Collagen for hair: Benefits and Use that you should know

Collagen is one of the most studied proteins in recent years, especially in the world of aesthetics. This is the most abundant in our body and is the fundamental pillar for the formation of the most important body structures, such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, and -especially- hair.

Although most of the investment has been allocated to promoting the use of collagen in the skin, the truth is that it is an excellent supplement for our hair. An example of this is that a large number of hair products have included it in their formula, even those from the most important companies.

Each hair has a structure similar to that of a plant: it has a stem (the hair body), a root (the hair follicle) and needs the sun.

Collagen and blood circulation are two parameters that have been shown to have a direct effect on the growth and condition of our hair, so we must meet the daily requirements of collagen while improving our vascular endothelial function.

But why should you take collagen instead of just applying it?

Simple. As much as other sources want to claim the opposite, the truth is that the secret to healthy hair lies in the hair follicles. While it is true that you can improve the condition of your hair with the products you apply topically, the truth is that the nutrients that feed the follicle are the key to maintenance and ideal results.

As more collagen reaches the hair follicles, the growth process will accelerate and the structure of the hair will change. The amino acids and the rest of the byproducts present in collagen are those that promote hair resistance, as well as its growth. Nourishing hair from the roots is the secret.

Benefits of collagen in hair

Let's properly analyze each of the points where collagen acts to improve the condition of your hair. Let's mention at least five of them.

1) No more damaged follicles

As several scientific studies mention, collagen is a powerful antioxidant that frees our body from harmful molecules known as free radicals. These originate in excessive amounts from an unhealthy lifestyle (such as, for example, one that includes a sedentary lifestyle, high stress load, and a diet full of saturated fats).

Current research has shown that free radicals damage the hair follicle and, furthermore, it seems that as we age the damage is much greater. Supplying collagen requirements can help control these oxidizing agents. ( 1 , 2 )

2) Amino acids: a revelation

Hair is made up almost entirely of a protein known as Keratin. Now, the secret behind collagen is that it has many of the amino acids necessary to form this protein.

Although there are 20 amino acids in total, 9 of them are “essential”, the most difficult to obtain (our body does not produce them). Proline, the most important of the essential amino acids to form Keratin, is abundant in collagen, which facilitates the formation of this protein. ( 3. 4 )

3) Keeps aging at bay

There are many changes that occur with aging in our hair, beyond just falling out. One of them is its weight loss. Now, it turns out that this may be caused by changes within the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin.

It is in the dermis where the hair follicle is located. It seems that, in this sector, as the years go by, collagen production begins to decrease and, therefore, hair thickness begins to decrease drastically. For this reason, an important measure may be to increase collagen levels in the skin, and improve the condition of the dermis, thus preventing hair thinning. ( 5 , 6 )

4) Less… Gray hair?

It seems that the same antioxidant properties we've been talking about above could have a positive effect on hair cells, decreasing damage and slowing the natural color change that comes with age.

Although this is something quite related to genetics, it seems that free radicals (protagonists of oxidative stress) could play an important role in this problem. The secret is found in melanocytes, the cells that give pigment to your hair, which begin to die as we age.

However, free radicals can increase the speed of this harmful process, so something is needed to counteract it. The solution seems to be in sight with collagen, although more studies need to be carried out to prove it. ( 7 )

Taken collagen and foods that contain it

It is possible to find collagen in several different types of foods. They can range from meat (which is known as the best source of collagen, especially lean meat) to nuts (which stimulate collagen production through their essential fatty acids). Even so, it is necessary to clarify that this cannot overcome supplementation.

By using collagen pills, you not only ensure that you are consuming the necessary amount of this protein (since the supplements are molecular concentrates), but its absorption and distribution throughout our body is also improved. Even though we get collagen from food, nothing guarantees its absorption.

There is no point in consuming 40kg of meat a day to only obtain a small percentage of the collagen we need daily.

The best way to do this is through supplementation, especially when these products are specifically designed for this purpose or have adjuvants that improve the action or absorption of this protein.

We recommend See Veggie Collagen