Hair Fix: Topical Biotin Benefits for Hair: Does it Really Work?

By now it’s common knowledge that popping biotin daily won’t guarantee long, lush hair. The truth is that biotin doesn’t make hair grow faster or longer. It can only promote longer hair by strengthening the hair follicle. Stronger hair allows each strand to reach the end of its growth cycle. Your genetics then decide just how far that cycle will take you — to mermaid-like lengths or average, below-the-shoulder ends.

Another sad fact: Unless you’re deficient in biotin (or B vitamins), the supplement won’t make much of a difference. “Most people get enough biotin from foods as well as the biotin our bodies produce,” says dermatologist and scalp expert Dr. Rebecca Kazin. So popping a pill (just like any vitamin supplement you don’t need) won’t do much…or anything at all.

But now there’s a new breed of biotin products, coming in the form of serums, shampoos and even hairspray. Topical biotin offers the same (not-so-reliable) results as ingested biotin, but it guarantees the added benefit of instant fullness. “Applying a hair product that is made with biotin will help strengthen the surface of the strands,” says Schwarzkopf Essence ULTÎME celebrity hairstylist Richard Collins. The formulas coat each strand and thereby increase the diameter of each existing hair. 

[ Everything You Need to Know About Taking Biotin for Hair Growth ]

Schwarzkopf Essence ULTÎME is one of the first to offer a full range of biotin-infused topicals. Biotin+ Volume & Vitality Shampoo ($6.97 at Walmart) promotes less breakage because of the blend of biotin and keratin. The result is overall thicker hair in as little as seven days. Our tester was impressed. (Matrix Biolage FullDensity Thickening Shampoo works similarly to remove follicle clogging impurities and promotes more durable strands.) The other winner in the collection is the Biotin+ Volume & Vitality Daily Serum Spray ($6.97 at Walmart). The lightweight spray doesn’t weigh down even the finest of hair and adds fullness by adding smooth movement to hair’s natural texture. Just don’t brush after spraying on damp, just-washed hair for better volume.

For a boosted blowout, try Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer ($18 at Sephora) — a blowdry spray. Hair instantly has more height at the root and over time, it can even promote hair growth. While biotin adds strength, the formula’s ginseng root and ginger root are the ones that really promote growth. Ginseng stimulates blood flow to the scalp and follicles, while ginger, a natural oil, helps energize the follicle.

Bosley Healthy Hair Follicle Energizer ($18.99 at Bosley) also helps thinning hair. The leave-in serum contains biotinyl-GHK that protects hair follicles, while scalp activators help to increase the energy levels of the follicles and promote healthy growth. Just dab a few drops where thinning occurs most.

While instant results are common, how much difference you’ll see over time is debatable. “Topical biotin has been reported to improve the appearance of skin and hair, but it is difficult to know how much is able to penetrate the skin, scalp and hair cuticle barrier,” says Kazin. All of the formulas are formulated for thin, fine hair (read: lightweight and won’t weigh down hair), so they automatically promote fuller-looking hair with or without biotin’s help. 

But what about the fact that I've been Trying a new brand called Mane Choice, whose products are also infused with Biotin, and my ponytail looks and feels thicker after a month of testing their Orchid Gel 7 laid Back edge control? Is that the result of castor oil & magic D vitamins or merely a coincidence? While we wait for more studies and concrete evidence on topical biotin benefits, we’ll be dosing our hair with the seemingly miracle formulas just in case OKKUUURRRRR!

- XOXO Jhenelle Hill

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Beauty Diaries : 12 Makeup Removers I Can’t Live Without!!!

From the desk of Jhenelle Neon.

Best makeup remover for natural beauty lovers

Natural beauty products are just as effectiveas their conventional counterparts—can get off more makeup than most people wear in a lifetime. Think: Broadway makeup, but it does it with incredible ease, and leaves your skin soft and supple. Echinacea GreenEnvy helps even tone, papaya extract is a natural exfoliator, and moringa tree extract is super purifying.

Best makeup remover for waterproof mascara fans

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water hit the market years in advance of the current micellar water craze. It's formulated with mineral rich Japanese hot spring water and soothing herbs to hydrate and balance skin. And when put on a cotton pad, it effectively removes every last shred of makeup—including waterproof mascara—no need to wash off." Make sure to avoid the mascara mistakes that make lashes look clumpy.

XOX Jhenelle Neon

Best makeup remover for banning foggy vision

I Count Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil among my must-haves. I've been using this for years and truly couldn't live without it. Camellia and rice bran oils and green tea extract work together to cleanse and soothe the skin. It gets rid of absolutely everything—even the most stubborn makeup! So many cleansing oils can make your eyes foggy—this one won't. It's magic!

Best makeup remover for contact lens wearers

I'm a contact lens wearer and Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Wipes effectively remove any trace of makeup in the most gentle way possible. Plus, the natural soy extract helps improve and even skin tone over time. 

Best makeup remover for sensitive skin

When clients come to the set covered in makeup I grab a bottle of Bioderma Sensibio H2O. This no-rinse formula is light, refreshing, and works fast to cleanse and remove makeup—including water-resistant stuff—from the face and eyes. Plus, it doesn't sting and is non-irritating, even on really sensitive skin. (If your complexion is prone to irritation and inflammation, read up on the 11 rules for people with sensitive skin.) So, what's the science behind this formula? Its fatty acid esters, the constituent elements of micelles, are similar to the phospholipids of the skin cell membranes and naturally help rebuild the skin's hydrolipidic film. Simply put: It washes away dirt, grime, and makeup without stripping skin of its natural oils. Is your cleanser drying out your skin? Find out the common face washing mistakes you might not even realize you're making.

Best makeup remover for extra moisturizing

Every dermatologist on the planet will tell you that removing makeup before bed is must! In the evening,I reach for Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm. Because this is a cleansing balm, it really melts into the skin and does an excellent job of removing all makeup—especially waterproof mascara and liner—without being heavy or leaving any residue. The essential oils draw out impurities, while cocoa butter nourishes skin. More than a liquid cleanser, it moisturizes and replenishes my complexion after a long day, making it perfect to use before bed.

Best makeup remover for tight budgets

Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser is hands down my favorite on a budget. Ingredients such mineral oil and ceresin makes it an effective makeup remover and moisturizer. Not only is it affordable, but a little goes a long way, so it lasts forever. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the ingredient that continues to divide the cosmetics industry: Mineral oil.  There are basically two opposing schools of thought. In my opinion, it has acquired an undeserved bad rap. Contrary to popular belief, it does not clog pores, as it's molecularly too large to penetrate the skin. Most dermatologists recommend steering clear of mineral oil if you have acne or rosacea.

Best makeup remover for on-the-go

This Works In Transit No Traces. Designed for women who are always on-the-go, and formulated with rose water and sunflower seed oil, these cleansing pads remove makeup in one swipe, while simultaneously soothing and moisturizing skin.

Best makeup remover for older skin

I love Lancôme BI-FACIL Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover. It takes off any formula—longwear, waterproof or otherwise—so effortlessly, which is important since you never want to rub harshly, especially with more mature skin. To use: Shake bottle, apply to cotton pad, leave on for a few seconds and wipe off. This emollient formula is great for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers, which is another reason why I like to recommend it. PS. Lancôme recently launched a travel size—perfect for weekend getaways.

Best makeup remover for combatting pollution

REN Rosa Centifolia No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm. When activated with water, this rose-infused formula turns into a rich milk that calms as it cleanses. Sweet almond oil, which tops its ingredient list, is one of my favorites for removing makeup because it's moisturizing yet light. Prebiotics and shea butter help fortify the skin's natural barrier against environmental pollutants, while the chamomile soothes even the most sensitive skin types.

Best makeup remover for your whole face

 IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm to cleanse and condition her skin. It melts in your hands, becoming an amazing makeup remover for your entire face (and eyes), and leaves behind a moisturizing serum to help fight aging and improve your skin's hydration level. And I love the tropical fruit scent!

Best makeup remover for people with rosacea

I Suggest Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover, touting its soothing, skin-friendly benefits: This super gentle formula contains aloe vera, green tea, and ginseng, so it hydrates while removing makeup.