If you take a close look at shampoos that claim to be thickening, lengthening or strengthening, you’ll find they usually have one ingredient in common: biotin. With the help of board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger, we’ll give you the lowdown on biotin hair shampoos by answering frequently asked questions such as:

• What is biotin?
• Does biotin help hair growth?
• Does biotin shampoo work?
• Do biotin supplements help hair grow?
• Should I see a doctor for thinning hair?

What Is Biotin?

Biotin is a B vitamin found naturally in food. In your body, biotin helps metabolize proteins, fat and carbohydrates and turn them into energy.

What Does Biotin Have to Do With Hair Loss?

Most people get enough biotin from the food they eat, so true biotin deficiencies are rare. However, one symptom of biotin deficiency is thinning hair or hair loss. Though there’s not a large body of scientific research about biotin and its effect on hair, one study that surveyed women with hair loss found that 38% did have a biotin deficiency. “When it comes to biotin and hair growth, the thought process is that biotin boosts keratin production,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “And keratin plays a crucial role in hair growth and the overall health of your hair.”

Does Biotin Shampoo Help Hair Growth?

There aren’t a lot of scientific studies out there about the effectiveness of biotin shampoos, so your mileage may vary. “Biotin shampoo alone is unlikely to spur new hair growth if you are suffering from serious hair thinning or hair loss,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “What most biotin shampoos are designed to do is help existing hair look fuller and healthier.” Some shampoos formulated to promote hair growth also contain other ingredients that help reduce hair thinning by blocking DHT, a hormone that plays a role in hair loss.

Do Biotin Supplements Help Hair Growth?

“If you have a true biotin deficiency that’s resulting in hair thinning, taking a biotin supplement may help with hair growth,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Viviscal Professional Supplements are one option that Dr. Schlessinger regularly recommends to patients with thinning hair. These oral supplements contain biotin along with vitamin C, apple extract and an exclusive marine extract called AminoMar, which all work together to boost hair growth. “Clinical trials have shown Viviscal supplements to effectively increase hair growth,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “You do have to be patient and consistent, however, as it can take up to three to six months of treatment before you will begin to see a noticeable difference in your hair growth.”

Should I See a Doctor for Thinning Hair?

If you’ve been struggling with thinning hair, a trip to the dermatologist could help. Your doctor can work with you to help rule out underlying conditions or disorders that might be causing hair loss.

6 Biotin Hair Shampoos to Try

Interested in giving biotin hair shampoo a try? Here are six of our favorites that boast a variety of benefits for hair, from volumizing to detangling.

1. ColorProof BioRepair-8 Anti-Thinning Shampoo

If you have color-treated hair and also have concerns about thinning strands, then give this sulfate-free, color-safe biotin shampoo a try! In addition to biotin, vegan proteins and copper peptides work together to help strengthen hair, while a special blend of scalp fortifiers are designed to block DHT to encourage follicular function. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids to help exfoliate the scalp to remove sebum and dead skin cells that could be blocking hair follicles.

2. Jack Black True Volume Thickening Shampoo

Looking to give your hair a fuller look? This biotin thickening shampoo is formulated with a proprietary thickening complex called Expansion Technology to help your hair appear thicker and fuller. As biotin works to help strengthen strands, pro-vitamin B5 adds shine and luster to once lifeless locks while green tea leaf extract helps stimulate hair follicles. This biotin hair shampoo is especially great for men with finer-hair looking to achieve a thick, voluminous mane.

3. Peter Lamas Hair Solutions Energizing Shampoo

Looking for a shampoo that will nourish your scalp as well as your hair? This botanically powered formula contains biotin to keep hair looking healthy and aloe vera and eucalyptus oil to soothe an itchy, flaky scalp. It also features apple stem cells, Baicapil™ and other antioxidants to help increase scalp circulation and block DHT, a hormone that can hinder hair growth.

4. L’Oreal Professional Inforcer Strengthening Anti-Breakage Shampoo

This shampoo is specifically formulated for fragile hair that is prone to breakage. It contains B6 and biotin to help reinforce and strengthen hair fibers and prevent tangling that can lead to split ends and broken strands. With daily use, it will add softness and shine as well.

5. Viviscal Professional Thickening Shampoo

The makers of Viviscal Professional Supplements created this biotin thickening shampoo as a complement to their daily hair growth supplements. Biotin, collagen and keratin team up to help nourish follicles and help you achieve healthier-looking hair, while Ana: Tel™, a proprietary complex derived from pea sprouts and grape seeds, is featured to help strands look and feel thicker.

6. Redken Extreme Length Shampoo

This biotin hair shampoo works to prevent breakage and promote healthy hair growth so strands can grow longer and stronger. It gently cleanses hair without stripping it of its natural moisture, while strengthening damaged locks from heat-styling or environmental stressors.

Looking for more ways to boost hair growth? Check out our blog: 6 Hair Growth Products to Try.