If you’ve ever waded into the world of hair loss products in hopes of getting the longer, fuller hair of your dreams, you’ve probably heard of biotin. In fact, it’s found in everything from shampoos and serums to supplements and hair growth gummies, leading most people to believe that biotin is the secret to longer, fuller hair.
But as it turns out, they might not be as good for your hair as some people think. To find out the truth, we consulted dermatologists to get their thoughts on popular hair loss remedies. Read on for everything you need to know.
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What is biotin? | Do biotin supplements help hair growth? | Does biotin shampoo help hair growth? | Best products for hair growth recommended by experts | How to choose | Meet the experts
What is Biotin?
“Biotin is a B vitamin,” says Elisabeth Bahar Houshmand, M.D., a double-board certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas. Biotin plays a key role in helping convert carbohydrates into glucose for energy.
As Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, associate professor of dermatology at Yale University, previously told TODAY, biotin is an essential nutrient for the body, especially for skin, hair, and nails.
Biotin is a popular ingredient in hair care products because it helps strengthen both hair and nails, says Houshmand. Biotin is commonly found in two forms: as a supplement or as an ingredient in topical products like shampoos. We’ll go into more detail on each below.
Do biotin supplements help with hair growth?
According to New York City dermatologist Dr. Joyce Davis, biotin supplements have little effect on hair growth in healthy people, and it won’t be absorbed if you’re already getting enough in your diet. “Any excess B vitamins you take will be excreted in your urine, so taking extra biotin won’t do you any good,” she says.
As TODAY.com previously reported, adults need 30 micrograms of biotin daily, and Houshmand says most people can get this amount from a balanced diet, since biotin is found in foods like meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts and vegetables like sweet potatoes.
Some people can have a biotin deficiency, which can cause hair loss or thinning. Hoochmand says that biotin supplements can help in these cases, but deficiency is rare.
While there are no levels of biotin that are actually toxic, “high doses taken orally can potentially affect blood tests that measure thyroid and heart function,” Houshmand says.
Does biotin shampoo help hair growth?
As with supplements, experts say that using topical products like biotin shampoo likely won’t affect hair growth. If you start using biotin shampoo and notice your hair is thicker or more voluminous, there’s probably something else causing the problem.
“There are a variety of topical chemicals that coat the hair, and a variety of conditioning agents that make hair appear thicker, but whether topical biotin will actually penetrate the hair follicle and have any effect is just wishful thinking,” Davis says.
While you might not see the hair growth you were hoping for, Houshmand says there is one potential benefit to using the ingredient: “Topical biotin helps moisturize the scalp,” she says. “This can be effective if you have a dry scalp.”
With all that in mind, there’s a better way to go if you’re serious about getting your hair growing. So we asked dermatologists to share some of their top hair growth products, plus other expert-recommended products worth adding to your cart.
The best products for hair growth, according to experts
Miel Organic Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
What we like
It has a nice scent and moisturizes the scalp to prevent itching.
Size: 2 oz | Key Ingredients: Rosemary, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil
Rosemary oil has become increasingly popular in recent years as a natural solution to hair loss, and experts say it may actually work.
This affordable, fortifying oil is popular among those looking to try the ingredient. Compared to other products, this one doesn’t dilute the rosemary oil too much, making it easy to use on wash days, New York City hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante previously told us.
Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment
What we like
Can be used with other treatments Suitable for sensitive scalps
Size: 5.0 oz | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Redensyl, Betaine
Green said the treatment is one of a number of caffeine-containing treatments designed to stimulate hair growth.
In addition to the irritating ingredients, it also contains Redensyl, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry previously told us is “similar to minoxidil, without the irritation and excess hair growth.”
Kitsch Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth and Scalp Health
What we like
Soothes the scalp, reduces itchiness and keeps hair healthy
Size: 2.0 oz | Key Ingredients: Rosemary Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Biotin, Castor Oil
If you’re curious about the ingredients, this hairstylist-approved oil does indeed contain biotin, but it also contains other beneficial oils that may help with hair growth, including rosemary oil, castor oil, and jojoba seed oil.
Amazon Basic Care Minoxidil Topical Solution
What we like
Contains 2% minoxidil, fragrance-free
Points to note
Use twice daily
Size: 6 oz | Main Ingredient: Minoxidil
Minoxidil, better known by the brand name Rogaine, is one of the top hair loss treatments recommended by experts.
This popular product on Amazon contains 2% minoxidil. The brand says that if used twice daily, it can regrow hair in just four months. It’s safe for color-treated hair and fragrance-free. To use, you’ll need to use a dropper to apply one milliliter of product twice a day.
Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam
What we like
FDA approved for fragrance-free hair growth
Points to note
Complaints about difficulty in use
Size: 2.11 oz | Main Ingredient: Minoxidil
For those looking for an over-the-counter treatment, both Davis and Houshmand recommended Rogaine topical treatment, which the company says works in about four months when applied once a day.
“There’s a lot of research showing it’s effective for treating thinning and hair loss on the scalp and eyebrows,” says Houshmand.
Nioxin Ultimate Power Serum
What we like
Nourishes hair. Effective from just one use.
Points to note
A maximum of 15 pumps must be used
Size: 2.3 oz | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Lauric Acid, Niacinamide, Sandalore
Houshmand also recommends this serum from Nioxin, which she says showed improved hair retention and reduced hair loss in participants when she used it in an eight-week clinical trial.
The product contains ingredients like niacinamide, lauric acid, and caffeine. Dr. Michelle Green, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously said that caffeine increases blood circulation to the scalp, allowing more nutrients and oxygen to reach hair follicles, keeping them healthy. For best results, apply the product daily.
FAQ
What causes hair loss?
There are a number of possible reasons why hair loss may occur. As dermatologist Dr. Cameron K. Rokhsar previously told us, these include iron deficiency, anemia, “changes in thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism), changes in sex hormones (conditions like polycystic ovarian disease that cause an increase in male hormones like testosterone), and autoimmune diseases like lupus.”
How much hair loss is normal?
Dr. Rae Lynne Kinler, medical director of Ziering Medical in Connecticut, previously said that the average person loses between 100 and 150 hairs per day, and if the hair loss is significant, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist.
Reasons for choosing
To choose the best products for hair loss, we consulted dermatologists and referred to previous reports and interviews with experts to choose the most recommended products.
As an editorial team, we create our own content and decide what to feature based on research, reporting and what TODAY.com readers want to read. Products are sold by retailers, not TODAY. Prices and availability are accurate at the time of publication. Learn more about Shop TODAY here.
Meet Our Experts
Elisabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, is a dual board certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas. She specializes in skin laser surgery with special interests in cosmetic dermatology, laser medicine, acne, hair loss, and melasma. Kathleen Suozzi, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology at Yale University. She specializes in treating skin cancer and UV damage to the skin. Joyce Davis, MD, is a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City. She has been in private practice for over 30 years and works in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, with a special interest in treating hair loss. Rogerio Cavalcante is a hair stylist, colorist, and founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York City. Michelle Henry, MD, is a board certified dermatologist in New York City.
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