Collagen for hair growth: increase hair density and growth
Collagen for hair growth: increase hair density and growth
Collagen boosts hair growth, strengthens hair follicles, and improves scalp health. Discover the benefits of collagen for hair.
What causes hair loss?
Experiencing hair loss can be difficult and distressing for anyone. Losing around 50 – 100 hairs per day is completely normal and typically isn’t noticeable, unless new hair has not grown to replace the hairs that have been shed. Hair loss in women is really common. In fact, anywhere from 6% – 38% will experience some degree of hair loss in their lives. Hair loss can occur due to genetics, hormonal fluctuations (i.e., during pregnancy or menopause), nutritional deficiencies, extreme stress, certain medical conditions or prescription medications, hair colouring and styling and as part of the normal ageing process.
Collagen benefits for hair
Collagen is a vital protein in the body that plays a pivotal role in maintaining the structure and strength of various tissues. It is a key component of hair follicles, providing the necessary support for healthy hair growth.
There are a few ways that collagen might help to increase hair growth:
- By fighting oxidative stress
- Promoting collagen production in the dermal layer of the skin, which is also where our hair follicles are found
- Slowing the rate of hair ageing
Preclinical studies have shown that collagen supplementation promotes new hair follicle growth and encourages hair follicles to switch from the telogen phase (shedding) to the anagen phase (growth) of the hair cycle.1 Clinical trials in humans have also shown that supplementing with 2g of collagen peptides daily can positively improve hair health and increase hair thickness compared to placebo.2 By increasing hair thickness, this can also lead to improved texture, making the hair stronger and more resistant to breakage.
Collagen hair growth before and after
Due to the length of the hair growth cycle being approximately 120 days, it’s important to be consistent with collagen supplementation for hair growth. Many people notice results after 8 – 12 weeks.
How to increase hair growth
While collagen supplements are a convenient and science backed option to increase hair growth, incorporating collagen into your diet naturally can also contribute to hair health. Foods like bone broth, fish, and lean meats are rich in collagen, providing a further nutritional boost to support your hair growth.
Essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals are needed for normal cell growth and function of the hair follicle and lead to hair loss when they are deficient. Nutrients that may affect hair growth, structure, and quality when deficient include zinc, B vitamins, iron, iodine, and selenium. So, adding a hair supplement high in these nutrients to work in tandem with collagen supplementation can help optimise benefits.
How to increase hair density
In addition to collagen supplementation, various clinical treatments can increase hair density. Treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy are becoming increasingly popular for its ability to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth. Prescription medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride are also commonly used to increase hair growth and hair density.
Understanding the intricacies of hair loss and the role that collagen supplementation can play in promoting hair growth is key for a holistic approach to hair health. By incorporating collagen into your daily beauty routine and exploring complementary treatments, healthier, more vibrant hair can be achieved with just one sachet a day.
References
- Hwang, S. B., Park, H. J., & 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), 11904. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911904
- Oesser, S. (2020). The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. Nutrafoods 1:134-138, doi: 10.17470/NF-020-0019
