While folic acid is essential in supporting healthy hair growth, it is not the only vitamin or supplement that benefits both the hair and skin. Rather, it's best to choose hair care supplements that include additional hair-boosting ingredients, such as B complex, vitamin B12 and biotin.
No interactions were found between Biotin Forte with Zinc and folic acid. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
According to Dr Chaturvedi, folic acid helps to promote hair growth, add volume and even reduce the rate of premature greying—it does so by amping up the body's cell production processes. “If you're deficient in folate, taking supplements may result in the growth of new hair in some patients,” Dr Gupta agrees.
The Center for Disease Control recommends taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily to help with hair follicle production and healthy, full hair.
Biotin also helps the body convert food into energy and carry nutrients throughout the body. It is useful in preventing gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy). Folic acid helps in forming red blood cells. It prevents and treats anaemia and folate deficiency.
Vitamin B complex, prenatal vitamins, multivitamin tablets are often suggested as a supplement for biotin, zinc and folic acid. Consume tablets every day and you will notice an improvement in your hair's growth and health within two to three months.
If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before she is pregnant, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain and spine. These birth defects are neural tube defects or NTDs. Women need to take folic acid every day, starting before they are pregnant to help prevent NTDs.
So which supports hair growth more: collagen or biotin? Based on scientific studies, it seems that collagen has a better claim to improving the condition of your hair. However, both can actually be used together for well-rounded nutrition and countless health benefits, aside from promoting hair regrowth.
The amount of biotin suggested for hair growth usually ranges between 100 - 1,000 micrograms (mcg) daily, but this number varies based on your body's reaction to biotin.
Get a trim.
"Getting a trim every six to eight weeks prevents split ends and damage, making ends stronger and leading to faster growth," she explains. "I recommend trimming 1 to 2 inches at each appointment to avoid fraying ends and keep hair healthy."
Best hair growth product overall
Sometimes, the best-known product is best-known for a reason. Rogaine contains the active ingredient minoxidil, which has overwhelmingly been shown to effectively treat hair loss in clinical trials. And the clinicians I spoke to recommended it for women as well as men.
Biotin assists in thickening your hair as it promotes follicle regrowth (Byrdie). Overall, sweet almond oil is known to make your hair stronger and less prone to split ends, meaning that the process of excessively losing damaged hair is reduced (Healthline).
Biotin is a superhero ingredient well-regarded for the ability to help promote hair growth. When you take a supplement that combines biotin with zinc, it “provides maintenance for normal hair, skin, and nails,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, M.D.
Excess Folic Acid Intake Increases Weight Gain, Fat Mass and Glucose Intolerance on a High Fat Diet.
There is no need to take the supplement at a specific time of day or with a meal. However, developing a habit, such as taking a prenatal vitamin every morning with breakfast, may make it easier to remember to take folic acid.
Folic acid usually starts to work in a few hours. But if you're taking it for folate deficiency anaemia, it may be a few weeks before you start to feel better. It's important to keep taking your folic acid for as long as it's recommended.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
Research suggests that folic acid deficiency may be associated with a higher risk of developing canities, or gray hairs. However, studies have yet to find a major link between low levels of folic acid and hair loss.
Folate, also known as folic acid, when created synthetically, is another water-soluble B-vitamin. It aids in cell growth and red blood cell health. Meaning, folate helps your hair and nails grow longer and stronger. It keeps your skin looking healthy and has been shown to stave off fatigue, mood swings, and anemia.
After starting a biotin supplement routine, you can expect to start seeing a difference in about three to four months. Results may vary depending on the amount and type of biotin you're taking. You can find biotin at most drug stores and in any vitamin shop.