Does Biotin Shampoo Have Any Side Effects?

Biotin (also known as vitamin B7) is an ingredient in many hair products. It’s often included in supplements that claim it is used to make hair glossier and strengthen the follicles to prevent hair loss.

Many people take it as a pill, but it’s also used in shampoos. You may be wondering if biotin really works when used topically. We’re here to delve into the ins and outs of these hair care products and if biotin shampoo side effects exist. 

We’ll also take a look at how Hairy Hair can help with your hair loss.

What is biotin?

Biotin is known as an essential nutrient, meaning your body isn’t able to produce enough of it to function correctly, so you have to get it from your diet or supplements. Biotin is found in a lot of foods, including eggs and fish, along with avocados and legumes.

Biotin is used for:

• Converting food into energy
• Control gene activity
• Manage cell signals in the body
• Stimulating keratin growth for healthy hair

What is biotin shampoo?

Biotin shampoo works to increase biotin levels when used on the scalp, avoiding taking the vitamin orally. It helps to improve keratin hair levels so strands are healthy and strong, thereby improving hair health.

Dermatology Research and Practice reported that participants in a study that included biotin in a supplement saw their hair growth promoted when they were suffering from temporary thinning hair.

Another study in the International Journal of Trichology concluded that topical biotin, along with other hair growth ingredients, was able to provide an improvement in hair density and thickness for androgenetic alopecia patients.

The brief contact time of biotin shampoos means that it will not have sufficient time to reach your hair follicle level. It may then be better for strengthening your current strands instead of helping grow new hairs.

How frequently do I need to apply biotin shampoo?

Biotin shampoo will be used differently based on the following: 

• Hair type 
• Hair loss conditions
• Scalp health
• Individual choice

In most instances, a biotin shampoo is recommended to be used about 2-3 times a week because excessive usage of shampoos at times deprives your hair of its natural oils, dries it, and kills your mane. 

Outcomes might vary from one person to another based on the period the individual has lost hair. A few notice results in a few weeks, while others notice results within a couple of months.

What should you look for in a biotin shampoo?

Biotin shampoos often contain a range of beneficial ingredients to boost the health of your hair.

Here are a few to look out for:

Collagen

Collagen is needed to give your hair strength and elasticity. It also works to create the protein and amino acids to make keratin. This makes the combination with biotin a no-brainer for giving keratin production a lift.

Topical collagen application helps to maintain moisture on the scalp so that hair can grow strong.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is great for repairing damaged hair. It does this by stimulating the hair follicles, which will promote new hair growth. Additionally, the antifungal effect can help lower dandruff, providing a healthy scalp.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto also stops testosterone from being changed over to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the key cause of male balding. DHT shrinks hair follicles, so by preventing its formation, saw palmetto can help in maintaining healthier hair.

Is biotin shampoo safe?

Biotin shampoo is generally safe for most people when used properly. Adhering to the instructions will yield the best and safest results.

Some people can experience side effects like:

• Dryness
• Itching
• Irritation

Occasionally, shampoos contain other chemicals, such as sulphates or fragrances, that may have side effects. If this occurs in your case, it may be best to use a different kind of biotin shampoo.

Although rare, some people might be allergic to biotin. If you are allergic to biotin, you can experience hives and itching or shortness of breath. Stop using the shampoo immediately and talk with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these.

Keep in mind that biotin will also impact laboratory tests and may lead to results that are not accurate.

This includes tests for:

• Thyroid levels
• Vitamin D levels
• Reproductive hormones
• Cardiac 
• Immunosuppressive drugs

Are there alternatives to biotin shampoos for hair loss?

If you’re low in biotin, then biotin shampoo may help with improving the health of your hair. Biotin may improve keratin production to help with strengthening your strands, but nutritional deficiency and brittle hair are only two potential causes of hair loss.

One of the best ways to tackle hair loss is through a combination treatment that works to tackle a range of hair loss issues.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, Hairy Hair has a daily pill that could possibly reduce your hair thinning and help you regain your confidence.

This tablet has a special blend of ingredients that can potentially encourage hair growth and help treat some of the causes of baldness. It accomplishes this by opening up blood vessels on your scalp so that more oxygen and nutrients can get delivered to your hair follicles. It also aims to slow down the process in which DHT is created and boost the level of keratin and inflammation, both of which are essential for hair.

It is recommended to begin considering baldness treatment at its initial stages so that you have the best chance of growing back hair. With a personalised treatment plan specifically designed for you, our specialists endeavour to create a prescription that will work with your lifestyle.

Taking steps to tackle your hair loss

If your diet or supplements are short on nutrients like biotin, you could start losing hair. While biotin shampoos will not cure biotin deficiency, they can make the hair on your scalp stronger.

Safe for most, most biotin shampoos can still itch or dry out a few. Though rare, some will be allergic to them.

One way to control hair problems is by taking daily biotin supplements. If you are losing your hair and want a discreet and easy solution, call Hairy Hair.

Start by filling out an easy online questionnaire. Then, we will review your information and create a personalised treatment plan to assist you with your hair loss. An Australian-registered GP will ring you back to discuss any queries and explain your prescription to you.

Next, simply sit back and have your medication sent right to your doorstep. Without even having to visit the clinic, you can have your hair loss treatment sorted from your home.