Biotin vs. Keratin: Which One Is Better for Stronger Hair?

Ever walked into a store to buy shampoo and spotted the word "keratin" on the bottle? Hold on… what is that? But then, scrolling through the internet, there’s talk about biotin vitamin being great for hair and even nails! That’s when the confusion kicks in.

“What’s the difference?”
“Do both work?”
“Which one is actually better?”

Especially in hot and humid weather, where hair gets oily, frizzy, and prone to dandruff, choosing the right product matters. No worries! This guide breaks it down in a simple way, making it easier to decide what’s best for your hair.

What is Biotin?

Biotin vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, is essential for healthy hair growth. It helps the body convert carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy. Since it's water-soluble, any excess is flushed out, making it safe to take as a supplement.

This vitamin plays a key role in cell growth and supports the breakdown of food, which contributes to stronger hair and nails. Biotin vitamin is also needed to produce keratin, the protein that keeps hair and nails strong and promotes a healthy scalp.

In the simpler analogy:
Think of biotin vitamin like the sunshine and water for a plant. Just like a plant needs sunlight and water to grow tall and strong, hair needs biotin vitamin to stay healthy and grow properly.

Without enough sunshine and water, a plant might look weak and dry. The same goes for hair; without enough biotin vitamin, it can become thin, brittle, or slow to grow.

What Happens Without It

Though it's rare, a biotin vitamin shortage can lead to:

• Hair falling out
• Brittle or weak nails
• Dry, irritated skin
• Frizzy, unmanageable hair
• Blurry or changing vision

Biotin vitamin helps keep everything strong and healthy, so getting enough of it is important.

Where to Find Biotin Naturally?

Biotin vitamin is found in many everyday foods, making it easy to get naturally. Some great sources include:

• Milk
• Nuts & Seeds
• Beans (like rajma & chola)
• Egg yolk

But here’s something to keep in mind: eating raw egg whites can actually block biotin vitamin from being absorbed, which may lead to a deficiency.

What is Keratin?

Keratin is the protein that gives hair its strength and structure. It works alongside elastin and collagen to keep both skin and hair healthy.

While elastin and collagen help skin stay firm and elastic, keratin acts as a protective shield. It absorbs damage from sunlight and other external factors, keeping hair and skin safe. It also plays a key role in nail strength, and a lack of keratin is often linked to brittle nails.

What Happens Without It

Lack of keratin can lead to several hair problems, including:

• Hair becomes weak and falls out more easily.
• Hair feels thin, stringy, and lacks volume.
• More split ends.
• Hair may feel gummy or mushy.

What is a Keratin Treatment?

A keratin treatment is a hair-smoothing process that helps to control frizz, add shine, and make hair more manageable. This is especially helpful for those with curly, frizzy, or damaged hair. While keratin treatment does not directly promote hair growth, it strengthens the hair by reducing breakage and protecting it from external damage.

Can Keratin in Shampoo be Absorbed by Hair?

Short answer: Yes.

Keratin in shampoo can be absorbed by the hair, but only to a certain extent. When in hydrolyzed form, it can penetrate the hair cuticle, helping to improve smoothness, shine, and strength.

Keratin treatment products, like deep-conditioning masks and leave-in treatments, are designed to coat the hair strands, making them appear healthier and more polished. However, it’s important to use keratin treatment sparingly, as overuse can make hair feel stiff or dry.

Key Differences Between Biotin and Keratin

Which One Is Better for Stronger Hair?

Both biotin vitamin and keratin treatment play important roles in hair health, but they work in different ways.

• Biotin vitamin strengthens hair from within by supporting keratin production and promoting hair growth. It’s best for those dealing with thinning hair, hair loss, or weak nails.
• A keratin treatment, on the other hand, works on the surface of the hair, making it smoother, shinier, and more resistant to damage. It’s ideal for those with frizzy, brittle, or damaged hair.

For stronger, healthier hair, biotin vitamin is essential for long-term growth and strength, while a keratin treatment helps improve immediate texture and protection. Using both together through a balanced diet and proper hair care can give the best results.

Can Biotin and Keratin Be Used Together?

Yes! Biotin vitamin and keratin treatment complement each other, working together to improve hair health.

1. How They Work Together:

   • Biotin vitamin helps the body produce keratin naturally, supporting hair growth from within.
   • Keratin treatment strengthens and smooths the hair externally, reducing frizz and breakage.

2. Key Benefits of Using Both:

   • Stronger, thicker hair: Biotin vitamin promotes growth, while keratin treatment reinforces hair structure.
   • Smoother, shinier texture: Keratin treatment helps reduce frizz and adds a protective layer.
   • Comprehensive care: Targets both hair health internally and externally.

3. How to Use Them:

   • Take biotin vitamin supplements or eat biotin vitamin-rich foods like eggs, nuts, and dairy.
   • Use keratin treatment hair products like shampoos, conditioners, or treatments for added strength.
   • Together, biotin vitamin and keratin treatment create a well-rounded hair care routine for healthier and stronger hair.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to hair health, biotin vitamin and keratin treatment serve different but complementary purposes. Biotin vitamin nourishes hair from within, promoting growth and strengthening strands, while keratin treatment works externally to smooth and protect hair from damage.

If you're struggling with hair thinning or weak nails, increasing your biotin vitamin intake through diet or supplements can help. On the other hand, if frizz, dryness, or breakage is your main concern, a keratin treatment can provide the smoothness and shine you need.