Does Biotin Shampoo Help Hair Growth?

The internet has no shortage of hair growth “hacks.” Some of these solutions are science-based, while others are recycled old wives’ tales. You may be wondering, which camp does biotin shampoo fall into? Is biotin shampoo good for hair growth, or is it a scam?

Often recommended by hairstylists, dermatologists, and probably your aunt, biotin is like the queen bee of popular hair loss treatments. 

Also known as vitamin B7, people often take biotin in supplement form. But it’s also available in the form of biotin-enriched shampoos.

Below, we’ll explain what biotin is, and we’ll look into whether biotin shampoo actually helps prevent hair loss and thinning hair.

Back to the main event: Is biotin shampoo good for your hair? 

To answer this, let’s go back to the basics. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps your body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fat. It turns these macronutrients into energy. It’s also essential for the production of keratin, a key structural protein that makes up your hair. 

While biotin plays a role in healthy hair growth and nail growth, most people typically get enough of it by consuming a healthy diet. Biotin deficiency is fairly rare, but it can happen.

Common symptoms of biotin deficiency include:

• Thin, brittle nails

• Thinning and brittle hair

• Increased hair breakage

• Hair loss 

• Skin rashes

• Dry, scaly skin

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fatigue

If you’re deficient in biotin, a biotin supplement may help alleviate the above-mentioned symptoms. This is why biotin often appears in hair growth supplements. 

That said, there’s a difference between a biotin supplement — which you take orally — and a biotin shampoo, which is applied topically. 

There aren’t any studies available that explore whether topical applications of biotin are effective for hair growth. For this reason, there’s no evidence to support the use of biotin shampoo to promote hair growth.

Plenty of people who use biotin-enriched shampoo claim that they’ve noticed hair growth since using it. But this is anecdotal evidence, not a clinical study. 

Still, you might decide that a biotin shampoo is worth trying out. Just be sure to follow with conditioner after every wash to avoid drying out your hair. In general, hair care products designed for thinning hair can be helpful, at the very least by adding body and volume.

Though there’s very little research on the topical effects of biotin shampoo, in general, shampooing your hair is important for maintaining a healthy scalp, which supports healthy hair growth. 

Healthy hair really does start at the root, so keep your scalp clean by shampooing it regularly. While it’s tempting to skip wash day and opt for some dry shampoo from time to time, not cleansing your hair enough can create a less-than-healthy scalp environment. 

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends applying shampoo to your scalp, rather than the entire length of your hair. This will cleanse your scalp from dead skin and excess oil without making your hair feel dry. 

Learn more in our guide to scalp care for women.

There aren’t any known risks to using biotin shampoo, so you can lather, rinse, and repeat without fear.

Unlike some medications, which often come with unwanted side effects, topical biotin isn’t linked to any harmful health effects. In other words, even if it doesn’t improve your hair health and thickness, it isn’t going to harm you.

On a related note, if you’re going to take a biotin supplement, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare practitioner first to make sure it’s safe to take with any health conditions you may have. While biotin supplements are usually well-tolerated, it’s best to be on the safe side. 

Does biotin shampoo work better than biotin supplements for hair growth?

While there’s not much research on biotin shampoo, biotin supplements are known to help improve the symptoms of biotin deficiency — which include thinning hair and hair loss.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends a daily intake of biotin supplements of 30 micrograms for adults 19 years of age or older. Most women can meet this recommendation by eating a healthy diet. 

If you’re truly biotin-deficient, a supplement is your best option. Beyond pills, liquid biotin supplements are also an option. 

Interested in learning more about upping your biotin? Read our guide on biotin results for details.

 If you find that your hair is thinning, and biotin shampoo isn’t giving you the results you’re hoping for, there are other options to achieve healthier, fuller hair.The good news is that there are a number of science-backed hair loss treatments out there., which can support your hair growth goals. 

Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil reigns supreme in the world of hair loss treatments. This medication is FDA-approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss).

Research suggests that minoxidil may promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and extending the growth phase of the follicle hair cycle.

You can get topical minoxidil over the counter in the United States, making it an easy option for anyone wanting to jump into action ASAP.

Minoxidil comes in two forms::

• Topical minoxidil. Topical minoxidil formulations are applied directly to the scalp. You can buy minoxidil drops and minoxidil foam over the counter. 

• Oral minoxidil. Although not FDA approved for hair loss, oral minoxidil can be prescribed off-label. There is much research of late that suggests it is effective for hair loss, helping to reduce hair loss and promote hair regrowth.

Learn more about minoxidil in our guide to minoxidil for female hair loss.

Finasteride

Finasteride helps reduce DHT, a hormone linked with female pattern hair loss. It can be especially helpful for hormonal-related hair loss (like postmenopausal hair loss).

Our topical finasteride and minoxidil spray, usually prescribed for postmenopausal women, combines the powers of minoxidil and finasteride in one simple product. 

Finasteride isn’t suitable for all types of hair loss in women, though. Check out our guide to finasteride for women to learn more.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a prescription oral medication that can help reduce the effects of testosterone on skin and hair. It’s used to treat issues like female pattern hair loss, acne, and hirsutism.

Learn more about using spironolactone for hair loss.

Other Shampoos and Conditioners

It’s a good idea to choose hair care products that suit your unique hair type and hair concerns.

Our hair loss shampoo and conditioner contains biotin and a range of other ingredients, like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, coconut oil, and an amino acid blend.

You also might want to consider the following:

• For thin, fine hair, consider using volumizing shampoo and conditioner. These types of shampoos are designed to give hair a bouncy, fuller appearance. 

• For dry hair, use a nourishing conditioner or a hydrating hair mask every once in a while to boost moisture and elasticity.

• For dry or curly hair, opt for sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can help cleanse your scalp, but they can also dry out your hair and make your hair look frizzy and parched. 

• For color-treated hair, use a color-safe shampoo and nourishing hair treatments in between touch-ups.

• For dandruff, use products with anti-dandruff ingredients, like selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, or salicylic acid.

Learn more about how to take care of your hair in our guide to caring for different hair types.

Other Hair Vitamins

A biotin deficiency can contribute to hair thinning — but it’s not the only nutritional deficiency that can lead to hair loss. 

Your body needs a range of nutrients for optimal hair growth, including:

• Protein

• Iron

• Vitamins A to E

• Zinc

Most people get enough of these nutrients from a varied, healthy diet, but some individuals may need supplements to get their nutritional needs met.

Our hair growth supplement contains biotin as well as vitamins B12, B6, D, and folic acid — all of which play important roles in promoting healthy hair growth. 

Learn more in our guide to hair vitamins and supplements and our blog post about foods that promote healthy hair.

Though it won’t hurt to use a biotin-infused shampoo, there’s no substantial scientific evidence that supports the claim that biotin shampoos promote hair growth. 

Here’s what to keep in mind: 

• Biotin deficiency can cause hair loss and hair thinning. But biotin deficiencies are rare, and you’re likely already getting enough through a healthy diet.

• Biotin supplements can address deficiencies. But there’s no research to suggest that biotin shampoos can offer the same benefit , or that they provide a measurable benefit for your hair.

• There are other options. To target hair loss, there are science-backed hair loss treatments, like minoxidil, that are available. 

If you’re concerned about excessive hair loss or thinning hair, your first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help assess the cause of your hair loss — and if necessary, they might order lab tests to see if you have a nutrient deficiency. 

From there, they can help you determine a good hair loss treatment plan, whether that includes biotin supplements, a new hair care product, or a science-backed treatment like minoxidil. 

Ready to connect with an expert about hair loss? Go ahead and start your consultation today.