Does biotin shampoo work for hair growth? We asked the experts

If you’re on a quest to thicken your hair and boost regrowth after a period of noticeable shedding, a biotin shampoo may already be at the top of your shopping list. AKA vitamin B7, biotin is found in nearly all supplements touting hair-growth-boosting abilities, and there’s good reason for that…

“Your body needs biotin to metabolise carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein,” explains trichologist and Viviscal ambassador, Hannah Gaboardi (and bear in mind our hair is made up of around 90% protein). “The B vitamin is found in certain foods and can boost hair and nail health, support a healthy pregnancy and help manage blood sugar levels, among other benefits.”

But before you go assuming biotin is the answer to all your hair-loss prayers, there's more to it. “If you are not biotin deficient - and biotin deficiency is rare - there is no evidence to suggest that taking more is likely to be beneficial,” says consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley, Zoë Passam. So if supplemented biotin is a hit-and-miss solution, where does that leave biotin-infused shampoo? 

Most of the time when clients are experiencing hair loss, their body is lacking in certain nutrients

What causes hair loss?

“The cause of your hair loss could be anything from hormones, illness, stress, poor diet, medication or even genetics,” explains Gaboardi. “For example, a woman can shed more hair after giving birth due to a rapid loss in oestrogen.” And what are signs you're shedding more than ‘normal’? “Usually a widening parting and general thinning throughout the hair. In men, look out for a thinning hair line or crown area.”

“Most of the time, when clients are experiencing hair loss, their body is lacking certain nutrients, such as zinc, biotin, iron and collagen, which are all very important for hair growth,” says Gaboardi, “If this is the case, a good supplement such as Viviscal Maximum Strength Hair Growth Supplement is essential for regrowth.” It's always worth checking in with your GP if you're noticing dramatic, sudden hair shed - they can run tests for any deficiencies. Or you can visit a private trichologist, if your budget allows. 

"Using a topical biotin is very unlikely to have a beneficial effect on hair growth"

Does biotin shampoo help with hair loss? 

Although the biotin shampoo you own (or are considering purchasing) might offer great strengthening benefits to prevent thinning caused by breakage, it's unlikely to stimulate hair regrowth. “Using a topical biotin is very unlikely to have a beneficial effect on hair growth,” confirms Passam, "especially in a shampoo , which is diluted and rinsed off quickly."

She goes on to explain that although there isn't anything in topical biotin for regrowth, it can work alongside other ingredients to boost overall hair health and reduce snapping. “If hair has been damaged, for example by excessive colouring and heat styling, using an appropriate shampoo to minimise breakage can be helpful in maintaining volume,” she says. “Shampoo containing humectants such as glycerin will help to draw moisture into the hair, and hydrolysed proteins can help to retain this moisture. Using a weekly pre-wash conditioning mask, such as the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer can also help to restore the hair’s natural elasticity, making it less liable to break.”

Gaboardi agrees, recommending an “inside-out approach” when looking after your hair. "While taking a good supplement will work in terms of any deficiencies, you need to look after your strands topically, too, ensuring they’re getting enough nourishment to support overall hair health."

Keen to add a biotin shampoo to your product lineup? These are the ones we rate for their ability to nourish and strengthen stressed strands…

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