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.
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.
After starting a biotin supplement routine, you can expect to start seeing a difference in about three to four months. Results may vary depending on the amount and type of biotin you're taking. You can find biotin at most drug stores and in any vitamin shop.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth.
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.
The best time to take biotin is in the morning, with a full glass of water. Biotin is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after your last meal. You should aim to take biotin at the same time each day to stay on track.
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.
What is the best biotin dosage for hair growth? The OZiva Plant-Based Biotin 10000 is the best biotin tablet for hair growth.
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.
“We find biotin to be very helpful for hair disorders,” says dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld, MD. “It also makes nails thicker, and oral biotin is exceedingly safe, even in large doses.” It's primarily used for alopecia, the medical word for hair loss in men or women.
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.
Currently, there's no FDA recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for biotin, meaning there's no widely accepted recommended daily dose. The National Institutes of Health recommends a biotin dose of 20 to 30 micrograms (mcg) per day for teenagers and adults to prevent biotin deficiency.
Research shows that a deficiency in B-complex vitamins, including biotin, can cause sleep and anxiety problems. By increasing your intake of biotin, anxiety and sleep issues can be reduced because biotin aids a number of functions within the body to promote overall health and well being.
You may experience faster hair growth, greater energy and enhanced mental focus. Since 5,000 micrograms is a high dose, check with your doctor before taking this supplement. Cleveland Clinic: Is Biotin as Good as Advertised for Your Hair Loss?
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 confirm biotin has any effect on weight.
After you stop using biotin, your nails will likely return to their original condition within 6 to 9 months. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Biotin might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking biotin along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of some medications.
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.
How quickly biotin is cleared from your body depends on factors such as the amount taken (dose) and the health of your kidneys—biotin is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. The level of biotin in the blood is highest about 1 to 3 hours after taking a dose.
Research also shows that biotin helps improve skin's hydration, smoothness, and appearance. In addition, some studies show that biotin can strengthen fingernails and make them grow faster. Biotin is a versatile addition to your beauty routine.
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is approved by the FDA for female pattern hair loss. It can slow or stop it in most women and may help hair grow back. But the benefits go away when you stop using it. Corticosteroids can help regrow hair for women with alopecia areata.