Anti-ageing has traditionally focused on the skin, with sunscreen, retinoids, injectables, lasers and other cosmetic treatments used to address visible signs of ageing. Now, the conversation is moving towards treatments that claim to influence ageing from inside the body.

NAD+ drips and peptide therapies have become part of the growing longevity and biohacking market, with clinics promoting them for energy, recovery, metabolism and healthy ageing. Celebrity and influencer interest has also brought these treatments to a wider audience.

The science, however, is more complicated than the marketing.

Why NAD+ Is Getting Attention

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Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is a coenzyme found throughout the body. It plays a role in energy production, cellular signalling and DNA repair. NAD+ availability appears to change with age, prompting researchers to investigate whether increasing it could influence some processes associated with ageing.

One of the more visible treatments is intravenous NAD+, delivered through a drip. Wellness clinics promote NAD+ infusions for concerns including fatigue, recovery, cognitive function and longevity.

But understanding what NAD+ does biologically is different from proving that an infusion slows ageing.

A 2026 systematic review in Ageing Research Reviews found evidence that oral NAD+ precursors, including nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide, can increase NAD-related biomarkers. However, evidence that these changes consistently translate into meaningful improvements in health remains limited.

The distinction is important because changing a biological marker does not automatically mean fewer wrinkles, better memory, improved physical performance or a longer lifespan.

There is also a difference between oral NAD+ precursors and intravenous NAD+. A 2026 study of commercially administered IV NAD+ reported short-term findings, including tolerability and exploratory metabolic outcomes, but this does not establish that NAD+ infusions slow human ageing.

Where Peptides Fit In

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Peptides are short chains of amino acids that perform different functions in the body. Some peptide-based medicines have established medical uses, while others are still being investigated.

At the same time, peptides are increasingly marketed through longevity clinics and online communities for claims involving muscle recovery, fat loss, sleep, skin health and other aspects of ageing.

This makes the word “peptide” particularly easy to misunderstand. An approved peptide medicine and an experimental compound marketed online for longevity do not have the same evidence, regulation or safety profile.

Peptides are also common in topical skincare, where certain formulations are marketed to improve the appearance of firmness and fine lines. Applying a peptide serum to the skin, however, is very different from injecting a peptide into the body. The route of administration affects the dose, potential risks and biological effects.

What Does Biohacking Really Offer?

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Longevity research is investigating processes including cellular energy production, DNA repair, inflammation, mitochondrial function and metabolic health. NAD+ is part of this research because of its role in several cellular processes.

But promising biological research does not automatically produce a proven treatment.

For consumers considering a longevity therapy, the important questions are what has actually been tested, in whom, at what dose, by which route and for what outcome.

Cost is another consideration. Repeated infusions or injectable treatments can become expensive, particularly when they are offered as ongoing wellness programmes.

There are also safety questions. IV treatment is an invasive procedure, while injectable peptides may carry risks related to the compound, dosing, contamination or product quality. These concerns are particularly relevant when substances are obtained through poorly regulated online sources.

Conclusion

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Some of the best-supported approaches to healthy ageing remain conventional: regular exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and managing cardiovascular risk.

That does not mean NAD+ or peptide research should be dismissed. Some treatments may eventually prove useful for specific aspects of ageing or age-related disease.

For now, though, the evidence does not support treating NAD+ drips or experimental peptide injections as established anti-ageing therapies.

The next step is better human research showing whether changing these biological pathways produces meaningful improvements in health and function over time. Until then, biohacking remains an emerging area of longevity research, not a proven shortcut to slowing ageing.

Laetitia Ky has transformed natural hair into a unique art form. The artist uses her  hair to create sculptures exploring African identity, feminism and women’s experiences.

She was born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in 1996, and  grew up surrounded by women who braided their hair. Ky learnt braids from a young age before entering in fashion. After high school, she gradually returned to wearing her natural hair and began experimenting with different styles. 

Photo: Instagram/@laetitiaky

Ky’s work gained attention through social media al media, where she began sharing photographs of her sculptural hairstyles.  She has since turned her hair into objects, figures and other forms. 

Ky uses her natural hair together with extensions, thread and wire to create her sculptures. Depending on the design, a piece takes 30 minutes to six hours. She then captures the finished work using a camera and tripod. 

Photo: Instagram/@laetitiaky

Her inspiration is connected to African hair traditions. Ky has seen images of historical African hairstyles and was amazed by their complexity.

Read Also: Want Fuller, Thicker Hair? Peptides May Support Healthier Hair Growth

Moreover, her art talks about the complicated relationship many Black women have with their natural hair. Ky has described growing up in an environment where straight hair was a standard influenced by colonial ideas. She  eventually turned that experience into an exploration of natural hair, identity and self-acceptance.

Photo: Instagram/@laetitiaky

 Ky has used her hair to address subjects including sexism, violence against women, politics and problems affecting women and girls. 

 Ky has collaborated with Marc Jacobs, creating hair sculptures for promotional images featuring the brand’s products. 

Photo: Instagram/@laetitiaky

Ky works can be found in her book Love & Justice, which shows photographs of her hair sculptures. In one project, she worked with her younger sister Florencia, creating sculptural hairstyles that represented their close relationship and trust.

Have you noticed your hair feeling drier, rougher, or more prone to breakage as the weather gets colder? Winter has a way of removing moisture from your strands, leaving even the healthiest hair looking dull. The good news is that the right products can help restore hydration, improve texture, and keep your hair looking its best. From nourishing leave-in conditioners to lightweight oils, here are the hair care products worth adding to your routine this season.

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Photo: Allure store

This hair product contains Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter, and peppermint oil. This product makes it difficult for your hair to snap during brushing. If you have coily hair, this is an effective solution during winter. It is available from selected beauty retailers for around R280, depending on size and location. 

Moroccanoil Treatment

Photo: Allure Store

Moroccanoil Treatment contains nutrients that help nourish the hair. The oil protects hair from dryness caused by cold weather. It reduces split ends and makes your hair look better. A bottle lasts for several months. A bottle costs around R900 per bottle. 

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Cream

Photo: Allure Store

Cantu’s Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream  contains shea butter with natural oils. This cream provides deep moisture for your hair. It stops hair breakage and prevents frizz. Cantu is a better alternative to silicone and drying alcohols. Available at Amazon stores for R134. 

Read Also: 5 Best Budget Makeup Brands to Shop in South Africa

OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner

Photo: Amazon

A moisturising hair product like this is recommended because some shampoos can remove natural oils from the scalp. The OGX Argan Oil of Morocco replaces lost moisture.

It leaves your hair easier to style. It helps reduce frizz and protect the hair from becoming dry after washing. Using both the shampoo and conditioner together gives the best results. You can get them for around R230 at most beauty stores.

Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Recipes Don’t Shrink Curling Gel

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This flaxseed gel locks hair moisture due to its richness in omega 3 fatty acids. It does not leave hair feeling flaky. This product keeps hair hydrated throughout the day. It does not have sulphate or parabens which could damage your hair. It costs about R200 in many stores. 

Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Photo: Allure Store

With Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Oil, your hair is properly taken care of during winter. Massaging a few drops into the scalp reduced itching common during winter. It can be applied to the ends of the hair to reduce dryness and improve softness. It cost around R300. 

To prevent hair dryness, choose the right hair care products. Don’t consider the price alone, check for the product that suits your hair. Proper use guarantees a healthy hair all season.