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.
What is Biotin? | Do biotin supplements help with hair growth? | Does biotin shampoo help hair growth? | The best products for hair growth, according to experts | How did you choose it? | Meet Our 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.
People with a biotin deficiency may experience hair loss or thinning. Hooshmand says biotin supplements can help in these cases. Defects are 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
size: 2oz | Main 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 in combination with other treatments
- Suitable for sensitive scalps
size: 5.0oz | Main 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
size: 2.0oz | Main 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 ounces | Main ingredients: 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, which the brand says can regrow hair in just four months when used twice a day. It’s designed to be safe for use on color-treated hair and is fragrance-free.
Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam
What we like
- Fragrance Free
- FDA approved as a hair growth agent
Points to note
- Complaints about difficulty in use
size: 2.11oz | Main Ingredients: Minoxidil
Both Davis and Houshmand recommended Rogaine topical treatment for people looking for an over-the-counter treatment.
“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
- Works from the first use
Points to note
- A maximum of 15 pumps must be used
size: 2.3oz | Main 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 formula contains ingredients like niacinamide, lauric acid, and caffeine, which New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Green previously told us, can increase blood circulation to the scalp, helping to get more nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles, keeping them healthy.
How did you choose it?
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.
Meet Our Experts
- Dr. Elisabeth Bahar HoushmandM.D., Dr. Schneider is a double board certified Dermatologist based in Dallas, Texas, specializing in dermatological laser surgery with special interests in cosmetic dermatology, laser medicine, acne, hair removal and melasma.
- Dr. Kathleen SuozziM.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, Dr. Schneider specializes in treating skin cancer and UV-induced skin damage.
- Dr. Joyce DavisM.D., Dr. Schneider is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatological surgeon in New York City who has been in private practice for over 30 years, providing both medical and cosmetic dermatology treatments, with a special focus on treating alopecia.
- Rogerio Cavalcante teeth Hair stylists, colorists, and Second floor salon In New York City.
- Dr. Michelle HenryM.D., I am a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
