Is there any feeling worse than looking down in the shower and seeing a clump of hair in the drain?
Okay, maybe we’re being a little dramatic, but as Women, so much of our identity is tied up in our hair and its health - for better or for worse. This is why watching it lose its thickness and vitality is an unwanted reminder of the ageing process.
Although halting ageing is impossible, disguising and delaying the signs are not - especially when it comes to hair - and the key to healthy hair may lie in collagen supplements.
Here, we’ll explore the usage of collagen and how it can help you regain control of your hair growth and thickness, looking at how to use it and the science behind it.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for almost 30% of the body’s overall protein.
Your body naturally produces collagen using amino acids and other nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese. These amino acids group together to form collagen.
It plays a major role in strengthening connective tissues like bones, skin, tendons, and cartilage. There are many types of collagen, and each one plays a separate role in providing structure and support for your body tissues.
Its role in the body is prolific, so it’s no surprise that there are multiple different types — around 28 types, to be exact. But we’re going to cover the five main types of collagen and how they play a role in your body.
Type I
This makes up 90% of your body’s collagen and supports skin, hair, bones, tendons, and ligaments, and provides tensile strength.
Type II
Found in cartilage, offering flexibility and support to joints.
Type III
Found in blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs; supports structure.
Type IV
Found in the skin, contributing to its structure.
Type V
Supports your skin.
Collagen gives strength and support to all of these areas. It helps to reduce wrinkles, strengthens joints, heals wounds, and gives your hair strength and thickness.
Why does hair loss happen?
Hair loss can occur due to various reasons, with some causes being more common than others. Here are some of the main factors that can cause hair loss.
Genetic reasons
Hereditary alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. This type of hair loss affects both men and women. It’s caused by genres that can lead to a reduction in hair follicles.
Age-Related Hair Loss
As you get older, your hair growth slows down, and it starts to recede and lose its colour.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can cause hair loss, such as alopecia, thyroid disorders, stress, and even after childbirth. If you think that one of these could be the root cause of hair loss, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional.
Lack of proper nutrition
A deficiency in protein, iron, biotin, and zinc can have a detrimental effect on the health of your hair.
Medications
Certain health treatments can cause hair loss, such as chemotherapy or amphetamines.
Hair care
If you’re not looking after your hair properly, it can cause issues with its quality. A tight hairstyle, too much heat, or strong treatments with chemicals can cause your hair to become damaged and brittle.
Understanding the cause of hair loss is important for determining the appropriate course of action.
The science behind collagen and hair loss…
A recent study showed the hair growth-promoting effects of collagen and just how important it is to the overall health of your hair. A lack of collagen can result in thinning hair and a lack of hair growth.
Type I collagen is considered the most beneficial for hair health and growth. It’s a critical structural component of tissues, including skin and hair, and is often referred to as the "classic" collagen for skin, hair, and nail health.
Type I collagen helps to provide structure and support for your hair follicles and helps to provide amino acids for the main protein in hair (keratin). It also contains antioxidant properties to prevent greying hair.
Collagen provides support and structure, as well as increases hair growth factors such as IGF-1 and VEGF. It also stimulates growth and helps maintain the structure of your hair and strengthen it, protecting it from damage. Collagen provides elasticity to your hair follicles, so low levels of collagen levels can result in weaker, more brittle hair.
When you lose collagen, it can cause a number of health problems, and hair loss is right at the top of the list.
Let’s have a look at the three primary reasons for collagen loss:
The natural ageing process
The cells in your body that produce collagen, become less productive with age. Production begins to slow down in your mid-to-late 20s.
After age 30, the body's collagen levels start to decrease more rapidly, and by the age of 50, you can experience as much as a 50% decrease in your system.
Collagen fragmentation
As you get older, the collagen in your body fragments and blocks new collagen production. This causes weakened hair follicles, leading to weaker, thinner, and more fragile hair.
It also reduces hair growth as fewer amino acids are essential for hair growth and creates poor scalp health which means less hair growth.
Your environment
UV exposure, pollution, and lifestyle choices can also play a part in the slowing down of collagen production.
Collagen benefits for hair
So, are collagen and hair growth linked?
You’ve probably realised by now that yes, decreasing collagen supply can cause hair loss, and supplements might help promote hair growth. If you’re losing collagen and hair, now is the time to think about topping up your levels and fighting back.
A lack of collagen and hair loss are directly related. There are a number of ways to fight back, which we’ll look at shortly, but let’s first look at how collagen affects hair growth.
It strengthens your hair
Collagen contains the building blocks of life known as amino acids that are essential for keratin. This is the main protein that makes up your hair. These essential amino acids support and strengthen your hair production and reduce breakage.
It protects your hair from damage
Because of its antioxidant properties, collagen helps to prevent damage to your hair follicles.
It supports the skin
A large portion of the dermis is made from collagen, which supports your hair follicles and stops them from falling out. A healthy dermis means better growth and stronger hair.
It makes your hair thicker
Studies have shown that collagen provides amino acids essential for keratin production, which is crucial for hair growth and thickness.
Sources of collagen
So, you might be losing collagen, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take it back. The good news is that there are several ways you can do this and help restore your hair health.
One of the best ways to increase your collagen intake is through your diet, by consuming the necessary nutrients needed to promote collagen production in your body.
Let’s have a look at some of the collagen-rich foods you should be including in your daily meals.
Chicken
When eating chicken, don’t discard the skin, as it’s a really rich source of collagen and tasty (in our opinion).
Fatty fish
Packed with health-boosting Omega 3 fatty acids, and again, the skin contains a high percentage of collagen. Salmon and sardines should be your first choice.
Bone Broth
It’s not for everyone, but if you have a taste for bone broth, it’s a great source of collagen and provides a bioavailable form that can be absorbed easily into your body.
Leafy Greens
The perfect choice for any healthy diet, leafy greens like spinach are packed with antioxidants that will help with the formation of collagen.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts that are high in zinc will help to produce collagen and support its formation.
Garlic
Garlic not only supports collagen formation it also helps to keep it strong.
Egg Whites
These are packed with proline, which is essential for the production of collagen.
Supplements
Collagen supplements are no substitute for a healthy diet, but if you take it alongside nutritious, healthy food, they can support and even increase collagen production in your body.
Supplements usually come in collagen powder, liquid, or capsule form and can be taken every day to help increase your collagen levels and support your hair growth and quality.
Collagen supplements for hair growth: Do they work?
Collagen supplements may help counteract some of these age-related changes, potentially supporting thicker, healthier hair as we get older.
If you use a supplement in the right way, you can get the result you want from it.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that they don’t work all by themselves. If you live a particularly unhealthy lifestyle, this will work against the supplement you’re taking, and it’s likely to have less or no effect.
As long as you’re working with it and giving the supplement the support to thrive and work in your body, you will see the most benefits from it.
Collagen vs. other hair growth supplements
Of course, collagen isn’t the only supplement on the market aimed at improving the quality and thickness of your hair. Let’s look at some of the others:
Biotin (vitamin B7)
Biotin is one of the B complex vitamins that play a crucial role in various metabolic processes in the human body. It can be found in eggs, milk, and bananas. If you lack Biotin in your system, you are likely to have weaker, brittle hair.
Keratin
Often found in shampoo, Keratin is a protein that helps form hair and the epidermis. Keratin is a protein that plays a crucial role in forming the protective outer layer of a number of your biological tissues. It is mainly found in hair, nails, and skin,
Iron
Iron is essential for healthy hair as it produces haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the hair follicles. A deficiency in iron can lead to hair loss. When the body lacks sufficient iron, it prioritises oxygen delivery to vital organs over hair follicles, potentially resulting in hair shedding and reduced growth
Vitamin A
Vitamin A: Helps produce sebum, which moisturises the scalp and keeps hair follicles healthy. Good sources include sweet potatoes, carrots, and eggs.
Zinc
Zinc helps with protein synthesis which is essential for hair growth. It helps in the production of keratin, the main structural protein in hair.
Selenium
Selenium helps your body to stay healthy by supporting your thyroid gland and protecting your body from free radical damage. It’s been talked about as a possible support for thinning hair, but further research is needed to determine this.
The advantages of a collagen supplement over other hair supplements
One of the main reasons that collagen supplements are a better option than other supplements is that it’s an all-in-one hair growth supplement, as it helps to restore and strengthen hair in various ways. Here's why...
- It contains plenty of amino acids to build and strengthen hair
- It contains proline, which is the main component of keratin
- It contains hydroxyproline, which strengthens hair
- It contains antioxidants which help to protect your hair
- It protects and strengthens the dermis
- It is considered safe to use
Collagen is a firm favorite of celebrities and non-celebrities alike, and with good reason, given all the hair care (and other) benefits).
How to incorporate collagen into your hair care routine
Here are some quick and easy ways to include collagen supplementation into your general hair routine.
Collagen supplements
The best types to look for are hydrolyzed collagen supplements such as marine collagen, which is easily absorbed by the body. They are quick and easy to take and will get to work quickly. Remind yourself to take one daily at the same time that you start your daily hair routine.
Your diet
Try to incorporate some foods that are rich in collagen into your daily routine. Breakfast is a great time to get a collagen boost, before or after you wash your hair, or maybe a collagen-boosting snack while you’re preparing it.
Hair care products
Some shampoos and conditioners contain collagen or collagen-boosting ingredients. This is a convenient way to give your hair a collagen boost. Some hair masks also contain collagen.
Establishing a daily routine that includes collagen supplementation, a balanced diet containing rich sources of collagen, and hair care products containing collagen will give your hair the boost it needs. Keep it consistent for great long-term results.
For those looking to support hair health, collagen may be worth considering as part of a holistic approach that also includes a healthy diet, proper hair care, and addressing any underlying health issues. As always, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
What is the best way to use collagen for hair growth?
The most important thing when it comes to any aspect of your health is to look after yourself. Once you know how to use collagen effectively, you can put it into practice.
- Use collagen supplements for hair growth
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet full of collagen
- Use hair care products to give your hair an added boost
Looking after yourself through collagen awareness can make a huge difference to your skin and hair health.
YourBiology's marine collagen contains the best collagen peptides for hair growth and health. It’s the perfect addition to your daily hair care routine to strengthen and revitalise your hair.
FAQs
Does collagen help hair growth?
A collagen supplement is packed full of essential amino acids that can stop hair thinning, improve your skin health, and boost your skin elasticity to give you the healthy hair you're looking for.
Are there any side effects from using collagen supplements?
Collagen is a natural product and should be safe for anyone to use. If you have any doubts about whether it’s right for you, speak to a medical professional for further information.
Can collagen reverse hair loss?
A lack of collagen can result in poor hair health, so replenishing your system with collagen is a great way to reverse the issue. Additional collagen in your system will help provide essential amino acids and antioxidants to support your scalp health and slow down thinning hair.
How long does it take for collagen to affect hair growth?
The sooner you start taking collagen, the sooner you can expect to see results, and how quickly this happens can depend on the individual. If you are living a healthy lifestyle and eating a balanced diet, you can expect to see results sooner.
