Hair loss or hair thinning is very common, especially as we age. But, besides aging, other factors affect the health and thickness of our hair. These include genetics, diet, hormonal imbalance, physical or mental stress, pregnancy, too frequent hair treatments, and more.
But it’s not predestined, and there are natural ways to help our hair get stronger, grow, and look healthy and full. Several types of vitamins and minerals contribute to the health of our hair, such as zinc, vitamin E, and vitamins from the B family, principally biotin.
So what exactly is biotin? And what does it do for our hair?
Biotin, also called vitamin B7 though some call it vitamin H and in some countries, it is called vitamin B8. It is soluble in water, is not stored in the body, and is one of the most popular vitamins to take as a nutritional supplement for hair health, but also for skin and nails. Biotin aids digestive processes – it is needed to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into amino acids and fatty acids, thus helping the body to convert food into energy and to produce the proteins that are essential for hair, skin, and nails, such as collagen and keratin. In addition, biotin supports other systems in the body, such as brain and liver functioning, and a lack of it may lead to symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and even depression.
Like other vitamins and minerals, it is recommended to consume biotin through food and, at the same time, to take supplements to ensure that we have enough. Biotin is found in peanuts, almonds and walnuts, legumes (such as soybeans, beans or lentils), egg yolk, sweet potato, avocado, cauliflower, banana, animal liver, mushrooms, broccoli, oats, and others. It is also a prominent component in Pelle’s hair capsules, along with vitamin B5, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and more, which work together to slow down hair loss and to renew and restore hair follicles so that the hair looks healthy and shiny.
Studies show that taking dietary supplements that contain biotin every day can stimulate growth of new hair after about 90 days. In addition, by taking biotin daily, you’ll also see a difference in the strength of your hair – your hair will be thicker, will break less easily, and you’ll see fewer split ends. Biotin also helps to improve skin health, including the scalp, and to strengthen nails. Our body is an amazing and sophisticated machine, but sometimes it needs a little outside help, and in the case of biotin – it’s very easy to compensate for the lack of it and to notice a significant improvement in the health and appearance of our hair.