does biotin help hair growth
By Tamim Hamid Last Updated on 11/17/2024

How Does Biotin Work for Hair Loss Prevention & Help Hair Growth?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in the health of our hair, skin, and nails. It is commonly included in many hair care products and supplements due to its supposed benefits for hair growth and reducing hair loss. People often turn to biotin supplementation to address hair loss concerns and promote healthier, stronger hair.

Hair loss can occur due to various factors such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or genetics. Biotin is believed to support hair growth by improving the keratin infrastructure, which is the protein that makes up our hair. This essential vitamin helps to strengthen the hair follicles and nourish the scalp, creating a pleasing environment for healthy hair growth.

But does biotin actually help to prevent hair loss? Let's explore the mechanisms behind its effectiveness in the following sections of this blog.

Is Biotin Beneficial for Hair Growth?

Biotin is a B vitamin–although, funnily enough, it is known as vitamin H. It is crucial for cell growth and cell energy production. This is why many believe biotin helps hair growth. However, it’s important to note that there is no clinical data showing that biotin can stop hair loss or regrow hair. While biotin may contribute to a healthy scalp, buying supplements solely because they contain biotin may be more of a marketing tactic than science.

Unfortunately, many of the "fancier" products on the market combine biotin with a long list of useless ingredients and charge an arm and a leg. (Stay away from these!)

Does Biotin Prevent Hair Loss and Increase Hair Growth?

Biotin deficiency is a rare condition that typically occurs in individuals with specific medical conditions. It also occurs in individuals who have undergone certain medical procedures that interfere with biotin absorption.

There is little evidence to support that biotin either increases hair growth or prevents hair loss. Biotin supplements effectiveness also varies from person to person. Some may notice improvements, while others may not notice any significant changes.

How Much Biotin Should I Take for Hair Loss Prevention?

Biotin (Vitamin B7) daily intake can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and specific health conditions. The daily recommended biotin intake for hair loss treatment should be 30 micrograms (mcg) for adults if you want to make sure that you are getting an adequate amount of biotin.

Many foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, and meat naturally contain Biotin. So, most people obtain sufficient biotin through their regular diet. That's why biotin supplements for hair growth are typically unnecessary for individuals with a balanced diet.

What Types of Biotin Are There?

Biotin is already available in different foods that you consume every day. Also, it is available in various forms, primarily as dietary supplements. Depending on individual preferences and needs, these supplements come in different types and formulations. Here are some ways you can get biotin for hair growth:

Biotin-Rich Foods

There are varieties of foods both plant-based and animal-based that contain biotin. Consuming these kinds of foods is the best way to get biotin in your body and maintain healthy biotin levels. Here are some biotin-rich foods:

  • Eggs
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Legumes
  • Beef
  • Salmon
  • Pork Chop
  • Almonds
  • Broccoli
  • Whole Grains
  • Mushrooms

Biotin Capsules or Pills

These are traditional biotin supplements in the form of gelatin or vegetarian capsules, tablets, or soft gels. They contain biotin powder or liquid, along with other inactive ingredients, to form the dosage form.

Biotin Gummies

Biotin gummies are a popular choice for those individuals who dislike swallowing pills. They are typically fruit-flavored and contain biotin in a chewable, gummy form.

Who May be at Risk for a Biotin Deficiency?

Biotin deficiency is relatively rare. It is widely available in various foods we consume every day, and the body requires only small amounts of it. However, there are certain factors or conditions that can increase the risk of biotin deficiency. These include:

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, women may have an increased need for biotin. Some cases of biotin deficiency can also be seen during pregnancy, which are considered very rare. That's why biotin deficiency is also the one reason for hair loss in pregnant women.

Breastfeeding: Post-partum, breastfeeding mothers can go through biotin deficiency especially if their diet lacks biotin rich foods.

Malnutrition: A weight loss diet, which is extremely limited in variety or severe malnutrition can lead to biotin deficiency over time.

Aging: There are some studies that suggest biotin absorption decreases with age. So, older people have a higher risk of biotin deficiency.

Side Effects of Taking Biotin

Biotin is often consumed as it is marketed for potential benefits for hair health, skin, and nails. However, excessive intake of biotin supplements can lead to side effects. This is true for all kind of supplements. Here are some potential side effects of biotin supplements:

Skin Rash: You might develop a skin rash or hives. It is quite rare but can occur in sensitive individuals.

Digestive Issues: In some cases, biotin supplementation might also cause mild GI disturbances, such as nausea, cramps, or diarrhea.

Interference with Lab tests: High doses of biotin supplements can also interfere with certain laboratory blood tests, leading to inaccurate results.

Use Biotin With Theradome for Optimal Hair Growth Results

As it turns out, dosing the base of your hair follicles with laser energy can work wonders. That’s right – we’re talking about the powers of laser hair growth therapy to help hair growth.

Laser hair growth therapy, as you might know, is a 100% natural solution to hair loss and is backed up by decades of clinical research that prove its efficacy to

1) minimize shedding,

2) promote new hair growth and

3) thicken the shaft of hair.

It’s pretty much a no-brainer to start combining a daily dose of biotin with weekly doses of laser energy, so anyone wishing to prevent or reverse hair loss shouldn’t hesitate to begin Theradome treatments in conjunction with taking biotin supplements.

Elevate your hair care routine and witness remarkable growth with Theradome's laser helmet. Don't miss out on the chance to enhance your locks and embrace a more confident you. Seize this opportunity—order now!

Conclusion

Bitoin is essential for cell growth and energy production, which is why it is believed to support hair growth. While there is limited evidence that biotin increases hair growth and prevents hair loss, biotin supplements can be beneficial for individuals with a deficiency, however the effectiveness may vary from person to person.

It is recommended to consume biotin-rich foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, and fish as part of a balanced diet. Furthermore, laser hair growth therapy, like Theradome, is a promising alternative approach to stop hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

FAQs

How long does it take for biotin to work?

It takes time for biotin for hair loss to work and produce noticeable effects. It also varies widely from person to person. It is consumed by people for its benefits to hair, skin and nails but it’s also important to understand that its effects may not be immediate.

To notice any visible results, it might take anywhere between 30 to 90 days.

Does biotin shampoo help healthy hair growth?

Topical biotin doesn’t promote hair growth, as any potential benefits only apply when biotin is ingested rather than washed away in the shower. Though, even then, evidence of its effectiveness remains limited.

What is the recommended dose of biotin for hair growth?

Biotin (Vitamin B7) daily intake can vary depending on your age, sex, and specific health conditions. But if you really want to make sure that you are getting an adequate amount then, the daily recommended biotin intake is 30 micrograms (mcg) for adults.

How fast does biotin grow hair?

It might take two to three months or longer for some individuals. However, if someone already has sufficient biotin levels, taking extra may not necessarily support healthy hair growth.

What are the side effects of taking biotin?

Taking biotin supplements can sometimes lead to side effects. These can include skin rashes, mild digestive issues like nausea or diarrhea, and interference with certain lab tests, which leads to inaccurate results.

Tamim Hamid

Tamim Hamid

Inventor and CEO of Theradome

Sayyid Tamim Hamid, Ph.D, is the inventor of the world’s first FDA-cleared, wearable phototherapy device to prevent hair loss and thicken and regrow hair. Tamim, a former biomedical engineer at NASA and the inventor of Theradome, brings with him more than 38 years of expertise in product development, laser technology, and biomedical science. Tamim used his laser knowledge, fine-tuned at NASA, and combined it with his driving passion for helping others pursue a lifelong mission in hair loss and restoration. He is now one of the world’s leading experts.