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Key Points
- Oral NMN improved hair thickness
- Number of actively growing hairs increased
- Women reported better hair elasticity, gloss, and volume
Methods
Fifteen healthy women ages 40-50 were given 500 mg NMN daily for 12 weeks.
Researchers then evaluated:
- How many hairs were actively growing
- Changes to the hair cuticles
- Testing to determine blood and hair nutrient levels
- Self-reported surveys (VAS questionnaires) where participants rated their own hair quality—like shine, volume, and texture—as well as energy and fatigue levels.
NMN Promoted Hair Growth and Strength
Results showed enhanced quality and growth activity of hair, revealing healthier ticker strands and smoother cuticle surfaces.
"Anagen hair elongation density significantly increased from pre-supplementation to post-supplementation."
"Compared to before NMN intake, hair appeared to be thicker after NMN intake… The increase in hair diameter was observed in 11 subjects."
These images show the improvements in hair cuticle condition and increased diameter from before (left) to after (right) NMN supplementation.
Hair Nutrient and Energy Profiles Improved
Testing showed that NMN helped improve the balance of nutrients and energy inside the scalp and hair, creating a healthier environment for growth.
"Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and cystine were undetectable pre-supplementation but detected post-supplementation."
NMN intake increased levels of multiple beneficial amino acids and energy-processing byproducts.
"Significant increases post-supplementation were observed in… tryptophan, glutamic acid… creatine, creatinine, carnitine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, tyrosine, aspartic acid, phenylalanine… and uric acid."
At the same time, several metabolites linked to stress or breakdown decreased.
"Significant decreases were observed in lactic acid, terephthalic acid, diethanolamine, urea, and trimethylamine N-oxide."
These changes suggest that NMN helps hair follicles use nutrients and energy more efficiently to support stronger, more resilient hair. Research on NMN's effects on skin aging has demonstrated similar regenerative benefits in dermal tissue, suggesting that NAD+ restoration may support multiple aspects of integumentary health through enhanced cellular metabolism and repair mechanisms.
Noticeable Changes Seen in Hair Appearance
Participants reported visible and measurable benefits in both hair condition and overall well-being after 12 weeks of NMN supplementation.
"Improvements in hair elasticity, gloss, volume, and reductions in perceived fatigue and hair loss were noted…suggesting that NMN supplementation may contribute to qualitative hair improvements and enhanced subjective satisfaction."
These findings indicate that NMN not only supported hair structure at the cellular level but also translated into noticeable cosmetic improvements.
Conclusion
This indicates that NMN supplementation supports healthier structure and function, leading to visibly thicker, smoother hair.
"These findings suggest NMN stimulates dermal papilla metabolism, improving follicular cell function, thickness, and surface structure. Metabolomic data support this, showing increased amino acids and energy metabolism, potentially linked to antioxidant and sirtuin pathway activation."
"NAD+, through its ability to enhance the sirtuin pathway and mitochondrial function, plays an important role in hair growth and the prevention of hair loss. Therefore, oral NMN supplementation may represent a promising strategy for maintaining healthy hair."
Studies showing NMN's protective effects against skin damage further support the compound's ability to defend dermal structures from environmental stress and maintain cellular health, reinforcing its potential as a comprehensive approach to hair and skin vitality.
