While biotin is added to some shampoos that claim to reduce hair loss, there is no evidence that this works. Consuming foods rich in healthy vitamins and minerals will help with overall hair health. The best natural sources of biotin are meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables.
In short, no. While biotin has proven benefits for hair growth in people with biotin deficiencies, it doesn't have any effect on male pattern baldness. MPB is hormonal and genetic, and biotin, as a vitamin, simply isn't involved in the male balding process.
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.
If no home remedies work for your hair loss, use a daily biotin supplement for at least 6 months to start seeing results.
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.
In terms of your hair and scalp, taking too much biotin won't result in drastic damage. But while your magnificent mane might not be in danger, biotin could have adverse effects on your skin. “What I see most often is breakouts on the face, chest, and back,” Breana cautions.
If you are experiencing thinning or balding, our Bosley experts recommend washing no more than three times a week.
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.
According to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, it takes around 90 days to start seeing results on biotin, if you see any at all (more on that later). Trying biotin for hair growth means a commitment of at least three months.
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.
Taking Biotin For Hair Health
This B vitamin (it's also known as vitamin B7) can help strengthen the development of hair follicles, particularly if the hair is damaged or lacking strength.
Thankfully, technology has advanced so that you can actually grow your own hair back with a minimally-invasive, more heavy-duty treatment. With a follicular unit extraction (FUE) treatment, surgeons can transplant viable hair follicles and implant them in bald spots.
Most of the vitamins listed on a daily hair vitamin bottle can promote hair growth, but few are proven to actually stop hair loss. The NIH says biotin and raspberry ketone are often-recommended supplements for androgenetic alopecia, but it notes that there is little research on the use of these treatments.
Fine or thin hair: "Fine hair will need to be shampooed as often as every other day to provide it with the moisture it needs to flourish and grow," Courtney says. Cleansing also helps remove buildup and oils that can weigh fine or thin hair down.
Fine hair can easily get weighed down by oil and product buildup—so it requires washing a bit more often. “The goal is to keep it clean so it can maintain volume but to also nourish the scalp with a volumizing conditioner that won't weigh hair down," Cucinello says.
While this question truly depends on the nature of your hair and varies from every person, if you have thinning hair, try to wash your hair between 3-4 times a week if necessary; washing thinning hair just 3 to 4 times per week means doing so just about every other day.
Laboratory tests: Taking biotin supplements might interfere with the results of many different blood lab tests. Biotin can cause falsely high or falsely low test results. This might lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. Tell your doctor if you are taking biotin supplements, especially if you are having lab tests done.
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. What should I do if I missed a dose of Biotin (Hair, Skin & Nails)? Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
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.