Biotin Hair Growth Facts and Myths

Before we go into Biotin hair growth topics, let me clarify what Biotin actually is: Biotin is also known as vitamin H or B7. It is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin . Biotin supplements are often recommended for people with deficiencies in this vitamin to counteract hair loss. Many people also take an increased dose of the supplement to increase their hair growth rate, which effects can vary from one person to the other depending on several metabolism factors.

Let's talk about some Biotin hair growth facts: while there are different opinions out there, a very large number of people report that Biotin helps their natural hair grow faster and stronger (thicker). Although Biotin is created from yeast and bacteria, and is naturally produced by our bodies, increasing the dose we naturally create stimulates the creation and growth of hair and new skin cells, making them healthier and more abundant.

Before going into the nitty gritty details of doses of Biotin supplements, let me clear this up first: I am not a doctor nor a physician, so everything I am talking about here and the advice I give is only based on my personal experiences, opinions and research, so before you decide to take a certain daily dose of Biotin, make sure to see with your doctor or physician what is best for your personal use.

So, going through several hair growth and black hair growth forums, there seems to be a general consensus that an average of 5,000 mcg of Biotin supplement taken daily (50% at breakfast and 50% at supper) is helping a majority of women increase the growth rate of their hair. 58% of women reported taking 5,000 mcg of Biotin vitamin daily without seeing any significant side effects (source: blackhairmedia forum).

The growth rate depends on several factors and varies from one person to the other, given different metabolisms and daily activity levels of the persons, but also depends on their diets (what they eat and when and how often), as well as the amount of water they drink daily, and other lesser known factors. You should typically start with a lesser dose (like 2,500 mcg of Biotin) over a couple of weeks, drinking lots of water, to have your body start adapting to your new supplements gradually. Some people report taking 10,000 mcg doses daily with good results, while others see similar results with half that dose. You should see for yourself by increasing your dosage gradually, making sure to document the progress of your hair growth (pictures and measurements).

So, are there really Biotin hair growth secrets? well, I let you judge for yourself, my friends.

Biotin hair growth & side effects? There have been no documented reports of significant Biotin side effects. Some people report that their nails were also growing stronger and/or faster. Some people have reported that they got some facial break-outs (zits), but there does not seem to be a direct link between the Biotin hair supplements and the zits. It is believed that Biotin may interact negatively with alcohol and antibiotics, mostly because they prevent the body to normally absorb the Biotin, as well as destroying the normally produced B vitamin within the body.