What is biotin and does it help against hair loss?
Basically, biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H) typically found in foods such as eggs, fish, and certain nuts and has numerous health benefits. Biotin is a vital part of the metabolic cycle, responsible for breaking down and utilizing fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. This gives it a crucial role in the health and growth of hair, skin, and nails.
While a lack of biotin has been shown to cause red rashes and even hair loss, biotin deficiency is rare as it is commonly found in many foods. However, there is no upper limit on the amount of biotin that the body can handle. Biotin has known side effects and no adverse effects have ever been shown from elevated levels. Therefore, it’s little wonder that more and more people are trying biotin as a treatment for hair loss.
How Can I Increase My Biotin Intake?
Biotin is frequently found in many of the foods you eat. Foods such as
- Egg yolks and whites
- Fatty fish
- Roasted peanuts or almonds
- Beef or chicken liver
- Broccoli
- Avocado
- Tomatoes
All provide high levels of biotin and a diet incorporating any of these will likely provide enough to ensure the recommended dietary amount. However, for people with dietary restrictions or who still feel like increasing their intake, several biotin supplements exist as over-the-counter products.
For people looking at biotin as a treatment for hair loss, consider looking at biotin-enriched shampoo. Biotin is a key component in the health of hair follicles and there is scientific evidence to show that biotin shampoo can assist with hair loss in certain patients.
Permanent Solution To Hair Loss
While several treatments exist that can slow hair loss or even make hair grow, these will not work for all patients. If you are suffering from androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), then no amount of supplements will prevent hair loss as this is a genetic condition. It is also the most common form of hair loss. Even for patients who do see benefits from medication, these are only temporary and will disappear if the treatment is discontinued.
The only truly permanent solution to hair loss is a hair transplant. Hair transplants use a patient’s existing, healthy hair to fill in the spots left behind by thinning hair. In most people with androgenetic alopecia, the hairs most commonly affected are the ones on the crown of the head, whereas the hairs on the back and sides remain healthy.
These healthy hairs can be extracted one-by-one and implanted directly into the scalp and precise target areas. Once healed, these healthy hair follicles will continue to grow natural hair for the rest of the patient’s life.
At our clinic, we specialise in both Sapphire FUE and DHI hair transplants and all of our all-inclusive packages include a full suite of pre- and post-operative treatments and medications.
Biotin After A Hair Transplant
Following a hair transplant, there are several treatments and medications provided that will assist in the healing and continued growth of transplanted hair. It is generally advised that patients use a biotin shampoo for at least 6 months following a hair transplant. However, any final treatment plan can only be assessed by your hair restoration surgeon.
The use of biotin to promote natural hair growth is well-documented. A 2015 study showed that women taking biotin supplements twice daily for 90 days showed increased growth of new hairs and less shedding than those given a placebo.
The Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic
Dr Serkan Aygin one of the most trusted names in the field of hair restoration. As the recipient of the European Award for Medicine in the field of Hair Transplantation in 2019, Dr Aygin has a proven track record of results. With a career lasting more than 25 years, Dr Aygin has treated more than 15,000 clients and has a hair regrowth rate of 98%. In 2013, he opened the Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic in the heart of Istanbul. In 2019, our clinic was named La Razon’s Best Medical Tourism Facility, and in 2021 we opened our new London office.
Contact us today to schedule your full, free consultation and learn what we can do for you.
