B12 Injections: Benefits, Energy & Hair Loss
If you’ve been feeling persistently tired, struggling to concentrate, or noticing more hair loss than usual, a vitamin B12 deficiency could be a contributing factor. B12 injections are one of the fastest and most effective ways to restore your levels — and at Chroma Hair & Beauty in Brixton, we offer intramuscular B12 vitamin top-ups as part of our aesthetics and beauty services.
Here’s everything you need to know about B12 injections, what they do, and whether they could be right for you.
What Is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body needs but cannot produce on its own. It plays a critical role in several key functions:
- Producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body
- Supporting the healthy function of the nervous system
- Converting food into energy your cells can use
- Supporting DNA synthesis and cell production
- Maintaining healthy hair follicles and skin
Because B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products — meat, fish, eggs, and dairy — vegetarians, vegans, and those with certain digestive conditions are particularly prone to deficiency. However, B12 deficiency is more common than many people realise, even among those who eat a varied diet.
What Are the Symptoms of B12 Deficiency?
B12 deficiency can develop gradually and is often mistaken for general tiredness or stress. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue and low energy — even after a full night’s sleep
- Brain fog — difficulty concentrating, poor memory, or feeling mentally sluggish
- Mood changes — low mood, irritability, or feelings of anxiety
- Hair thinning or loss — B12 deficiency can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding
- Pale or yellowed skin — a result of reduced red blood cell production
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Shortness of breath — caused by reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood
If you recognise several of these symptoms, it’s worth speaking to your GP and getting your B12 levels tested. Injections are particularly beneficial for those with confirmed or suspected deficiency.
What Are the Benefits of B12 Injections?
Unlike oral B12 supplements, which have to pass through the digestive system before being absorbed, intramuscular injections deliver B12 directly into the muscle — bypassing the gut entirely. This means the nutrient is absorbed far more efficiently, making injections significantly more effective than tablets or capsules, particularly for those with absorption issues.
Increased energy levels — This is the most commonly reported benefit. Many clients notice a meaningful improvement in their energy and stamina within days of their first injection, often describing it as feeling more alert and less reliant on caffeine.
Improved mental clarity — B12 is essential for healthy nerve function. Restoring adequate levels can help lift brain fog, improve concentration, and support a more stable mood.
Support for hair health — B12 plays a direct role in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. When B12 is deficient, follicles can become starved of the nourishment they need, leading to hair thinning and increased shedding. Restoring B12 levels supports the hair growth cycle and can help reduce this type of hair loss over time.
Skin and nail health — Adequate B12 supports healthy cell production, which can contribute to improved skin tone and stronger nails.
Nervous system support — B12 is essential for the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibres. Low levels over time can cause neurological symptoms, so maintaining healthy B12 is important for long-term nerve health.
How Long Does a B12 Injection Take?
The treatment itself is very quick. At Chroma Hair & Beauty, our B12 vitamin top-up takes around 20 minutes, making it an easy addition to your regular beauty or hair appointment.
The injection is administered intramuscularly — typically into the upper arm — by a trained practitioner. Most clients find the experience straightforward and minimally uncomfortable.
How Often Should You Have B12 Injections?
This depends on your individual needs and B12 levels. For general wellbeing and energy support, many clients opt for a top-up every 4 to 8 weeks. For those with confirmed deficiency, a more frequent initial course may be recommended.
At Chroma Hair & Beauty we offer both single sessions and a course of 5 injections at a reduced rate, making it easy to commit to a regular maintenance programme.
B12 Injections Pricing at Chroma Hair & Beauty
| Treatment | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| B12 Vitamin Top-Up | 20 minutes | £25 |
| B12 Vitamin Course of 5 | 20 minutes per session | £100 |
We also offer B5, B7 (Biotin), and Vitamin C intramuscular injections. Biotin (B7) is particularly popular for clients focused on hair and nail health.
View our full aesthetics pricing →
B12 Injections vs Oral Supplements: What’s the Difference?
Many people try B12 supplements before considering injections, but there’s a significant difference in how effectively your body absorbs each form.
Oral supplements rely on a protein called intrinsic factor, produced in the stomach, to be absorbed through the gut wall. Many people — particularly those with digestive conditions, older adults, or those who have taken long-term medication such as metformin or proton pump inhibitors — produce insufficient intrinsic factor, meaning oral B12 passes through the body largely unused.
Intramuscular injections bypass this process entirely, delivering B12 directly to the bloodstream with near-complete absorption. For anyone who has tried oral supplements without noticing an improvement, injections are the logical next step.
Who Are B12 Injections Suitable For?
B12 injections are suitable for most healthy adults. They are particularly beneficial for:
- Vegans and vegetarians who don’t get B12 from dietary sources
- Those experiencing fatigue, low energy, or brain fog
- Clients noticing hair thinning or increased hair loss
- Older adults, whose ability to absorb B12 naturally declines with age
- Those with digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease
- Anyone who has been told their B12 levels are low by their GP
If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication, we recommend consulting your GP before booking.
Book Your B12 Injection in Brixton
Our aesthetics treatments are available alongside our full hair and beauty menu at Chroma Hair & Beauty on Acre Lane, Brixton. Whether you’re coming in for a cut, a colour, or a beauty treatment, you can easily add a B12 top-up to your visit.
124 Acre Lane, London, SW2 5RJ
Phone: 020 7274 5486