For celebrities, a botched spray tan, over-plumped pout or just plain bad skin can land one as heavy a critique as would connections to the Church of Scientology.  Thus, certain beauty secrets prove covetable.  As a result, only a favorable few have been enlightened about biotin, despite the fact that ‘It’-girls and over-the-hill actors alike are currently buying it in bulk.

Worth its weight in gold for both limp-haired femmes and follicle-ly challenged gents, Biotin (occasionally referred to as vitamin H) is part of the B-complex vitamins that generates both hair growth, and, in some cases, re-growth.  In addition to helping maintain a steady blood-sugar level, Biotin will also strengthen nails.

When we first heard the name spouted from the lips of a hairstylist at the new Serge Normant at John Frieda salon in the Meatpacking District, we were immediately intrigued.  And, after learning that Normant (one of the leading hairstylists in the fashion industry) recommends it to all his clients, who include Ellen Barkin, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson, our tongues were officially wagging.  So, we asked Ty Holbrook, 30, one of Normant’s right-hand men, all about the beloved beauty product, what your locks say about you, and what styles are ‘in’ this season. 

Is biotin something that’s been used in the biz for a long time or more recently?
More recently.  I’d say for the last five months.  I heard one of the guys at the salon recommending clients and some celebrities to try it and they all came back later with tremendous results. 

What kind of hair types do you recommend it for, and what kind of effect does it have?
We recommend it to clients that are on the thinner-haired side.  It helps with hair growth, not really with re-growth.  It makes the hair thicker, healthier and grow quicker.  I think the dosage is 500mg, and it’s imperative that you double the dosage.  Then, it takes about one month before you notice a change. 

In your opinion, what does one’s hair say about them?
I think it expresses their moods, their creativity.  You can tell that someone is creative by the way the hair is cut, the style, and the way it’s groomed. 

So what does your hair say about you?
It changes all the time, so, I guess that says a lot about my… no, well, about my personality.  I like change. 

What hair trends have you noticed this summer?
Bangs were hot and I think they still are.  I’ve cut a lot of girls’ hair off recently, like collarbone-length hair boy-short with a number-one clipper on the side and longer on top with a bang.  Kind of like a Mohawk, but not. 

Did any of them freak out afterwards?
I have a good eye when it comes to knowing beforehand if it’s going to look good on someone.  Most of them like it. 

Any celebrity styles you think are really on the mark?
That girl, the one that dances with Jay-Z… Rihanna.  That style is pretty hot. 

Ah, the new bob with the bangs?
Um-hum.  Hot. 

Is there any style you wish would just curl up and die?
Yes!  The Meg Ryan haircut.  I’d be happy if I never saw it again. 

What is the number-one essential for hair this summer?
I wouldn’t know what to tell you; every person needs something different.  If John Frieda still made that Ocean Waves spray – you sprayed it on frizzy hair, wrapped your hair around your fingers and it became great beach-y hair – I’d say that.  I guess I’d say Surf Spray --  Bumble and Bumble makes one. 

Or just come in for a consultation with you…
Totally.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

Go There:
Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon, $400 and up for a cut with Normant, $125 for a cut with Hollbrook or another salon stylist, 797 Madison Avenue, (212) 879-1000

Third photo by Michael Thompson for Vogue Italia