Is Folic Acid Good for Hair Growth?

Hair loss can feel personal — like your reflection is slowly changing in the mirror. Whether it’s a few more hairs in the shower or thinning spots creeping in, you’re probably wondering what you can do to hang on to what you’ve got. One supplement you may have heard about? Folic acid.

But is folic acid really helpful for hair growth—or just another wellness buzzword? Let’s break down what folic acid does, how it’s connected to hair health, and whether it’s worth adding to your daily routine.

What Is Folic Acid, Really?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9)—an essential nutrient best known for its role in pregnancy. But it’s just as important for men. Your body uses folate to:

• Make new cells
• Divide cells properly
• Form red blood cells
• Synthesize DNA
• Support the hair growth cycle

You’ll find natural folate in foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified grains. But if your diet’s lacking, a folic acid supplement could help fill the gap.

So, Does Folic Acid Actually Help with Hair Loss?

Possibly—especially if you're deficient.

Folate helps your body produce red blood cells, which deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues—including your scalp and hair follicles. That nutrient flow plays a key role in producing keratin, the protein that makes up your hair and nails.

If your folate levels are low, your follicles might not be getting the fuel they need to stay strong and keep producing hair efficiently.

What the Science Says (and What It Doesn’t)

Here’s where things get a little more nuanced.

• A 2017 study on young adults with premature graying found they were more likely to be low in vitamin B12 and folic acid than those without gray hair.
• A 2021 study looked at 50 men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). All were low in nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, and—yes—folic acid. But researchers didn’t find a clear link between the degree of hair loss and any specific nutrient level.

Bottom line? While folic acid supports scalp and follicle health, we don’t have strong evidence that taking more of it will directly stimulate hair growth or prevent hair loss in men who already have normal levels.

Signs You Might Be Low in Folate

The best way to find out if you’re deficient is with a blood test. There are two common types:

• Serum folate shows short-term dietary intake
• RBC folate gives a picture of long-term folate status

If you’re concerned or just curious, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you test and figure out whether supplementation makes sense.

Folic acid might not be a magic bullet for regrowing lost hair or stopping greys in their tracks—but it’s still a vital nutrient for overall hair health. It helps your scalp function optimally and supports strong, healthy strands.

So if your diet is light on folate-rich foods, or you suspect you’re low, it might be worth considering a folic acid supplement—especially as part of a broader hair wellness plan that includes other essentials like biotin, vitamin D, and zinc.