Effectiveness of Biotin Supplementation for Hair Growth in Patients with Alopecia: A Systematic Review

May 2026 in “ Dermato ”

Pedro Moltó-Balado, Andrea Simeó-Monzó, Alba del Barrio-González

biotin alopecia telogen effluvium hair growth biotin supplementation serum biotin levels

TLDR Biotin supplements don't consistently help hair growth in alopecia unless there's a deficiency.

This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of biotin supplementation for hair growth in patients with alopecia, analyzing 10 studies. The review found that biotin monotherapy did not consistently benefit hair growth outcomes, with improvements typically seen in combined regimens, making it difficult to attribute benefits specifically to biotin. Mixed results were observed regarding "low" biotin levels in hair loss populations, and controlled studies in telogen effluvium found no significant differences in serum biotin levels compared to controls. The evidence does not support routine biotin supplementation for alopecia unless there is a documented deficiency or risk of deficiency/malabsorption. Biotin is generally well tolerated, but high doses can interfere with certain laboratory tests. Further well-designed randomized trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy as both monotherapy and as an adjunct to other treatments.

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The Clinical Evaluation of Serum WS Biotin, a Novel Encapsulated Form of D-Biotin With Improved Water Solubility, for Anti-Hair Shedding Applications. A Prospective Single-Arm, Nonrandomized, Pretest-Posttest Study

research The Clinical Evaluation of Serum WS Biotin, a Novel Encapsulated Form of D-Biotin With Improved Water Solubility, for Anti-Hair Shedding Applications. A Prospective Single-Arm, Nonrandomized, Pretest-Posttest Study

May 2025 in “Health Science Reports”

Serum WS Biotin significantly reduces hair shedding and improves hair thickness.

A Comprehensive Investigation of Biochemical Status in Patients with Telogen Effluvium: Analysis of Hb, Ferritin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Thyroid Function Tests, Zinc, Copper, Biotin, and Selenium Levels

research A Comprehensive Investigation of Biochemical Status in Patients with Telogen Effluvium: Analysis of Hb, Ferritin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Thyroid Function Tests, Zinc, Copper, Biotin, and Selenium Levels

August 2024 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Telogen effluvium is linked to deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, and thyroid function.

Efficacy of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 5 Mg Oral Biotin Versus Topical Minoxidil and Oral Biotin on Hair Growth in Men: Randomized, Crossover, Clinical Trial

research Efficacy of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 5 Mg Oral Biotin Versus Topical Minoxidil and Oral Biotin on Hair Growth in Men: Randomized, Crossover, Clinical Trial

April 2024 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Using both minoxidil and biotin together increased hair growth more than using either one alone.

research Trends in Hair, Skin, and Nails Supplement Use: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2020

2 citations , June 2023 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair, skin, and nails supplement use nearly doubled from 2011 to 2020, with higher usage among young adults, females, and certain ethnic groups.

research Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss

11 citations , November 2022 in “JAMA dermatology”

Some nutritional supplements may help treat hair loss with generally mild side effects.

Efficacy of Intramuscular Injections of Biotin and Dexpanthenol in the Treatment of Diffuse Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study Comparing Two Brands

research Efficacy of Intramuscular Injections of Biotin and Dexpanthenol in the Treatment of Diffuse Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study Comparing Two Brands

1 citations , July 2022 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Both brands of biotin and dexpanthenol injections improved hair loss, with Bayer also increasing the ratio of thick to thin hairs.

Evaluation of Biophysical Skin Parameters and Hair Changes in Patients with Acne Vulgaris Treated with Isotretinoin, and the Effect of Biotin Use on These Parameters

research Evaluation of Biophysical Skin Parameters and Hair Changes in Patients with Acne Vulgaris Treated with Isotretinoin, and the Effect of Biotin Use on These Parameters

5 citations , March 2021 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Biotin supplementation during isotretinoin treatment for acne may help maintain skin hydration and improve hair growth.

research Risks of Skin, Hair, and Nail Supplements

7 citations , October 2020 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

Some skin, hair, and nail supplements can be toxic, interact with medications, affect lab tests, and may increase cancer risk.

research Hair Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Effect of Biotin Supplements

13 citations , August 2020 in “Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques”

Biotin supplements are generally ineffective in preventing hair loss after sleeve gastrectomy.

research Serum Biotin and Zinc in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

11 citations , February 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Low zinc and biotin levels linked to male hair loss; supplements may help.

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.

research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

78 citations , January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Biotin supplements may improve hair and nail growth in people with certain deficiencies or conditions, but there's not enough evidence to recommend it for healthy individuals.

research Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss

71 citations , January 2016 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Biotin deficiency is not a major cause of hair loss in women, so biotin supplements are not likely to be an effective hair loss treatment.