How Collagen Supplements Help with Hair Shedding

Hair thinning can be frustrating to deal with, and it can dramatically impact your self-esteem. However, there are many science-backed ways to support thin hair or boost new growth. Hair loss is a nuanced problem and is usually symptomatic of a wider internal imbalance, so it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional before taking a supplement to treat hair loss.

That being said, this article explains some common reasons for hair loss, how collagen supplements can help and some key supplements that are formulated for beauty and hair benefits.

Common Causes of Hair Thinning

DISCLAIMER: This article should not replace professional medical advice; excessive hair loss could be a sign of an underlying health condition. If you are worried, speak to a qualified professional.

Shedding is a normal stage of the hair cycle, but when hair sheds prematurely or hair fails to regenerate fast enough, this will lead to overall thinning. Breakage and tension can also increase hair loss. Explore some of the factors that can contribute to hair thinning.

• DHT sensitivity

DHT converted from testosterone causes hair follicles to miniaturise over time (causing hair fall), especially in those with DHT-sensitive follicles (this is largely genetic). Female pattern thinning usually occurs at the top of the head in women.

• Thyroid dysfunction

Both under- and overactive thyroid disrupts the hair cycle.

• Oestrogen withdrawal

Low oestrogen triggers hair to enter the resting (telogen) phase. Some women experience dramatic shedding 2-4 months post-partum or after stopping the combined contraceptive pill.

• Chronic stress

Cortisol suppresses stem cell activity and shortens the growth phase. This effect is usually delayed by 2-3 months.

• Nutrition

Low iron or ferritin is common in women experiencing hair loss. Zinc, B12, and vitamin D3 deficiencies can also impact overall health and limit hair growth. Rapid weight loss or protein deficiencies can also cause protective hair loss as the body deprioritises hair growth.

• Medication or contraception

Certain medications, such as antidepressants, lithium, hormonal contraception or beta-blockers, can affect the hair cycle.

• Environmental

While less important, factors like hard water can contribute to brittle hair and an unbalanced scalp, which can increase breakage and hair fall.

• Tension and breakage

Tight hairstyles, aggressive styling or frequent colouring can lead to hair thinning. However, this can be exacerbated if your hair is weak or brittle from other factors.

• Age

As we get older, the hair cycle shortens, the follicles shrink and stem cells necessary for new growth cycles deplete. Hormonal shifts, particularly in menopausal women, accelerate hormonal hair loss. Also, over time, the follicles accumulate oxidative stress, which impairs hair regeneration.

How collagen supplements work for hair shedding?

The benefit of collagen supplements for hair health comes down to the dermal papilla – the surrounding structural tissue that the hair follicle sits in. This is mainly made up of collagen, and age-related collagen decline can lead to the miniaturisation of the hair follicle.

Collagen supplementation can also have protective effects against oxidative stress and the decline of stem cell activity, which can be particularly helpful for age-related hair loss.

Secondly, the primary protein in the hair - keratin – shares two out of collagen’s three amino acids, which means that it helps provide the building blocks for hair production. This would be particularly helpful for nutrition-related hair loss.

Collagen supplements are not effective at treating hormonal hair loss caused by DHT sensitivity (pattern hair loss), thyroid dysfunction, or oestrogen withdrawal, as these causes are hormonal, not structural. You should speak to a medical professional about possible tests and treatment options.

Scientific evidence for collagen supplementation for hair:

1. Both marine and bovine collagen reduced the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells, while simultaneously enhancing the generation of active progenies (daughter cells). This suggests that stem cells are maturing into active hair-producing cells. Science Direct.
2. Collagen supplementation showed significant improvements in hair lustre, hair shaft surface integrity, tensile strength, and diameter. Self-reported hair density satisfaction was reported in the collagen group.
3. An additional collagen, amino acid, iron, and selenium supplement significantly improved hair growth outcomes versus hair loss treatment alone but should not replace existing therapies for hair loss. Wiley Online.

Effective collagen supplements for healthy hair

Keratin is a sulphur-rich protein, so it relies on the supply of amino acids, particularly sulphur-rich amino acids and sulphur donors. Healthy hair production also requires vitamins and minerals. Bioactive collagen peptides have been shown to be beneficial for supporting standard hair loss treatments. Look for the following ingredients:

• Hydrolysed collagen (marine or bovine)
• Sulphur-rich amino acids: cysteine, methionine, taurine
• MSM
• Vitamins and minerals: C, iron, zinc, selenium, D3, Bs and biotin

The best collagen hair supplements available at Meaghers Pharmacy

We have researched and collated the best collagen supplements, designed to support healthy hair growth. They all contain a blend of ingredients to support your collagen and hair production.

1. REVIVE ACTIVE COLLAGEN COMPLEX

Collagen Complex contains bioactive marine collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C – a trio to support hair and skin health and natural tissue hydration. The supplement blend also includes B vitamins, selenium, copper, biotin and zinc which are all essential for new hair growth.

2. ADVANCED NUTRITION SKIN COLLAGEN SUPPORT

While this vegan collagen supplement doesn’t contain any actual collagen peptides, it supports the structural integrity of the skin, hair and scalp. It also contains MSM - a sulphur-rich ingredient which can support hair growth (keratin is rich in sulphur). The blend also contains antioxidants, vitamin C and zinc, which are essential for building new collagen structures and healthy hair.

3. SWEDISH NUTRA COLLAGEN LIQUID 500ML

This liquid collagen supplement provides a potent mix of collagen, hyaluronic acid and silica. Silica is an important molecule for strengthening the hair shaft and maximising vitamin uptake at the follicle.

4. VITABIOTICS PERFECTIL PLUS HAIR SUPPLEMENT

These tablets contain a blend of marine collagen L-cystine, vitamin C, methionine, zinc, iron, biotin, vitamin D, coQ10, copper and other B vitamins. This award-winning composition holistically supports all stages of hair production.

Questions:

Are there any side effects of taking collagen supplements for hair?

Collagen supplements are generally safe and are unlikely to cause unwanted side effects. However, if you take a supplement blend, it is harder to predict how each individual will respond. If you experience any digestive discomfort or an allergic reaction, stop taking the supplement immediately.

What type of collagen is best for improving hair health?

One study found slight differences between the effects of marine and bovine collagen on hair follicle stem cell activity, but both have positive effects. It could be worth considering a blend of collagen sources, such as the Nature’s Plus Collagen peptides powder.

How long does it take to see results from collagen supplements for hair?

It can take anywhere between 2-6 months to see changes in the hair’s condition when making a diet or lifestyle change. This is because the hair follicles experience a delayed response to internal changes. Studies using a 12-24 week treatment period observed significant changes.

Can I take collagen while on HRT?

Yes, collagen supplements are safe to take on HRT. In fact, they are beneficial for joints, skin, hair, nails and bone density. Explore the benefits of collagen supplements for women.

Which is better: biotin or collagen?

Biotin is an essential B vitamin for hair production, and supplementing with it can be helpful if your body doesn’t have enough. On the other hand, collagen peptides are bioactive, meaning they are not rate-limiting. Supplementing with both ingredients together, like with Revive Active’s Collagen Complex, ensures you get the best of both.