Biotin for hair: what is biotin for?

Biotin is an essential B vitamin, vitamin B7, also known as vitamin H. The enzymes responsible for hair, skin, and nail health depend on it, and it also stimulates keratin synthesis. 

A biotin deficiency can lead to thinning and weakening of the hair. That’s why biotin supplements are useful: they enhance the growth and strengthening of hair fibres. But what do we really know about this?

What is it for, and what is biotin in hair?

Several research studies have shown that biotin supplements can help stimulate hair growth in people who have a clinical biotin deficiency or who suffer from alopecia.

Biotin for alopecia or hair loss?

We know that biotin promotes the growth and regeneration of muscles, which is also involved in the synthesis and oxidation of fats, as well as the formation of skin, nails, and hair. Therefore, it helps promote stronger hair and prevents it from becoming weak and brittle while improving the state of the follicles, which get the oxygen and nutrients they need. The biotin included in hair products also helps regulate sebum and dandruff. Therefore, everything suggests that it is beneficial for alopecia or hair loss.

Is it true that it accelerates growth?

In people with temporary hair loss, studies have shown that supplements containing biotin primarily applied directly to the scalp, as with our MesoHAir mesotherapy, significantly improve hair growth after 90 days. Biotin improves the structure of keratin, a basic protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails, so it can improve hair health, including volume and coverage on the scalp.

Biotin: what vitamin is it?

As we have seen, biotin is also known as vitamin H or B7. It is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body metabolise fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, so it is necessary to have the right daily intake. Human cells cannot synthesise vitamin B7. However, bacteria in the body can produce biotin, and the vitamin is present in many foods.

The benefits and properties of biotin for hair

The benefits of Vitamin H (Biotin) that haven’t already been listed are:

• Regulating metabolism, using the available fat, proteins, and carbohydrates to convert them into the desired form of energy.
• Protecting the heart from possible problems by stimulating blood flow to this organ.
• Promoting brain function. The brain needs biotin for the formation of the myelin sheath, one of the fatty substances that protect it.
• Lowering blood sugar levels, increasing insulin production. 

It is also beneficial for the immune system, helps with pregnancy and lactation, alleviates allergies, repairs tissues and muscles, and even helps in weight loss. 

Biotin contraindications

There are no contraindications associated with taking biotin, but it has been shown that taking supplements can lead to errors in the results in certain lab tests.

Does biotin have side effects?

Biotin is safe for most people as long as the proper guidelines for administration are followed. If it is applied to the skin in cosmetic products, these must contain the appropriate percentage: between 0.0001% and 0.6%.

If it is administered as an injection, the recommended dose must also be observed. In any case, we must not forget that taking excessive biotin supplements can have harmful side effects. These include nausea, stomach aches and diarrhoea, acne, miscarriage (pregnant women should avoid ingesting large amounts of biotin), and allergies.

What foods contain biotin?

One of the best foods that provide biotin naturally in our diet is oily fish, which contains vitamin B7. Sardines, tuna, and salmon are rich in biotin as well as omega-3, another essential nutrient for hair. Likewise, nuts are an excellent source, as are eggs, dairy, and beef liver. 

Biotin in pill form 

There are biotin supplements in pill form, so in addition to using hair products like shampoos with biotin, we can include them in our daily diet.

Symptoms of low biotin

Hair is very sensitive to any nutritional deficits. If we do not feed ourselves properly or don’t synthesise nutrients well, it’s quite possible that this will be reflected in our hair health. 

While having a deficiency is complicated by following a balanced diet, a biotin deficiency can have weakening or loss of the hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes as a symptom. It’s also possible to suffer from conjunctivitis or episodes of seborrheic dermatitis or to experience neurological symptoms.

Which is better, collagen or biotin?

Collagen is a protein and a component of connective tissue, while biotin is a vitamin. Both play an important role in skin and hair health, but it is unclear which of the two is objectively more useful in improving their appearance.

Hair products and biotin treatments for hair

Shampoos with biotin are a good way to apply this nutrient directly to the hair, though they require regular use to see their effects. 

We can also find this vitamin in biostimulation-based hair treatments, such as hair mesotherapy (MesoHair), alongside other vitamins, proteins, and ingredients like hyaluronic acid, various growth factors, antioxidants, centella asiatica, keratin amino acids, ginkgo biloba extract, and 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, which is associated with androgenic alopecia. This exclusive Insparya formulation is aimed at stimulating the growth of hair and the follicular unit’s stem cells.

Mesotherapy can be combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) or Low Laser Therapy to maximally nourish and rejuvenate weakened hair.

Opinions about biotin for hair

Our Chief Clinical Officer, Carlos Portinha, tells us this: 

“Biotin supplementation is very important to maintain healthy hair that doesn’t fall out. The most effective way to supplement the scalp and hair is to apply biotin directly to the scalp in its most effective formula, MesoHAir+ mesotherapy, in addition to using our NutriPlus Insparya shampoo.” 

Remember that the best vitamins and minerals for hair are vitamin A, all B vitamins, E, and D, as well as iron. It is best to follow a healthy, balanced diet. 

In our dermatological hair consultation, you will receive verified information about the usefulness of biotin for hair and whether it is advisable to include it in your treatment to get back your strong, healthy head of hair.

Tags Benefits For Hair Biotin Biotin For Hair Hair Loss Shampoo With Biotin Hair Clinic Hair Growth Follicles Hairloss Hair Health Insparya Hair Treatment Vitamin B7