About biotin
What is biotin?
Biotin, or vitamin B7/H, is a vitamin that the body needs, in small amounts, to help create fatty acids. Your body can make biotin naturally in your gut, but it’s also found in lots of food, and some people take a biotin supplement.
What does biotin do?
Biotin helps the body produce and activate a variety of proteins. Without biotin (i.e. if you have low biotin or a biotin deficiency) you might shed more hair than normal, have problems sleeping, have skin irritation or nausea.
Does biotin help hair growth?
One of the proteins that biotin stimulates is keratin. Keratin is the main protein in the hair and nails, so it’s thought that taking biotin might indirectly help support the health of the hair and nails.
How effective is biotin for hair loss?
There’s not enough evidence for us to state the impact of taking biotin supplements on your hair. But there is no harm in taking biotin supplements, in the correct dosage – as we know the processes this vitamin kickstarts, might help support the health of your hair.
Taking biotin
Take one biotin capsule each day.
How much biotin should I take per day?
The NHS recommend taking no more than 0.9mg of biotin per day in supplements, this is the dosage in each biotin capsule.
Can I take biotin alongside other hair loss treatments?
Yes. Biotin can be used alongside other hair loss treatments like minoxidil (a scalp solution) and Finasteride (a prescription-only tablet). We also offer a hair loss shampoo which you can use too. This shampoo might help block the action of DHT, like Finasteride.
We have a variety of hair loss treatment bundles, which might be suitable for you, if you’re looking at combining treatments. Find out more here.
Can I get biotin from food?
Yes, most of us will get biotin from our diet, and a healthy diet is one of the best ways to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. There are also biotin-rich foods you could consider adding into your diet, including:
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans, lentils and whole grains
- Rice
- Broccoli
- Avocado
- Sweet potatoes
- Mushrooms
- Bananas
- Liver
- Egg yolks
Potential biotin side effects
There are no known side effects to taking biotin regularly in the correct dosage.
Alternative treatments for hair loss
Finasteride and minoxidil are the only proven ingredients to treat hair loss other than a hair transplant. Hair transplants aren’t an option available to everyone, as they can be expensive and invasive.
Other options to help hair loss include wigs, hair pieces or makeup.
