Are you seeing more hair in your brush than usual? Wondering if collagen could be the solution to your hair woes, or if it might actually cause hair loss? Understanding the effects of collagen on hair health can be confusing.
In this blog, BlondeBeauty dives into the question “Can collagen cause hair loss?” and explores how collagen can improve your hair, from preventing thinning to boosting growth. Discover why collagen might be your new best friend in hair care.
Does Collagen Really Affect Hair?
Once ingested, collagen is broken down by our digestive system into amino acids. These building blocks of proteins are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various parts of the body. This process supports the formation of new collagen, which benefits areas like skin, hair, and joints. Regular intake may result in shinier, more resilient hair.
However, studies on the effects of collagen on hair in humans are limited. This scarcity makes it challenging to conclude precisely how this protein contributes to hair growth.
Note: Although direct evidence is not much, many people report improved hair quality with regular collagen use. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also enhance hair health.
Can Too Much Collagen Cause Hair Loss?
While collagen supplements are unlikely to cause hair loss, there can be a concern. Excessive collagen in the body can lead to a specific medical condition. Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body starts destroying healthy tissue, leading to an overproduction of collagen in the skin. This can cause various skin-related complications.
Typically, our bodies require about 10,000 mg of collagen daily, which equals 10 grams. Taking a 10-gram collagen supplement each day can help resist signs of aging in the future. Remember, while this is a general guideline, individual needs may vary. Moderation and professional guidance are key to safe and effective supplementation.
5 Ways Collagen Improves Your Hair
May Prevent Age-related Hair Thinning
Collagen makes up 70% of your dermis, the middle layer of your skin that contains the root of each individual hair. As you age, your body starts to fall at producing collagen and replenishing cells in the dermis.
This may be one reason why hair gets thinner over time. Therefore, giving your body collagen may help maintain a healthy dermis and prevent hair thinning.
Combats Damage to Hair Follicles
Collagen can act as an antioxidant, which fights the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that are produced in your body. This happens due to stress, air pollutants, smoking, poor dietary choices, alcohol, and other environmental influences.
Too many free radicals can harm your cells, proteins, DNA, and thus, your hair follicles. To fight free radicals and promote healthy hair, your body needs antioxidants, which come from collagen.
Supplies Amino Acids for Hair Building
Hair is mostly made up of the protein called keratin. Your body uses several amino acids, prominently proline, to build keratin — some of which can be found in collagen. Therefore, consuming proline-rich collagen should provide your body with the building blocks it needs to create hair.
Simple to Incorporate into Your Routine
You can add collagen to your diet through foods or supplements. Since collagen can be found in the connective tissue of mammals, you should aim for the skins, bones, and muscles of chicken, beef, pork, and fish.
Additionally, eating foods high in vitamin C, like oranges and bell peppers, may boost your body’s natural collagen production.
Lastly, collagen can be injected into your body in the form of supplemental pills or powder. You may find on collagen supplements the word “hydrolyzed,” this means they’re already broken down and easier to absorb.
Potentially Slows the Graying Process
Due to its antioxidant properties, collagen may be able to fight cell damage and slow graying. As you age, the cells that produce the melanin pigment that gives your hair its color naturally begin to die. In addition, free radicals resulting from a poor diet, stress, and environmental pollutants can damage melanin-creating cells as well.
Since collagen has been shown to fight free radicals in test tubes, it may, in theory, help prevent damage to cells that produce hair color. As a result, it may prevent premature graying or slow down age-related graying.
How Long Does Collagen Take To Enhance Hair?
There is little scientific evidence on how long it takes for collagen supplements to improve hair texture or growth. The hair growth cycle length varies for everyone. Some users have reported seeing changes in hair texture after two weeks, while growth may take a month or longer.
Hair growth’s speed can be slow. Users are advised to maintain a regular collagen intake during this time to achieve the greatest results.
Note: Combining collagen with a balanced diet and proper hair care routine can further enhance the benefits. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
What Type Of Collagen Is Best For Hair Growth?
There are different types of collagen, each offering various benefits. Types I and III are considered the best for hair, as they support hair strength and growth. Type V aids in their formation and overall health.
Choosing the right collagen supplement for hair requires attention to its content. Ensure the supplement is of high quality and derived from a reputable source. Hydrolyzed collagen is often recommended because it’s more easily absorbed by the body. Avoid supplements with fillers or unnecessary additives.
Note: When selecting a collagen supplement, consider additional ingredients that support hair health, such as biotin and vitamins. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help ensure you choose the best product for your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, can too much collagen cause hair loss? No, but be aware of some other health conditons that may arise.
However, you should not ignore the great benefits that collagen can do to your hair. From preventing age-related hair thinning to combating damage to hair follicles, collagen can be a powerful ally in your hair care routine. Whether you’re seeking shinier locks, stronger strands, or slower graying, incorporating high-quality collagen supplements can make a noticeable difference.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with collagen and how it’s impacted your hair journey. Share your stories with us, and don’t forget to check out more informative blogs from BlondeBeauty for all your hair care tips and advice.
Don’t forget to check out more blogs from Blonde Beauty for additional tips and insights on achieving your best hair ever.
Laureate Professor Clare Collins
Professor Clare Collins is a leading expert in nutrition and dietetics at the School of Health Sciences, part of the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. Her work is changing the way we think about food and health. She grew up as one of nine children and was the first in her family to finish high school and go to college. This background gave her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for seizing opportunities.
As the Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Food and Nutrition Program and a recipient of three NHMRC Research Fellowships, Professor Collins is making a big difference in public health. She focuses on helping people who are often overlooked, using new technologies like apps and online programs to improve their nutrition and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Professor Collins is well-respected and has been recognized as a Fellow in four major health and science organizations. She leads a diverse team of experts, including dietitians, computer scientists, and engineers, working together on global health projects.
Her achievements are impressive. She has received over $29 million in research funding, published more than 450 papers, and helped 35 PhD and Master’s students complete their degrees. She’s also active in sharing her knowledge with the public. She has developed tools like the Australian Eating Survey and the Healthy Eating Quiz, and she often appears in the media to talk about nutrition.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
- Collins, C. (2019). “The Effect of a Pilot Dietary Intervention on Pain Outcomes in Patients Attending a Tertiary Pain Service.”
- Collins, C. (2022). “Variation in cardiovascular disease risk factors among older adults.”
- Collins, C. (2022). “Evaluation of an online intervention for improving stroke survivors’ health-related quality of life: A randomised controlled trial.”
These articles show Professor Collins’s commitment to understanding how better nutrition can improve health. Her work is important for researchers, doctors, and anyone interested in healthy living.