New Study Explores NMN and Hair Quality

Introduction

A recently published study has examined whether supplementation with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) may influence aspects of hair quality.

NMN has been widely studied for its role in supporting NAD+ levels and cellular energy metabolism, processes that are important in many areas of healthy ageing. While NMN is most widely studied for its role in supporting cellular energy metabolism through NAD+, researchers are increasingly exploring how this pathway may influence other areas of healthy ageing.

The new study looked specifically at changes in hair characteristics over a 12-week supplementation period.

The Study Design

The research involved 15 healthy women aged between 40 and 50 years who supplemented with NMN for 12 weeks.

Researchers assessed several measures of hair quality using imaging techniques and participant questionnaires.

These included measurements such as:

• hair diameter
• elasticity
• gloss
• perceived hair volume
• ease of combing
• perceived hair loss

Hair analysis was performed using specialised imaging tools designed to evaluate hair growth activity and structure.

Key Observations

At the end of the study period, researchers reported several changes in measured and perceived hair characteristics.

These included:

• an increase in average hair diameter
• improvements in elasticity and gloss
• improved perceived hair volume
• reduced perceived hair loss

The researchers suggested that these observations may be linked to NMN’s role in supporting cellular energy metabolism (NAD+), which can influence the activity of rapidly dividing cells such as those involved in hair follicle function.

Important Limitations

It is important to note that this was a small exploratory study.

Key limitations include:

• a small participant group (15 people)
• no placebo comparison group
• all participants were middle-aged women

Because of this, the findings should be viewed as preliminary observations rather than definitive conclusions.

Further research with larger and controlled studies will be needed to better understand the potential relationship between NMN and hair health.

Growing Scientific Interest in NMN

NMN has attracted increasing scientific attention in recent years because of its role as a precursor to NAD+, a molecule involved in cellular energy production and metabolic processes.

NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which has led researchers to explore whether supporting NAD+ metabolism may play a role in aspects of healthy ageing.

Studies are currently investigating NMN across a range of areas including metabolism, muscle function and cellular ageing pathways.

The Study Reference

Oral Supplementation of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Improves Hair Quality and Subjective Perception of Hair Appearance in Middle-Aged Women
Cosmetics (2025)

You can read the full study here:

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/12/5/204

Learn More About NMN

If you would like to learn more about NMN and how it supports cellular NAD+ metabolism, you can read about our New Zealand manufactured NMN supplements here:

See our NMN https://myvitality.co.nz/product/nmn/

Our NMN is:

• manufactured in New Zealand
• independently third-party tested
• available in both capsule and powder formats

Frequently Asked Questions About NMN and Hair Quality

Does NMN help hair growth?

A recent exploratory study examined the effects of NMN supplementation on hair quality in middle-aged women. Researchers observed improvements in measures such as hair diameter, elasticity and perceived hair volume after 12 weeks. However, the study was small and further research will be needed to confirm these findings.

Why might NMN affect hair health?

NMN is a precursor to NAD+, a molecule involved in cellular energy metabolism. Hair follicles contain rapidly dividing cells that require energy to support growth and maintenance. Researchers are investigating whether supporting NAD+ metabolism may influence hair follicle function.

Is there strong scientific evidence for NMN and hair health?

At present, evidence is limited. The recently published study was small and did not include a placebo group. Larger and controlled clinical studies will be required to better understand any potential relationship between NMN supplementation and hair health.

What is NMN most commonly studied for?

Most NMN research focuses on its role in supporting NAD+ metabolism, which is involved in cellular energy production and several biological processes associated with ageing.

Author:
Stephen Pollard
Co-Founder, MyVitality

Stephen writes about emerging research related to healthy ageing, NAD+ metabolism and nutritional supplementation.