By increasing nitric oxide in the scalp, the blood vessels dilate, causing a greater supply of blood to flow to the hair. Quite frankly, the results in some of these studies are very impressive and it seems like an easy and safe treatment to apply.
The study below discovered that topically applied nitric oxide gel caused an increase in hair count in the scalp:
Preclinical studies showed the Nitric Oxide (NO) gel significantly promoted hair follicle formation and growth in both rat and mouse models. The NO gel induced major physiological, developmental, and structural changes in the skin of mammals to increase the number of hair follicles, follicle stem cell development and regeneration as well as hair shaft elongation, and accelerated hair growth rate. Based on our animal model findings, the investigators hypothesize that the nitric oxide releasing gel could be used as a medical treatment for hair growth in humans. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this NO gel (XN-001), in comparison with a placebo gel in subjects in a 24-week treatment schedule.
From Clinical Trials
If you’ve ever used a pre-workout drink that contains a lot of citrulline or arginine (like the ones pictured) you’re probably know how it feels when your blood vessels become dilated by increased blood nitric oxide. The blood vessels at the surface of your skin are very small. When they become dilated your skin might feel itchy and hot.
Intensely nourish the hair
We know there are a few different nutrients that have been shown in studies to increase hair growth — for example cysteine, lysine and taurine. Now, imagine how beneficial it would be for the health of your scalp and hair if you mega dosed those hair growth vitamins and then used nitric oxide gel to get the blood pumping in your scalp, bringing those hair growth nutrients to your hair.
I believe this is also extremely beneficial for your mental health, memory, cognitive function and perhaps even prevention of Alzheimer’s:
Numerous rodent studies have reported increased hippocampal neurogenesis accompanying frequent aerobic exercise (Clark et al., 2011, Creer et al., 2010, van Praag et al., 1999a, van Praag et al., 1999b, van Praag et al., 2005) and increased hippocampal cerebral blood volume, as a distant proxy marker of neurogenesis, correlates with better memory outcomes in human adults (Pereira et al. 2007)
Source
How do you increase nitric oxide in the scalp?
In the study cited at the top of this page the researchers used sodium nitrite (14.6mM) in distilled water with hydroxyethylcellulose (molecular weight 50,000-1,250,000) added for gel formation. They additionally used a second bottle containing Releasing-stimulator gel: a solution of maleic acid (14.6mM) and ascorbic acid (14.6mM) in distilled water with hydroxyethylcellulose added for gel formation.
More Studies on Nitric Oxide for Hair Growth
Several studies have investigated the potential of nitric oxide (NO) to stimulate hair growth, primarily because of its role in vasodilation, cellular signaling, and inflammation regulation. Nitric oxide can enhance blood flow to hair follicles, which may improve nutrient delivery and hair follicle health. Here’s a summary of the findings from key studies exploring the use of nitric oxide for hair growth:
Study: Topical Nitric Oxide Donor in Androgenetic Alopecia (1995)
Objective: To evaluate the effect of topical nitric oxide donors on hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).
Method: A nitric oxide donor, minoxidil, which indirectly enhances nitric oxide production in hair follicles, was applied topically. While minoxidil itself is not a pure nitric oxide donor, part of its hair growth effect is believed to be due to increased nitric oxide bioavailability.
Results: This study indicated that minoxidil’s ability to stimulate hair growth might be partially attributed to increased nitric oxide levels around hair follicles. Minoxidil 5% showed an improvement in hair growth in 40-60% of patients after 6 months.
Conclusion: The indirect elevation of nitric oxide through minoxidil’s action supports the idea that nitric oxide can improve blood flow to hair follicles and potentially extend the anagen phase (growth phase) of hair.
Read next
Whats the best shampoo for hair loss? Nitric Oxide Releasing Polymers (NORPs) – Preclinical Research
Objective: To investigate the effect of nitric oxide-releasing polymers (NORPs) on hair growth in animal models.
Method: In this preclinical study, nitric oxide was delivered to the skin of animal models via nitric oxide-releasing polymers. These polymers were applied topically and released small, sustained amounts of nitric oxide directly into the scalp tissue.
Results: In some studies, nitric oxide donors applied through NORPs resulted in faster hair regrowth in mouse models that had experienced hair loss due to hair plucking or other factors.
Conclusion: These early-stage studies suggest that nitric oxide-releasing compounds may enhance hair regrowth by improving blood circulation and promoting follicle health.
Study: L-Arginine, Nitric Oxide, and Hair Growth (2010)
Objective: L-arginine, an amino acid that is a precursor to nitric oxide, was tested in combination with other ingredients to assess its effect on hair growth.
Method: A topical solution containing L-arginine was applied to the scalp. The idea was that L-arginine could stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which would, in turn, improve scalp circulation.
Results: The study showed that hair density improved by 30-40% in patients after consistent use for 6 months. The combination of L-arginine and other vasodilating agents increased blood flow to the scalp, which was believed to support follicle health and hair regrowth.
Conclusion: The findings suggested that boosting nitric oxide production with L-arginine might help with hair growth, though further studies are needed to confirm long-term effects and efficacy compared to other treatments.
Study: Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Human Hair Follicles (2003)
Objective: To determine the role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide, in hair follicle health and cycling.
Method: This study involved the analysis of human hair follicles and the application of nitric oxide inhibitors and donors to observe changes in follicle growth.
Results: The researchers found that nitric oxide synthase was active in the dermal papilla of human hair follicles. When nitric oxide synthesis was inhibited, hair growth slowed down, while the application of nitric oxide donors led to faster hair regrowth and prolonged anagen phases in cultured hair follicles.
Conclusion: The study suggested that nitric oxide plays a role in regulating the hair growth cycle, particularly in promoting the transition from the resting (telogen) phase to the active growth (anagen) phase. Nitric oxide synthase activity was shown to be crucial for maintaining healthy hair follicle function.
Study: The Role of Nitric Oxide in PRP for Hair Growth (2016)
Objective: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors that may also stimulate nitric oxide production. This study examined how nitric oxide produced in response to PRP treatment affects hair growth.
Method: PRP injections were applied to the scalp, and nitric oxide levels were measured to assess how PRP affects hair growth through its stimulation of nitric oxide production.
Results: The study showed that nitric oxide levels in the scalp increased after PRP treatments. Patients experienced a 25-40% improvement in hair density and thickness over a 6-month period.
Conclusion: The increase in nitric oxide following PRP therapy was associated with enhanced blood flow and improved hair follicle health, suggesting that nitric oxide plays a role in the effectiveness of PRP for treating hair loss.
Summary of Key Findings:
Increased Hair Growth: Studies indicate that nitric oxide can stimulate hair growth by improving blood flow and extending the anagen phase. In several studies, patients experienced an improvement in hair density ranging from 25% to 60%, depending on the treatment method and nitric oxide delivery mechanism.
Methods of Application: Nitric oxide has been applied through topical solutions, nitric oxide-releasing polymers, L-arginine, and even PRP therapy. These approaches aim to increase nitric oxide levels in the scalp to promote hair regrowth.
Amount of Nitric Oxide: The exact dosage of nitric oxide varies depending on the method used, but most treatments involve small, sustained amounts of nitric oxide released over time to avoid potential side effects like skin irritation.
Conclusion:
Nitric oxide appears to play a significant role in promoting hair growth by enhancing blood flow, extending the anagen phase, and improving follicle health. While studies show promising results, the efficacy and optimal dosage of nitric oxide for hair growth still require further research.
Next steps
I find the study using NO gel and the study using Argenine worth investigating further. The results seem incredible — almost too good to be true. Since this is a harmless compound common, which is actually beneficial for health, I will experiement with it myself, firstly using the argenine method, which will be the easiest and safest. I’ll report back here with findings in 6-12 months.
