Biotin for Hair: Benefits, Results & Best Sources for Faster Growth

What Exactly Is Biotin (Vitamin B7)?

Biotin [1] or vitamin B7 is a member of the B vitamin family that is known for keeping your hair and nails healthy and strong. This B-complex vitamin does much more for your body than just support your hair and nail health. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps metabolise your food (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) by breaking them down and converting them into energy. It supports the normal functioning of your body, including your nervous system. Even your skin needs biotin to maintain its health, enhance radiance and hydration. Let us learn if it is good for your hair.

Is Biotin Good For Hair?

Yes. Biotin plays a crucial role in your hair growth and health. This vitamin promotes the production of keratin, a protein that helps maintain the structure of your hair, nails and skin. It also helps in cell regeneration, which ensures the hair follicles on your scalp receive adequate nourishment they need to support healthy hair growth. Any deficiency in biotin will make your hair brittle and dry, and cause increased hair shedding and hair thinning. To understand more about how biotin is good for hair, let us look into the biotin benefits for hair in the section below.

What Are The Benefits Of Biotin For Hair?

The benefits of biotin for hair growth are aplenty. Here is a breakdown of all the benefits:

• Boosts Hair Growth:

Biotin plays a vital role in the production of keratin, a protein that supports hair growth.

• Strengthens Hair Follicles:

Biotin supports the metabolism of protein and fatty acids, which helps maintain the structural integrity of hair follicles.

• Improves Hair Thickness:

According to some small studies, vitamin supplementation, including biotin, has increased hair thickness in people with thinning hair. However, there is no conclusive proof that biotin alone has contributed to it.

• Reduces Hair Fall:

In some cases of biotin deficiency, biotin supplementation has been shown to reduce hair shedding. However, biotin alone does not reduce hair fall caused by other factors.

• Enhances Hair Shine and Texture:

When biotin is present in adequate levels, it supports keratin and lipid metabolism. This further improves the quality and texture of your hair.

• Supports Scalp Health:

When your body has sufficient biotin, it may help maintain a healthier scalp environment.

• Repairs Brittle Hair:

Biotin supplementation has been shown to improve hair strength and reduce brittleness in individuals with brittle hair linked to biotin deficiency.

The Evidence: What Do Scientific Studies Really Say?

Although biotin has gained popularity for healthy hair growth, there are only anecdotal claims and no proper scientific evidence on the efficacy [2] of biotin. According to some older studies [3], there was a relationship between alopecia and biotin deficiency. However, there is no concrete proof, and it needs further analysis [4].

How To Get Biotin?

Biotin is easily and naturally found in many foods [5]. These natural sources of biotin for hair are a feasible option to incorporate into your regular diet. Here is a rundown of the biotin-rich foods for hair growth that you can try You may also take biotin supplements, available at most pharmacies and drug stores in liquid, tablet, gummy, and capsule forms.

• Egg yolks
• Nuts and seeds
• Avocados
• Salmon
• Sweet Potatoes
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Whole grains
• Dairy products

What Are The Potential Side Effects And Safety Risks Of Taking Biotin?

Biotin is relatively safe because it is water-soluble and has no toxic side effects. However, biotin overdose may lead to the following:

• Insomnia
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Hinder the results of lab tests like thyroid and vitamin D levels, and cardiac tests.

Do Biotin Shampoos, Conditioners, And Serums Work?

Using biotin-related hair care products can only benefit individuals with a biotin deficiency. These products can help thicken and strengthen your hair strands, improve hair health, boost hair shine, reduce hair shedding caused by breakage, and support scalp health. However, they cannot significantly stimulate new hair growth. Moreover, several factors cause hair loss, not just biotin deficiency. That said, biotin-related products do not treat all types of hair loss. You need a holistic approach to address your hair loss concerns and ensure overall hair health. This includes advanced hair loss treatments, a proper haircare regimen and lifestyle changes. Check out the dermatologist-recommended hair-loss treatments in the section below.

What Are Some Professional Treatments Beyond Biotin For Hair Loss?

Depending upon the underlying cause and severity of hair loss, and your scalp and hair health, dermatologists at Oliva may recommend the following treatments. They curate a customised plan that can be a combination of these treatments or a standalone.

• PRP Hair Treatment:

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is an advanced hair loss treatment for various types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. Your dermatologist may recommend this treatment if you have any of these concerns. At Oliva, we offer this clinically backed hair regrowth treatment using US FDA-approved centrifuge technology. As a part of this procedure, our doctors will draw your blood sample and separate concentrated plasma from the red blood cells. They will activate the growth factors in this extracted platelet-rich plasma and inject it directly into the hair loss-affected areas of your scalp. The growth factors in the PRP stimulate the dormant hair follicles and promote natural hair regrowth.

• QR678 Treatment:

Dermatologists may recommend QR678 hair loss treatment if you are experiencing hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disorders, or postpartum. In this non-surgical procedure, your dermatologist will inject a biomimetic peptide solution directly into the affected areas of your scalp. This solution contains growth factors that activate dormant hair follicles and promote natural hair growth by prolonging the hair growth cycle.

• Hair Threads Treatment:

You may be recommended a hair threads treatment if you are experiencing hair loss at the early to moderate stages. In this non-surgical hair loss solution, your dermatologist will insert bio-absorbable PDO threads into your scalp. These threads stimulate epidermal growth factors in your scalp, improve blood circulation, strengthen weaker hair follicles and promote natural hair growth.

• Hair Transplant:

You may need a hair transplant procedure if you are experiencing male or female pattern baldness or hair thinning. In this safe and effective procedure, the hair transplant surgeon will extract healthy hair follicles from the donor area. They will transplant them in the recipient area affected by hair thinning and baldness. After a few months, these implanted hair follicles start producing new hair, giving you natural-looking results.

• Topical/Oral Medications:

Your dermatologist may recommend topical treatments or oral medications as treatment options for your hair loss.

Takeaway

In recent years, biotin has gained popularity for its ability to promote hair growth, strengthen nails, and improve overall skin health. While it is true that you need biotin for your hair growth, this B-complex vitamin benefits only those with insufficient biotin that has caused them hair loss. Several factors contribute to hair loss, and biotin alone cannot treat the condition. You need advanced treatments that address the root cause, promote natural hair regrowth and deliver long-lasting results. Our dermatologists at Oliva are specialised in offering customised hair loss treatment plans tailored to every individual’s hair and scalp needs. For a personalised consultation with our specialists, schedule an appointment today.