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How do I Use Biotin for Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be a symptom of a biotin deficiency, so taking biotin supplements may help relieve this problem. Biotin is a B vitamin found in a variety of foods, including eggs, bananas, and salmon. This vitamin strengthens cells and aids the metabolism. Healthy cells and a properly functioning metabolism contribute to hair growth and restoration. Consequently, biotin is viewed as a possible hair loss remedy.
Although biotin occurs naturally in foods, people suffering from a deficiency usually have a genetic issue that prevents them from fully absorbing this nutrient. A diet high in raw eggs can also contributes to a deficiency because there is a protein found in the eggs that inhibits the dispersal of biotin. People whose bodies aren't absorbing enough of this vitamin may need to take a supplement. Since the body does not absorb biotin well when it is applied to the skin, biotin hair loss supplements are typically available as tablets or capsules for oral consumption. If the biotin deficiency is so extreme that it is causing hair loss at a rapid rate, a medical professional may inject biotin directly into the bloodstream.
Using biotin for hair loss is typically affordable and is all natural. While some dermatologists believe 1 to 2 milligrams of biotin is the minimum requirement for healthy hair, the recommended daily intake for healthy people is 30 to 100 micrograms. People suffering from hair loss due to an insufficiency of biotin usually require 3 to 5 mg daily. When the vitamin is consumed, it enters the bloodstream for the body to use. The extra biotin allows the body to overcome any issues related to absorption and provides cells with more nourishment.
Medical professionals and scientists studying biotin have not identified any major side effects. It should be noted, however, that hair loss may also be a sign of a condition that is more serious than biotin deficiency, and only a medical professional can determine if a person is not getting enough of this vitamin. There is no laboratory tests for diagnosing a biotin deficiency. If one is suspected, a healthcare professional will usually view hair loss in conjunction with other symptoms associated with the condition before making a diagnosis. Taking biotin usually only reduces hair loss and has not been proven to be a cure for it.
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![Biotin can be found in salmon.]()
By: dulsitaBiotin can be found in salmon. -
![Biotin supplements might help with hair loss caused by a biotin deficiency.]()
By: Louella FolsomBiotin supplements might help with hair loss caused by a biotin deficiency. -
![Hypothyroidism and hormonal imbalances can lead to hair loss in women.]()
By: vladimirfloydHypothyroidism and hormonal imbalances can lead to hair loss in women. -
![Whole grain breads are high in biotin, which is technically known as vitamin B7.]()
By: AAAWhole grain breads are high in biotin, which is technically known as vitamin B7. -
![Spinach is a source of biotin.]()
By: nitoSpinach is a source of biotin.
Discussion Comments
I was experiencing intermittent "shedding," with lots and lots of strands falling out throughout the day and within a couple weeks my hair was noticeably thinner. The first time it occurred (several years ago) I tried Nioxin, which worked but was a hassle to use and left my hair looking dirty and stringy.
About one and a half years ago, after another shedding episode, I decided to try a biotin supplement. Within a month I realized my hair was actually getting thicker. I was even able to grow it longer than ever before because it was so healthy. But, about sevent months ago I started experiencing infrequent, unexplained episodes of nausea and vomiting and I was extremely itchy on my arms and legs (no rash, just very itchy). There were times I couldn't even get out of bed the nausea was so bad.
I had complete blood work panels done, and an endoscope procedure but nothing could explain it. My doctor had me stop all vitamins and supplements for 30 days but after two weeks I panicked thinking my hair would start falling out so I secretly started the biotin. Within 36 hours I was nauseated and itchy, but it didn't dawn on me that it was the biotin until I Googled "biotin and nausea" and read that nausea, vomiting, itchy skin could be a reaction to biotin supplements.
I quit it for another week and then started a lower dose, but within 48 hours I got nauseated again. I've now been off it for 30 days and haven't been nauseated at all but, sadly, I am experiencing significant shedding again. So, while it worked great for my hair, I strangely developed an allergic reaction to it after having no issues with it for several months.
I started to to use conditioners such as Regenepure or OGX for my hair. They have biotin. I prefer the regenepure.
Biotin as a hair loss solution is nothing new. I remember seeing biotin products and supplements in Europe when I lived there thirty years ago. It has been used for hair loss for a long time.
I started getting a bald spot last year and took to biotin supplements immediately. I'm taking the liquid version which gets absorbed into the body much more quickly than the capsule supplements.
My hair loss slowed down in about a month and it pretty much halted after that. I plan on taking biotin indefinitely to maintain my hair unless I get side effects from it.
@anamur-- Biotin will help, but you said you have hypothyroid. That is a hormonal issue, so hair loss vitamins like biotin cannot treat your hair loss completely. If say, the hair loss was due to a biotin deficiency or malnutrition, biotin would be more effective.
I still think you should go ahead with biotin. Take one with 70mcg, I believe this is the highest dose for supplements.
Along with this though, you should probably get blood work done to see what's going on with your thyroid. Too much thyroid hormone can cause hair loss. Perhaps your thyroid medication is too much for you.
I know about biotin for hair growth but I'm losing hair due to hypothyroid. Will biotin help stop the hair loss? How many micrograms of biotin should I take daily for this?
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