Truth is, a Biotin regimen will strengthen hair follicles, increase growth rate and promote a healthy beard. Men deficient in biotin experience slow or patchy beard growth because of weak facial hair. Adding a biotin supplement will reverse deficiency problems and stimulate better beard growth.
Biotin is a water soluble B vitamin that assists the body in several metabolic functions, like beard growth. Many studies have shown that a biotin deficiency reduces hair growth. Introducing Biotin is often recommended for those who want thicker, fuller facial hair.
So, biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, has been recognized for its beard growth benefits, but studies are still forthcoming on its effectiveness for every beard. But if you’re biotin deficient, this could be a real game changer for growing a thick beard. Find out more below…
Benefits of Biotin
Since Biotin is essential for hair, skin and nails, people take it as part of a healthy diet. The supplement form is a water soluble vitamin and easily digestible.
Some studies show that increased amounts of biotin can improve hair growth, decrease blood sugar levels, increase skin clarity, and rejuvenate brittle nails.
The word originates from the Greek language with “biotos” meaning “life.” When your body digests biotin, there are many benefits for your hair, skin, eyes, liver and nervous system. It’s also important for embryonic growth in pregnant women.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
You can use supplements like vitamin B7 to take in more biotin, or you can incorporate it into your diet by eating more egg yolks, kale, spinach, cauliflower, almonds, pecans, walnuts, bananas, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes.
- Maintains healthy fatty acid production
- Helps with carbohydrate breakdown
- Increases cell energy production
- Regulates blood glucose levels for type 2 diabetes sufferers
- Helps prevent kidney damage for people with type 1 diabetes
- Helps with embryonic development for pregnant women
- Improves beard, hair, skin clarity, and nail health
See more Hair Growth Vitamins on our Big List.
What Does Biotin Do for Beard Growth?
Struggling with facial hair growth? Your beard may eventually get there, but biotin can help speed up hair growth.
Biotin studies revealed benefits specifically for hair growth. The study revealed that participants improved growth and healthiness of their hair follicles within 90 to 180 days. If you’re having trouble growing a beard or you feel you have a “patchy beard,” increasing your biotin may help you.
While it probably won’t work as fast as you like, increasing your natural biotin intake and possibly supplementing with a vitamin B7 supplement may be beneficial for you, especially if you want to grow a thicker, fuller beard.
In addition, studies have shown that the lack of biotin can lead to hair loss and dry skin, which causes beard dandruff.
Using a quality beard oil can help with dryness and promote a smoother beard.
Another study showed that vitamin B7 supplementation led to a healthier hair by converting thin vellus hairs into permanent hairs. Hair thickened after 90 days for most participants.
How Much Biotin Should I Take for Facial Hair Growth?
Research suggests that you ingest between 30 and 100 micrograms of biotin per day. This is best for teenagers and adults, and you should consult your physician before starting a new regimen. This also depends on the beard style you want to achieve. So take it until you get the thickest Viking beard possible.
A multivitamin is probably the best way to start a new vitamin intake regimen, especially since all B vitamins help your hair and skin in unique ways. Production of keratin, MSM, and collagen hydrolysate are also beneficial.
Are There Any Side Effects with Biotin?
Most people take biotin and experience little to no side effects, and these side effects are almost non-existent when biotin is ingested naturally through your diet. However, if you plan to supplement, you may experience some side effects if you take over 10,000 mcg in a day.
Biotin side effects reported include:
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
There are some side effects associated with biotin intake. Typically, it passes smoothly through your body, and you urinate out anything extra in your system. Too much biotin may present toxicity complications.
If you take your supplements with food, you can probably reduce these side effects to minimal. While supplements have some benefits, it may not be a good idea for you to take certain vitamins in large doses, so it’s best to consult with your doctor before starting a new daily routine. In addition, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label to ensure you’re safe from overdosing.
FAQs About Biotin and Beard Growth
Can I grow a beard faster by taking higher doses of biotin?
Biotin may help your beard grow, but it won’t happen overnight. Studies suggest that it takes at least 90 to 180 days to see any significant facial hair growth. However, combine a new biotin-rich diet with a vitamin B supplement.
See How to Grow a Beard Faster.
Biotin Serum to help deficiencies
A deficiency in biotin is problematic for hair growth, so if you notice that your beard is coming in too slowly, such as over 6 months with very little hair growth, then you likely have a deficiency.
Applying an extra strength biotin serum supports the strongest beard growth in the fastest time.
Also, taking vitamins for facial hair growth and applying beard creams with Minoxidil may also lead to long-term growth, which is helpful if you want to grow a yeard beard.
Are there any biotin shampoos that work?
There are several biotin products, such as shampoos, conditioners, creams, lotions, and balms that promote hair growth.
- PURA D’OR Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo (highest number of reviews). The leader in hair growth therapy.
- My close second pick OGX Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo. Customers say both of these products helped in addition to a biotin supplement.
We suggest sticking to a beard care routine and grooming your beard daily with a brush to stimulate growth, in addition to a biotin regimen.
Check out a full range of the Best Beard Growth Products to fit your growth challenges.
Why is my beard growing slower than everyone else?
Biotin deficiencies may be the answer. However, the speed of beard growth is mostly handled by your levels of testosterone and DHT. Lifestyle habits, diet, hormones, and genetics also play a factor. Some men report that diets rich in natural B vitamin intake help with hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Should You Try Biotin for Hair Loss?
Biotin is pretty safe for most to try because of its health benefits, but you should talk to your doctor before starting any regimen if you have any medical conditions.
If your beard isn’t growing in as fast as you like, increasing your vitamin B7 intake is one method to try. You may also want to look at other ways to grow your beard out and take a multivitamin to ensure that you get every nutrient possible.
A Beard Growth Diet and lifestyle habits are also key factors in stimulating hair growth. You may want to try a diet rich in foods that leads to better beard growth.