Want to know if one can take biotin for women’s hair loss? What’s the connection between hair loss and biotin? Before answering these questions, let’s delve into biotin and more about what it does for women, shall we?
Understanding Hair Loss in Women
Both women and men experience hair loss and do everything they can to promote hair growth. Don’t we all? That’s why we’re here, aren’t we?
Hair loss in women could be due to multiple factors with the most common being hereditary factors, hormonal imbalance, stress and medical conditions or medications. Generally, a consultation with a specialist and maybe the recommended tests can help diagnose the causative factors. So, why do they recommend biotin for women’s hair loss if that’s the case?
Did you know nutritional deficiencies could play a role in hair loss? This is why recommended dietary allowance for key nutrients came into picture. Because, not just hair health, they affect several aspects of our body.
The good news however is that, unlike hair loss in men, with women, it’s more subtle. This means, patchy loss of hair or balding is less common in women. Rather, it’s more of an overall thinning of hair and reduction in density and volume. Did you know at times, it could also be self perceived thinning hair?
The Role of Biotin for Hair
Before we go into what Biotin does for our hair, don’t you want to know what Biotin is? Did you know Biotin is Vitamin B7? But it is also called Vitamin H or Hair Vitamin colloquially, owing to the many hair benefits it has to offer. Did you know it is also important for healthy skin?
Unlike some vitamins that are more known by their number in Vitamin B Complex, Biotin is among the very few vitamins that is known by its name. Isn’t it? Thanks to its role in hair growth and health, it has gained a lot of popularity recently.
Like many other vitamins in the B complex, Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin and has a key role to play in several functions in our body. Did you know it has a key role in metabolic processes in our body?
So, what does it do for our hair really? Biotin has a crucial role in the synthesis of keratin, which is important for hair growth. Do you know Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss? Many have benefited using Biotin for women’s hair loss, especially if their hair loss or balding is linked to Vitamin H deficiency.
What Happens With Biotin Deficiency?
Hair loss could be due to biotin deficiency, but how do we know if that’s the case? Before consuming biotin or dietary supplements, it’s a good idea to determine if that’s a possible cause. Right?
Biotin deficiency itself is quite rare in the US. However, few symptoms can make it easier to understand that it’s a possibility. So, what are the symptoms?
Brittle nails, hair loss, skin rashes and hair thinning are common symptoms. It’s a good idea to consult a specialist if you notice these symptoms, since he or she would be able to suggest diagnosis tests to analyze possible causes and more.
Can We Take Biotin for Women’s Hair Loss?
Biotin supplements are considered as the solution for the hair loss problem and to promote hair growth. So, is it a be-all end all to all problems related to hair like touted?
It’s not without reason that biotin supplementation is recommended for hair growth. There’s a reason it’s added to Vitamins Revive Hair Growth Vitamins kit. Isn’t it?
Biotin supplements are safe for women and yes, you can take it if required. It’s important to consult a specialist before taking any dietary supplements. Same applies for biotin.
It’s important to note that biotin is important for hair, along with other related nutrients that each have a role to play in hair health. That’s why many opt for a dietary supplement that has other related nutrients too. Also, unless deficient in biotin, and your hair loss or stunted growth is related to this nutrient, there are no studies that support it will still help if that’s the case.
This is why consulting a specialist to determine what’s causing your hair loss or reduced hair growth helps. Also, they can give new insight or identify things from an angle we’re not seeing from!
Biotin for Hair Loss – What’s the Connection?
Biotin is known to support hair growth and improve hair health. Did you know it improves hair elasticity and strengthens hair follicles? That’s not all!
Biotin supplements can help prevent balding and hair loss, especially if they’re caused due to biotin deficiency. Also, biotin can make your hair healthier and lustrous. It can even improve hair density.
The role biotin plays in keratin synthesis is why many trust biotin can improve hair growth. All said and done, it can’t prevent hair loss, or improve hair growth, especially if it’s not linked to deficiency of biotin.
Also, there are several other nutrients that have a role in hair health, together with those, biotin can make a huge difference in hair health.
Food Sources for Biotin
Yes, we did discuss supplementing biotin, but aren’t there food sources for this wonderful nutrient? Wouldn’t you like to know?
Did you know eggs are a great source of biotin? However, the avidin in raw eggs can bind to them and prevent biotin absorption when consumed raw. So, cooked eggs, it is!
Nuts and nut butters are a good source of biotin. My favorites are almond and peanut butters. What’s yours?
Whole grains are a reliable source of biotin. Did you know some vegetables including cauliflower, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, broccoli, etc., are good sources for biotin?
Oh, and our gut bacteria produce biotin. Who would have thought, right? Organ meats and legumes are good sources too.
So, what’s your pick from these foods?
Dosage of Biotin Supplements
Are you considering taking biotin supplements? Then you’d like to know the right dosage for the same. The recommended dose for men and women varies based on multiple factors. Food and nutrition board recommended daily dose is 30 mcg for adults, while pregnant women may need up to 35 mcg a day.
Biotin supplements are usually safe but too much biotin can cause excessive urination, thirst or even insomnia. Too much biotin can interfere with certain diagnostic tests.
It’s important to note that biotin deficiency is extremely rare, and it’s usually pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers who are at increased risk of biotin deficiency. So, to avoid taking too much biotin, it’s best to check if you really need it first!
How to Use Biotin for Hair?
You can consume a diet rich in biotin, take it as a supplement or even add biotin to your DIY recipes. How would you like to incorporate it into your routine? Hope these recipes will help you get started!
DIY Biotin Smoothie
Take 1/2 Avocado and scoop out the flesh. Add it to your blender. Along with it add a Tbsp. of Peanut Butter or Almond Butter, a Cup of Almond Milk and a drop or two of Vanilla Extract. Blend till smooth, for a tasty and biotin rich smoothie – you can make changes to this recipe according to your preference.
DIY Biotin Hair Mask
Take 1 Tbsp. each of Olive Oil and Honey, along with 1 Avocado and 1 Egg Yolk. Beat or blend it to fine consistency and apply it on your hair and scalp. Wash off after 30 minutes for lustrous hair.
DIY Biotin Rinse
Take a spoon of Biotin Powder and add it to a Jug. Add in 1/2 Cup of ACV and fill the remaining cup with Water. Done! Pour the rinse on your locks slowly and gently massage your scalp for a few seconds. Rinse off.
Conclusion
As noted earlier, biotin supplements can help with hair growth, improve hair elasticity and strengthen hair. However, biotin deficiency alone might not be the cause for hair loss and there could be other nutritional deficiencies or factors that contribute to the problem.
Determining the root cause of the problem can help find a solution and eliminate it once and for all. This is where a specialist can help. Not only will they help identify the issue, they can also come up with solutions that can help.
If you are considering biotin supplementation, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider and get an opinion on the same. Instead of supplementing, consuming a healthy and balanced diet that also includes biotin rich foods can improve hair growth and health. What do you think?
FAQs
Can women take Biotin Supplements?
Yes, women can take them. However, before taking any supplements it’s important to consult your healthcare provider, who might take tests to determine biotin levels.
Is Biotin deficiency common?
Good thing is it isn’t common. While the required biotin levels vary for men and women, it’s usually pregnant or breastfeeding women who are susceptible to biotin deficiency.
Does biotin support healthy hair growth?
Yes, that is why many hair supplements contain biotin. However, if you’re not deficient in biotin there might not be a marked change in your hair growth rate.
Do biotin supplements stimulate hair growth?
For those with low biotin levels, biotin supplementation is said to help improve hair growth. However, there could be other causative factors and should be identified to come up with a solution.
What’s biotinidase deficiency?
Biotinidase deficiency is a metabolic disorder that prevents the body from recycling biotin and is often hereditary.
Oral biotin or topical biotin – what’s best for hair?
It’s more about what you prefer and what works for you best. Both have their advantages and those who don’t want to supplement usually prefer topical application.
Does biotin have a say in healthy hair?
Yes, your biotin levels determine how healthy your hair would be. But, there could be other factors to consider too.
Does biotin help hair follicle in any way?
Biotin plays a key role in cell division, which is very important for hair follicles and their health. After all, cell division is responsible for renewing and growing new hair follicles, ain’t it?
