Does Biotin really make your hair grow faster?

Speaking from personal experience, I would say it does.

Having tried the most expensive hair supplements in the market, which can turn out to be quite costly (but have also worked for me in the past), I decided to give straight biotin supplements a try, after a not-so-pleasant hair disaster.

I started by taking 300mg (SOLGAR brand) initially, along with a vitamin B complex (since I read it helps), which didn't seem to do much, until I upped the dose to 900mg that resulted in a one inch growth per month, on average. I could immediately tell from my roots, as I dye my hair.

Quite impressive and cost-effective!

Now there are a few things that must be taken into account, before taking Biotin supplements, one being acne. I found that, taking over 300mg has resulted in persistent, small cysts, due to excessive sebum production, so it would be best to increase water intake and use acne preventative products if you are prone to breakouts. If you find that this doesn't work either, then perhaps it would be best to lower it to a "safer" dosage... you'll still get the benefit of stronger and healthier new hair AND nails.

Another unpleasant side effect from taking biotin was insomnia, probably because I didn't do my research and took supplements late in the evening (big mistake...).

Biotin is best taken with meals and can also be found in fooods like nuts, eggs, milk and veggies, like cucumbers.

If you're on a mission to grow long and healthy locks, I will share a few hair growth tips that work for me, in conjunction with taking Biotin and B-complex supplements;

• Stimulating blood circulation by using a sparse wooden bristle brush, concentrating on the scalp, not only worked for me, but also helped decrease my frequent headaches.
• Washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo (I use the Pantene Pro-V Clarifying Shampoo) can also be helpful, as it removes excess sebum from your scalp and product buildup from your hair. Since it can be extremely drying, its best to follow with a nourishing hair mask. Some people swear by Head and Shoulders, but it did absolutely nothing for me.
• If your hair is chemically treated, make sure you use treatments and serums, every time you're out of the shower to prevent breakage and keep your locks moisturized (esp. if you're using hot tools to dry your hair).
• Keeping my hair up in a bun, has also promoted hair growth. Just make sure your bun is not too tight; pulling the hair tightly does NOT equal hair growth, but a loose bun will protect your hair from potential damage and breakage, esp. during sleep.

If you have any hair growth tips that worked for you, I'd love to hear them! ^__^

L'Oreal Professionnel MYTHIC OIL review

Hair products are definitely a weak spot for me, I'm always up for trying something new, especially when it claims to be as good as the product I will be reviewing in this post.

L'Oreal Professionnel hair care products rarely fail to meet my expectations. The price may be a downside to this range, but always works out much cheaper than drugstore hair treatments, as I find a little goes a long way.

L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil is no exception to the rule. It visibly improves how my hair looks and reduces hair breakage, every time I style it. :)

Pros:

- Perfect for all hair types. I was initially sceptical about this claim, since I have super fine color-treated hair, and usually oil-based products are a major no-no for me, but to my surprise it didn't weigh my hair down at all.

- Lightweight consistency; as stated, no weigh down, dullness or excessive oiliness (when applied carefully towards the ends) and of course less buildup than "heavier" products I've tried (like John Frieda's Frizz Eaze serum for example)

- Pleasant fruity smell.

- Reduces frizz and helps tame my thin unruly hair.

- Multi-purpose; I use it as a heat protectant and its perfect for finishing touches

- Prevents hair breakage from dryness and styling tools. I use hot tools (flat iron and blowdryer) every time I wash my hair. Ever since I started using the "Mythic Oil" I have much less hair breakage (if any), and less trimming to be done! ^^

- Conditions the hair, making it soft and shiny, without the added stickiness.

- Economical: two drops are more than enough to cover dry/damaged ends, I've had mine for months and the 125ml bottle is still practically full.

- Reduces styling time and frustration. I just love how easily my brush goes through my hair when I use this.

Cons:

- Steep price (but like I said you'll practically get bored of seeing this on your cabinet, it lasts forever xD)

- Needs to be applied every time you style/ wash your hair, meaning that results are not permanent, which is the case with most treatments anyway (low or high end).


Directions:


Prior to styling


The only major secret in using anti frizz products, prior to styling, drying, is to apply them when your hair is really wet. (well not dripping wet ^^!!)

To apply, flip your hair down and run your fingers through from the middle the ends, to gently and evenly deposit the oil (don't massage the product into your hair). I found this method works for me since it helps stay away from the roots.

Two pumps are enough at this stage.


After you've styled your hair

If you feel your ends need more moisture, especially if you're prone to get the frizzies, I recommend applying one pump to your dry ends.

This will help smooth your hair and prevent possible frizz.

If don't have to go through this stage, don't, as it would probably end up making your hair oily faster.


10/10

Full list of L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil ingredients, as listed on the bottle, for those interested:


CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONOL, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, PERSEA GRATISSIMA OIL. AVOCADO OIL, VITIS VINIFERA SEED OIL, LIMONENE, HEXYL CINNAMAL, COURMARIN, LINALOOL, BUTYLPHENIL METHYLPROPIONAL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, AMYL CINNAMAL, GERANIOL, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, ISOEUGENOL, BENZYL BENZOATE, CINAMMYL ALCOHOL, CITRONELLOL, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE