How Biotin Helps Your Hair

Fed up with dry, frizzy, or brittle hair? Looking to grow hair quickly after a bad cut or before a big event? There’s a good chance you have probably heard of biotin. There’s also a good chance you know the endless amount of information, claims, products, and pills that come with a quick online search or stroll through the drugstore.

Biotin is associated with hair growth, shine, and strength - and the reports are abundant. It has even been referred to as "hair food" and "the hair miracle pill." It's no wonder so many men and women turn to the vitamin for their hair woes.

But what is it? Does it really help? And how does it work?

Fun fact: The word “biotin” comes from the ancient Greek word “biotos,” which means “life” or “sustenance.”

Biotin Is A Vitamin

Biotin is a part of the vitamin B family, B-7 to be exact, and is sometimes also referred to as vitamin H. Another fun fact: the name "vitamin H" comes from "Haar und Haut," which is German for hair and skin.

Biotin works by converting food into sugar your body can use for energy and is therefore essential for metabolism and energy production. It supports several enzymes involved in the digestion of carbs, fats, and protein. Biotin is critical for maintaining healthy skin, hair and eyes, proper liver and nervous system function, and regulating blood sugar.

Small amounts of biotin are naturally found in many foods such as eggs, almonds, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, avocado, salmon, and certain cheeses (blue cheese and cheddar are both excellent sources). Biotin is water-soluble, which means it is flushed out of the body and not stored. So, it is easy to become low in biotin if you do not get enough in your regular diet.

Fortunately, most adults do receive adequate amounts of biotin in their daily diet, making deficiency rare.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals is always an essential step in achieving and protecting healthy hair. Raw foods generally contain more vitamins than cooked or processed foods.

How Biotin Works

Biotin is known to be a key player in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. This is because biotin helps break down substances important to these features, including fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Biotin is also essential to protein synthesis - the process through which cells generate new proteins. This is most important when talking about hair because over 80% of our hair is made of the protein keratin.

Keratin is a protective protein that forms the main structure of hair. Keratin's two main functions are to bond cells together and to build a protective layer around them. It is responsible for shaping the inner core of the hair strand that makes up hair's strength. Keratin also provides an outer layer for individual strands - this locks in the strong inner core of the hair to defend against fraying, breaking and damage. Biotin is vital in ensuring our bodies continue to create keratin.

Biotin deficiencies, although rare, can lead to brittle hair and nails, hair loss (usually with loss of hair color), dry skin, a red, scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth, and dry eyes.

Biotin Supplements

The good news is like we've said, most adults get plenty of biotin in their daily diet. Still, many people look to biotin supplements to add some extra life to their locks. It’s hardly surprising - with touted benefits and little side effects, why not give this super vitamin a try?

Benefits of biotin supplements can include increased scalp health and thicker, stronger hair. Biotin supplements have also been linked to hair growth since it assists in the production of keratin, the protein our hair is made of.

Biotin is a non-toxic vitamin that has been reported safe and well-tolerated by the FDA. Supplements can be found over the counter with other vitamins. The recommended daily dose of biotin is between 30 and 300 micrograms (mcg) per day to maintain healthy skin, nails, digestive tract, and metabolism. Since it is a water-soluble vitamin that exits the system quickly, no exact maximum dose is known. Supplements up to 5000 mcg are typical for an enhanced boost for skin, nails, and hair. It is always important to read the packaging carefully and consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement.

For optimum results, consider a balanced supplement that has not only biotin, but a complete balance of Omega 3, 6, and 9 oils, and other vitamins and minerals like Mega Biotin Supplement by Dr. Yates, MD.

Other Biotin Products

Over-the-counter biotin supplements are popular for beauty boost, health benefits, and small risk. But, it can take some time to see results. When supplements are taken regularly, it can often take several months to notice a difference. Biotin-infused products such as shampoos, conditioners, and serums have become increasingly popular as a fast solution to damaged, unruly hair. These products target the symptoms head-on and infuse the vitamin directly into the hair follicle for quick results.

Using a biotin-infused product can make significant strides in improving the health of your hair. Dr. William D. Yates is a recognized leader in the field of hair loss and one of the premier hair restoration surgeons in the country. He has developed several products to increase hair growth and health. Take a look at some of these highest-rated biotin products for thickening and hydration.

It’s All About Balance

It is undeniable that adequate biotin intake is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle - beautiful hair included. As with anything, healthy hair and skin begin on the inside. It is important to keep a balanced diet with plenty of biotin-rich foods. Monitor vitamin supplements with your health care provider and discontinue use if any side effects occur. It is recommended to balance biotin products such as shampoos and serums with a sufficient dose of vitamin supplements. Together, they battle the symptoms and the cause. When used properly, a healthy diet, vitamin supplements, and hair care products can provide an optimal environment for beautiful, thick and hydrated hair.