Collagen supplements have become a popular home treatment for arthritis, skin aging, and osteoporosis. But more recently, collagen has been touted as a solution for hair growth.

So can taking collagen supplements help hair growth? In this expert review, we analyse the scientific evidence and ask our surgeons to weigh in on whether collagen is a genuine hair loss remedy.

There may be some benefits to using collagen for your hair, although there are limited studies that have directly investigated the link between taking collagen supplements and hair growth. One study found that fish collagen peptides could be used to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth in those with alopecia [3].

Other studies have shown that a lack of certain types of collagen may result in hair loss. Insufficient collagen VI may affect the hair follicle cycle, so targeting collagen VI may be beneficial for tackling impaired hair growth [4]. Additionally, a lack of collagen XVII may lead to hair loss and greying [5].

However, experts note that much of the research on collagen supplements has been funded wholly or in part by industries that could benefit from a positive outcome [6]. Your body uses vitamin C to produce collagen [7]. Getting nutrients from your diet is generally more beneficial than taking vitamin supplements for hair.

Over time, your body produces less collagen. Lower collagen levels may contribute to hair ageing as well as skin ageing [13].

As well as contributing to hair loss, oxidative stress may also be linked with early greying and other signs of hair ageing [14]. Taking a collagen supplement may help replenish some of these lower collagen levels, giving your hair and skin a healthy boost.

Taking collagen supplements can promote the synthesis of collagen in the scalp skin. This may improve the blood supply to the hair follicles, leading to reduced hair loss and improved regrowth.

No scientific studies have investigated how long it takes for collagen supplements to improve hair texture or growth. However, any impact from the collagen is likely to take at least a few months to take effect.

The hair growth cycle length is different for everyone and usually takes between three and seven years to complete. Your follicles spend most of this time in the anagen growth phase:. However, some types of collagen are made from fish, shellfish, and eggs.

This may also make certain types of collagen unsuitable for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Due to the lack of studies, there are limited images showing the before and after effects of collagen on hair growth. Many YouTubers and internet personalities are also paid to promote certain products.

Dr May explains:. So we recommend taking these reports with a pinch of salt, and managing your own expectations if you do decide to use collagen supplements for hair loss. There are several types of collagen available, including collagen powder, collagen peptides, and collagen protein.

Collagen proteins consist of larger molecules than peptides. That means it takes longer for the intestines to absorb the collagen, so progress may be slower. Only marine collagen peptides have been researched as a hair growth stimulant, and these have only been assessed in animals, not humans [3].

No studies have been carried out to determine the impact of collagen on facial hair growth. Instead, consider trying a proven facial hair growth treatment like Minoxidil for beard growth. Collagen can help reduce oxidative stress and provide the building blocks of protein, both of which may strengthen your hair.

Whether this makes hair thicker is harder to prove, but strengthening your hair may prevent it becoming dry and brittle , which can lead to breakage. Hair breakage often makes your hair look thinner. Like collagen, biotin is essential for hair growth. A lack of biotin can lead to male pattern baldness [16].

Licensed treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride are proven to work, so these are generally better options for tackling hair loss.

Collagen is a popular supplement for people looking to support healthier looking skin and hair. Collagen is also a promising treatment for physical ailments. As one study by Nutrients showed, collagen supplements can improve skin hydration, skin elasticity, and skin density.

Another study in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that collagen could help people to manage osteoarthritis and reduce joint pain. One study that appeared in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry also found that collagen reduced joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis to the point where they could participate in more physical activities.

Collagen can evidently help to support healthier skin and joints — but what about hair health? There are many anecdotal accounts of collagen being a game changer for hair, but just how accurate are these stories?

According to a study in Science , we know that hair loss is directly linked to our natural collagen supplies. This is why many men and women experience hair thinning as they age.

Yet the minimal research so far is promising. Some studies in Marine Drugs and Food and Function have been done on the potential for collagen, which is an antioxidant, to fight free radicals that can damage hair follicles.

However, there are few human studies that illustrate just how effective collagen supplements are for people with hair follicle damage.

These studies are promising but far from conclusive. If you have thinning hair due to depleting collagen supplies or due to hair follicle damage, a collagen supplement may help. Plus, the fact that there are proven results for skin health, it follows that collagen supplements would also improve the health of the skin on the scalp, and therefore contribute to healthier, thicker hair.

However, some doctors and scientists believe that collagen supplements are less effective for hair growth than their marketing may suggest. As with any supplement, effects may vary from person to person. It is worth taking collagen for several months to get a good idea of whether it's having any effect on your hair health.

A collagen supplement can give you an extra dose of collagen. Collagen supplements are sold in pill form and powder form, so that you can easily incorporate them into your routine. You can also up your collagen intake by eating more foods that contain natural collagen.

Some collagen-rich foods include:. To keep your collagen levels up, living a balanced, healthy lifestyle is key. Make sure you eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking, and wear SPF when going outside. If you do decide to try taking a collagen supplement for hair growth, it's important that you avoid taking too many pills at once.

There is no RDA for collagen however studies investigating the benefits of collagen supplements have evaluated doses ranging from 2. Discovering hair in your vacuum cleaner or shower drain can be upsetting. If you are dealing with hair loss, you may be looking for ways to promote healthier hair growth.

Based on the studies that have been done so far, collagen offers a promising solution — especially if your hair loss is due to insufficient collagen supplies in the body. Just be careful not to take too much extra collagen, as this can lead to some side effects. If you're considering adding a collagen supplement to your routine, check in with a doctor, nutritionist, or dermatologist to see if it's the right option for you.

Meg Walters is a freelance journalist and features writer.

No scientific studies have investigated how long it takes for collagen supplements to improve hair texture or growth. However, any impact from the collagen is likely to take at least a few months to take effect. The hair growth cycle length is different for everyone and usually takes between three and seven years to complete.

Your follicles spend most of this time in the anagen growth phase:. However, some types of collagen are made from fish, shellfish, and eggs. This may also make certain types of collagen unsuitable for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Due to the lack of studies, there are limited images showing the before and after effects of collagen on hair growth. Many YouTubers and internet personalities are also paid to promote certain products. Dr May explains:. So we recommend taking these reports with a pinch of salt, and managing your own expectations if you do decide to use collagen supplements for hair loss.

There are several types of collagen available, including collagen powder, collagen peptides, and collagen protein. Collagen proteins consist of larger molecules than peptides.

That means it takes longer for the intestines to absorb the collagen, so progress may be slower. Only marine collagen peptides have been researched as a hair growth stimulant, and these have only been assessed in animals, not humans [3].

No studies have been carried out to determine the impact of collagen on facial hair growth. Instead, consider trying a proven facial hair growth treatment like Minoxidil for beard growth. Collagen can help reduce oxidative stress and provide the building blocks of protein, both of which may strengthen your hair.

Whether this makes hair thicker is harder to prove, but strengthening your hair may prevent it becoming dry and brittle , which can lead to breakage.

Hair breakage often makes your hair look thinner. Like collagen, biotin is essential for hair growth. A lack of biotin can lead to male pattern baldness [16]. Licensed treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride are proven to work, so these are generally better options for tackling hair loss.

However, they may not be suitable for everyone. Book a free consultation at the Wimpole Clinic to diagnose and treat your hair loss.

Book a consultation Simply fill in your details in the form below and we'll get in touch with you shortly. Book Consultation. Hair Transplants Back. com Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share Share. Home » Does Collagen Help Hair Growth? Medically reviewed by Dr Ahmad Moussa FRCS — Updated on August 3, Table of Contents.

Is collagen good for hair growth? How does collagen help hair growth? How long does it take for collagen to improve hair? Risks and side effects of collagen for hair Collagen hair growth: before and after Which type of collagen is best for hair growth? How much collagen should you take per day for hair growth?

Does collagen help facial hair growth? Does collagen thicken hair? Biotin and collagen for hair: does it work? There is insufficient evidence to recommend the generalized use of CHs in daily practice for the treatment of patients with OA.

More independent high-quality studies are …. Research suggests the nitrate in this vegetable can enhance sports performance and cardiovascular health.

Here are important points about this protein and the anti-aging supplements. Collagen tunnels through mouse lymph nodes ferry antibodies into the bloodstream. Dietary supplements do not help you live longer, and in large quantities may be harmful.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation. Search NCBI. Search for Search. News: Do Collagen Supplements Help Skin, The New York Times - Behind the headlines In the news Media coverage of health and science topics. The New York Times Aug. Published by ALICE CALLAHAN Any benefits from collagen supplements appear to be limited.

Read more at The New York Times. Behind the headlines Research findings and data from the National Library of Medicine.

PubMed articles J Agric Food Chem MARCH 8, Oral Ingestion of Collagen Hydrolysate Leads to the Transportation of Highly Concentrated Gly-Pro-Hyp and Its Hydrolyzed Form of Pro-Hyp into the Bloodstream and Skin M Yazaki et al Collagen hydrolysate is a well-known dietary supplement for the treatment of skin aging; however, its mode of action remains unknown.

Skin Pharmacol Physiol AUG. J Sci Food Agric FEB. J Cosmet Dermatol SEPT. J Cosmet Dermatol AUG. J Drugs Dermatol MAY 1, A Six-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Women With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair G Ablon et al This nutraceutical supplement safely and effectively promoted hair growth in women with self-perceived thinning.

Br J Sports Med OCT. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab MARCH 28, IOC Consensus Statement: Dietary Supplements and the High-Performance Athlete RJ Maughan et al Nutrition usually makes a small but potentially valuable contribution to successful performance in elite athletes, and dietary supplements can make a minor contribution t ….