6 Evidence-Based Ways Collagen May Improve Your Hair

1. Provides amino acids

Hair is mostly made up of keratin, which is a protein that helps keep hair smooth and promotes the growth of new hair follicles.

Your body needs amino acids to produce keratin, and collagen is well-known for its amino acid content. The body breaks down collagen into amino acids which are then used to produce keratin.

Although glycine and proline (amino acids) are regarded as nonessential, taking collagen supplements high in proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline can provide the body with the building blocks it needs to generate new hair follicles.

2. Combats free radical damage

As you age and your collagen supply diminishes, you get more vulnerable to factors that accelerate the aging process, such as free radical damage.

Certain types of collagen such as marine collagen can act as antioxidants, preventing free radical damage that can lead to damaged, weak, or brittle hair.

3. Improves circulation

Studies have shown that collagen helps keep pores and hair follicles close together. This ensures that your hair gets as many nutrients as possible, allowing it to grow thicker and healthier.

Collagen makes up a major component of the dermis layer of the skin. Since hair grows out of your skin, collagen peptide supplementation can prevent thinning by promoting skin elasticity.

According to some studies, collagen supplements may enhance the structural properties of collagen (those responsible for skin tightening and firm), dermal matrix precursors (a group of enzymes that work together to break down the proteins in collagen), and collagen type I (which is the most abundant collagen found in your hair). These three factors can help prevent hair loss.

4. Strengthens hair strands

Collagen works with the hyaluronic acid in the body to hydrate, maintain, and repair the dermis structure and follicle environment. Increasing your collagen intake can help strengthen your skin, resulting in thicker, healthier, and smoother hair.

5. Slows down graying

Aging decreases the synthesis of melanin, which is the pigment that gives hair its natural color. Free radicals can accelerate this process, leading to premature gray hair. Since collagen has antioxidant properties that can combat free radicals, increasing your collagen intake may help prevent or slow down graying.

6. May positively impact the hair cycle

Collagen may influence the hair cycle. During the anagen phase of hair development, collagen is dense and powerful, degrading as the follicle enters the catagen stage. Studies report that when hair loss is detected early, supplementing collagen before the hair cycle enters the catagen stage may prevent hair loss and keep the hair follicles thick and strong.

Collagen supplementation may promote healthy hair, although most of the studies are inconclusive. Most researchers do not support the claim that collagen supplementation can promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. More large-scale studies are needed to make a strong conclusion.

National Center for Biotechnology Information

Collagen VI, an extracellular matrix molecule, is abundantly produced in the skin and deposited in hair follicles. According to this study, a lack of collagen VI delays hair cycling and growth, suggesting there is a relationship between collagen and hair follicle regeneration. Increasing collagen VI production may therefore promote hair growth.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

According to this study, micro-needling, a procedure used to encourage collagen synthesis, has some potential to boost hair growth, particularly when combined with other treatments.

More studies are needed, however, to understand the benefits of employing collagen topically or orally to enhance hair growth.

Clinical trials by trichologists

Trichologists have conducted a study to examine if collagen has any effect on the scalp and hair. Participants did not take any supplements other than collagen during the 12-week experiment.

The data revealed that the participants had sleeker, smoother hair after 2 weeks. Their need for conditioner had decreased by 8 weeks, and their hair was more manageable.

Participants with seborrheic eczema had a significant reduction in flaking and itching. Their scalp health, including hair loss, improved by 10%.

Marine collagen, hydrolyzed collagen peptide, and collagen types I, III, and V are considered best for hair.

• Marine collagen: Type I collagen is the most abundant in fish collagen. Collagen powder that contains type I collagen from a marine source is one of the best collagen supplements available.
• Hydrolyzed collagen peptide: Hydrolyzed collagen peptide powder undergoes a chemical process that breaks down the amino acid chains of collagen. This facilitates the body's absorption of collagen.
• Types I, III, and V collagen: Types I and III account for 80%-90% of the collagen found naturally in the body, but type V is required for their production and effectiveness. Therefore, you need all three types of collagen to see results.

Supplements that may help promote collagen production include the following:

• Elastin: Collagen supplements are absorbed by your digestive system and eventually stimulate cells to produce more collagen naturally. This supports the development of elastin, a protein that gives skin flexibility. Studies have suggested that using elastin and collagen supplements together may help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
• Vitamin C: Collagen supplements with vitamin C can further help the body use glycine and proline properly, which may boost keratin production and promote hair growth.
• Biotin or vitamin H: One of the primary functions of biotin is to break down amino acids, which are necessary for keratin synthesis. Thus, biotin can be a valuable supplement for hair health along with collagen.
• Silicon dioxide (SiO2), silicon, or silica: This is a natural trace element found in many plants, including leafy greens and whole grains. Although there is no scientific proof that silica helps cure hair loss, it can help strengthen hair by stimulating the production of collagen supplying critical nutrients to your hair follicles.

Before using any supplements, consult with your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine whether collagen supplements are suitable for you or not as well as prescribe the appropriate dosage.