Exploring the link between NAD+ & Hair Regrowth?

In this article, we’ll explore the possible connection between NAD+ and hair regrowth. We’ll look at the role NAD+ plays in the body and the potential benefits of NAD+ therapy for hair health. You’ll also learn about how NAD+ is linked to Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, and what this could mean for people experiencing hair loss. We’ll look at what the current research says and whether NAD+ could be a helpful addition to existing hair loss treatments.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about the link between NAD+ and hair regrowth:

• NAD+ plays a key role in energy production, DNA repair and cell regeneration. These functions may contribute to improved hair follicle activity and healthier hair growth.

• By boosting the body's antioxidant defences and repairing damaged DNA, NAD+ may reduce oxidative stress in the scalp, which is linked to thinning hair and disrupted follicle function.

• Telomeres shorten with age and are associated with cell ageing, including in the scalp. Research shows NAD+ can support enzymes that protect and possibly lengthen telomeres, which could contribute to stronger, longer-lasting hair follicle cells.

• Niacinamide helps the body create NAD+, meaning it may offer indirect benefits for hair health. Its anti-inflammatory and protective properties could support scalp health and hair growth.

• Despite the need for further human studies, NAD+ remains a popular choice for those looking to help combat ageing and symptoms including hair loss.

What are the benefits of NAD?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that plays a vital role in many essential biological processes [1]. Increasing NAD+ levels through supplements such as NAD+ injections (like the ones provided to UK Meds by Vivere) may offer a range of health benefits. These include:

• Anti-ageing effects: NAD+ helps repair damaged DNA, reduce oxidative stress and support healthy cell function, which may contribute to slower signs of ageing.

• Increased energy: By supporting mitochondrial function and the production of ATP (the body’s main energy source), NAD+ can help reduce tiredness and improve overall energy levels.

• Improved brain function: Higher NAD+ levels have been linked to better focus, memory and mental clarity.

• Metabolic support: NAD+ plays a key role in processes such as glucose metabolism and the breakdown of fats, which may help with weight management and metabolic health.

• Stronger immune response: It also contributes to a well-functioning immune system, helping the body defend against infections and illnesses.

• Better athletic performance: Some people, particularly athletes, may experience improved endurance and quicker recovery times due to increased cellular energy and reduced oxidative stress.

• General wellbeing: NAD+ supports many functions in the body, promoting a sense of vitality and overall health.

While these benefits are promising, it’s important to note that most of the research is still ongoing, and not all effects are guaranteed for everyone.

How NAD+ therapy could impact your hair:

Cellular regeneration

NAD+ therapy may support hair regrowth by influencing cellular regeneration, particularly through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a key regulator in hair follicle development and growth.

In people with androgenetic alopecia (a common form of hair loss), the Wnt/β-catenin pathway can be disrupted. This disruption is often linked to higher levels of DKK-1 and androgen receptors (AR) in the scalp, which can block the activity of β-catenin, a protein essential for hair follicle cell growth and regeneration. When β-catenin is suppressed, hair follicles may shrink or become inactive, leading to thinning hair or baldness.

Research suggests that boosting NAD+ levels through therapies such as NMN (a precursor to NAD+) may help increase β-catenin levels. By doing so, it may reduce the impact of DKK-1 and AR, allowing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to function more effectively. This may support the growth phase of hair follicles, encouraging healthier, thicker hair [2].

Hair follicle regrowth

NAD+ therapy may play a supportive role in hair follicle regrowth by encouraging healthier, more active hair follicles. Early research suggests that increasing NAD+ levels in the body could improve hair density, thickness, and overall hair quality, particularly in people experiencing hair loss.

This is partly due to NAD+’s ability to promote cellular regeneration and protect cells from oxidative stress, both of which are important for maintaining healthy hair follicles. More specifically, NAD+ and its precursor NMN have been shown to influence the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a key signalling route involved in hair follicle development and regrowth.

Oxidative stress protection

NAD+ may help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, which is known to contribute to hair thinning and loss over time. Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralise them with antioxidants. This imbalance can damage cells in the scalp and hair follicles, interfering with healthy hair growth and accelerating hair ageing [3].

By increasing NAD+ levels through supplementation, the body may be better equipped to defend against this type of cellular damage. NAD+ supports the activity of important antioxidant enzymes and helps repair damaged DNA, both of which are vital for maintaining healthy hair follicles and promoting long-term scalp health [4].

Research shows that oxidative stress in the scalp is associated with higher expression of DKK-1 and androgen receptors, both of which are linked to the suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and a decline in hair follicle function [2]. Boosting NAD+ may help counteract this effect by supporting cellular resilience and promoting the conditions needed for hair growth.

Although these findings are promising, most of the available research has been carried out in laboratory and animal models. More human studies are needed to confirm how effective NAD+ therapy is in protecting hair follicles from oxidative damage and preventing hair loss [5].

Telomere length

Telomeres are protective caps found at the ends of chromosomes that help maintain the stability of our DNA. As we age, these telomeres naturally become shorter, which can lead to cell ageing, reduced function and in some cases, cell death. This shortening process has been linked to age-related conditions, including hair thinning and loss [6].

NAD+ plays an important role in maintaining telomere health. Studies have shown that increasing NAD+ levels may help repair and even lengthen telomeres [1]. 

NAD+ supports enzymes like PARPs and sirtuins, which are involved in DNA repair and telomere maintenance. By activating these enzymes, NAD+ may contribute to healthier, longer-lasting cells, including those in the hair follicles [7]. Studies have found that NAD+ supplementation may prevent telomere shortening and telomere dysfunction [6]. This suggests a potential anti-ageing benefit for the scalp and hair.

Link to Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 and a key building block in the production of NAD+ in the body. Niacinamide is used to help maintain healthy NAD+ levels, which are essential for many biological functions, including cellular repair, energy production and oxidative stress protection [8].

Because NAD+ plays a role in promoting hair follicle health, supporting mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation, boosting its levels through compounds like niacinamide may indirectly benefit hair growth. Niacinamide is already widely used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and protective properties, and similar benefits may extend to the scalp and hair follicles, helping to create an environment that supports healthy hair growth [9].

What are the limitations of the current research?

While early findings on NAD+ and hair regrowth are promising, there are a few things to keep in mind when reading the current research.

Lack of large-scale human studies

Much of the evidence so far comes from animal models or laboratory studies using cells, rather than clinical trials involving people. This means we don’t yet know fully how effective NAD+ therapies are for hair regrowth in real-world settings.

Variability in individual response

People may respond differently to NAD+ therapy depending on their genetics, underlying health conditions and the cause of their hair loss. What works for one person may not work for another.

Limited understanding of mechanisms

Although studies suggest that NAD+ may influence hair regrowth by affecting pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin or reducing oxidative stress, these mechanisms are not fully understood. More research is needed to confirm how NAD+ works in relation to hair follicle activity.

Regulatory and treatment inconsistencies

As NAD+ therapy is still relatively new, there is no standard dosage or method of delivery that has been universally approved for hair loss. This makes it difficult to compare results across studies or recommend treatment protocols.

Final Thoughts

NAD+ plays a vital role in many essential processes in the body, from supporting energy production to promoting healthy ageing and cellular repair. Early research suggests that NAD+ may also influence hair health by helping to protect against oxidative stress, supporting hair follicle regeneration and encouraging pathways linked to hair growth. While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to recognise the limitations of the current research, particularly the lack of large-scale human trials. If you are considering NAD+ therapy for hair loss, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional to explore whether it’s a suitable option for you and how it might fit into your overall treatment plan.

Sources

[1] The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine - PMC

[2] β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Promotes Cell Proliferation and Hair Growth by Reducing Oxidative Stress - PMC

[3] NAD+ as the Link Between Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Caloric Restriction, Exercise, DNA Repair, Longevity, and Health Span - PubMed

[4] The Safety and Antiaging Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide in Human Clinical Trials: an Update

[5] Oxidative stress in hair follicle development and hair growth: Signalling pathways, intervening mechanisms and potential of natural antioxidants - PMC

[6] Influence of NAD+ as an ageing-related immunomodulator on COVID 19 infection: A hypothesis

[7] Boosting NAD ameliorates hematopoietic impairment linked to short telomeres in vivo - PMC

[8] NAD+ Precursors: A Questionable Redundancy - PMC

[9] Biosynthesis of vitamin B 3 and NAD + : incubating HepG2 cells with the alkaloid myosmine