Wellness
Biotin: The Secret for Strong Hair and Nails?
Discover how biotin (Vitamin B7) supports hair and nail health, why it's a beauty trend, and if it's the right supplement for you.
What is it?
Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in converting food into energy. It is essential for the health of your hair, skin, and nails because it aids in the production of keratin, a key structural protein. While a true biotin deficiency is rare, symptoms can include hair thinning and brittle nails. You can get biotin from foods like eggs, salmon, nuts, and seeds, but it has become a widely popular dietary supplement.
Why is it trending?
Biotin's popularity has soared due to social media buzz and its reputation as an affordable, natural solution for common beauty concerns. The growing wellness and self-care movement has increased consumer interest in "beauty from within" supplements that promise healthier hair and stronger nails. As a result, biotin is now a staple ingredient in countless hair, skin, and nails products, from capsules and tablets to popular gummy vitamins and even fortified drinks.
How does it affect people?
For individuals with a confirmed biotin deficiency, supplements can effectively help restore hair growth and improve nail strength. For those without a deficiency, scientific evidence is limited, though some small studies suggest daily supplementation may increase nail thickness and reduce brittleness. While many users anecdotally report healthier hair, more research is needed to prove its effectiveness for hair growth in the general population. Biotin is generally safe, but high doses can interfere with certain lab test results, so it's important to inform your doctor if you are taking supplements.