Is Biotin a Good Hair Supplement? Here's Our Honest Opinion...

Biotin supplementation is often said to strengthen, thicken, and protect hair.

But, while Biotin alone isn't a miracle cure for hair loss, we've found that this nutrient can give you healthier, better-looking locks.

Hair supplements contain nutrients that help combat hair loss and promote healthy growth. Biotin is often used in hair supplements, as it is claimed to help strengthen, thicken, and protect hair in already healthy individuals.

If you want to combat thinning hair, it’s time to think about taking a supplement or two. Consider increasing the amount of Biotin in your diet and taking supplements that contain Biotin.

What is Biotin?

Biotin (or vitamin B7) is a micronutrient that breaks down fats and proteins in the body and converts them into substances that can be used for energy. Biotin also supports a healthy metabolism.

However, while this micronutrient is perhaps best known for strengthening weak hair there are no conclusive studies to show that it helps, even while testimonials are extremely promising.

How Can I Consume More Biotin?

Biotin deficiencies are actually quite rare, as many foods contain Biotin. However, deficiencies are possible, and they can lead to dry, brittle hair and hair loss. Hair supplements restore Biotin levels, which may prevent hair loss in some people.

Foods high in Biotin include:

• Egg yolks

• Yeast

• Nuts

• Salmon

• Cheese

• Avocados

• Bananas

• Mushrooms

• Cauliflower

It's recommended that you build these foods into your diet to avoid becoming deficient in Biotin. Don't forget to talk to a medical professional before making any changes to your diet.

Our Favourite Products with Biotin for Hair Growth

Apotecari Mane Event 2 Month Supply can help your hair appear shiner, lustrous and more healthy. This vegan hair supplement comes in a daily capsule and helps repair hair that’s been damaged by heat or chemicals. This supplement can help regulate healthy hair growth and help build the hair back up.

Combine Apotecari Mane Event 2 Month Supply with Apotecari Hair Food 2 Month Supply, and you’ve got yourself a power couple! With many Biotin powder benefits, Hair Food is a plant-based protein powder that claims to help strengthen weakened, thinning, and brittle hair. Plus, it can easily be mixed in with your hot drinks and smoothies. This combination may just give you the health boost you’ve been craving.

Custom-designed for men who wash their hair daily, Kérastase Densifique Bain Dènsite Homme Shampoo gives your hair its bounce back. You need to use only a small amount of the shampoo to see the nourishing effect. Massage a cherry-sized amount into the hair and scalp. Wet to work up a lather, and then rinse thoroughly. Follow up with your favourite conditioner, and you’re ready to go!

Use L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Inforcer Anti-Breakage Masque 250ml frequently alongside L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Inforcer Anti-Breakage Shampoo 300ml to strengthen hair over time. Enriched with Biotin and Vitamin B6, this combination will help reduce any hair loss you’re experiencing. Apply this mask to hair that’s been shampooed. Leave the product in for up to 5 minutes. You can leave it on longer, but always be sure to rinse it out properly to keep your hair soft and shiny.

Great at tackling tricky tangles, Klorane Quinine Shampoo leaves hair restored and full of life after every wash. Vitamin B5 helps restore and fortify the hair’s shaft, while Vitamin B6 strengthens keratin and reduces sebum production on the scalp. Quinine helps support microcirculation.

This super-kind cleanser is free of damaging silicones and perfect for daily use. Massage a small amount into your hair and work up a sudsy lather. Ensure the shampoo is spread over the scalp. Then, rinse for a squeaky clean, fuller-feeling head of hair.

In addition to some serious Biotin health benefits, Oribe Power Drops - Damage Repair Booster offers UV protection for your hair. Gluten-free, cruelty-free, and sulphate-free, a few drops will have you swishing your locks with pride again after just a few uses. Use alone or mixed into your favourite Oribe product to infuse your hair with nutrition and repair damaged strands. Hair fall and breakage is reduced, and elasticity is restored. The combination of natural extracts and Biotin makes this serum a hair care essential.

Shea Butter keeps your lengths nourished and shiny, while a Rice Protein conditions and strengthens the hair. KEVIN.MURPHY Plumping.Rinse conditioner helps prevent hair loss and is suitable for all hair types. Those who suffer with thinning, fine, or limp hair will love this body-building formula. To use, simply apply to freshly washed hair and leave for a few minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly and style as you see fit. Beautiful!

Perfect if you want to add a little elasticity into your hair, Wella SP Reverse Conditioner brings back a supple softness to damaged, brittle, and broken hair. Spray the formula onto damp hair after you've washed it, and comb Wella SP Reverse Conditioner through gently. If you’re a heat-styling addict, use a low setting to style. But remember: leaving your hair to air dry will help maintain the condition of your hair and prevent any further styling stress.

Will Biotin Help Hair Grow?

A symptom of Biotin deficiency is hair loss, so it could be possible that increasing your intake will help you retain a healthy head of hair.

Though there’s still a lot of research to be done on the vitamin, many enjoy hair with a little extra swish when they take a Biotin supplement. Taking Biotin for hair loss has increased in popularity because so many people have had positive results from this nutrient.

What Are the Downsides of Biotin?

Unfortunately, once a hair follicle is dead, Biotin can't revive it. Genetically programmed bald patches can't be undone by taking Biotin alone, so it's important to understand the cause of your hair loss before attempting to treat it.

A Biotin supplement only helps with hair loss when a Biotin deficiency is the underlying cause.

If you're planning to take a hair supplement, contact your doctor first, especially if you take medications. You don’t want to experience side effects or cause drug interactions.

If you're looking for a hair supplement or a new shampoo, consider one that contains Biotin.

Discover more great hair care products in our guides The Best Apotecari Products for Your Hair and The 9 Best Products for Fast Hair Growth

Finally, a few important things to know about hair supplements:

• Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently had surgery or been in an accident.

• Take your supplements as directed - exceeding the recommended dosage won't get you results faster, but it will cost you more money.

• If you're concerned about hair loss, chat to your health professional for personalised expert advice, because no two heads of hair are the same.

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.