How Does Biotin For Hair Growth Work?

Men and women both can experience hair loss and thinning hair, and fortunately there are many treatment options available today. Rather than using expensive and harsh chemicals on the scalp, you might consider biotin for hair growth and combating baldness.

Before you try this supplement, consider what it is and how it works to address, as well as potential biotin side effects and risks. This will help you to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

What It Is

Biotin is a concentration of certain B vitamins, mostly vitamin B7. This vitamin is found naturally in leafy green vegetables as well as peanuts, raw eggs, and liver. It’s not unusual for a person to be deficient in this vitamin as many people don’t eat enough leafy greens every day.

 A deficiency of this vitamin can result in not just thinning hair but also weak, brittle nails. This is because vitamin B7 supports the metabolism of certain fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. These substances are the building blocks of both hair and nails. Without enough vitamin B7 in your system, those things cannot be broken down properly so that hair and nails are not fed and nourished properly.

Does Biotin For Hair Growth Really Work?

As you may know most supplements are not strictly regulated by government agencies so they often don’t have the same published test results as prescription medications and other drugs.

However, many who have tried biotin for hair growth do report that it works to make their hair seem thicker and fuller. It's important to remember that biotin does not cause new hair to grow but it nourishes the hair you have so that it becomes thicker. In turn your hair may not appear to be as thin.

This result will vary for everyone but taking the right amount is key to getting the best results for you. Most who try biotin for hair growth need to start at 500 to 700 micrograms (mcg) per day, with some taking over 1000 and up to 5000 mcg before they see results.

If you try biotin, be sure you check the label for the amount of mcg in each pill and ensure you take enough to make a difference; start at 500 mcg and then work your way up to a daily dosage that seems to be effective for you.

Side Effects and Warnings

There are few if any biotin side effects to consider; it has not been proven to be toxic even at high levels, although some who have used it have reported mild skin irritations and rashes.

Pregnant women should avoid using it without talking to their doctor first, and it may interfere with certain anti-seizure medications and heart medications.

It is always recommended that you notify your doctor of any herbal supplement you take, including biotin, to ensure you don’t have interactions with prescription medications.

If you do try biotin for hair growth be sure you look out for any potential side effects you may experience. Never take more than 5000 mcg per day and if you do experience any side effects, stop taking it and see your doctor at once.

Have any experience with biotin?  Please tell us about it so that we may share it with our readers.

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