Your shampoo should contain this ingredient if you don’t want hair loss — Biotin and its benefits
Biotin, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7 as part of the B vitamin complex, is a water-soluble micronutrient that plays a fundamental role in aiding enzymes to break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates for metabolic purposes. It can be found in natural forms (e.g., organic foods) or in the commercial industry (such as in hair shampoos, conditioners, serums, oils, or artificial supplements). Some of the most important natural sources where you can have your recommended intake of biotin include beef liver, avocados, salmon, nuts and seeds or (cooked) eggs.
History time — the discovery of what is now known as biotin
1927: the ‘egg white injury’ — rats who were fed egg whites developed dermatitis and lost hair, so it was concluded that this could be cured by a specific treatment with a heat-stable factor from yeasts
1924: 3 factors were identified as necessary for the growth of microorganisms — namely, bios II, vitamin H and coenzyme R — all of them being the same water-soluble vitamin
1936: the vitamin was given the name of ‘biotin’
1943: the structure and properties of biotin were established, and the first chemical synthesis was completed by the Merck Company
Here is a list of the most common biotin-deficiency symptoms you have to look for (but be aware these may coincide with other kinds of nutrient-based deficiencies):
- brittle hair
- dry eyes
- hair loss
- red rashes on the skin
- muscle pain
- insomnia
- loss of appetite
So how does being deficient in vitamin H affect overall hair loss? For a long time, it has been believed that biotin and hair loss are not interlinked, but recent studies have emerged that emphasize the significance of biotin’s presence in one’s body in relation to hair health. Biotin is said to boost the rate of follicle growth and the production of keratin, an essential protein needed for hair strength and flexibility, and, to help with this, more and more hair products have grown to be at the forefront in the fight against vitamin B7-deficiency.
Five short facts you need to know about biotin-infused hair shampoos
- They diminish breakage and mend split ends
- Combined with topical zinc, they successfully stop the development of alopecia
- Stimulate the production of sebum in the scalp, especially if you have dry hair
- They are full of essential oils and plant-based ingredients that helps biotin to be better absorbed
- They improve scalp circulation and hair density
In conclusion, if you have been confronting hair loss issues for some time, it is imperative that, whatever biotin-based product (be it natural or artificial) you are utilizing, you have to be patient and give it time to work on your hair — different hair, different needs! A correct estimate revolves around the 3-month marker, but results could take longer to appear, so do not lose hope. What is more, keep in mind that there isn’t just one solution to cure it all — it may be the case that hair loss has progressed too much in your case that biotin shampoos do not work anymore and that you may need further and more advanced treatment (think of low-level laser therapy, for instance).
References
Harvard School of Public Health. (2019, July 24). Biotin — Vitamin B7. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/.
Does Biotin Really Work For Hair Loss. (2024, February 28). The Independent Pharmacy. https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/hair-loss/guides/does-biotin-really-work-for-hair-loss.
Biotin 101: What Is It and Why It’s Good for Hair? (n.d.). Pantene EN-US. https://pantene.com/en-us/is-biotin-good-for-hair#.
Biotin Deficiency: Side Effects, Causes, and More. (2017, June 27). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/biotin-deficiency#risk-factors.
History of Biotin Copy. (n.d.). Enhance Me Training Academy. Retrieved April 13, 2024, from https://www.enhance-me-training.com/lessons/history-of-biotin-copy/#:~:text=Between%201940%20and%201943%2C%20the.
