This is an age-old debate that has been going on for a very long time about what is better, using Biotin or Keratin for hair growth? We’re about to figure that out…
When one’s hair starts thinning or when one starts actually losing their hair completely all of a sudden these kinds of debates become very important and rightfully so.
Today’s article will go in depth on the debate involving both of these supplements and whether or not they work by themselves or with each other, how to take them, how much of them to take, and any dangers to keep an eye out for.
First, a brief description of both these things and what they claim to do…
Biotin. What is it?
Biotin is also known by many different names including Vitamin H, Biotina, Biotine, Appaerex, Coenzyme R, and Vitamin B7. It comes from the family of complex B vitamins and can come in several different forms. But it is essential for hair growth.
Where can I find it?
Biotin is found naturally in many of the foods we eat. You can find this vitamin in almonds, walnuts, eggs, cheeses, spinach, mushrooms, green beans, peanuts, soybeans, sweet potatoes, most nuts, and legumes.
You can also get Biotin as a supplement in the form of pills (here is the best) and in shampoo and cream rinse form.
How does it work?
Biotin helps your body in metabolizing carbohydrates and fats by turning them into sugars your body can safely convert to energy and it is essential to good health.
It also helps in other areas of the body including eyes, healthy skin, nails, liver and healthy hair, hair loss prevention, and most importantly in this case…hair growth.
Because the body does not store this vitamin, biotin deficiency can develop in people who do not eat the proper protein rich foods, leading to many problems including hair thinning, it being brittle and weak and possibly even complete hair loss.
The warning signs to watch out for are hair loss, dry eyes, fatigue, dry skin, rashes, and even depression.
Biotin is a good supplement to use in combating these symptoms and it also very much helps restore damage in skin and even promotes new hair growth.
Is eating foods containing biotin be good enough to solve the hair loss problem?
If a person should find out they are deficient in this vitamin, they would not be able to safely eat large enough quantities of foods containing biotin to see any real positive results.
Not enough of this vitamin is present in the foods that contain it to make up for a biotin deficiency in a person, thus a supplement is recommended for anyone dealing with being deficient and has all the symptoms including damaged, thin or complete loss of hair.
Like we mentioned before, this supplement, known as Natrol biotin contains the largest density of pure biotin which when taken internally produces rapid restoration results in hair. Of course, make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
So far we’ve made a pretty strong case for taking biotin, whether in food or in supplements. But what about the other thing?
Keratin. Is it even more important?
Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in your body and protects and even repairs hair, skin, and nails.
They also give structural support to these parts of the body and more. Your hair consists of between 65 and 95% Keratin cells and they are part of both the cuticle and the cortex interior.
These hairs can be damaged by not only poor hair care but repeated exposure to both the elements and harsh chemicals associated with swimming pools and the likes and when that happens you may need to take a keratin supplement to help repair the damage. More info on dangerous everyday things people do which damages their keratin production..
Where can I find it?
One obvious place where keratin, like biotin too is in foods, but the list here is different:
- Beer, yes beer.
- Almonds.
- Oysters.
- Red Meat.
- Salmon.
- Blueberries.
- Whey protein.
- Nuts.
- Milk.
- Eggs.
It can also be found as a supplement in tablet form and in shampoos and cream rinses for hair treatment.
Can eating foods containing Keratin be good enough?
As with Biotin, if you are deficient in keratin you would have to eat for an army of foods rich in it to get enough out of the it to even get up to normal levels not to mention to a level that will help repair any damage you may have already acquired. Thus, we recommend the following powerful supplement with that (and yes it can be taken together with a biotin supplement too, but you should speak to a doctor if you aren’t sure).
How does it work?
This protein will coat the hair cuticle and the hair strand and make it both fuller and give it more shine and flexibility. It can also coat and repair frizzy dry hair and hair with split ends and restore the strength back to the individual strands.
How much of this supplement should I take?
There really aren’t any particular guidelines for recommended daily allowances of this protein but there are warning signs for both a keratin deficiency and too much of it in the body which is also called hyperkeratosis.
We discussed the warning signs of the former earlier in this article and the latter can be determined by a dry or rough skin with a rash around the eyes and mouth and or a coarse texture to the hair.
Beware!
As we warned in a previous article: Avoid professional Keratin hair treatments at all costs as the high heat of over 400 degrees and the combination of other chemicals involved in the process including cancer-causing formaldehyde are not worth the health risks!
Which is better for hair loss?
The best way to approach this debate is to use both of these supplements to restore healthy hair and skin and even aid in hair replacement.
Using the oral supplements of biotin in pill form along with a steady use of keratin supplements as well as shampoos mixed with both these things should help to accomplish the task of hair regrowth and healthy hair maintenance. We have great supplement recommendations here which contain all of thi.
Summary
We hope this article helps you in understanding everything you need to know about what Biotin and Keratin are and how they can help you in revitalizing, repairing and growing hair along with preventing future hair loss.
Got a question or comment?
If you have questions regarding keratin, biotin or both, how it’s supposed to be used, externally, internally, any other questions regarding it, let us know!