Step aside, oral supplements. Biotin now comes in shampoo form, and it claims to nourish the scalp and hair and make locks thicker and stronger.

“The theory behind biotin shampoos is that it can add strength to existing hair follicles and possibly enhance hair volume,” said Susan Massick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

However, there is no strong clinical evidence to show that topical biotin will help with hair growth.

“Biotin shampoos are going to overpromise and underdeliver when it comes to hair growth and strength,” Massick said.

Shampoo gets rinsed off soon after you apply it, which means there isn’t enough time for biotin to make a difference, Massick said.

Here’s what to know about biotin shampoos and alternatives that might work better for hair growth.

How Biotin Affects Your Hair and Skin Health

First, the basics: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential vitamin that plays a key role in keeping your hair, skin, and nails strong and healthy.

It helps your body produce keratin, the protein that makes up the structure of your hair, nails, and the outer layer of your skin, according to Christina Han, MD, FRCPC, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Vancouver.

If you don’t have enough biotin, you can experience hair loss, brittle nails, or skin rashes. That said, biotin deficiency is rare, as you can typically get your daily recommended amount—30 mcg per day for adults—from foods like:

• Liver
• Spinach
• Egg yolks
• Salmon
• Nuts and seeds
• Oats

Even if you have a biotin deficiency, you can take oral biotin supplements to help prevent or improve symptoms like hair loss.

Biotin Shampoo vs. Biotin Supplements for Hair Growth

If your biotin levels are normal, Massick said that neither biotin shampoo nor supplements will significantly affect hair growth or health.

But if you have a deficiency, biotin supplements are the most effective way. They can replenish biotin levels and stimulate keratin production, which can prevent hair loss and improve hair growth and strength.

Biotin shampoo, on the other hand, is likely ineffective no matter your biotin levels, said Massick. “Save your money and don’t be fooled by the advertised promises of miracle growth with biotin shampoos,” she added.

Alternatives to Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth

While biotin supplements can help if you have a deficiency, there might be more effective solutions for boosting hair growth.

Here are some alternatives to consider: 

• Saw palmetto: This plant extract helps block a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to hair loss, said Han. This can help treat androgenetic alopecia (also known as male- or female-pattern baldness), the most common type of hair loss. Research shows that people with androgenetic alopecia who took topical or oral saw palmetto supplements saw improvements in hair quality and density compared to those who didn’t.
• Minoxidil: This topical prescription medication is widely used to treat hair loss from androgenetic alopecia and can improve hair growth and density.
• Finasteride: This prescription pill can help slow hair loss or even stimulate hair growth for men.
• Hormone medications: Androgens are a group of hormones (including DHT) that contribute to hair loss. Certain medications, like spironolactone, reduce the amount of androgens your body produces to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

“It’s essential to consider other factors like overall nutrition, stress management, and proper hair-care practices to truly optimize hair growth and minimize hair loss,” said Han. If you’re still concerned about your hair growth, reach out to a dermatologist or trichologist for more individual advice.