related hormone testing showed no significant changes due to individual differences.

Application Prospects

Despite these limitations, this study is the first to confirm the improving effect of oral NMN on human hair quality.

Its approach of improving hair follicle health through systemic metabolic regulation complements traditional anti-hair loss medications.

Future large-scale, double-blind, controlled long-term studies can validate NMN's effects in different populations, while exploring the possibility of topical application.

Combined systemic and local interventions may provide more efficient solutions for hair anti-aging and health maintenance.

Reference:

Fukumoto S, Ito M, Kunitomo H, et al. Oral Supplementation of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Improves Hair Quality and Subjective Perception of Hair Appearance in Middle-Aged Women[J]. Cosmetics, 2025, 12(5): 204.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.

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