March 26, 2024

Does Collagen Help With Hair Growth?

Collagen is one of the most abundant structural proteins found throughout the body, such as our skin, the cornea of our eyes, connective tissue, tendons, bones, and even our hair.

Our body’s natural collagen production slowly begins to decline from our mid 20’s eventually leading to visible signs such as a loss of elasticity and firmness of the skin and joint pain.

Moreover, research has begun to explore the role of collagen in hair growth, leading to our experts here at Landys Chemist to explore how strong the link is between collagen peptides and hair growth in this blog.

collagen for hair loss

How does collagen help with hair growth?

Although research is relatively limited, studies have shown that collagen does show to have an indirect influence on hair growth¹, with a notable influence on keratin production.

Keratin synthesis

Keratin is the main structural protein found in our hair², giving the hair its strength and structure, and the most abundant amino in hair keratin is prolines. Impressively, collagen contains 19 amino acids³, with a particularly high content in proline and glycine (needed for keratin synthesis). Therefore, collagen may support the synthesis of keratin which can help to improve hair strength and elasticity, making the hair more resilient to breakage.

Antioxidant protection

Free radical damage such as pollution, smoking, and UV damage contributes to oxidative stress which has been found to contribute to premature greying, hair loss, and alopecia⁴. Collagen peptides have demonstrated potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties^5,⁶, which can help to combat the possible damage that free radicals have on hair growth.

Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is crucial for hair growth because it provides the necessary foundation for strong hair follicles, aiding optimal hair health and growth⁷. For example, scalp inflammation can trigger the body’s immune system to attack the hair follicles which can result in alopecia or inflammation-based hair loss. As collagen has anti-inflammatory properties, it may provide some defence against inflammation of the scalp and also help to strengthen the immune system⁸ to support autoimmune-related hair loss such as Alopecia areata.

What is the best type of collagen for hair growth?

Most research that highlights the role of collagen in hair growth uses Type 1 marine collagen^1,3, which is derived from fish collagen peptides. Marine collagen also has superior bioavailability, meaning that the body can properly absorb and utilise the benefits of collagen, delivering essential nutrients to enhance hair-growth outcomes.

Daily collagen dosage for hair growth

To be able to notice visible results of collagen on hair health, you should take at least 5-25 grams of collagen per day. Consistency is important when taking collagen supplements as generally people begin to notice results in 3-6 months.

Best collagen supplements for hair growth:

Discover some of our best-selling marine collagen supplements to boost hair health and growth. To acquire a beneficial amount of collagen, we recommend taking collagen in powder forms because they can provide the right dosage needed for valuable results.

Ancient + Brave Wild Collagen Powder

Ancient+Brave Wild Collagen Powder is a neutral-tasting, easily digestible, and highly bioavailable type1 hydrolysed marine collagen supplement that is sustainable sourced from white fish. The hydrolysed collagen peptides are small (under 5000DA’s) which aids maximum absorption and efficient integration into targeted cells. It also provides an extensive amino acid profile (11.1g of Proline) to support the body, including the hair.

Planet Paleo Marine Collagen

Just like the Ancient+Brave Wild collagen, Planet Paleo Marine collagen is another excellent collagen powder that is sustainably sourced from wild fish, and has a neutral taste. This formula is rich in protein and amino acids, essential for strengthening hair, improving elasticity, and promoting a healthy, vibrant look.

Kiki Health Marine Collagen Beauty Blend Powder

Kiki Health Marine Collagen powder is another high-quality hydrolysed marine collagen that is sustainability sourced from wild fish. This collagen formula is also supercharged hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which can further boost natural collagen synthesis.

References

Hwang, S.B., Park, H.J. and Lee, B.-H. (2022) ‘Hair-growth-promoting effects of the fish collagen peptide in human dermal papilla cells and C57BL/6 mice modulating Wnt/β-catenin and BMP signaling pathways’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(19), p. 11904. doi:10.3390/ijms231911904.
Yang, F.-C., Zhang, Y. and Rheinstädter, M.C. (2014) ‘The structure of people’s hair’, PeerJ, 2. doi:10.7717/peerj.619.
Gauza-Włodarczyk, M., Kubisz, L. and Włodarczyk, D. (2017) ‘Amino acid composition in determination of collagen origin and assessment of physical factors effects’, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 104, pp. 987–991. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.07.013.
Trueb, R. (2009) ‘Oxidative stress in ageing of hair’, International Journal of Trichology, 1(1), p. 6. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.51923.
Siwik, D.A., Pagano, P.J. and Colucci, W.S. (2001) ‘Oxidative stress regulates collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase activity in cardiac fibroblasts’, American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 280(1). doi:10.1152/ajpcell.2001.280.1.c53.
Chen, Y.-P. et al. (2018) ‘Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of collagen peptides from milkfish (Chanos Chanos) scales’, Journal of Food Science and Technology, 55(6), pp. 2310–2317. doi:10.1007/s13197-018-3148-4.
Nayak BS, Ann CY, Azhar AB, Ling ECS, Yen WH, Aithal PA. A Study on Scalp Hair Health and Hair Care Practices among Malaysian Medical Students. Int J Trichology. 2017 Apr-Jun;9(2):58-62. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_76_16.
Kim, E.-H., Kim, Y.-M. and Suh, J.-H. (2018) ‘Effect of type II collagen extract on immunosuppression induced by methotrexate in rats’, Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 14(5), pp. 731–738. doi:10.12965/jer.1836480.240.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any supplements, treatments, or remedies. Ensure a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle before considering supplements. Supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

By Rhysa Phommachanh BA (hons) Specialist in Hair and Media Make-up - “The growing discussion on collagen for hair loss led me to explore the impact of collagen on hair growth based on scientific research, leading to recommendations based on high-quality collagen supplement formulations.”