Biotin for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?

Our hair and nails are a few of the key indicators of our health. 

Among the most common complaints people have when it comes to these more aesthetic parts of our bodies are brittle nails and thinning hair.

While certain thyroid disorders and diseases can negatively impact the health of our hair and nails, sometimes it’s just plain old aging, poor diet, or even stress.

To combat this, health and wellness gurus have touted the benefits of biotin not only for nail growth but also for hair health. 

According to these online experts and some anecdotal reports, this supplement can supposedly turn your limp locks into a magical mane.

But does it really work? Well, we looked into it and found that while biotin isn’t a magical cure-all for hair growth, it could have some positive benefits. Here’s what we found.

Is Biotin Good for Hair Growth?

We’ll state it right off the bat: there is no scientific evidence that proves there are any sort of benefits of biotin supplementation for hair growth in healthy individuals.

However, there is evidence that taking biotin can be beneficial for those experiencing a biotin deficiency.

It is very rare to have a biotin deficiency. However, if you are experiencing hair loss or thinning hair (alopecia), skin problems such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, conjunctivitis, or multiple neurological disorders such as depression, lethargy, or seizures, it may be worth a visit to your doctor to figure out if you have a biotin deficiency.

In a systematic review of 18 cases that studied the effects of biotin supplementation, it was found that participants did see improvements in their hair and nails. The caveat?

The majority of participants either were known to have a biotin deficiency or had a history of poor hair and nail growth that indicated other underlying issues.

So, in effect, if you have self-perceived thinning hair, poor nail growth, uncombable hair syndrome (yes, that is a clinical diagnosis!), or other hair and nail problems, you may see some benefits from taking biotin.

How Does Biotin Work?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin found in the B vitamin complex family. 

As opposed to fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins do not build up in the body and so need to be regularly consumed to keep levels normal.

Like all B vitamins, biotin helps to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. 

Specifically, biotin plays a role in keratin production; keratin is what makes up our hair and nails.

The theory goes that by supplementing with biotin and even putting it in topical beauty products, the vitamin may promote hair growth by stimulating keratin production, thereby increasing the growth rate of nails and hair follicles.

As previously mentioned, the evidence thus far indicates that biotin is primarily effective for individuals experiencing poor nail growth, hair thinning, and hair loss. 

If your hair and nails are relatively healthy, you probably won’t see many benefits (if any).

How Much Biotin Should You Take For Hair Growth?

If you are experiencing noticeable hair loss, make an appointment to see a doctor to determine if there are any underlying problems. It could be a biotin deficiency, but it could also be something more serious.

If you simply want to try to boost your hair growth, there is some anecdotal evidence from women complaining of hair loss who have reported improved hair growth when supplementing with biotin. If that’s you, here’s how much you should take.

The Food and Nutrition Board sets either an RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) or an AI (Adequate Intake) for vitamins and minerals.

The RDA is the average daily nutrient intake level needed to meet the requirements of 97-98% of healthy adults.

The AI is an intake level that is assumed to be nutritionally adequate for most people, but the available evidence is insufficient to develop an RDA. 

The Food and Nutrition Board has not found sufficient data to set an RDA for biotin, which is why you’ll only see AIs for this nutrient.

The AI for adults is 30 micrograms (mcg) per day. However, many supplements contain much more.

This is usually not a problem, but there can be some unintended side effects from taking too much biotin.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Biotin Supplements?

There is no UL (Tolerable Upper Intake Level) for biotin. However, some people experience mild side effects like nausea and digestive issues––especially at high doses––as well as breakouts in acne-prone people.

Consuming more than the recommended daily amount—just 30mcg for adults—can cause false results in some laboratory tests, including hormone, thyroid, pregnancy, and vitamin D tests. 

So, make sure to let your doctor know if you’re taking a biotin supplement to support hair and nail growth or address suspected nutritional deficiencies.

Foods Rich in Biotin

If you are eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, varied protein sources, and complex carbohydrates, you likely are getting enough biotin.

However, if you want to naturally increase your intake of biotin, there are some foods higher in this essential vitamin:

• Beef liver
• Whole eggs
• Sunflower seeds
• Pork chops
• Sweet potatoes
• Salmon
• Almonds
• Canned tuna

Biotin and Hair Growth FAQs