Biotin basics

What a deficiency of the water-soluble vitamin—a nutrient naturally present in food—can do to your hair, skin & nails

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in the absence of this vitamin that many problems erupt. Biotin promotes healthy brain function, helps control inflammation and allergies, stimulates production of keratin, provides strength to hair follicles, essential for scalp rejuvenation, and boosts nail growth and strengthens it," she adds.

Keratin is a protein that not only strengthens the hair but also helps with unnecessary breakage. "Stronger hair means less breakage and split ends," says Anshita Mehrotra, founder of hair care brand Fix My Curls. "The reason some people seem to have faster hair growth is because biotin helps your body produce more keratin, which in turn promotes healthier and potentially faster growth. From improving texture and shine to reducing dryness and brittleness, biotin contributes to the overall appearance and feel by keeping follicles healthy and preventing unnecessary hair loss. It also supports the health of hair follicles, which are responsible for holding hair in place," she adds.