Taking Biotin Supplements For Hair Loss & Thinning

Key Takeaways

• About Biotin: Biotin is a B-vitamin that supports normal hair, skin, and nail health but does not treat the underlying causes of hair loss.
• When It Helps: Biotin can help when there is a true deficiency; it does not treat most hair loss conditions.
• Sources: Biotin is found in everyday foods and is also produced by gut bacteria. Your diet alone can provide the biotin you need.
• Risks and Side Effects: High amounts of biotin can interfere with certain blood tests.
• Biotin Vs Proven Treatments: Biotin supplements may support general hair health, but clinically proven treatments can address hair loss more effectively.

What is Biotin?

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that supports normal metabolic functioning. It helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. Biotin is found in various food types, such as nuts, eggs, meat, and dairy products. ^{1 2}

Some people may wish to supplement their biotin levels by taking certain multivitamins or specific biotin supplements. Though most individuals can obtain the required amount from their diets alone, those with inadequate dietary intake or an altered absorption may benefit from additional supplementation.

Some Common Sources of Biotin.

Most people get sufficient biotin from their diet without the help of supplements. Some foods that contain biotin include: egg yolk, beef liver, oat flakes, mushrooms, pork, beef, chicken, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains and certain vegetables ^{2 3}.

In addition to the above, gut bacteria also produce small amounts of biotin. This is why true deficiency is uncommon among healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet, because daily biotin requirements are relatively low and can be met by normal intake and natural gut production ^{1 6}.

Does Biotin Supplementation Help Increase Hair Growth?

Biotin supplements can help increase hair growth in some cases. Available research shows that biotin can help increase hair growth in cases of deficiency ¹. Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active structures in the body; deficiencies and imbalances can more readily affect hair quality and shedding. Correcting a biotin deficiency may reduce shedding and support healthier regrowth over time ⁸.

For people with normal biotin levels, there is little clinical evidence to support the idea that extra biotin can cause significant hair growth or reversal of common hair loss conditions.

Who Should or Shouldn’t Take Biotin Supplements?

You should consider biotin only if you have a confirmed or strongly suspected deficiency, nutritional imbalances, or, most importantly, if your physician recommends supplementation.

Biotin supplementation is unlikely to help when hair loss is genetic (male or female pattern hair loss), autoimmune (alopecia areata), inflammatory (psoriasis or lichen planopilaris), medication-related (e.g., chemotherapy), or driven by an underlying medical condition, such as an imbalance in your thyroid hormones.

What is Biotin Deficiency?

Biotin deficiency occurs when the body lacks sufficient biotin. Severe biotin deficiency is very rarely reported in healthy individuals with a normal mixed diet.

Causes of Biotin Deficiency

Biotic deficiency can be acquired and genetic. A few common causes of biotin deficiency include:

• Long-term restrictive or very low-calorie diets
• Gastrointestinal or malabsorption disorders
• Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
• Prolonged antibiotic use
• Certain anti-seizure medications
• Heavy alcohol use
• Increased raw egg consumption
• Increased nutritional demands during pregnancy ^{1 2 4}. 

Signs and Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency

Biotin deficiency is quite rare, and therefore, beyond the signs and symptoms, a diagnosis is important for accuracy. Symptoms of biotin include:

• Increased hair shedding or thinning
• Brittle or splitting nails
• Skin rashes (particularly around the mouth, nose, or eyes)
• Fatigue or low energy
• Tingling sensations or mood changes ^{1 2}.

In patients, hair loss is more commonly caused by other factors, such as iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, chronic stress, and thyroid disorders.

Risks and Side Effects of Biotin Supplements?

When biotin is available in large amounts in the body, it is unlikely to cause damage because the body tends to eliminate excess biotin in urine ⁷. Some symptoms of biotin overdose may include stomach upset, insomnia, excessive thirst, and increased urination ⁸. 

Biotin may also interfere with certain blood and laboratory tests, including thyroid, hormone, and cardiac markers ^{4 5}. If you are having blood tests taken, it is important to inform your Doctor that you are taking Biotin and other supplements so they can interpret any affected blood tests accordingly. 

Biotin Supplements For Hair Loss & Thinning FAQs

• How long does biotin take to work?

If you have a biotin deficiency and are taking Biotin supplements, you may see early improvements within 2-3 months and visible regrowth over 3-6 months.

• Can I take biotin with minoxidil or finasteride?

Yes. Biotin does not interfere with either minoxidil or finasteride, and it can be used as a supportive supplement.

• Will biotin affect my blood tests?

Yes. A high amount of biotin can affect blood tests. Stop taking biotin before testing or inform your doctor that you are currently taking biotin when they are taking blood tests.

Conclusion

Using biotin is a good option for maintaining overall hair health, but it is not a cure for all types of hair loss. If you notice hair loss, it is beneficial to get an accurate diagnosis and targeted, evidence-based treatment rather than relying on vitamins without first determining whether you are truly deficient in the vitamin.

For meaningful, lasting results, your hair loss should always be assessed and managed with a personalised, clinically guided approach.

References

1. Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A review of the use of biotin for hair loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166–169. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/ 
2. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin: Health Professional Fact Sheet. Bethesda (MD): NIH; 2022. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/ 
3. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: a review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):51–70. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/  
4. StatPearls Publishing. Biotin deficiency. StatPearls [Internet]. Updated 2025. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31613531/ 
5. Luong JHT, et al. Biotin interference in immunoassays that incorporate biotin-streptavidin design. Clin Biochem. 2019. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30872068/ 
6. Sabrina Talbert. Should You Really Use Biotin For Hair Growth? Dermatologists Weigh. Women’s Health. 2025. Available from https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a68064652/biotin-for-hair/ 
7. Bistas KG, Tadi P. Biotin. StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554493/#_ncbi_dlg_citbx_NBK554493