For hair growth, we recommend opting for a biotin supplement that contains anywhere from 300 mcg to 1,000 mcg. You will begin to see results after 4-8 weeks, or long-term results after a few months. Biotin has been shown to also increase nail and eyelash growth, and can aid as an eczema treatment as well.
How fast does biotin work for hair growth? Research pertaining to how quickly vitamins work in the body is limited, however, we have found that some begin to see and experience benefits approximately 30 days after you start taking biotin. It may take up to 90 days or longer for some individuals.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth.
Most of the websites touting biotin for hair growth recommend taking 2-5 milligrams (2,000-5,000 mcg) of biotin in supplement form each day, and many supplements are sold under the name Biotin 5000, indicating a 5000 mcg (5 mg) size.
During the first couple of months of taking biotin, you may not notice any difference in your hair. It may grow at the same rate as it did before you started the vitamin. But, for many people, it begins to work around the third or fourth month, and that's when the results get encouraging.
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.
Regular intake of excessive quantities of certain nutrients can cause hair loss in some cases due to a temporary condition known as Telogen Effluvium. However, the effects of too much vitamin B7 - also known as biotin toxicity - remain unconfirmed.
When taken by mouth: Biotin is likely safe for most people when taken in doses up to 300 mg daily for up to 6 months. But it is more commonly used in lower doses of 2.5 mg daily. When applied to the skin: Biotin is likely safe for most people when applied in cosmetic products that contain up to 0.6% biotin.
But for strengthening hair, a minimum dose of at least 2000 mcg is often advised. To encourage faster hair and nail growth, some supplements are available with 10,000 mcg biotin. Mayo Clinic states that 10,000 mcg is a safe dose, as no adverse side effects have been noted to date.
Although the evidence to support biotin alone for hair growth is weak and limited, the evidence is slightly stronger for preventing hair loss. Still, biotin supplements are only likely to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth in people with a biotin deficiency.
Does biotin cause weight gain? No, there is no evidence to suggest taking biotin supplements can lead to weight gain. In fact, biotin is sometimes touted as a weight-loss supplement. However, there is no research to support this use.
But biotin has been shown to help with preventing balding and hair loss. In fact, biotin is primarily used for alopecia — a condition that causes hair loss in all sexes. “Biotin helps maintain hair growth and helps with inflammation,” Dr. Bergfeld says.
Adults and teenagers—30 to 100 micrograms (mcg) per day. Children 7 to 10 years of age—30 mcg per day. Children 4 to 6 years of age—25 mcg per day. Children birth to 3 years of age—10 to 20 mcg per day.
The normal recommended biotin dosage for adults is 30 to 100 micrograms (mcg) per day. But there's no evidence of high levels of biotin being harmful or causing toxicity, which is why you'll commonly see biotin supplements containing 5,000 to 10,000 mcg.
Proponents of biotin often recommend 2-5 mg. (2,000 to 5,000 mcg.) to achieve desired results. It is important that consumers know exactly how much biotin they are taking and whether the supplement is a high-quality product.
Biotin is safe to take — even at high doses. But taking too much can sometimes cause side effects like stomach ache, trouble sleeping, and excessive thirst. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you've taken too much biotin. You can also contact Poison Control if you're having trouble reaching your provider.
“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.
The most commonly recommended time slot to consume biotin supplements is with your morning meal. The water-soluble nature of biotin will ensure that your body is absorbing it with the other nutrients in your meal.
If no home remedies work for your hair loss, use a daily biotin supplement for at least 6 months to start seeing results.
There's no evidence that biotin can cause weight gain or weight loss. The best way to get biotin is through your diet, by eating biotin-rich foods.
We'll cut straight to it: On average, hair grows at a rate of about half an inch per month, or six inches per year. Each hair on your head grows from an individual follicle.