Is Biotin Good for Hair?

The buzz about biotin is growing exponentially, especially due to its potential effects on hair. This is why this B vitamin is now part of many hair health supplements, shampoos, and conditioners, promising thicker and fuller hair. 

And, why not, because maintaining healthy hair is a top priority for many. So, let's find out the answer to the most talked about topic “Is biotin good for hair?” and explore its role in hair health.

What is the role of biotin for hair?

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin also known as vitamin B7, whose main function is metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. But, how does biotin work for your hair? Well, when we say biotin metabolizes nutrients in our food, it means biotin turns the food into energy and, crucially, produces keratin, the protein that forms the foundation of your hair.

The primary function of biotin in hair health is to promote growth and maintenance when taken in a recommended dosage.

How? 

So, biotin can speed up the new cell production on your scalp and hair due to this the hair volume improves and hair loss also gets reduced. 

Now don't get conscious of your biotin intake, the good news is that biotin is readily available in various foods, so if you are consuming a balanced diet every day, chances of biotin deficiency are very low.

What are the benefits of Biotin for Hair?

You must have heard people talking about biotin vitamins for hair growth, this has to hold some real facts. 

• In many researches, it is found that biotin supports the enzymes responsible for hair health and stimulates keratin production. Hence, if you have biotin deficiency, it's very much advisable to incorporate biotin supplements. It's not only for hair though, your body also needs biotin to convert food into energy. 

• Another benefit of biotin for hair is promoting healthy cell membranes in the scalp and encouraging the production of fatty acids, vital for healthy hair follicles. This makes the hair stronger, and less prone to breakage. 

• Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that act as a preventive measure against Alopecia, and hair loss.

So how to determine if you have Biotin Deficiency?

Biotin can be a game changer for your hair only if you have a biotin deficiency, so the first step should be identifying the cause of hair loss.

However, identifying a biotin deficiency is a little tricky since there isn't a straightforward test to measure low biotin levels. Instead, there are associated symptoms with low biotin levels, such as:

• Hair Loss
• Hair Thinning
• Brittle Nails
• Red, Itchy scaly rashes around mouth, nose, and eyes
• Skin Infections
• Conjunctivitis
• Neurological problems, like depression, fatigue, and hallucinations.

Once you identify these symptoms, that should trigger the prompt investigation to assess whether a biotin deficiency is an underlying cause. 

Important note: Biotin deficiency is often seen in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, even despite maintaining an adequate intake of biotin. This could be due to the increased use of biotin during these periods, as well as potential absorption problems.

Is it true that Biotin promotes Hair Growth And Prevents Hair Loss?

Now, let’s address your query, does biotin really work its magic on your hair? 

Well, the truth is, biotin working alone as a vitamin for hair growth doesn’t have any strong evidence. However, popular belief says that biotin supplements can help you achieve strong and healthy locks. 

What biotin does is help with the growth and regeneration of muscles, the synthesis and breakdown of fats, and the formation of hair. And biotin can also fight a war against inflammation, hence preventing hair loss. 

So, the bottom line is this: While biotin does not guarantee you super long locks, it can be a valuable vitamin addition to your hair loss and hair growth for those with a biotin deficiency. And if that's not you, you might not experience the same drastic results.

What are some good sources of Biotin?

So now you know, you should keep your biotin levels in check, you can turn to these biotin-rich foods for hair:

• Organ meats, 
• Eggs, 
• Fish, 
• Sweet potatoes, 
• and almonds.

However, remember not to continue the consumption of raw egg whites as it can hinder biotin absorption due to the presence of avidin, a protein that binds tightly to biotin.

In cases with biotin deficiency, biotin supplements are a convenient option, especially when integrated into a balanced diet. 

What is the correct biotin dosage for hair loss?

When starting biotin supplements, it's essential to consult your healthcare expert and seek the correct recommended Adequate Intake of biotin. For example;

For adults, the AI (Adequate Intake) of biotin is 30 mcg, 

For breastfeeding women, it's 35 mcg. 

Which Biotin Supplement is best for your hair?

So, now that you know biotin is good for your hair, it’s time to try out some of the best biotin supplements for hair growth. One thing to note is that biotin is even more impactful when incorporated as part of a multivitamin or combined with other hair-strengthening ingredients, like vitamin D or vitamin C. 

However, everyone has a unique hair type, so it's essential to consult with your doctor to create the right combination of treatments tailored to your specific needs. 

Conclusion

Biotin can be an exciting addition to your strong and long-luscious hair. Whether through biotin-rich foods or biotin supplements, it can contribute to the hair you've always dreamt of.