If you've ventured into the world of hair loss products in hopes of achieving the longer, thicker hair of your dreams, you've likely heard about biotin. In fact, its prevalence in everything from shampoos and serums to supplements and hair growth gummies would lead most people to believe that it's the secret to longer, lusher hair.
But as it turns out, it may not be doing as much for your hair as some believe. To help you get to the truth, we consulted dermatologists to get their thoughts on the popular hair loss solution. Keep reading for everything you should know.
What is biotin?
"Biotin is part of the B complex group of vitamins," shares Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas. It plays an important role in helping to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is used for energy.
As Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, an associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at Yale University previously told TODAY, biotin is an essential nutrient for the body, particularly for the skin, hair and nails.
Because of its ability to help strengthen both hair and nails, it is a common ingredient in hair products, shares Houshmand. You’ll typically see biotin in one of two forms: either as a supplement or as an ingredient in a topical product, like a shampoo. More on each below.
Do biotin supplements help with hair growth?
In a normal, healthy person, a biotin supplement likely won’t have any effect on hair growth, shares Dr. Joyce Davis, a dermatologist in New York City. And if you’re already getting enough from your diet, it won’t be absorbed. “B vitamins, if they are taken in excess, just get excreted in the urine. So it’s not like you’ll get benefits from extra Biotin.”
As TODAY.com previously reported, adults need 30 micrograms of biotin daily. Most people can get this from a balanced diet, as biotin can be found in foods like meats, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts and vegetables like sweet potatoes, says Houshmand.
Some people do have biotin deficiencies, which can cause hair loss or thinning. And while Houshmand says that biotin supplementation can help in these cases, deficiencies are rare.
While there's no real toxic level of biotin, "biotin taken orally in high doses can interfere with blood tests that measure thyroid and heart function," Houshmand says.
Nivea Skin Firming and Toning Gel Cream
This cream promises to improve firmness in as little as two weeks.
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Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil Serum
Our editors love this oil for hydration without a greasy feel.
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Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth Nail Treatment & Strengthener
This treatment can be used as both a base and top coat.
$4.48
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Essence Lash Princess Mascara
We love this affordable formula that doesn’t compromise lift.
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Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
One editor has been wearing this classic shade for over 20 years.
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QVC
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Nordstrom
Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream
Define curls and tame frizz with this nourishing cream.
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Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This affordable find is an easy introduction to retinol.
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Laura Geller Color Correcting Powder Foundation
This foundation builds effortlessly to achieve a chic makeup look.
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L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist
This spray promises to lock in makeup for up to 36 hours.
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Mielle Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Experts say that rosemary oil can help with hair growth.
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$7.69
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$9.57
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Does biotin shampoo help with hair growth?
Just like with the supplement, using a topical product, like a biotin shampoo likely won't have any effect on hair growth, the experts share. And if you do start using a biotin shampoo and notice that your hair looks thicker or fuller, there's likely something else at play.
"There are different topical chemicals that could coat the hair, different conditioning agents that make the hair seem thicker, but in terms of topical biotin actually penetrating and doing anything down at the hair follicle, it’s wishful thinking," says Davis.
While it may not have the growth benefits you were hoping for, Houshmand says there is one potential perk to using the ingredient. "Topical biotin can help with skin hydration of the scalp," she shares. "This can be beneficial if you have a dry scalp."
Given all that, if you are serious about kickstarting your hair growth journey, there are better ways to do it. That's why we asked the dermatologists to share some of the products that they recommend for hair growth. Plus, we're including some other expert-recommended picks that are worth adding to your cart.
Best products for hair growth, according to experts
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
- Smells nice
- Moisturizes scalp
- Prevents itching
- Dropper may leak
- Some note itching
Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosemary, castor, jojoba oils
In the last few years, rosemary oil has gone viral as a natural solution for hair loss — and experts say that it may actually be effective.
This affordable strengthening oil is popular amongst those wanting to try out the ingredient. As compared to other products, this one doesn’t dilute the rosemary oil too much and is easy to use on wash days, Rogerio Cavalcante, a hairstylist in New York City, previously shared with us. Made for daily use, the brand says that the formula can be applied to the scalp or to the ends of hair, to be used as a split-end treatment.
Kitsch Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth & Healthy Scalp
- Soothes scalp
- Helps with itching
- Makes hair feel healthy
- Bottle may spill easily
Size: 2.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, jojoba seed oil, biotin, castor oil
For anyone interested in the ingredient, this hair stylist-approved oil does in fact contain biotin. However, it also contains rosemary oil and other beneficial oils, like castor and jojoba seed oils that may be beneficial for hair growth.
The Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment
- Can use with other treatments
- Suitable for sensitive scalps
- Some complain of itching
Size: 5.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Caffeine, redensyl, betaine
Green mentioned this treatment as one caffeine-containing that is designed to promote hair growth.
Along with the stimulating ingredient, it also contains redensyl, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry previously told us is “similar to Minoxidil, without the irritation, without the excess hair growth.”
Amazon Basic Care Minoxidil Topical Solution
- Contains 2% minoxidil
- Unscented
- Should be used 2x per day
Size: 6 oz. | Key ingredients: Minoxidil
Minoxidil — more commonly known by its brand name, Rogaine — is routinely one of the top products for hair loss recommended to us by experts.
And this popular formula from Amazon contains Minoxidil at a 2% dosage. When used twice per day, the brand says that you may see hair regrowth in as little as four months. It’s designed to be safe on color-treated hair and is unscented.
Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam
- Unscented
- FDA-approved for hair growth
- Complaints of difficult use
Size: 2.11 oz. | Key ingredients: Minoxidil
Both Davis and Houshmand suggested Rogaine's topical treatment for people looking for an over-the-counter solution. When applied daily, the brand says you can see results in around four months. Unlike certain other treatments that have to be applied multiple times throughout the day, you only need to use this one once daily.
"We have numerous studies that show this works on the scalp and eyebrows for hair thinning and loss," Houshmand says.
Nioxin Ultimate Power Serum
- Nourishes hair
- Works "from the 1st use"
- Need to use up to 15 pumps
Size: 2.3 oz. | Key ingredients: Caffeine, lauric acid, niacinamide and sandalore
Houshmand also recommends this serum from Nioxin. She notes that when used in an eight-week clinical study, participants showed reduced hair loss due to improved hair anchorage.
The formula features ingredients like niacinamide, lauric acid and caffeine. Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told us that caffeine can help boost circulation in your scalp, so nutrients and oxygen can more easily be delivered to your hair follicles to keep them healthy.
NatureLab Perfect Clean Scalp Balancing Sake Rinse
Winner: Best overall scalp treatment
$21.00
Ulta
$21.00
NatureLab
$21.00
Amazon
Shark HT202 SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush
Winner: Most innovative blowdry brush
$99.00
Amazon
$99.99
Ulta
$99.00
Sephora
Nakery Beauty Lift-Tox Multi-Power Firming Rich Cream
TODAY readers can save 35% off this product with code TODAY, on the brand's site.
$40.88
$44.00
Amazon
$44.00
Nakery Beauty
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Oil
Winner: Best overall body oil
$38.00
Amazon
$38.00
Sephora
$38.00
Sol de Janeiro
E.l.f. Glow Reviver Tinted Lip Oil
Winner: Best overall lip oil
$8.00
Target
$8.00
Amazon
$8.00
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
Winner: Best tinted eyebrow gel
$27.00
Sephora
$27.00
Benefit Cosmetics
$27.00
Ulta
Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Age Rewind Body Cream
Winner: Best for crepey skin
$17.99
$24.99
Amazon
$17.99
$24.00
Walmart
Marc Anthony Grow Long Biotin Leave In Conditioner Spray
Winner: Best budget leave-in conditioner
$7.67
Amazon
$7.69
Target
$8.99
Walgreens
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez All of the Above Eyeshadow Stick
Winner: Best overall eyeshadow stick
$22.00
Rare Beauty
$22.00
Sephora
$22.00
Kohl's
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Winner: Best budget lengthening mascara
$8.32
$12.99
Amazon
$8.32
$9.98
Walmart
$9.99
Target
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Kit
Winner: Best overall makeup brush set
$18.57
$19.99
Amazon
$19.99
Ulta
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Target
How we chose
To choose the best products for hair loss, we consulted dermatologists and pulled from previous reporting and interviews with experts to get their top recommendations.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas. She specializes in cutaneous laser surgery and has a special interest in cosmetic dermatology, laser medicine, acne, hair loss and melasma.
- Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, MD, is an associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at Yale University. She specializes in the treatment of skin cancer and UV damage to the skin.
- Dr. Joyce Davis, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City. She has been in private practice for over 30 years, and her practice includes both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She has a special interest in treating hair loss.
- Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist, colorist and the founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.
- Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
