While the conversation around collagen often focuses on its benefits for facial skin, some dermatologists also highlight the benefits collagen supplements can have on your scalp and, ultimately, your hair health.
Sanja Zivanovic, biomedical doctor and founder of the ingestible brand Skin Molecule X“Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced in the body and makes up about 25% of its protein mass,” explains Dr. Zivanovic. Collagen is found in cartilage and hair as well as skin, and the natural decline in collagen as we age can lead to a loss of vitality in hair. Collagen “strengthens hair follicles and regrows hair,” Dr. Zivanovic says.
Although collagen doesn’t directly stimulate hair growth, it can promote it, she continues. “Taking collagen every day can help provide the nutrients your hair needs to form new, strong hair from the roots,” she says. [help to] “Collagen helps hair grow faster,” says Zivanovic. It also increases blood flow to the scalp, which encourages hair growth. Collagen is also a source of amino acids that strengthen hair follicles and promote the synthesis of keratin, the protective outer layer of hair.
When and how should you consider taking collagen?
Natural collagen production declines starting at age 25, which is why Zivanovic recommends taking a supplement starting then. But remember, you can also boost your collagen intake from collagen-rich foods like bone broth, turkey, egg whites, and fish.
When choosing a good collagen supplement for your hair, keep the following in mind:
- that it is hydrolyzed.
- That’s because it comes from the ocean: “Due to their small molecular size, they’re the purest and most easily absorbed,” says Zivanovic.
- Take 10g daily on a continuous basis.
- Look for liquid collagen, if possible, because “the active ingredients are stabilized and diluted under controlled laboratory conditions to optimize absorption.”
- Look for collagen supplements that contain the following ingredients: Vitamin C It contains keratin, which promotes the synthesis of collagen itself, keratin, which protects hair, iron, which prevents hair loss, biotin (vitamin B7), which increases hair elasticity, and amino acids, which help the synthesis of collagen and keratin.
