The bottom line. There's no strong evidence to support using biotin for hair growth or to prevent hair loss in people without a deficiency. Because hair thinning and poor hair growth are sometimes associated with a biotin deficiency, correcting a deficiency can help restore hair growth in some people.
It takes months to see results on biotin. According to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (source), biotin takes around 90 days to begin to work. Contrary to some of the claims you may have heard, biotin is not an overnight remedy that will magically give you 5 inches of hair growth in 24 hours.
You've probably seen biotin on the ingredient lists of prenatal vitamins or hair growth supplements. This B vitamin (it's also known as vitamin B7) can help strengthen the development of hair follicles, particularly if hair is damaged or lacking strength.
“While, in the past, there was belief biotin supplements were needed to grow strong and healthy hair, there is actually little evidence that it makes much of a difference,” Dr. Bhanusali says. “Most dermatologists tend to agree—while it likely doesn't hurt, taking biotin may not make much of a difference in your hair.”
Recommended dosage
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a daily recommended dietary allowance for biotin. However, according to estimates, an intake of 30 micrograms (mcg) may be adequate. The average intake of biotin in Western countries, excluding the United States, is an estimated 35–70 mcg per day.
Biotin supplements can cause problems if you take too much. Side effects can include skin rashes, digestive upset, problems with insulin release, and kidney problems. As with any supplement, the safety of long-term or high-dose use isn't known.
Strengthens and thickens: Biotin "is well known for its positive effects on hair including growing stronger thicker strands," says Friese. Protects: Because biotin strengthens hair, it is less likely to break off at the ends, promoting and protecting length, explains Friese.
While data on beard growth in particular is limited, several studies suggest that biotin supplements can improve hair thickness in people with conditions affecting hair growth, such as alopecia, though beard hair is not specifically mentioned ( 1 , 5 ).
“However, there is minimal scientific evidence that biotin alone has a dramatic effect on hair growth or health, and I would not recommend it as a solo treatment because the key to treating hair loss is a holistic approach.”
Unusually dry hair is one of the precursors to damage and breakage. It's also caused by a variety of factors, including dry weather, low humidity, and too much heat. Be sure you use warm and not hot water when you wash your hair — the latter leads to further drying.
Share on Pinterest Common causes of hair breakage can include styling and over-brushing. Products that people use for coloring, perming, or relaxing the hair contain chemicals that can weaken the hair and make it more likely to break. Even some shampoos can cause the hair to break, become brittle, or turn frizzy.
Both biotin and folic acid are known to help hair grow, but they can also keep split ends to a minimum. Bustle says a combo of folic acid and biotin has the power to stimulate hair growth and strengthen your mane. If your hair is stronger, it's less likely to break or develop split ends.
No side effects have been reported for biotin in amounts up to 10 milligrams a day. However, check with your health care professional if you notice any unusual effects while you are taking it.
Mayo Clinic states that 10,000 mcg is a safe dose, as no adverse side effects have been noted to date. Reassuringly, even “mega doses” of 300,000 mcg found no side effects in neurological research.
1) Can biotin make my body hair grow out too? A. A common misconception about biotin, or any hair growth supplement, is that they can make your body hair grow out as well. This is not true since the hair follicles on your body do not follow the same rules as your scalp.
I'll take biotin capsules every day and I can start seeing a difference in as little as two weeks and the longer I take them the stronger and healthier my nails get.
Here's what you need to know about the impact hair-growth vitamins have on your entire body. Drum roll please.... Yes, they could. "Just like a skin supplement wouldn't just target your face, hair-growth supplements are going to affect all hair follicles, whether on your head, face, or legs," Crysler says.
Believe it or not, but water makes up almost 25% of the weight of a single strand of hair. Drinking at least two liters of water a day will help the strength of your hair, increasing growth. Dehydration immediately halts hair growth. As previously stated, our hair needs moisture (preferably soft water for your hair).
The bottom line. There's no strong evidence to support using biotin for hair growth or to prevent hair loss in people without a deficiency. Because hair thinning and poor hair growth are sometimes associated with a biotin deficiency, correcting a deficiency can help restore hair growth in some people.
Absolutely not, even though biotin supports hair growth, stopping the treatment cannot in any way speed up or trigger hair loss in any way.