Looking for the best biotin for hair growth? Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is growing in popularity as a product to make your hair stronger and healthier. But can these products really improve hair growth, or are they the latest health fad?
Some types of hair loss are linked to low levels of biotin [1], and research suggests that 38% of women experiencing hair loss are biotin deficient [2]. Biotin supplements may help reduce hair shedding, breakage, or hair thinning, but only in people with a biotin deficiency [2]. In this article, we’ll explore:
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, belongs to the B group of vitamins. It occurs naturally in your body and is important for various metabolic processes, particularly in synthesising fatty acids, glucose, and some amino acids [3].
Healthy levels of biotin are essential for maintaining the health of your skin, hair, and nails. While studies suggest that biotin supplements can improve the condition of your hair if you have low levels of the nutrient [4], as well as improving nail thickness and splitting [4], the evidence supporting its effectiveness for those without such a deficiency is less convincing.
Biotin contributes to hair strength by supporting the production of keratin [4], the main protein that makes up hair. Keratin is responsible for hair’s structural integrity, making it strong and resilient — healthy levels of biotin contribute to strong hair rather than hair growth [5]. However, stronger hair can give the impression of increased hair growth because strong hair is less likely to break or fall out before it has finished growing.
While biotin may be able to combat hair breakage and shedding, a common misconception is that biotin for hair loss can help with all types of alopecia. In reality, research shows that the only indication for biotin supplementation is deficiency [2], and supplementation in people without a deficiency may not improve hair growth [4].
Because hair loss is a symptom of biotin deficiency [6], taking biotin may improve hair density in people who lack healthy levels of the vitamin. Low levels of biotin may also play a role in the development of male pattern baldness [7]. However, no studies have proved it an effective hair loss treatment in people without a biotin deficiency [8].
Biotin is naturally found in various foods, including milk, vegetables, meat, egg yolk, yeast, and nuts [9], and supplements including hair gummies are widely available for people who struggle to get enough biotin from their diet alone. While some research suggests that biotin deficiency is rare [10], a 2016 study on 541 female patients found that 38% of women complaining of hair loss were biotin-deficient [2].
If you have low levels of biotin, supplementation can address this which may improve deficiency symptoms like hair loss. However, it can be tough to select the best biotin supplement with so many products on the market. Here are some things to look out for and tips to guide you in your search for a hair loss product that works.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends a daily biotin intake of 30 mcg/day [11]. Most people are able to get this through a balanced diet [11], including healthy hair growth foods, but many biotin supplements offer much higher doses. A healthcare professional can advise on the right biotin dosage for your needs.
Research suggests it’s safe to take very high doses of biotin regularly [12]. One study investigated supplementation with 100 mg biotin thrice daily (300000 μg per day in total) as a treatment for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) [12]. MS-related disability improved, and the supplements were found to be as safe as a placebo [12]. However, biotin doses this high do not tend to be recommended for hair loss.
Although no harmful side effects were revealed in this study, it’s worth noting that taking high doses of biotin can lead to inaccurate thyroid test results. This can be dangerous for people who need their thyroid hormone levels carefully monitored, such as those with thyroid cancer [13].
Opt for supplements that use high-quality, natural ingredients with no unnecessary fillers or additives. Ingredients like gelatin, artificial colours, and preservatives should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether. You may wish to choose a product that includes other minerals and vitamins for hair growth, like zinc for hair loss, vitamin E for hair health, and vitamin C for healthy hair.
Biotin supplements come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and powders. Choose a form that works best for you. Gummies, for example, can be more enjoyable to take, while capsules and tablets may offer a higher concentration of biotin.
Some biotin supplements have been third-party tested for quality and purity. This ensures that the product contains the stated amount of biotin and is free from harmful ingredients. Certifications from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International, ConsumerLab, or similar organisations can verify that the supplement is high-quality.
Customer reviews can give insight into how well each biotin supplement works. Look for products with positive feedback specifically related to hair growth. Be cautious of supplements with many negative reviews or side effects reports.
While investing in a good-quality supplement is important, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive option. Compare prices and consider the cost per serving to find a product that offers you good value for money.
It’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. They can provide personalised recommendations and ensure that biotin supplementation is safe for you.
Biotin supplements may improve hair strength and reduce shedding and breakage for people with a known deficiency. Many of these supplements also contain other minerals and vitamins for hair growth.
However, there’s limited evidence that supplements are an effective treatment for hair loss, and in some cases, excessive vitamin supplementation can worsen alopecia. For example, excessive vitamin A can cause hair loss. Here are some of the best biotin products available to buy.
Disclaimer: The products mentioned on this page are for reference purposes only and have been selected based on online reviews and user-reported results. Wimpole Clinic does not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of these products.
Viviscal Healthy Hair Vitamins are a great all-around supplement for healthy hair. In addition to biotin, this product contains zinc, iron, silica, vitamin C, millet seed extract, and AminoMar C™.
AminoMar C™ is a marine protein complex made from shark and mollusc powder [15]. It may stimulate hair growth by boosting its active growth phase [16], and these effects are increased thanks to the other healthy-hair-promoting compounds within Viviscal supplements [16]. This supplement is not veggie or vegan-friendly, but there are plenty of other options on this list for those who prefer a plant-based option.
Healthy hair ingredients: biotin, zinc, iron, silica, vitamin C, millet seed extract, AminoMar C™
Biotin dosage: 160µg per two tablets
Price: Around £22.39 for 30 tables
Philip Kingsley’s density healthy hair complex is designed to counteract the effects of daily stressors that can damage hair follicles. It aims to combat free radicals that can contribute to hair damage [18], reducing their effects.
This supplement is also packed with nutrients that may boost the health of your hair, nails, and skin, including biotin, vitamin C, selenium, calcium, the amino acid L-cysteine, and vitamins D, C, and B12. If you’re looking for a high-quality product with multiple nutrients for healthy hair, this could be the one.
Healthy hair ingredients: biotin, vitamin C, selenium, calcium, amino acid L-cysteine, Vitamins D, C and B12
Biotin dosage: 1000µg per tablet
Price: Around £32 for 60 capsules
This simple biotin supplement offers great value. At just £6.59 for 30 capsules, it’s one of the cheapest on the list, and even greater savings are available when buying multiple packs or larger tablet quantities.
The high dosage of biotin per tablet means you only need to take one tablet daily. If you’re looking for a biotin supplement that’s simple and cost-effective, this may be a good choice.
Healthy hair ingredients: biotin
Price: Around £6.59 for 30 tablets
This supplement aims to boost the health of your hair, skin, and nails. It contains a great range of vitamins and minerals to improve their condition: selenium, niacin, zinc, iodine, vitamin C, and, of course, biotin. These ingredients can potentially support strong, healthy hair, stimulate collagen production, and strengthen brittle nails.
Healthy hair ingredients: biotin, selenium, niacin (B3), zinc, iodine, vitamin C
Biotin dosage: 150µg per two tablets
Price: Around £11.00 for 60 tablets
These capsules team biotin with zinc and selenium, minerals that also play a key role in healthy hair growth [22], [23]. They also include Anagain™ (pea sprout extract), which may promote hair growth and reduce hair loss [24].
Hair Gain capsules aim to encourage growth at the cell and follicle levels, which can lead to longer, shinier locks. The product is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, and two capsules are recommended daily.
Healthy hair ingredients: biotin, zinc, selenium, Anagain
Biotin dosage: 200 µg per serving (2 capsules)
Price: Around £36.99 for 60 capsules
If you prefer to take just one ingredient at a time, Solgar Biotin may be a great option. These capsules are super high-strength and contain biotin as the only active ingredient.
Thanks to their high levels of biotin, you only need to take one a day. They are 100% vegan-friendly and free from sugar, salt, and starch. If you’d like to try them out, they are also available in a 50-capsule pack size.
Biotin dosage: 5000µg per capsule
Price: Around £16.87 for 100 capsules
This multivitamin is packed with ingredients that can potentially boost the health of your skin, hair, and nails. Glowing reviews claim it tastes fantastic, making it a great option for people who aren’t keen on tablets or capsules.
Each active ingredient is important for healthy hair growth [27], and you can potentially correct or avoid multiple vitamin deficiencies that cause hair loss thanks to the range of nutrients included. Experts recommend a supplement containing B vitamins, zinc, and at least 2000 IU of vitamin D for healthy hair [27].
This product contains 200 IU of vitamin D, so you may need to top up with an additional supplement to cover all bases. However, it is still one of the most comprehensive multivitamins on this list.
Healthy hair ingredients: biotin, selenium, zinc, vitamins A, B6, D3, E, C, B12
Biotin dosage: 160µg per two gummies
Price: Around £9.45 for 30 gummies
Whether you’re experiencing the first signs of hair thinning and balding or your hair loss is more advanced, our trichologists can help. Diagnostic trichology tests, such as blood tests for hair loss, can identify whether your symptoms are due to a biotin deficiency or something else.
Once the cause of your hair loss is diagnosed, your hair doctor will create a personalised treatment plan. Unless your hair loss is due solely to a biotin deficiency, you’re likely to need additional treatment to address your symptoms. Depending on your type of alopecia and its severity, they may recommend natural remedies for hair loss or medications, such as finasteride or steroid creams for hair loss.
If these don’t resolve your symptoms, you still have options — you may be a candidate for a hair transplant. Book a consultation at one of our clinic locations for a personalised hair loss assessment.
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