Are your clients constantly looking for a quick fix to longer locks? It comes as no surprise following the surge of interest on social media – rosemary oil anyone? A quick Google search for hair growth supplements, and biotin is amongst the top recommended. But does biotin really promote hair growth? We spoke to three experts to find out…
What is Biotin?
“Also known as Vitamin B7, biotin is part of the B-complex group of vitamins and plays a crucial role in converting food into energy,” Deborah Maguire, Trichologist, co-owner of Love Hair Salon and co-founder of Seed & Soul, tells us. Meaning, it aids enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins making it essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails and overall cellular health.
How Does Biotin Affect Hair?
“Biotin helps with the production of a keratin that the hair is made of,” says Mark Blake, Trichologist and Nioxin Ambassador. “Biotin cannot grow new hair follicles but may strengthen the hair if your clients are low in biotin.”
Additionally, not only can low biotin levels cause hair loss and brittle hair but a number of physical affects including lack of energy, insomnia, dry and scaly skin – none of which are good for optimal hair growth.
Which is why your clients are probably running (not walking) to the supplements section of your local Holland & Barrett. Yes, “adequate levels of biotin help maintain strong, resilient hair and supplements can promote regrowth, reduce thinning, enhance hair texture and strength making it shinier and less prone to breakage,” says Deborah, but only for those who have a biotin deficiency.
In fact, if clients already have sufficient biotin levels, “taking extra won’t supercharge hair growth,” says Kieran Tudor, Centred co-founder. “In some cases, high doses of biotin supplements can interfere with blood test results” plus, “acne outbreaks”, adds Deborah.
Should You Recommend Biotin to Promote Hair Growth?
It’s a resounding no from Mark: “Not unless your clients have certain medical conditions,” he stresses. “I would always advise clients to get a blood test to find out their actual levels of biotin. Taking supplements that the body doesn’t actually need can cause imbalances and interactions with other vitamins and minerals which may lead to problems including hair loss!” Meaning, clients can make the problem worse.
For those clients who may need a supplement in biotin, it’s important to remind them that: “Not all supplements are made equal so it’s important to look for supplements that use the bio-available form of vitamins and minerals while avoiding those that contain bulking agents, preservatives and colourants,” as Kieran tells us.
To put it simply, the best thing clients can do to support hair growth is to ensure a diet of a wide range of vitamins and minerals that work together in promoting healthy, strong hair. And most importantly, clients should be reminded to talk to a hair professional such as a trichologist if they’re concerned about hair loss – and not run to the pharmacy for a biotin supplement!
