Does Biotin Really Help With Hair Loss

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As a Registered Dietitian, Sydney Greene takes supplement recommendations seriously. Every product has been researched and vetted by her against clinical research, product reviews, and third-party testing websites. These are products she would not only feel comfortable recommending to her clients but would take them herself if needed.

Can You Increase The Anagen Phase For Hair Growth

How long the anagen phase lasts depends on how long your hair is and if the cells in your follicle base are continuing to multiply and become hair cells. Hair grows because matrix cells shed some of their structure as they reach the upper follicle. The shed structure combines with keratins to form hair strands that exit your skins surface.

Researchers are still looking into what triggers our bodies to turn on the anagen phases. But there are steps you can take to promote healthy hair during the anagen phase.

Does Biotin Shampoo For Hair Growth Work

Instead of ingesting biotin via a yummy gummy or daily vitamin, biotin shampoo is infused with the vitamin and applied topically to your hair and scalp. From the data that’s been collected so far, the answer to whether biotin shampoo works is limited.

“When applied topically, there is some evidence that biotin may strengthen existing strands and minimize splits and breakage,” says Hadley King, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “However, the formulas are already formulated for thin, fine hair, so they may promote fuller-looking hair with or without biotin’s help.”

Dr. Murphy-Rose concurs, adding that to-date there’s scarce data that says biotin shampoos”or any other form of topical biotin for that matter”can improve hair quality, growth, or appearance.

It’s also worth noting that these shampoos are left on the scalp only briefly and then rinsed away, so the skin probably won’t have sufficient time to absorb the ingredients and work at a follicle level. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth usingthey can make your already existing strands feel thicker and healthier .

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Best Gluten Free: Country Life High Potency Biotin Capsules

• Free of gluten, yeast, corn, wheat, soy, milk

• NSF-GMP compliant and USDA Organic certified manufacturing facility

• Expensive

Gluten-free consumers can feel confident taking this simple supplement by Country Life. Offering 5,000 micrograms of potent d-biotin, one plant-based capsule is gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. In addition to being gluten-free, this supplement is also free of yeast, corn, wheat, soy, milk, salt, sugar, artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and magnesium stearate.

Offering its pledge of integrity, Country Life states that every product we provide comes with a guarantee of high quality and purity in every bottle.

Form: Capsule | Dose: 1 capsule | Amount of biotin: 5,000 micrograms | Servings per container: 60 | Vegan: Yes | Vegetarian: Yes | Gluten-Free: Yes

Biotin Deficiency And Thinning Hair

Since biotin is an important building block for keratin, its a key part of making sure your hair is strong, thick and healthy.

Generally, biotin deficiency is rare. Most people produce more than enough biotin through food for hair growth to occur.

Only a small number of people suffering from measurable, confirmed biotin deficiencies. In general, the chance that youre lacking in biotin is fairly slim.

However, women suffering from hair loss tend to have biotin deficiencies in higher numbers than the rest of the population.

According to a 2016 study of 541 women experiencing hair loss,, 38% of participants experienced measurable deficiencies of biotin.

In short, while biotin deficiency is rare if youre a woman with noticeable hair thinning, there is a risk that lower-than-normal levels of biotin could be the cause.

Beyond hair thinning, some of the most common symptoms of a biotin deficiency include loss of depression and the development of a dry, scaly rash around your nose, eyes or genitals, as well as unusual fat distribution on the face and a swollen or painful tongue.

Worried you might have low levels of biotin?

Bio deficiencies are easy to detect using a simple blood test, meaning the best approach is to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to see if youre deficient or not.

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Does Biotin Help Hair Growth The Only Answer You Need

Biotin for hair growth is a key nutrient in hair growth supplements on the market. Did you recently take the plunge and are now regretting your pixie cut or other extreme chop? Here, we break down everything you need to know about biotin hair growth results.

This article was originally published on December 11th, 2015, but has been updated for accuracy.

Hair growth products that contain Biotin are becoming increasingly commonplace. Sometimes the latest miracle ingredient is dictated by fashionista bloggers and industry trend-hoppers, plugging some rare new herb from an untouched Amazonian paradise. However, when you hear about the benefits of biotin for hair growth, it is much more likely to come from someone in a white coat than a hemp vest.

When To See A Doctor For Hair Loss

If you notice sudden hair loss, make an appointment to see a doctor right away. Sudden hair loss can be a sign of an underlying medical condition like thyroid disease, ringworm, menopause, or pregnancy. Hair loss can also be a sign of a reaction to a medication used to treat cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, or heart problems.

If you are losing your hair gradually or noticing more scalp than you used to, and you have any concerns about it, contact a dermatologist sooner rather than later. Hair loss can be permanent, so the earlier you start treating it, the more likely you are to have better results.

A board-certified dermatologist is the expert at diagnosing and treating hair loss, says Dr. Hooper. Hair loss is complex and often has a combination of causes. Your dermatologist will talk to you about how much hair you have lost, examine your scalp, skin, and nails, and possibly do blood work or a biopsy to help diagnose your issue and create a treatment plan.

Also Check: Can You Really Regrow Thinning Hair

Collagen Vs Biotin For Hair Growth

Beauty supplements and maintenance products are all the rage these days, and two of the most popular types of these products are collagen and biotin. As a protein and a vitamin, collagen and biotin play key roles in keeping your body in shape. Theyre also believed to help boost hair growth.

So which supports hair growth more: collagen or biotin? Based on scientific studies, it seems that collagen has a better claim to improving the condition of your hair. However, both can actually be used together for well-rounded nutrition and countless health benefits, aside from promoting hair regrowth.

How Much Biotin Should You Take To Treat Hair Loss

Just because you are experiencing hair loss doesnt mean you should jump straight into scheduling a hair transplant. There are a handful of effective non-surgical hair growth treatments available that can help stop and reverse hair loss.

Among the various medical treatments for hair loss is a vitamin known as biotin.

Biotin is a vitamin that is vital in helping the body breakdown various substances such as fats and carbohydrates. It helps your body convert food into energy as well as helps with the health of your hair, skin and nails.

So before you decide that your only option to treat your hair loss is a hair transplant, lets take a look at biotin What it is, how it can help treat hair loss, how much you should take, and what sort of results you can expect from this treatment.

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How To Use Biotin For Hair

Biotin can be used topicallymost commonly as an ingredient in shampooor taken orally as a supplement. But keep in mind that taking supplements should only be done if you’re not getting all of the vitamins you need from your diet. “You can maintain a healthy biotin level by eating meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and some vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and sweet potatoes,” says Friese.

And while most people can take biotin supplements without any adverse reactions, Phipps says that it’s best to pay a visit to your doctor before adding any supplements to your daily routine. Again, “You may already be getting the biotin you need through your diet, so talk with your doctor about the best option for you. They may recommend certain dietary changes or a biotin supplement. Be sure to follow any dosage guidelines that they provide.” If you have any unusual symptoms while taking a supplement, stop using it immediately and be sure to make an appointment with your doctor ASAP.

A Good Rule Of Thumb Is To Swap Products As The Seasons Change

You may also need to change up your routine at certain parts of the year.

When the winter months hit, many need to opt for products with extra hydrating properties. Thicker creams are also favored.

But in the warmer summer season, you may want to choose more lightweight formulas to help hair stay bouncy in the face of humidity.

Lastly, its worth knowing a few handy things that apply to any hair texture and concern.

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Moon Juice Super Hair

Moon Juice is a brand known for producing many fantastic hair care products. It has a good reputation, and its products have shown promising results.

Among other causes of hair loss, stress is one of the leading causes. When your body is under pressure, nutritional flow to your hair is the first thing to stop. You may not notice at first, but prolonged stress can lead to hair loss. Moon Juice Super Hair supplement treats all the different causes of hair loss, including stress-related hair loss. It contains adaptogens like ashwagandha and ginseng, which are natural stress relievers. They control the cortisol hormone, which is responsible for stress and keeps its levels regular.

It also contains pumpkin seed powder, horsetail grass, organic kelp powder, and saw palmetto, which is excellent for hair growth. Pumpkin seed powder acts as an antioxidant, reducing any inflammation in the scalp. Moon Juice Super Hair supplements can be pricey compared to your average drug store multivitamin, but it is worth it. Vegetarians dont have many options when it comes to hair growth supplements. Moon Juice takes exceptional care of its vegan customers by making its supplements 100% vegan.

• Moon Juice Super Hair Price: $60

Why You Should Be Cautious Of Taking Biotin For Your Hair Skin & Nails

“Beauty Glossary” is a HuffPost series that breaks down beauty product techniques, treatments and ingredients so you know exactly what you’re putting onto and into your body.

While perusing the shelves at your local drugstore or natural health foods shop, you’ve probably stumbled across a bottle labeled “Biotin.” “These B complex vitamins are important in metabolism, helping your body to process energy and transporting carbon dioxide from your body’s cells,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart.

Lofty claims that biotin can help grow healthier and stronger hair, skin and nails has sparked a generation of pill-popping women who desire these beauty benefits. But is it doing more harm than good to their bodies?

Dr. Richard Scher, a dermatologist who is widely known for his expertise on nail care and disorders, argues that it isn’t totally clear what role biotin plays. However, he believes taking the vitamin does improve the keratin infrastructure .

“Biotin deficiency is rare and low levels may result in brittle nails and hair loss,” explains Dr. Stuart. “However, hair loss and brittle nails may have multiple causes and taking biotin supplements may actually halt this process and even help to reverse it.”

More beauty myths that we’ve debunked :

Want more HuffPost Style beauty content? Check us out on , , , and . — Do you have a beauty story idea or tip? Email us at beautytips@huffingtonpost.com.

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How Diet Affects Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common condition known as alopecia in the medical field.

It has many known causes, including (

• infection
• chemotherapy

4 ).

Hair typically grows at a rate of 0.35 mm per day. The scalp sheds about 100 hairs per day, which can increase with hair care practices like washing and brushing .

Hair follicles are highly active and sensitive. In fact, hair follicle cells are among the most rapidly dividing cells in your body, so its no surprise that nutrient deficiencies can negatively affect hair growth .

How To Include More Biotin And Collagen In Your Diet

One of the most common causes of alopecia is poor nutrition. Health issues and nutrient deficiencies can arise if people dont have enough protein, essential vitamins, and carbohydrates in their body that make hair-growth hormones. Making sure youre eating a complete diet full of nutrients, proteins, and minerals can go a long way for your hair.

Biotin can easily be added to your diet as it is found in many common foods. However, collagen can be tricky since hydrolyzed collagen can only be found as peptides in powders, capsules, and chewable supplements. Fortunately, more and more collagen products are becoming widely available in the market today due to a high demand. You can also try adding more food with collagen-building blocks and amino acids into your diet.

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Best Gummy: Vitafusion Extra Strength Biotin Gummies

• Free of gluten and high fructose corn syrup

• Not suitable for those with coconut allergy or other severe food allergies

• Contains gelatin not suitable for vegans and vegetarians

If tablets and capsules are not your thing, you can still benefit from supplemental biotin in gummy form. Consumers can take two blueberry-flavored gummies for a potent punch of biotin or choose to take half of the recommended amount for a smaller dose.

There is no high fructose corn syrup in these gummiesone serving contains three grams of sugar from tapioca syrup and regular sugar. This product is free of synthetic dyes and gluten however, it does contain coconut, which is an allergen to some.

Form: Gummy | Dose: 2 gummies | Amount of biotin: 5,000 micrograms | Servings per container: 50 | Vegan: No | Vegetarian: No | Gluten-Free: Yes

Lifestyle Modification: Diet Supplements Exercise

In individuals with nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D or iron deficiency, supplementing or changing dietary patterns to include nutrient-rich foods may help with hair loss. It is important to note that over-supplementing is not the answer.

In fact, supplementing with too much of certain vitamins and minerals can be harmful, especially if you do not have a deficiency. For example, getting too much vitamin A and E have actually been linked to hair loss. Because these vitamins are fat-soluble, they can cause toxicity if taken in excess.

It is always a good idea to use food first to see if there is any effect on hair. If you find that dietary interventions are not helpful, you may want to be tested for nutrient deficiencies.

Nutrient deficiencies may warrant dietary supplementation, but supplementation recommendations should always be guided by a professional, as supplements are not regulated and too much of certain vitamins can be harmful.

Essential vitamins and minerals important in hair health include iron, zinc, biotin, niacin, fatty acids, selenium, vitamin D, and amino acids.

A well-balanced diet that contains ample amounts of fruit, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and a variety of protein sources can usually provide recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals. In instances where there is an actual deficiency, supplementation supervised by a medical professional may be warranted.

Iron

Zinc

Fatty Acids

Selenium

Vitamin D

Biotin

Amino Acids

Exercise

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