Biotin for hair - why is it important?

Do you need a biotin supplement?

The need for supplements depends on the individual’s diet and circumstances.

A supplement is intended to complement the normal diet and should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

If you suspect a vitamin deficiency, you should speak to your doctor or another relevant healthcare professional rather than attempting to diagnose a deficiency yourself.

How long does it take to see a difference?

It is not appropriate to set a general timeframe for visible hair results when using biotin.

The authorised health claim states that:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

It does not state that you can expect a specific visible change after, for example, 30, 60 or 90 days.

If you are taking a biotin supplement, you should therefore follow the product’s recommended daily dose rather than basing your use on a promise of visible results within a specific number of weeks.

Other vitamins and minerals relating to hair

Biotin is not the only nutrient with an authorised health claim relating to normal hair.

Zinc

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Zinc also has a number of other functions in the body and contributes, amongst other things, to normal protein synthesis and to protecting cells against oxidative stress.

Selenium

Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Selenium also helps to maintain normal nails and to protect cells from oxidative stress.

What about other vitamins?

Other vitamins and minerals may have various important functions in the body without necessarily having a specific authorised health claim relating to hair.

It is therefore important not to automatically conclude that a vitamin promotes hair growth simply because, for example, it plays a role in energy metabolism, cell division or other normal bodily functions.

You can read our comprehensive guide to vitamins and minerals for hair here.

Foods containing biotin

Biotin is found in a range of different foods. Rather than focusing on one particular food, you can vary your diet and include different sources of vitamins and minerals.

Eggs

Eggs contain biotin, amongst other things, and can easily be incorporated into many different meals.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds can provide various vitamins and minerals and may contain biotin, amongst other things.

Fish

Various types of fish may contain biotin as well as a range of other nutrients.

Pulses

Beans, lentils and other pulses can form part of a varied diet and provide various nutrients.

Vegetables

Various vegetables provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals and should form part of a varied diet.

Biotin supplements

There are many different biotin supplements available.

If you choose a supplement, it may be worth checking:

• which vitamins and minerals the product contains
• the recommended daily dose
• the list of ingredients
• whether the product suits your dietary preferences
• the product’s labelling and instructions for use

Always follow the recommended daily dose.

Yuaia Hair Vitamins with biotin

Our Yuaia Hair Vitamins have been developed as a dietary supplement containing, amongst other things, biotin and zinc.

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

Zinc helps maintain normal hair.

Hair Vitamins are 100% vegan and free from gluten, lactose and gelatine.

The product is designed to be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

Always follow the recommended daily dose stated on the product.

Can you tell from your hair if you’re deficient in biotin?

It is not possible to determine with certainty whether you are deficient in biotin based solely on the appearance of your hair.

Changes in your hair or hair loss can have many different causes.

If you experience sudden, significant or persistent hair loss, or suspect a vitamin deficiency, you should speak to your doctor.

It is more appropriate to have the underlying cause assessed than to try to diagnose a deficiency yourself based on individual symptoms.

Biotin and hair loss

Biotin should not be regarded as a treatment for hair loss.

The relevant authorised health claim is:

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

This is not the same as saying that biotin prevents, reduces or treats hair loss.

There can be many causes of hair loss, and in the event of sudden or persistent hair loss, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.

You can read more about the various causes of hair loss here.

Should you take biotin every day?

If you are taking a biotin supplement, you should follow the recommended daily dose stated on the product label.

You should not increase the dose yourself in an attempt to achieve a greater or faster effect on your hair.

Dietary supplements should always be taken in accordance with the recommended dosage.

Can you have too much biotin?

It is important to follow the recommended dose for all dietary supplements – including products containing biotin.

Just because a vitamin is water-soluble does not mean you should consume arbitrary amounts.

If you are unsure about a dietary supplement or your individual situation, you should speak to your doctor or another relevant healthcare professional.

Other causes of changes to your hair

The appearance of your hair can change over the course of your life, and there can be many different reasons for this.

If your hair changes significantly, becomes noticeably thinner or starts to fall out in greater quantities than usual, you should not automatically assume that the cause is a biotin deficiency.

In the event of persistent or sudden changes, it may be a good idea to have the cause assessed by a doctor.

Can biotin produce visible results for your hair in a short time?

No specific timeframe should be set for visible results from biotin.

The authorised health claim is that:

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

It is therefore more accurate to focus on this function rather than promising visible changes after a specific number of weeks or months.

What is the difference between normal hair and hair growth?

This is an important distinction.

“Biotin helps maintain normal hair” is an approved health claim.

However, this is not the same as saying:

• biotin increases hair growth
• biotin causes new hair to grow
• biotin makes hair thicker
• biotin reduces hair loss
• biotin makes hair grow faster

When we talk about biotin at Yuaia Haircare, we therefore base our claims on the authorised function of maintaining normal hair.

FAQs about biotin for hair

What does biotin do for hair?

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

Is biotin good for hair growth?

The authorised health claim for biotin relates to the maintenance of normal hair – not increased or faster hair growth.

Can biotin stop hair loss?

Biotin should not be marketed as a treatment for hair loss.

If you experience persistent or sudden hair loss, you should speak to your doctor.

Does biotin make hair thicker?

There is no authorised health claim stating that biotin makes hair thicker.

Biotin helps to maintain normal hair.

How quickly does biotin work on hair?

There is no generally accepted timeframe for visible results.

If you are taking a biotin supplement, you should follow the product’s recommended daily dose.

Which foods contain biotin?

Biotin is found in various foods, including eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, meat and certain vegetables.

Can biotin be combined with zinc?

Biotin and zinc are found together in various supplements.

Both have an approved health claim relating to hair:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Is biotin only relevant for women?

No. The authorised health claim that biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair is not gender-specific.

Product recommendations

Hair Vitamins with biotin and zinc

If you’re looking for a dietary supplement containing biotin, our Yuaia Hair Vitamins contain biotin and zinc, amongst other ingredients.

Biotin and zinc help maintain normal hair.

Hair Vitamins are vegan and free from gluten, lactose and gelatine, and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.

Always follow the recommended daily dose.

Hair mask with biotin

Biotin is also used as an ingredient in cosmetic hair care products.

Our hair mask contains, amongst other things, biotin, hydrolysed keratin and wheat protein, and is designed to nourish the hair and provide moisture.

The hair mask can be used as a supplement to your regular shampoo and conditioner when your hair needs extra care.

Scalp Serum

Our Grow & Glow Serum Formula+ is designed for application directly to the scalp and contains, amongst other ingredients, Capilia Longa®.

The serum can be incorporated into your regular scalp care routine and used in accordance with the product’s recommended instructions for use.

Brief summary

Biotin is a B vitamin with several different functions in the body.

When it comes specifically to hair, the relevant authorised health claim is simple:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

This should not be confused with a promise of faster hair growth, thicker hair or reduced hair loss.

Zinc and selenium also have authorised health claims relating to the maintenance of normal hair.

If you experience unexplained or persistent changes to your hair, you should speak to your doctor rather than self-diagnosing a possible vitamin deficiency.