Biotin Supplements for Stronger Hair – Do They Really Work?

When it comes to tackling thinning hair, many people turn to supplements as a first course of action. When shopping around for supplements for hair growth, you’ll likely notice that biotin (vitamin B7) is a popular option. 

But do biotin supplements for stronger hair really work? In this article, we’ll be taking a close look at the role of biotin in our hair health, whether supplements are worth your money, and other strategies to combat hair loss.

What Is Biotin and Why Is It Linked to Hair Strength?

Biotin is a B vitamin essential for supporting keratin production. Keratin is a protein produced by the body which makes up the outer layer of the hair, skin, and nails. 

Keratin helps to keep your hair strong and healthy, and in recent years keratin treatments have become popular in salons for those seeking to reinforce and revitalise their hair. While biotin deficiencies are rare, they can result in hair thinning and breakage.

Can Biotin Supplements Really Help With Hair Loss?

Before you decide to take any supplement, it is important to speak to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine if a supplement can help with any issues you’re experiencing, as well as assessing whether the supplement will interact with any medications you happen to be taking.

Research on the effectiveness of biotin supplements is limited. While there is no scientific evidence to date that biotin supplementation improves hair growth outside of patients deficient in the vitamin, there is some evidence that it can strengthen hair and lessen breakage.

Natural Food Sources of Biotin

Many people do not require biotin supplements. In fact, if you are already eating a balanced diet, there’s a good chance you’re already receiving the requisite amount of biotin to support your hair health.

Natural sources of biotin include meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes. If you’re unsure whether you’re getting enough biotin, you can consider incorporating these foods into your diet. Alternatively, speak to your doctor to be tested for a deficiency and discuss whether biotin supplements might be the right choice for you.

Biotin Supplements in the UK: What You Need to Know Before Buying

You’ll find biotin supplements available in many high street health shops. It can commonly be found as capsules, powders, or even gummies. With so many options available, it can be difficult to discern which supplements are of the best quality.

One thing to keep in mind is that a higher dose does not necessarily mean that the supplement will be more effective. In fact, we recommend that you begin on a smaller dose after careful consideration with your doctor. 

While excess biotin consumption is very rare, it can result in increased thirst, increased urination, and insomnia. Additionally, high levels of biotin can affect the accuracy of thyroid tests, so those with thyroid conditions are encouraged to take caution.

Who Might Benefit Most From Biotin Supplements?

Supplements aren’t for everyone. It’s important to know beforehand if you would benefit from biotin supplementation in order to avoid any disappointment. You might benefit from biotin supplements if you:

• Eat a restrictive diet low in B vitamins

• Have a digestive disorder which affects absorption of nutrients

• You are suffering from brittle nails and hair due to stress

Combining Biotin With Other Hair Health Strategies

There are a number of changes you can make to your lifestyle to support your hair health. In addition to trying biotin supplements, we recommend reducing the use of heat in styling your hair and managing stress.

If you’re concerned about hair loss specifically, there are a number of options you can explore ranging from medications like minoxidil and finasteride, to treatments like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, or even a hair transplant procedure. 

As we’ve said before, we recommend that you speak to your doctor before pursuing any course of action when it comes to your hair health. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your issues, allowing you to find the best treatment. 

Conclusion: The Role of Biotin in Your Hair Journey

Products like Dr. Balwi’s Biotin & Keratin tablets have the potential to support your hair health, resulting in stronger, fuller hair. However, it is worth speaking to your doctor before you incorporate these or any other supplements into your daily routine.

While there are benefits to taking biotin supplements, they are not a cure-all. Some cases of hair loss and breakage will require different treatments, and your doctor should be able to advise you on this.