Collagen: your ally for strong, resistant hair

Collagen is well known for its effects on the skin, improving elasticity, hydration and reducing visible wrinkles[1].
But did you know that it also plays an essential role in hair health, helping to boost density and growth?

What is collagen, and why is it important for hair?

Collagen is an essential protein, the most abundant in our bodies. It accounts for around a third of all proteins present in our bodies [2] and is mainly found in connective tissues such as skin, bones, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels.[3]
Although collagen is not a constituent of the hair shaft, it does play a role in the growth of hair, fundamental to the hair follicle, which it strengthens. In addition, it :

- Promotes growth and density hair
- Strengthens hair and boosts its keratin content (hair's main protein)
- Supports the microcirculation of the scalp for better hair nutrition

The proven effects of collagen on hair

Recent studies confirm the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen peptides on hair:

- Better hair growth and thickness

The Oesser 2020 study, rigorously conducted (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled), shows that supplementation with 2.5 g/day of porcine collagen for 16 weeks significantly increases hair thickness and stimulates follicular cell proliferation in vitro [4].

- Stronger hair

In 2022, a clinical study on 60 women aged 45 to 60 (Maia Campos) demonstrated a increased hair strength after 90 days of bovine collagen supplementation (5 g/day).[5]

- A healthier scalp and shinier hair

In 2024, Reilly et al[6] studied the impact of a marine collagen (8 g/day) combined with synergistic vitamin C (i.e. collagen cofactor) over 12 weeks. The results show a clear improvement inscalp condition (reduced inflammation, desquamation and sebum), as well as a moderate increase in hair density. In addition, participants also perceived an improvement in the thickness, softness and shine of their hair.

How does collagen affect hair growth?

Collagen acts on several levels [7,8,9].

- It stimulates follicle cell proliferation
- It activates the essential for hair growth
- Protects against oxidative stressone of the causes of hair loss.
- Supports cell regenerationfor healthier, stronger hair

What are the signs of a lack of collagen in the hair?

After age 25, collagen production declines by about 1 % per year [10]. This deficit can lead to :

- Fine, dull and brittle hair
- Reduced hair density
- Slower growth
- A less toned, more sensitive scalp (inflammation, flaking...).

An unbalanced lifestyle and external aggressors (UV rays, pollution, straighteners, coloring) also contribute to hair fragility.

Here are 4 tips to naturally stimulate collagen production

1. Eat a diet rich in key nutrients

- Vitamin C: parsley, citrus fruits, peppers, red berries, raw, as vitamin C is sensitive to heat
- Amino acids: eggs, bone broth, fish, white meats, spirulina
- Zinc, copper, selenium: Seafood, nuts (common, Brazil...)

2. Pamper your scalp

- Use a gentle shampoos and moisturizing (sulfate- and silicone-free)
- Space out washes to preserve the hydrolipidic film
- Integrate nourishing maskspreferably enriched with vegetable oils or active ingredients such as plant keratin, vitamin E or provitamin B5.

3. Avoid hair damage

- Limit the use of heating appliances
- Reduce chemical colorations
- Protect your hair from sun

4. Complete your routine with hydrolyzed collagen*.

- Enter 2.5 and 10 g/day
- Over a period of 8 to 12 weeks
- Combine the vitamin C its co-factor, for greater efficiency

NB: Before taking any supplements, it is advisable to seek professional advice (pharmacist, doctor, naturopath...).

Which collagen to choose?

In its natural form, collagen is a bulky protein. As a result, it is difficult for the body to assimilate.
To facilitate absorption, it is generally offered in hydrolyzed form, i.e. the "large" molecules that make it up have been broken down into smaller ones, called peptides, which can be assimilated by the intestine. It is therefore advisable to opt for "low molecular weight" collagens, ideally less than 5000 daltons.

A comparative study from 2024 (Pappelbaum), shows that collagen sailor is more interesting than cattle at different levels [11] :

- it extends the growth
- it stimulates proliferation hair cells
- it supports the renewal and capillary cell regeneration

What's more, it's a more sustainable and ethical source.

It's essential to choose a marine collagen that's guaranteed free of additives and heavy metals to reap all its benefits.

In short: collagen is an essential ally for healthy hair

The collagen acts deep down on the scalp and hair follicle. Although it does not directly compose the hair, it actively contributes to :

- Improve your density and growth
- Strengthen hair fiber
- Protect against aggression and premature aging

By combining a targeted diet, appropriate care and quality supplements, it's possible to naturally strengthen the health of your hair. Hydrolyzed marine collagen is the best way to do just that..

Resources

General information on collagen

[2] Ricard-Blum S. The collagen family. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011;3(1):a004978.

[3] Subhan F, Hussain Z, Tauseef I, Shehzad A, Wahid F. A review on recent advances and applications of fish collagen. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(6):1027–1037.

[14] Naomi, R.; Ridzuan, P.M.; Bahari, H. Current Insights into Collagen Type I. Polymers 2021, 13, 2642.

Effects of collagen on the skin

[1] de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. 2021;60(12):1449–1461.

[5] Maia Campos PMBG, de Melo MO, Shirata MMF, Leite MG. Oral intake of bioactive collagen peptides in the improvement of skin and hair: clinical studies by instrumental measurements. Biomed Biopharm Res. 2022;19(2):379.

[6] Reilly DM, Kynaston L, Naseem S, Proudman E, Laceby D. A clinical trial shows improvement in skin collagen, hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, scalp, and hair condition following 12-week oral intake of a supplement containing hydrolysed collagen. Dermatol Res Pract. 2024;2024:8752787.

[10] Reilly DM, Lozano J. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty. Plast Aesthet Res. 2021;8:2.

Effects of collagen on hair

[7] Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. Collagen hydrolysate from the scales of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) improves hair and skin health by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation and promoting hair growth and extracellular matrix factors. Mar Drugs. 2023;21(9):475.

[11] Pappelbaum KI, Virgilio N, Epping L, van der Steen B, Jimenez F, Funk W, Prawitt J, Bertolini M. Revealing novel insights on how oral supplementation with collagen peptides may prevent hair loss: lessons from the human hair follicle organ culture. J Funct Foods. 2024;116:106124.
[4] Oesser S. The oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. Nutrafoods. 2020;1:134-138.

[10] Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. 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. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(19):11904.

Shim S, Bae IH, Chung JO, Mok HW, Roh J, Kim W, Lee CS. AP collagen peptides improve hair growth and quality by promoting human hair cell proliferation and keratin synthesis. Arch Biol Sci. 2024;76(2):125-134.

Co-factors and synergies

[9] DePhillipo NN, Aman ZS, Kennedy MI, Begley JP, Moatshe G, LaPrade RF. Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018;6(10).

Authorized health claims for Vitamin C

The vitamin C contributes to the normal formation of collagen to ensure the normal functioning of :

- blood vessels,
- bones,
- cartilage,
- gums,
- the skin,
- teeth.