This Is How Long It Takes For Biotin To Start Working

If you are looking to increase your hair growth, you might have thought about trying biotin. Found in both supplements as well as in certain foods, biotin helps your body produce keratin, the protein that is responsible for the growth of your nails, skin, and hair (via Healthline).

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the suggested daily amount of biotin you should take is 30 micrograms for adults (and 35 micrograms if you are breastfeeding). Although there are numerous biotin supplements on the market, there are plenty of foods that contain biotin as well. One egg will give you 33% of your daily value of biotin, while a 3-ounce pork chop or hamburger patty will give you 13%, per NIH.

The research on the effectiveness of taking biotin for hair growth is mixed. However, several studies have found that those with a biotin deficiency reported increased hair growth and reduced hair loss after taking a biotin supplement (via Healthline). But how long does it take to start working?

You should start to see a difference in your hair after about three months of taking biotin. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that study participants reported improvements in the thickness and volume of their hair after taking a biotin supplement for 90 days.

Several factors may determine how well biotin works for you including whether or not you are getting it through food or a supplement, the brand that you use, and whether or not you take it every day (via Curl Centric). It's important to consider that getting your biotin intake solely through food may not create results as effective as taking a supplement might. If you do choose to take a supplement, remembering to take the recommended dose every day is important to maximize results. Keep in mind that certain brands may yield better results than others, so be sure to do your research and talk with your doctor before starting your biotin regimen.