Collagen is a protein found and produced in the body. As you age, your body produces less collagen over time, which can lead to loss of skin elasticity and other problems. Collagen production can also be negatively affected by too much sun, smoking, excessive alcohol use, lack of sleep and limited exercise.
Most of the research on collagen and collagen supplements has focused on its effects on the skin and its ability to improve elasticity and reduce aging. However, some people are curious if collagen supplements could also promote hair growth.
To date, there is little evidence that collagen supplements cause hair growth, and the research that has been conducted has been conducted in test tubes, not human trials.
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and is one of the main building blocks for healthy skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons and more. It is also found in bones, cartilage and teeth and even fills the cornea where it is present in crystalline form.
Many healthcare professionals use collagen to heal wounds, seal grafts, heal extraction sites, and improve recovery. Collagen-based membranes are also used in periodontal (zoom) and implant therapy.
The most studied role of collagen is its effect on the skin. Fibroblasts form collagen in the dermis or your skin – a process that helps new cells grow and replace dead skin cells and gives your skin structure, strength and elasticity. Many people believe that this process can also affect hair growth – especially since collagen could help create the fabric needed for hair. However, there is very little evidence to support these ideas.
While collagen is necessary for healthy hair, there is a lack of evidence that supplements will actually promote hair growth. Most health professionals recommend that you eat foods that stimulate your body’s natural collagen production. Even then, eating certain foods is not guaranteed to affect hair growth.
To date, most studies on collagen and its ability to affect hair growth have been done in test tubes or funded by collagen supplement companies. For example, one study found that people who took a supplement containing hydrolyzed fish-derived collagen, taurine, cysteine, methionine, iron, and selenium showed greater improvements in hair loss when combined with hair loss treatments. However, the study only lasted 12 weeks and was funded by the company that manufactures the supplement.
More research is needed before collagen supplementation can be recommended for hair growth.
Collagen supplementation is not a scientifically proven way to improve hair loss or promote hair growth. Therefore, you may want to consider other options for hair growth.
It is always beneficial to consult a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Here are some things you can try:
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- Discuss the use of minoxidil with your healthcare provider: One way to stimulate hair growth is to use products or supplements that contain the over-the-counter (OTC) minoxidil. This medicine can stimulate hair growth, but if you stop using it, the results will be lost. Make sure this route works for you before you try it.
- Talk to a healthcare professional about essential oils: While research on essential oils for hair growth is still in its infancy, some studies suggest that using specific essential oils can help stimulate hair growth. For example, one team of researchers found that rosemary essential oil was just as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth. Another group of researchers had similar results with pumpkin seed oil.
- Invest in a scalp massager: Although research is limited, some people have had good results with scalp massage. Researchers found that people had thicker hair after using a scalp massager for four minutes a day for 24 weeks.
- Nutrient Deficiency Test: Hair loss can be caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals – for example, low levels of vitamin D or B. Conversely, excessive supplementation with nutrients such as selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E is associated with hair loss. For this reason, do not use supplements unless you know your body needs them.
- Try to relieve stress: Stress, especially chronic or ongoing stress, is a major cause of hair loss. For this reason, you must do everything you can to reduce stress in your life and use stress-relieving techniques, such as breathing exercises, when you are stressed.
Most people start losing collagen in their body starting in their 20s. After age 40, you can expect to lose about 1% of your collagen stores each year. By about age 80, collagen production can decrease by 75% compared to young adults. For this reason, it is essential that you try to increase your collagen stores through diet – and sometimes with supplements.
Start with adequate protein and vitamin C-rich foods. Your body makes collagen using amino acids like glycine and proline, which are found in protein-rich foods. Vitamin C helps your body metabolize the proteins you consume.
Here are some collagen-boosting foods:
It is normal to lose about 50-100 hairs a day. If you’re losing more than that, or if you’re starting to notice thinning, patchy patches, spreading patches, or hair loss, it’s important to see a health care professional such as a dermatologist. They can tell you if you have telogen effluvium or anagen effluvium.
- Telogen effluvium, or shedding, usually occurs when someone has lost a significant amount of weight, has a high fever from an illness such as the flu or COVID-19, or has given birth. It can also be caused by significant stress, surgery, or stopping birth control pills.
- Anagen effluvium is often caused by hereditary hair loss, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. Harsh hair products and tight hairstyles can also cause it.
A dermatologist can tell you what type of hair loss you have and offer advice on how to treat it. They can also determine if you have an underlying medical condition that is contributing to your condition, such as lupus or a thyroid condition. The sooner hair loss is diagnosed and treated, the greater the likelihood of a full recovery or a successful treatment plan that will slow hair loss.
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body. However, the production of collagen in our body begins to decline after the age of 40, which leads to aging of the skin and loss of elasticity. How these changes affect hair growth is not fully understood. Some companies suggest that taking collagen supplements will promote hair growth, but little evidence supports these claims.
Starting with a well-balanced diet, quality sleep and regular exercise is important. It may also be helpful to discuss your hair loss with a dermatologist. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend a treatment plan.