In the world of hair care, biotin is a buzzword, often hailed as a miracle ingredient for achieving longer, thicker hair. From shampoos and serums to supplements and hair growth gummies, biotin seems to be everywhere, promising lush, full hair. But does it actually live up to the hype? To find out, we spoke with dermatologists who shared their professional insights into biotin’s real effects on hair growth.
What is Biotin?
“Biotin is part of the B complex group of vitamins,” explains Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas, Texas. Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, plays a crucial role in converting carbohydrates into glucose, providing energy for the body.
Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, an associate professor in dermatology at Yale University, notes that biotin is essential for skin, hair, and nail health. Its strengthening properties make it a popular ingredient in hair products, either as a supplement or a topical addition in products like shampoos.
Do Biotin Supplements Actually Help With Hair Growth?
For most people, taking biotin supplements is unlikely to impact hair growth, shares Dr. Joyce Davis, a dermatologist in New York City. She explains that if your diet already provides adequate biotin, your body simply won’t absorb any extra, as B vitamins in excess are naturally excreted in the urine. “So it’s not like you’ll get benefits from extra biotin,” she adds.
For adults, the recommended daily biotin intake is around 30 micrograms, which is typically attainable through a balanced diet. Biotin-rich foods include meats, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables like sweet potatoes, Dr. Houshmand points out.
Biotin deficiencies can lead to hair loss or thinning, and supplementation can be beneficial in such cases. However, these deficiencies are rare.
While there’s no known toxic level of biotin, Dr. Houshmand advises caution with high doses, as they can interfere with blood tests for thyroid and heart functions.
Does Biotin Shampoo Promote Hair Growth?
According to experts, using biotin shampoo or other topical biotin products isn’t likely to stimulate hair growth. If you do notice a difference, such as thicker or fuller-looking hair, it’s probably due to other ingredients in the shampoo rather than the biotin itself.
“There are different chemicals and conditioning agents in topical products that can coat the hair, making it appear thicker,” Dr. Davis explains. However, she notes that it’s unlikely biotin in shampoo can penetrate deep enough to influence hair follicles directly.
That said, Dr. Houshmand mentions one possible benefit: “Topical biotin can help with skin hydration on the scalp, which can be useful for those dealing with a dry scalp.” While it may improve scalp health, biotin in shampoos alone is unlikely to spur hair growth.
Alternatives to Biotin for Hair Growth
If you’re serious about tackling hair thinning and promoting growth, dermatologists recommend focusing on treatments with a more substantial evidence base. In addition to their expert insights, we’ve also compiled a few dermatologist-recommended products that may better support hair health.
For anyone looking to take their hair growth journey seriously, these options could be a more effective route than relying solely on biotin products. By understanding the real effects of biotin, you can make more informed choices on what might work best for your hair.
