Benefits and How to Use

Hair growth is one of the few perks of pregnancy, and experts attribute this to folic acid, the synthetic form of vitamin B9. Also known as folate, folic acid levels increase during pregnancy to enhance the fetus’s neural tube development. But, as it turns out, folic acid has a ton of perks for our hair, too. The vitamin has been linked to numerous hair perks like increased volume, growth, shine, and the prevention of graying and thinning.

Because of these potential benefits, we’re seeing an influx of vitamins and supplements hitting the market, promising to increase folic acid intake. However, there’s some disagreement within the dermatological community surrounding their legitimacy. So, to understand the benefits of taking folic acid-based supplements for hair growth, we turned to board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, certified trichologist William Gaunitz, WTS, and cosmetic chemist Ginger King for more information.

Keep reading to find out about the benefits of folic acid for hair.

What Is Folic Acid?

“Folic Acid is the synthetic version of folate which is a B vitamin,” explains Gaunitz. This vitamin can be found in supplements and multivitamins and is naturally occurring in certain foods like dark leafy vegetables and legumes. “It is essential for the production of red blood cells,” adds Zeichner. Folic acid is needed for new cell growth, he explains, including the growth of hair and nails.

Benefits of Folic Acid for Hair Growth

Folic acid’s role in our bodies is extremely important. When we’re getting the recommended daily dose of 400 mcg, folic acid might have wondrous results on our strands.

• Helps Hair Growth: By generating new cells, Gaunitz says, “Folic acid assists in the keratinization of hair during active hair growth.”
• Prevents Premature Graying: Folic acid keeps the production levels of oxygen-rich red blood cells normalized and stabilized. Without folic acid, these cells could potentially overproduce, which may result in changes in the hair’s pigmentation.
• Prevents Hair Loss: When your body isn’t getting enough folic acid, “the body will prioritize sending those critical nutrients to more vital organs,” Gaunitz explains, “which would leave the hair to fend for itself.”
• Thickens Hair: “A folic acid deficiency may be associated with thinning hair,” says Zeichner.
• Adds Extra Shine: Normalized levels of folic acid are associated with well-distributed nutrients throughout the body. A healthy head of hair might appear shinier and stronger.
• Promotes Red Blood Cell Creation: Most notably, folate assists in the creation of red blood cells, Gaunitz tells us. “Red blood cell creation is needed to transfer nutrients throughout the body, as well as provide oxygen and minerals to rapidly dividing cells, such as hair.”

Potential Side Effects

Too much folate and too little folate can both cause undesirable effects. Gaunitz tells us that a megadose can lead to results such as headaches, rash, nausea, and skin reactions. So unless you are experiencing a folate deficiency that’s been identified by your doctor, there is no need to self-prescribe an additional increase to your folic acid intake. “Technically, anyone can take folic acid,” says Gaunitz, “but it is most critical for an individual who is dealing with low B vitamin levels.”

We understand that folic acid will produce beneficial effects on our bodies that lead to desirable results that can be notably visible in our strands, but Zeichner notes there is no definitive data proving this correlation. While supplements can help you meet the daily recommended dose of 400 mcg per day, Zeichner cautions, “taking a supplement will not be helpful if you are not deficient.” Consuming any more than the recommended daily dose of 400 mcg does not mean your hair is guaranteed to grow faster. Take the time to consult with your doctor if you’re interested or concerned about your folic acid intake to ensure a supplement is serving you well.

How to Use Folic Acid for Hair Growth

If you are experiencing premature graying, Gaunitz suggests you may want to consider adding a supplement to your routine. Consuming folate through all channels is also important. Skipping out on nutrient-dense foods that are naturally rich in folate and replacing them with fortified foods will not give you the results you’re looking for. “The best way to get folic acid would be to consume foods rich in B9, like broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and eggs,” Gaunitz says. Here are a few ways to ensure you’re meeting your daily recommended levels of folate:

• Take a daily vitamin: Folic acid is usually found in water-soluble multivitamins. Your daily dose of folate can also be found in B-complex vitamins, Prenatal vitamins, and other Multivitamins.
• Eat Foods Rich With Folic Acid: “Folic acid can be found at high levels in green leafy vegetables like spinach as well as beans, peas, and broccoli,” says Zeichner.
• Keep Stress Levels Low to Keep Folate Levels Healthy: Stress can weaken our immune systems and our hair. It is a known cause of hair thinning and loss and can easily become a natural result of not getting all the nutrients you need, including folate.

The Final Takeaway

Folic acid—also known as folate—is the synthetic form of vitamin B9. Folate levels increase in the body during pregnancy to assist in the fetus’s neural tube development, but it can also provide hair benefits. The vitamin, which can be found in dark, leafy greens and supplements, has been linked to numerous hair perks like increased volume, growth, shine, and the prevention of graying and thinning. However, too high folate levels can lead to side effects such as headaches, rash, nausea, and skin reactions. Consult with a doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements, as they can offer personalized advice tailored to your body’s needs and medical history.