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The Breakdown of Collagen & Hair Growth

You’ve probably heard about collagen. Flip through a magazine or watch an ad for beauty products, and you’ll find a slew of references about collagen’s ability to improve the skin. Collagen works miracles for the skin, making it supple and elastic. But did you know collagen can also boost hair growth?

What Is Collagen?

To be clear, hair strands do not contain collagen. Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin, which is different from collagen. Keratin is a hard, fibrous protein that forms the structural building blocks of hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin. (01)

Collagen, on the other hand, is a collection of proteins found in connective tissue like skin and cartilage. These proteins are so abundant that a third of all the protein in the human body is some type of collagen. Internal organs, skin, tendons, parts of our bones, lymph tissue, hair, and nails either contain or rely on collagen for their sturdiness and elasticity.

How Does Collagen Affect Hair Growth?

So while collagen is not a component of the hair shaft itself, it does contain the amino acids essential for keratin production. By providing the necessary building blocks for keratin, collagen is important for stronger and healthier hair. Simmer a pot of soup bones for a few hours, then let the contents cool. A gelatinous film would form on the top, which would consist primarily of collagen. It’s this collagen that gives bones, cartilage, and tendons their bounce and resilience. It’s also essential for healthy hair.

In addition, collagen also keeps hair follicles- which are responsible for producing new hair strands – healthy. Collagen ensures a robust scalp by promoting blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. It’s collagen that helps ensure hair follicles have the ability to follow the natural growth cycle of hair.

Does Supplementing Collagen Help With Hair Growth?

Some studies suggest that collagen supplementation may have positive effects on hair health. In one particular study, participants experiencing a hair loss condition called telogen effluvium were administered collagen-focused nutritional supplements. These participants saw a marked improvement in hair density after 16 weeks of supplementation. (02, 03)

It’s important to note that individual responses to collagen supplements may vary. Factors such as overall diet, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions can influence the effectiveness of collagen supplementation for hair growth. In general, though, collagen supplements can ensure that the body obtains the collagen necessary to maintain and improve hair growth.

How to Add Collagen to Your Diet

Fortunately, you can add collagen to your diet by incorporating a variety of collagen-rich foods. You can also consume nutrients that assist your body in boosting its ability to manufacture collagen. The following are ways to change your diet to boost your collagen:

1. Eat Collagen-Containing Foods

One of the simplest ways to increase your collagen intake is by consuming foods naturally rich in this vital protein. Opt for collagen-rich sources such as bone broth, chicken, fish, and other lean meats. These foods provide amino acids necessary for collagen production, supporting hair growth and reducing hair loss.

2. Use Collagen Supplements

In conjunction with diet changes, you can also obtain more collagen through collagen supplements. Collagen supplements are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and liquid formulas. They offer a convenient way to increase your collagen intake, promoting healthy hair growth. When choosing a supplement, opt for high-quality products that contain hydrolyzed collagen, as it’s better absorbed by the body.

3. Eat More Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a significant role in collagen synthesis and absorption. Including vitamin C-rich foods in your diet can enhance collagen production, thereby benefiting your hair follicles and strands. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and leafy greens are excellent sources of vitamin C that can be easily incorporated into your meals.

4. Stock Up On Amino Acid-Rich Foods

If proteins like collagen were words, amino acids would be the letters that form the words. Amino acids help the body break down food, grow and repair tissue, and boost the immune system. They also help manufacture collagen. Consuming foods rich in amino acids can help you grow healthy hair. Include foods such as eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts in your diet to ensure an adequate intake of amino acids necessary for adequate hair growth. (04)

5. Go for Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidants are vital for protecting hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. Therefore, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods can help maintain the health and integrity of your hair. Berries, dark chocolate, spinach, and green tea are excellent sources of antioxidants that can be included in your daily diet.

6. Work in the Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of collagen fibers, thereby supporting healthy skin and hair. Furthermore, these Omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate inflammation in the hair follicles and promote an ideal environment for hair growth. To support healthy hair growth, incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. (05)

Eat a Balanced Diet

In addition to specific collagen-rich foods, it’s vital to maintain a well-balanced diet that provides essential nutrients for overall hair health. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. A balanced diet ensures that your body receives the necessary nutrients to support collagen production and maintain healthy hair.

While hair loss can be influenced by various factors, incorporating collagen into your diet can be a beneficial strategy to support healthy hair growth and combat hair loss. By consuming collagen-rich foods, taking collagen supplements, and ensuring an adequate intake of necessary nutrients, you can enhance collagen synthesis in your body, promote hair strength, and improve the overall health of your hair.

Gelatin Versus Collagen

When it comes to promoting hair growth, gelatin and collagen supplements are often considered as potential solutions. While both substances come from animal sources and have similarities, there are some key differences in their composition and affect on hair health.

Gelatin contains collagen, but it is not the same. Gelatin’s a protein-rich substance obtained by boiling animal tissues, such as bones and skin. It contains high amounts of collagen, which is the main structural protein found in the connective tissues of animals.

In terms of hair growth, both gelatin and collagen supplements can provide essential amino acids, such as proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, which are crucial for the production of keratin—the protein that forms the structure of hair. These amino acids play a vital role in maintaining healthy hair follicles and promoting hair growth.

One notable difference between gelatin and collagen supplements lies in their preparation and usage. Gelatin is commonly used in cooking and food preparation, as it solidifies when cooled and adds thickness and texture to various dishes. It can be consumed in the form of desserts, gummies, or added to soups and stews.

Collagen supplements, on the other hand, are available in powder or capsule form and are primarily intended for nutritional supplementation. These supplements generally offer a higher concentration of collagen protein compared to gelatin. This increased potency may provide more substantial benefits for hair growth. Collagen supplements are also typically more refined and undergo processing that results in a higher bioavailability, meaning the body can use it more readily than gelatin.

Nutrients for Your Hair by Happy Head

You can’t go wrong by consuming a varied, healthy diet. However, it doesn’t hurt to bolster that diet with nutritional supplementation. Happy Head’s Hair Growth Supplements are formulated by our team of experts for optimal hair growth. Each supplement holds essential microbiomes, vitamins, and minerals to boost collagen production. Our supplements also contain both keratin and collagen to fight thinning hair and prevent shedding. Want more collagen? Let Happy Head help!

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4201279/

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9069902/

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8620403/

(04) https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002222.htm

(05) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25573272/

What are the Best Nutrients for Hair Growth?

A few aspects of hair growth are out of your hands. Your genetics and age, for example, are set in stone and can’t be changed. Fortunately, there is one factor that is well within your control – the nutrients you consume. Nutrients have a significant impact on hair growth. And fortunately, you can choose which nutrients you take in.

How do vitamins and minerals help with hair loss?

Your hair is important for your self-image, but it’s not ultimately necessary for keeping you alive. Hair thrives in a well-nourished environment. But when your health is compromised, your body diverts nutrients from areas like your scalp to more life-sustaining vital organs. Therefore, good health keeps more hair on your head.

Although the hair you see on your head is made up of cells that are not “living,” those precious strands grow from tissues that are very much alive. Each strand grows from a follicle on the scalp, which is part of the body’s largest organ – your skin. Small blood vessels at the base of each follicle nourish the hair root to keep it growing.

The average person has about 100,000 hairs, all at various stages of growth. Hair grows, rests, falls out, and is replaced through a naturally occurring cycle. Some stages of development require specific vitamins and minerals to keep the process going smoothly.

As a result, your diet and health play a significant role in how quickly your hair grows. Good nutrition creates the framework for healthy hair and can help slow hair loss. So, while there’s no magic bullet that will regrow your hair instantly, there are nutrients that help keep more strands on your head.

Hair Growth and Nutrients

Some vitamins and minerals are more effective at keeping hair healthy than others. So, if you’re attempting to prevent hair loss or regrow your hair, a targeted approach is the way to go. Boosting your intake of specific hair-friendly nutrients offers you the best prevention for hair loss — and keeps you healthy overall. The following is a list of the best nutrients for hair loss.

Keratin

Hair and nails are primarily made of a protein called keratin, so it’s no surprise that keratin is a vital nutrient for strong hair. This structural protein provides the structure and strength required for hair health, making strands less likely to break off or become damaged. Without enough keratin, cells within each strand of hair overlap unevenly, making their bonds weak and vulnerable to breakage. Keratin — as well as nutrients that encourage keratin formation— allows more hair to remain on your head and keeps every hair shaft strong. (01)

Biotin

Vitamin B7 or vitamin H, otherwise known as biotin, aids in keratin production. Without enough biotin, the hair shaft becomes weak, brittle, and slow to grow. Keratin cells, also known as keratinocytes, are like the bricks that make up each strand of hair. Without enough materials to make the bricks, hair can’t grow or form well enough to maintain its strength. Although biotin deficiency is rare, excessive alcohol consumption and some medical conditions can result in a lack of biotin. Biotin supplementation, whether administered through topicals, shampoos, or orally, can boost hair growth and thickness. (02)

Collagen

Most people are familiar with collagen in regard to skincare, but collagen is also essential for healthy hair. In a recent study published in the International Journal of Trichology, targeted nutritional supplementation primarily consisting of collagen was found to increase hair density in participants with a hair loss condition called telogen effluvium. Collagen improves hair growth during crucial growth cycles and limits hair loss during hair’s telogen phase – when hair typically falls out naturally. (03)

Saw Palmetto

Individuals who experience male or female pattern baldness typically have an overabundance of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Excessive levels of DHT impact hair follicles by shrinking the follicle, increasing the chances of premature hair loss and preventing new growth. Saw palmetto, a plant extract, has been found to have DHT-blocking solid effects and can slow hair loss caused by DHT. For people experiencing problems with baldness, saw palmetto supplements may offer relief when used with other boosts. (04)

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a powerful micronutrient that significantly impacts hair growth. The body breaks vitamin A down into retinoic acid and retinol, which both regulate hair follicle stem cells and hair growth cycles. Therefore, a deficiency in vitamin A may lead to poor hair growth and hair loss. Furthermore, oxidative stress may hasten hair loss – especially in the case of alopecia areata. Antioxidants like vitamin A can help counter oxidative effects on hair.

(05, 06)

Vitamin D

Despite the fact that the human body generates vitamin D from sun exposure, most people don’t get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can occur due to:

A lack of vitamin D in the diet.
Too little time spent in the sun.
Difficulty absorbing vitamin D from food.
Medical problems prevent the body from converting vitamin D.
Medications that interfere with vitamin D levels.

Fortunately, vitamin D is also found in foods like eggs or fatty fish and in vitamin-fortified foods. Even then, however, some people still don’t obtain enough vitamin D to grow healthy hair. Vitamin D keeps hair follicles in good shape and maintains robust hair growth. A deficiency in vitamin D may result in hair loss and bald patches. (06)

Probiotics

Recent studies indicate intestinal (gut) health plays a more prominent role in overall physical health than previously thought. Within the intestinal tract are bacteria, called the “intestinal microbiome,” that depends on a specific environment to help break down food and keep the body functioning. An unbalanced microbiome can lead to inflammation, digestive problems, and skin conditions affecting the hair.

Probiotics are bacteria and yeasts ingested to keep the intestinal microbiome healthy and stable. Current research shows that regulation of the intestinal microbiome using probiotics can boost immunity, help treat a myriad of metabolic conditions, and may even help alleviate the symptoms of some mental health conditions. Healthy intestinal health through probiotics can also give you thicker, more lustrous hair! (07, 08)

Ashwagandha

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to reduce hair thinning in a cohort of both men and women. Data from the study indicate that supplements with ashwagandha can reduce hair loss on all types of hair, encompassing many ethnicities. At the end of the 24-week study, 83% of men and 79% of women showed improvement in hair quality, scalp coverage, volume, and thickness. (09)

Healthy Hair Through Nutrient Supplementation

The process of growing hair calls for specific nutrients. Without enough nutrients to feed the follicles, hair becomes brittle grows slowly. So, if you’re looking to keep your scalp and hair healthy, you’ll need to start from the inside.

Happy Head’s Hair Supplements offer the essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics you need to strengthen and grow your hair. Formulated by our team of dermatologists, our daily Happy Head Hair Supplements come from natural ingredients like biotin, saw palmetto, and ashwagandha to nourish your hair. Subscribe and save today to supercharge your hair growth in 3 to 6 months for visibility thicker and healthier strands!

Sources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6095591/

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554493/

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9069902/

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11337315/

(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9324272/

(06) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685931/

(07) https://www.mhanational.org/fitness-4mind4body-gut-brain-connection

(08) https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0801/p170-s1.html

(09) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8903234/