You may know collagen as the secret to youthful-looking skin, but did you know that the protein is also said to promote healthier, stronger hair?
Touted by celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Kourtney Kardashian, collagen has been making waves in the beauty world for its various benefits.
But, with so many new products promising to improve your hair health, it can be hard to know what to believe.
Nicole Petty, hair expert at Milk & Blush, explores whether collagen truly supports hair health and whether it should be the next addition to your beauty regimen.
What is collagen?
According to Harvard Medical School, collagen is a key structural protein found in our skin, hair, nails, tendons, cartilage and bones.
It plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength and elasticity of hair, working alongside other substances like keratin and elastin to promote healthy, vibrant locks.
As we age, the body’s ability to produce collagen diminishes. But this can be hastened by sun exposure, smoking and excess alcohol.
How do you take collagen?
Collagen powders have become very popular in the last few years and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine by mixing them into drinks like coffee or smoothies.
Alternatively, you can take collagen in capsule form, as a gummy or even as a gel sachet.
Can you get collagen naturally?
You can boost your body’s collagen production by incorporating collagen-rich foods into your diet.
Foods such as bone broth, chicken, and fish are excellent sources of collagen. Additionally, collagen is found in animal skins and connective tissues, so foods like pork skin and beef also contribute to your intake.
For vegetarians and vegans, leafy greens, nuts, seeds and beans, as well as tofu and soy products, such as tempeh, are full of protein and amino acids that contribute towards the production of collagen. These are great for maintaining blood vessel health and promotes blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles.
Does it actually help your hair?
The jury’s out on this one.
While some smaller studies have found a correlation between collagen when used as an ingredient in some hair products and improved hair growth, there’s yet to be a large-scale study to truly test the benefits of oral collagen for hair health.
Personal reviews are also mixed. In a recent Reddit post, some commenters were pleased with their results. One boasted they “had the best hair and skin of [their] life when [they were] taking it”, while another commented their “hair grows much quicker and feels thicks and healthy.”
However, other commenters were less convinced. Many reported no difference, while one described collagen as “a very expensive scam.”
How else can you help your hair?
If you’re not keen on investing in collagen supplements, you can focus your efforts on eating a balanced diet rich with proteins to boost hair growth and keep hair healthy.
Nutritional imbalance will often show up first as hair loss, as a lack of key minerals like iron and zinc are associated with thinning hair.
Like the rest of your body, your hair needs a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, irons, vitamins, and minerals to grow and function.
Prioritise incorporating protein, biotin, iron, vitamin D and omega-3 in your diet. Sufficient protein intake will increase the strength of follicles for better growth, while biotin will support the keratin production to strengthen strands.
You should also keep in mind that factors like sun exposure, smoking and excess alcohol can reduce the body’s natural collagen production
