A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia
December 2005
in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”
TLDR Niacin derivatives may increase hair fullness in women with hair loss.
In 2005, a pilot study investigated the effectiveness of topically applied niacin derivatives, specifically octyl nicotinate and tetradecyl nicotinate, in treating female pattern alopecia. The study was double-blinded and placebo-controlled, involving 60 female participants diagnosed with Ludwig types I-III female pattern hair loss. Of these, 40 received the active treatment and 20 were given a placebo. After a treatment period of 6 months, the results indicated a statistically significant increase in hair fullness for those using the niacin derivatives compared to the placebo group, with a P value of 0.04. The study suggested that niacin derivatives could be a beneficial long-term topical treatment for female pattern hair loss and recommended further research to confirm these findings.
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