Biotin for hair - what gives, effects, sources, ranking [TOP 15].

Biotin for hair can work wonders. What effects can we expect? Where to get it from? Which is the best? Check it out!

AuthorLudwik Jelonek

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Ludwik Jelonek is the author of more than 2,500 texts published on leading portals. His content has found its way into services such as Ostrovit and Kobieta Onet. At Natu.Care, Ludwik educates people in the most important area of life - health.

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Reviewed byIlona Bush

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Reviewed byIlona Bush

Master of Pharmacy

Ilona Krzak obtained her Master of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of Wrocław. She did her internship in a hospital pharmacy and in the pharmaceutical industry. She is currently working in the profession and also runs an educational profile on Instagram: @pani_z_apteki

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Edited byMichael Tomaszewski

Edited by

Michael Tomaszewski

Editor

Graduate of Journalism and Artes Liberales at the University of Warsaw. Since 2017, he has been working with the biggest portals in Poland and abroad as an editor. Previously worked for 3 years in one of the leading pharmaceutical companies - he knows the health and beauty industry inside out. In his free time, he most enjoys playing tennis or skiing.

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Fact-checkingAnna Wisniewska

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Anna Wisniewska

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Biotin for hair - what gives, effects, sources, ranking [TOP 15].

23 July, 2024

Reviewed by14 October, 2022

Updated by14 October, 2022

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16 min

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Shiny, thick and healthy hair is a sign of attractiveness for many people. However, due to age or health problems, it can lose its former shine. Biotin for hair can influence its density and appearance. What effects can we expect? What are the most valuable sources of vitamin H? Which biotin for hair is the best?

Description of contents:

Biotin for hair - how does it work?
How to dose biotin for hair?
Biotin for hair - ranking [TOP 15 products]
Biotin for hair - effects
Biotin deficiency - how does it affect hair?
Products rich in biotin
Who should use biotin for hair?
Contraindications to biotin supplementation for hair
Summary
FAQ

The best biotin for hair available on the market is our product - Glow Stories. Glow Stories is a dietary supplement that supports the health of hair, skin and nails.

In the formulation of this product you will find the eponymous biotin, as well as other ingredients that influence hair health. These include bamboo shoot extract, vitamin B6, L-methionine, vitamin B2, L-cysteine, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin A, zinc, vitamin B3 and copper.

Glow Stories is a biotin hair supplement that has been tested by the accredited laboratory of J.S. Hamilton Poland. One packet of this product lasts for up to 60 days of supplementation. We invite you to purchase Glow Stories!

Glow Stories - for healthy skin, hair and nails

Glow Stories - for skin, hair and nail health

Product with high-quality folic acid Quatrefolic®, bamboo shoot extract and ingredients that have a positive effect on skin, hair and nails.

See also:

Biotin for hair - how does it work?

Biotin is crucial to everyone's health. It is responsible for metabolic processes and also affects the condition of hair, skin and nails. Biotin stimulates the production of keratin in the hairand. It also positively affects the rate of hair growth.

Biotin is part of many coenzymes and is therefore responsible for metabolic processes. The most important of these include the formation of glucose in the body and blocking the breakdown of leucine (an amino acid necessary for the body to function properly). Furthermore, it also supports the biosynthesis of fatty acids.

Ilona Krzakmagister of pharmacy

Want to learn more about omega acids? I invite you to read an article about omega-3!

How to dose biotin for hair?

According to the pharmacist, every adult should take 30 mcgand biotin daily. However, this is a prophylactic dose - in case of deficiency, Ilona Krzak recommends 5 mg of this vitamin. The pharmacist stresses, that, according to studies, the use of up to 300 mg of biotin per day, over a period of two years, will not cause side effects.

Biotin for hair is not everything. Its supplementation is worth supporting. Also responsible for hair is collagen. You can find out more about it in these articles:

Rise&Shine: Collagen (5000 mg) in Mango-Maracuja flavour

Rise&Shine is collagen (5000 mg) in Mango-Maracuja flavour. Proven formulation, great bioavailability and refreshing taste.

Cacao Bloom: premium collagen (5000 mg) with cocoa content

Cacao Bloom is premium collagen (5000 mg) with Dutch cacao. A researched formulation, convenient dosage and unforgettable taste.

Biotin for hair - ranking 15 products

There is no shortage of dozens of biotin products for hair on the market. Not sure which one to choose? Opt for the aforementioned Glow Stories. It's a high-end dietary supplement that supports hair, skin and nail health

Additionally, a ranking of 15 biotin products for hair has been prepared especially for you, together with an MSc pharmacist. Which preparations deserved to be highlighted

Biotebal

Our list opens with Biotebal, which is biotin for hair in the form of an OTC medicine. The product comes in tablets and its formulation is simple and vegan-friendly.

The high dose of biotin (5 mg) means that, according to the pharmacist, Biotebal should be used for deficiencies rather than as a preventive supplement.

Type - OTC medicine
Package size - 30 tablets
Position - tablets.
Dose and active substance - 5 mg biotin
Dosage - 1 tablet daily
Price - approximately £30

Blood test allows to determine the concentration of biotin in the body. It does not require any prior preparation.

Biotebal Max

Biotebal Max is also an OTC medication that features a very high dose of biotin. The manufacturer assures that after about a month of supplementation you will see the effects of the treatment. This biotin for hair should only be used in cases of deficiency.

The use of Biotebal Max by children and adolescents should be consulted with a doctor beforehand. Disadvantages: the manufacturer mentions lactose in the formulation. Supplementation may adversely affect the health of those struggling with intolerance to this sugar.

Type - OTC medicine
Package size - 30 tablets
Position - tablets.
Dose and active ingredient - 10 mg biotin
Dosage - ½ or 1 tablet daily
Price - approximately £36

When supplementing with biotin, beware of dishes that contain raw eggs (egg white to be precise). They contain avidin, which negatively affects the absorption of biotin.

Ilona KrzakMaster of Pharmacy

Biotifem Max

Biotifem Max is a great high-dose biotin for hair. As much as 10 mg of biotin is contained in this OTC medicine. Therefore, this product should only be used in cases of deficiency. The product does not contain lactose.

Type - OTC medicine
Package size - 30 tablets
Position - tablets.
Dose and active ingredient - 10 mg biotin
Dosage - 1 tablet daily
Price - approximately £30

Biotynox

This is one of the cheaper OTC drugs with biotin for hair. The price is not a coincidence - a pack is only enough for a month or even half a month of treatment. However, the dose of biotin is satisfactory and is mainly intended to treat a deficiency. Please note that the medicine contains lactose.

Type - OTC medicine
Package size - 30 tablets
Position - tablets.
Dose and active substance - 5 mg biotin
Dosage - 1 tablet per day or 2 tablets for 4 weeks to combat the initial symptoms of deficiency. After this time, reduce the dose to the standard one tablet per day.
Price - approximately £22

Vitadiet Biotin

Vitadiet is the first biotin for hair supplement in our list. With a much smaller amount of biotin per dose, this preparation can be used prophylactically. As Ilona Krzak emphasises, prophylactic supplementation should not last longer than 3 months.

The presented biotin for hair is vegan-friendly. On the big plus side, the very low price of this supplement, as well as the pack size.

Type - dietary supplement
Pack size - 60 tablets
Position - tablets.
Dose and active substance - 2.5 mg biotin
Dosage - 1 tablet daily
Price - approximately £9

Pharmovit Biotin

Pharmovit Biotin is a supplement similar to its predecessor. The same dosage allows for preventive supplementation. The big drawback, however, is the price. Furthermore, gelatine is included in the composition of the product. Therefore, the preparation is not suitable for vegans.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 60 capsules
Position - capsules
Dose and active ingredient - 2.5 mg biotin
Dosage - 1 capsule daily
Price - approximately £41

Swanson Biotin

Swanson Biotin is a dietary supplement, for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets. The formula is designed to be sucked. It is a robust biotin for hair - as much as 5 mg per tablet.

The manufacturer recommends taking ½ tablet per day. This dose works well if you want to take a preventive supplement. Unfortunately, the supplement form also has its disadvantages. Numerous flavourings and colourings are included in the formulation.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 60 tablets
Position - lozenges
Dose and active ingredient - 5 mg biotin
Dosage - ½ tablet daily
Price - approximately £17

SFD Nutrition Biotin

This is the dietary supplement that has the highest dose of biotin per tablet. So why is it so low in our list? The manufacturer recommends a dosage of just ¼ tablet per day. With doses of 5 or 10 mg of biotin, we are already talking about treatment, not supplementation.

A big plus: the length of the treatment. One pack is sufficient for as many as 400 days of supplementation. The presented biotin for hair can be taken by vegans.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 100 tablets
Position - tablets.
Dose and active ingredient - 10 mg biotin per tablet, 2.5 mg biotin per dose
Dosage - ¼ tablet daily
Price - approximately £45

Extrabiotin

Extrabiotin is a robust biotin for hair. The large dose of vitamin H in one tablet is a great benefit of this product. It should be noted that the manufacturer recommends taking one tablet per day, which translates into a therapeutic dose.

A pack is sufficient for one month of treatment, at an attractive price. Extrabiotin can be supplemented by vegans.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 30 tablets
Position - tablets
Dose and active ingredient - 5 mg biotin
Dosage - 1 tablet daily
Price - approximately £13

Activlab Pharma Biotin forte

Activlab Pharma is biotin for hair with a huge dose (10 mg) of this vitamin. The pharmacist points out that this is a therapeutic dose, so it should only be used in cases of deficiency. The advantage of this supplement is certainly the attractive price.

Disadvantages: the presented biotin for hair has titanium dioxide (unnecessary dye) in its composition. Furthermore, you will also find gelatine in it. Activlab Pharma Biotin forte is not suitable for vegans.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 30 tablets
Position - tablets
Dose and active ingredient - 5 mg biotin
Dosage - 1 tablet daily
Price - approximately £13

Biotin Gold Max

Biotin for Hair Gold Max is a very inexpensive dietary supplement. It offers us a substantial, therapeutic dose of biotin. The manufacturer suggests taking one tablet a day, but the pharmacist stresses, that only people with biotin deficiency should do so. On the minus side, titanium dioxide in the formulation.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 30 tablets
Position - tablets
Dose and active ingredient - 5 mg biotin
Dosage - 1 tablet daily
Price - approximately £8

Hepaslimin with biotin

Hepaslimin most of us associate with a supplement that is supposed to improve digestion. And so it does, but in this case the manufacturer has also added biotin to the formulation. Its content is low, but dosing as many as six tablets a day will translate into an intake of 2.5 mg of biotin. The box is thus very uneconomical. It is sufficient for only 5 days of treatment.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 30 tablets
Position - tablets.
Dose and active substance - 0.42 mg biotin (one tablet)
Dosage - 2 tablets, three times a day (wash down with water)
Price - approximately £12

Revenal

Revenal is a dietary supplement designed for people who want to strengthen their skin, hair and nails. The 300 mcg dose of biotin is sufficient for preventive supplementation. On the minus side, titanium dioxide in the formulation. The package is sufficient for two months of treatment.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 60 tablets
Position - tablets
Dose and active ingredient - 300 mcg
Dosage - 1 tablet daily
Price - approximately £26

Kerabione

This is another 'complex' dietary supplement. The formulation contains a negligible amount of biotin (25 mcg). The manufacturer recommends taking two tablets daily. The pharmacy magister states that this is the optimal dose for supplementation. However, there is no mention of treating a possible deficiency.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 30 capsules
Position - capsules
Dose and active ingredient - 25 mcg biotin (one tablet)
Dosage - 2 capsules daily
Price - approximately £40

Merz Spezial Dragees

Merz Special Dragees is a biotin for hair that also fails to impress us with its dosage. One tablet contains 30 mcg of vitamin H. The manufacturer recommends taking two a day. According to the pharmacist, this is the optimal maintenance dose.

A packet of this biotin for hair allows for a month of supplementation. Please note, there is lactose in the formulation, so the product is not recommended for people who have an intolerance to this sugar.

Type - dietary supplement
Package size - 60 tablets
Position - tablets.
Dose and active substance - 30 mcg biotin (one tablet)
Dosage - 2 tablets daily
Price - approximately £38

Glow Stories - for skin, hair and nail health

Product with high-quality folic acid Quatrefolic®, bamboo shoot extract and ingredients that have a positive effect on skin, hair and nails.

Biotin for hair - effects

Biotin positively affects the condition of hairand (it is responsible for keratin production). Some studies suggest, that it may prevent baldness. However, these are preliminary tests, so further research is needed to confirm the role of biotin in preventing hair loss.

Biotin deficiency - how does it affect hair?

One of the main symptoms of biotin deficiency, is the deterioration of hair condition. When our body starts to lack vitamin H, they become thinningand. Furthermore, untreated biotin deficiency can even result in hair loss.

Biotin deficiency is rare. Therefore, taking high doses of this vitamin when hair deterioration occurs may or may not help. It is not uncommon for the problem to be much more complex. Hair loss can be influenced, for example, by androgenetic alopecia, other nutritional deficiencies, anaemia or hormonal disorders.

Ilona KrzakMaster of Pharmacy

Products rich in biotin

Supporting yourself with supplements is not always necessary. In most cases, it's worth supplementing your diet with products that will provide you with a solid dose of biotin.

Products richand in biotin:

beef liver,
roasted peanuts,
beef,
roasted sunflower seeds,
sweet potatoes,
mushrooms,
spinach,
tuna,
broccoli,

Who should use biotin for hair?

According to MA Pharmacy, biotin should primarily be taken by people who are deficient in this vitamin. However, that is not all. Who else should consider supplementation?

Biotin should be taken by people:

with disturbed intestinal microflora
with gastric problems,
after antibiotic therapy,
with inborn defects of metabolism,
with eating disorders,
suffering from alcoholism,
smokers of cigarettes,
older people,
sport practitioners,
pregnant women,
taking antiepileptic drugs,

Contraindications to biotin supplementation

According to MA Pharmacy, biotin is mostly well tolerated. Therefore, its intake rarely leads to side effects. Caution should be exercised by people with kidney or liver failure.

See also:

Summary

Biotin (vitamin H or B7) influences the condition of hair, skin and nails.
Every adult should take 30 mcg of biotin per day.
The best available biotin is the following.
The best commercially available biotin product is Glow Stories.
Biotin deficiency results in deterioration of hair condition.
The most biotin will be provided by beef liver, roasted peanuts or salmon.
Biotin is safe and its intake usually does not lead to side effects.

FAQ

Which biotin for hair is best?

The best biotin for hair is Glow Stories by Natu.Care. It stands out for its rich and researched formulation, as well as a pack that lasts for 60 days of supplementation. In addition to biotin, the composition also includes Quatrefolic® (folic acid in the best-absorbed form of folate), natural silica, vitamin E, vitamin A, niacin, zinc or L-Methionine.

How much biotin to take daily for hair loss?

To strengthen hair prophylactically, it is recommended to take approximately 1-1.2 mg of biotin. If you want to curb hair loss, the usual dosage is 2.5-5 mg (2500-5000 micrograms) of biotin per day.

Doses may vary depending on individual needs and health status. Before starting supplementation, consult your doctor or nutritionist - you may also need other vitamins for hair.

After what time does biotin take effect?

The time after which the effects of biotin supplementation can be seen can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as individual body needs, supplement dose and health status.

Typically, the results of biotin supplementation appear after a few weeks or months and include improvements in the condition of the skin, hair and nails. Remember to combine regular supplementation with a healthy diet.

Does biotin cause side effects?

Biotin - as a B vitamin - is usually well tolerated and in normal doses (30-100 μg per day) does not cause side effects. However, doses above 2000 μg per day can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, respiratory problems, difficulty absorbing other B vitamins and skin problems. Take special care with supplementation if you suffer from kidney or heart failure.

How to find out if I have a biotin deficiency?

Although biotin deficiency is extremely rare, it can produce worrying symptoms:

broken, weakened hair and nails,
excessive hair loss,
dry and flaky skin,
lower mood,
muscular pains,
disorders of appetite,
disorders of the skin.
disorders of appetite and vision,

If you suspect you have a biotin deficiency, do a blood test and see your doctor or nutritionist to determine the appropriate steps.

Does hair grow after biotin?

Several studies have already suggested that biotin supplementation can help stimulate hair growth - especially in people who are balding and suffering from biotin deficiency.

In people with temporary hair loss, the effects were visible after just 90 days. Biotin will also be effective if your hair is thinning. Remember that hair regrowth can be the result of the interaction of many factors, not just biotin preparations.

Biotin and weight gain - is there a link?

Biotin does not affect weight gain - some experts even report that it can help with weight loss as it takes an active part in the metabolic process. However, there are no studies that can confirm the role of biotin in weight loss.

Sources

See all

Ablon, G. (2015). A 3-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of an Extra-Strength Marine Protein Supplement to Promote Hair Growth and Decrease Shedding in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2015, e841570. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/841570

Lipner, S. R. (2018). Rethinking biotin therapy for hair, nail, and skin disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 78(6), 1236-1238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.02.018

Office of Dietary Supplements-Biotin. (n.d.). Retrieved 17 March 2023, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/

Patel, D. P., Swink, S. M., & Castelo-Soccio, L. (2017a). A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disorders, 3(3), 166-169. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981

Patel, D. P., Swink, S. M., & Castelo-Soccio, L. (2017b). A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disorders, 3(3), 166-169. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981

Samadi, A., Ketabi, Y., Firooz, R., & Firooz, A. (2022). Efficacy of intramuscular injections of biotin and dexpanthenol in the treatment of diffuse hair loss: A randomized, double-blind controlled study comparing two brands. Dermatologic Therapy, 35(9), e15695. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.15695

Trüeb, R. M. (2016a). Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss. International Journal of Trichology, 8(2), 73-77. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.188040

Trüeb, R. M. (2016b). Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss. International Journal of Trichology, 8(2), 73-77. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.188040

Trüeb, R. M. (2018). Comment on the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disorders, 4(4), 345-346. https://doi.org/10.1159/000484489

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