Should you take biotin for hair growth?

During my hair loss panic days, I was ready to try anything (within reason). And I remember always seeing literature that would include biotin as part of the solution to stop hair loss and start regrowth. But does it really work? Let’s dive in!

What is biotin?

Biotin is vitamin B7 found in dairy products and fruits

Should you be taking Biotin?

For the vast majority, no. This is where the art of marketing comes into play and where things that can confusing for consumers.

The only instance when you should be taking biotin is if you are vitamin b7 deficient. The symptoms of biotin deficiency are hair loss, brittle nails, scaly skin rashes around the eyes now, and mouth.

And here is the kicker, a vitamin B7 (biotin) deficiency is extremely rare. And rare enough that you shouldn’t self-diagnose. If you suspect that you are biotin deficient, get a blood test done first and then follow your doctor’s advice on whether you should be taking biotin supplements.

But you see how marketing sort of twisted the conversation? Biotin deficient patients suffer hair loss. When these biotin-deficient patients take a biotin supplement it helps with hair loss. This does not apply to someone with regular biotin levels and this comparison is irresponsible.

What do clinical studies say?

Clinical studies on healthy individuals taking biotin have yielded no favorable results. One study quoted:

“Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history. Therefore, in the absence of additional studies, we have found no evidence to suggest benefit from biotin supplementation outside of known deficiencies secondary to congenital or acquired causes.”

What do we suggest?

You shouldn’t be taking a biotin supplement unless you are biotin deficient. I would say, follow a healthy hair routine and you’re going to see results. We have some great articles on healthy hair tips which you can find below

8 things you need to stop doing to your hair, click here to read

10 healthy hair habits you need to start now, click here to read

References

Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017 Aug;3(3):166-169. doi: 10.1159/000462981. Epub 2017 Apr 27. PMID: 28879195; PMCID: PMC5582478. 

Glynis A. A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012 Nov;5(11):28-34. PMID: 23198010; PMCID: PMC3509882.