Sunday, May 5, 2024

Does Biotin Help With Hair Growth or Loss? A Dermatologist Answers

biotin for women's hair loss

No strong evidence supports using biotin supplements or biotin-added hair products to promote hair growth in non-deficient people. Biotin is often linked with beauty because it is vital for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Moreover, having biotin-rich foods helps to reduce hair loss and promotes strong hair growth, according to a study published in the Research Gate Journal. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps produce the protein keratin, which is essential for healthy hair, nails, and skin. While there is limited research on the effect biotin has on hair growth, people with a biotin deficiency may see healthier hair if they start supplementing. Between 1999 and 2016, the proportion of supplement users increased by nearly thirtyfold.

vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Biotin supplements are available in most drug stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. Biotin supplements can be found in various oral (by mouth) forms, including liquid, tablet, gummy, and capsule forms. The body can absorb 100% of biotin taken by mouth, even at high doses, unless absorption issues are present, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Colaco says the one exception is the very few people with an actual biotin deficiency. "Studies have shown that people who fall into this category respond well to supplementation," she says.

Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency

Through regular use, biotin-infused hair care products can strengthen your hair strands, improve overall hair health, and provide the necessary nourishment to combat hair loss. For women of all hair types who are seeking to stimulate hair growth, it is crucial to understand the role of biotin and its various forms as a hair loss treatment. Several supplement brands claim that increased biotin intake can encourage hair growth and help with hair thinning. But if you look at the research, the evidence supporting this link is limited. “There’s no proven evidence to suggest that supplementing biotin alone promotes hair growth,” says Belle Cannan, co-founder of Salon Sloane and ambassador for Hair Rituals by Sisley.

Biotin Benefits: What the Experts Have to Say

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Antiepileptics are commonly used to treat seizure disorders, nerve pain, and bipolar disorder. Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, commonly used to treat acne, psoriasis, and other dermatological conditions (11).

If you take any of these, talk to your doctor or a dietitian to ensure you’re getting enough biotin, either through your diet, with a supplement, or a combination. It’s also worth noting that some antiepileptic drugs — like carbamazepine, primidone, phenytoin, and phenobarbital — can lower biotin levels. People in the United States generally meet or exceed the daily recommendation for biotin. Animal-based foods like eggs, meat, and fish tend to be the best source, but some seeds, nuts, and vegetables also contain it.

Doctors often prescribe oral medications to be used along with topical minoxidil because studies show the combination boosts hair production. Low-dose oral minoxidil (prescribed off-label) has been found to be effective and safe for most patients, Mirmirani says. Other oft-used drugs include finasteride (Propecia) and spironolactone.

biotin for women's hair loss

certain medications

16 Best Hair Growth Shampoos, Tested & Reviewed by Experts 2024 - ELLE

16 Best Hair Growth Shampoos, Tested & Reviewed by Experts 2024.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Shop these top picks to help your dreams of stronger, fuller hair come true. When she’s not laughing at her own jokes, or buying overpriced chia pudding, she can be found reading fiction novels, catching a spin class, doomscrolling through TikTok, or waiting for her delayed Spirit flight to board. Users love that it’s free of sulfates, parabens, and other artificial ingredients. In addition to being gluten-free, cruelty-free, and color safe, this thickening shampoo is also free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, and petrolatum.

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Biotin Supplements of 2024

The medication stimulates hair growth by quieting part of the immune system. Incorporating gentle, hydrating products into your hair care routine can also help strengthen your strands and improve texture. In other words, all natural hair-loss supplements are not created equal, no matter what buzz you hear about a star ingredient. It’s important to address cortisol levels that contribute to stress-related hair loss, as well as any underlying inflammation that can weaken hair follicles. "Anecdotally, I've had a few patients report that taking biotin caused an acne flare," says Colaco.

biotin for women's hair loss

Unlike some shampoos, some reviewers say they noticed results in just one wash. It’s believed that biotin can help improve hair growth, give fine hair a boost in volume, and even help reduce hair loss and thinning. There is no evidence that most people need to take biotin supplements, and there have been no reports of a severe biotin deficiency in any healthy person consuming a balanced diet. In all cases, patients receiving biotin supplementation had an underlying pathology for poor hair or nail growth.

Otherwise, if there is any improvement, the visible results would be subtle at best. Further research is needed to support the use of biotin supplements for this purpose in healthy individuals. Folic acid supplementation is recommended both the year before and during pregnancy.

Endowed Professor of Dermatology and the vice chair for diversity, equity, and inclusion for the department of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Her specialties include hair loss, cosmetic dermatology, hyperpigmentation, and skin of color. You can enhance your hair, skin and nail health even without a supplement. A balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables and protein is important for all three. Biotin deficiencies are rare, so research into their symptoms is limited.

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