The Truth About Hair Vitamins

Here are the myths and facts about biotin and more.

The Truth About Hair Vitamins - You’ve seen a few ads about how hair vitamins have worked and you’re thinking that a biotin boost is all you need to get your hair growing. Read the myths and facts about these vitamins to find out if they are for you. By LaToya Bowlah  (Photo: Rick Gomez/Corbis)

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The Truth About Hair Vitamins - You’ve seen a few ads about how hair vitamins have worked and you’re thinking that a biotin boost is all you need to get your hair growing. Read the myths and facts about these vitamins to find out if they are for you. By LaToya Bowlah  (Photo: Rick Gomez/Corbis)

Have We Been Duped? - We’ve perhaps all been seduced by the promises of hair growth vitamins and ended up browsing the aisles of a local convenient store in search of the magic pill for longer, stronger hair. Hairfinity for example, boasts up to a 150 percent increase after several months of usage. Such lofty claims have sparked a wave of women seeking longer hair in less time. However hair pills are not the miracle solution as some may think. Here’s what you’ll need to know before you set your hair hopes on these vitamins. (Photo: Tanya Constantine/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Have We Been Duped? - We’ve perhaps all been seduced by the promises of hair growth vitamins and ended up browsing the aisles of a local convenient store in search of the magic pill for longer, stronger hair. Hairfinity for example, boasts up to a 150 percent increase after several months of usage. Such lofty claims have sparked a wave of women seeking longer hair in less time. However hair pills are not the miracle solution as some may think. Here’s what you’ll need to know before you set your hair hopes on these vitamins. (Photo: Tanya Constantine/Blend Images/Corbis)

Long Hair, Do Care! - Has your hair been stuck at the same length forever? Want thicker, longer, healthier hair without relying on clip-ins and weaves? Here’s what we know. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: Galvezo/Corbis)

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Biotin Vitamins Will Stimulate New Growth – MYTH - Let’s end this fairy tale right here; Biotin does not stimulate new hair growth. It does however, promote a healthy metabolism and it may improve thin, splitting hair and nails. The key to longer hair is retention through proper hair care.  (Photo: Galvezo/Corbis)

Zinc - Next time you’re in need of a midday snack, eat some almonds in order to get a little zinc into your system. It is known to aid in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.  (Photo: Science Photo Library/Corbis)

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Our Body Needs Biotin – FACT - Your body uses biotin to metabolize the essential building blocks of protein. Particularly for women during pregnancy, it also fosters normal embryonic growth.  (Photo: Science Photo Library/Corbis)

Avocado - Avocados are good for boosting your libido because they contain large amounts of potassium and vitamin B6. They also naturally help keep the vaginal walls well lubricated. (Photo: Michelle McMahon/Getty Images)

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Biotin Can Be Found in Foods We Eat Everyday – FACT - While many women believe that they need more biotin to improve their hair, it is rare to suffer from a biotin deficiency. However eating foods such as cucumbers, oats, cooked eggs, sardines, nuts, cabbages, raspberries, turkey, tuna and avocado could increase your biotin levels. Additionally, it is also produced from bacteria in your small intestine.  (Photo: Michelle McMahon/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Michelle McMahon/Getty Images

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A Higher Dosage of Biotin Will Accelerate My Hair Growth – MYTH - If you choose to take biotin vitamins, the recommended daily dosage is 2.5 mg and overdosing can lead to serious side effects. It may cause you to break out in acne, increase your risk of having a miscarriage, lead to nausea and heart palpitations.  (Photo: Patrick Lane/GettyImages)

Hair Vitamins Work – FACT - Countless women have reported hair growth or healthier hair as well as stronger nails while taking hair vitamins. While there is no scientific evidence to support claims of increased growth, there is perhaps a hair vitamin horror story for every positive testimony. Some women who have tried hair vitamins have unfortunately reported sever breakouts as well as hair growth in odd places such as their side burns and mustache. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez / Jupiter Images / GettyImages)

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Hair Vitamins Work – FACT - Countless women have reported hair growth or healthier hair as well as stronger nails while taking hair vitamins. While there is no scientific evidence to support claims of increased growth, there is perhaps a hair vitamin horror story for every positive testimony. Some women who have tried hair vitamins have unfortunately reported sever breakouts as well as hair growth in odd places such as their side burns and mustache. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez / Jupiter Images / GettyImages)

Get Your Vitamin On - Popping vitamin C and B6 can definitely make a big difference. B6, which is found in turkey, fish, chicken, nuts or supplements, can help boost energy, reduce cravings and water retention and relieve PMS symptoms. Vitamin C, whether it’s in pills or citrus fruits, can also help reduce muscle cramping. (Photo: PA Photos /Landov)

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If Not Biotin Then Prenatal Supplements Will Grow My Hair – MYTH - Although prenatal supplements will not grow your hair, the common misconception comes from women on prenatal vitamins experiencing longer, thicker hair. This however is not a result of the actual supplement, but because of pregnancy hormones.   (Photo: PA Photos /Landov)

My Hair Can Grow Longer During Pregnancy – FACT - If you’re pregnant or have been, you may have found that your hair felt fuller during your pregnancy although your hair isn’t actually growing faster. Instead, you were simply losing it at a slower rate than usual. During the resting phase of hair growth, your hair naturally sheds. During pregnancy women experience higher estrogen levels, which prolong the hair’s growth phase resulting in less shedding.  (Photo: Monika Bender/Getty Images)

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My Hair Can Grow Longer During Pregnancy – FACT - If you’re pregnant or have been, you may have found that your hair felt fuller during your pregnancy although your hair isn’t actually growing faster. Instead, you were simply losing it at a slower rate than usual. During the resting phase of hair growth, your hair naturally sheds. During pregnancy women experience higher estrogen levels, which prolong the hair’s growth phase resulting in less shedding.  (Photo: Monika Bender/Getty Images)

Eat Better - You really are what you eat, so if your hair hasn’t ever grown past your ears in the past five years, perhaps your diet is to blame. It’s easy: eat less crap and eat more protein, fruits and veggies. You know, real food! (Photo: David Papazian/Corbis)

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Hair Growth Is Affected by Nutrition – FACT - The more vital nutrients your hair follicles receive, the healthier your hair will grow. Such nutrients include normal amounts of biotin, saw palmetto, B-complex vitamins, Zinc and Magnesium, which can be found in over-the-counter multi-vitamins and food. (Photo: David Papazian/Corbis)