Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin essential not only for various metabolic processes in the body but also for improving hair strength, thickness, and overall growth. This vitamin has gained popularity in the beauty and wellness industries for its purported benefits in promoting healthy hair.
The Connection Between Biotin and Hair Growth
Biotin is often readily available in several foods and is made naturally by the body’s gut flora. However, individuals with medical conditions or certain dietary restrictions may be at risk of biotin deficiency. Biotin deficiency—while rare—can lead to various symptoms, including thinning hair or even complete hair loss in severe cases.
One study has shown the link between hair loss and biotin deficiency. It revealed that 38% of women complaining of hair loss were deficient in biotin. Of these women, 11% had a history of conditions and medications that can contribute to biotin deficiency, including inflammatory bowel diseases or certain antibiotics.
While anecdotal evidence suggests that biotin supplements can promote hair vitality, scientific research is somewhat limited and still developing. Most studies have focused on individuals with biotin deficiencies.
Supplementation has shown positive results for people with biotin deficiency. In a systematic review, all 18 reported cases of biotin use for hair and nail changes involved patients with underlying pathologies causing poor hair or nail growth. These cases demonstrated clinical improvement after biotin supplementation.
How Biotin Supports Hair Growth
Here are some ways it can support hair growth:
Enhances Keratin Synthesis
Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin. Keratin fibres give hair its structure, strength, and elasticity. Biotin’s most significant contribution to hair health is its ability to boost keratin production. It acts as a coenzyme and assists the enzymes in the body that are responsible for keratin synthesis. With sufficient biotin, the body can efficiently produce the keratin the hair needs for healthy growth.
Reduces Hair Breakage and Split Ends
In addition to enhancing keratin synthesis, biotin helps reduce hair breakage and split ends. Hair strands that lack sufficient nutrients are more fragile and susceptible to damage from environmental stressors and styling practices. As biotin promotes higher keratin production levels, hair strands are stronger and more resilient, making them less likely to snap or fray.
Nourishes Hair Follicles
Biotin also promotes hair growth by nourishing hair follicles. It improves blood circulation and nutrient delivery to the scalp, encouraging stronger, healthier hair growth from the roots.
Biotin also stimulates the production of natural oils in the scalp, preventing dryness and flakiness. This nourishment strengthens hair follicles and encourages the growth of thicker hair, reducing hair loss over time.
Ways to Incorporate Biotin in Your Hair Care Routine
Increasing your biotin intake can be achieved through various methods:
Include Biotin-rich Foods in Your Diet
A balanced diet is a great way to increase your biotin intake. Foods like egg yolks, nuts (i.e., almonds and walnuts), avocados, mushrooms, cauliflower, liver, chicken, salmon, and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of biotin—incorporating these foods into your diet can help support healthy hair growth.
While biotin is important, other nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E also contribute to hair health. Be sure to include these in your diet as well.
Take Biotin Supplements
If you do not get enough biotin from your diet or have specific deficiencies, biotin supplements can be a helpful option. They are widely available and come in various forms, like capsules, tablets, or even gummies.
While biotin supplements are generally safe, excessive daily doses are inadvisable. It is imperative to seek professional advice before starting a new dietary supplement, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are on medications.
Use Biotin-infused Hair Serums
Topical hair serums infused with biotin can be a great addition to your hair care routine. These are applied directly to the scalp and hair, providing concentrated nourishment where it is needed most. Biotin-infused hair growth serums can moisturise the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and create a healthier scalp environment for hair growth.
Products like the Que+ Hair Growth Serum™ by Follicle Labs are specifically formulated to deliver biotin and other active ingredients to the scalp, promoting fuller, thicker hair.
Achieve Healthier, Stronger, and Thicker Hair with Follicle Labs
At Follicle Labs, we are dedicated to providing effective, science-backed hair growth solutions tailored to your unique needs – whether you are dealing with hair loss, seeking to stimulate growth, or simply aiming to improve your overall hair health.
Browse our website to learn more about our Que+ Hair Growth Serum™ or discover valuable hair care information in our blog.