Biotin is very important for hair growth. It plays a significant role by assisting the body in breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It acts as co-factor in enzyme-driven metabolic reactions. Deficiency of this important compound leads to various health problems like depression and hair loss in both men and women.
Apart from nutrients and vitamins, biotin forms an important ingredient in many brands of conditioners and shampoos. It is very crucial for growth. However, biotin is not absorbed through the skin or hair, meaning that its addition in conditioners or shampoos will not boost the growth of hair. Just like the other vitamins, this product is taken orally.
What is the role of biotin in hair growth?
Most of the biological processes including hair growth are v
ery complex. Biotin helps in the manufacturing of the keratin protein which plays a significant role in making of nails, hair, and skin. The visible hair is made up of keratinized cells once they are organized into strands. The strands are then pushed out from the hair follicles as the hair continues growing.
This pushing of the hair towards the scalp leads to hardening, drying and finally death of the hair cells.The death of the hair cells occurs once the hair is deprived of the blood flow and nutrients. This clearly demonstrates that the growth of the hair cells takes places inside the follicles where the cells are active and alive. Hair strands are made up of three distinct layers. These are the medulla, cortex and the cuticle. Healthy skin, hair, and nail are clear indicators of someone’s nutritional status.
Shiny and strong hair is considered to be healthy, and it is very desirable. On the other hand, thin hair indicates poor health as well as poor nutritional status. Hair cells are divided at a faster rate compared to the other cells when the body lacks biotin leading to hair loss.
Effects of hair loss
Hair loss and thinning
of hair are some of the troubling conditions which contribute to loss of self-esteem. The two conditions also affect one’s self-consciousness. An average human being loses about 50-100 hairs on a daily basis, and not all can replace their lost hair.
Biotin supplementation helps in solving this problem as well as the strengthening of the keratin’s infrastructure. Studies which have been conducted in the last few years reveal that biotin supplementation in women increases hair growth by 52 percent. The supplements are supposed to be taken continuously for 3-6 months. Biotin is easily absorbed by the body since it is soluble in water.