Collagen for Hair Growth
What Some Research Suggests — and What to Know Before Trying It
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If you’ve been wondering whether collagen for hair growth is worth exploring, you’re asking a reasonable question. Many women over 35 notice gradual changes in hair texture, density, or how their scalp looks over time — and collagen supplements have become one of the more discussed options in the hair wellness space.
In this post, I’m looking at what some research currently suggests, where the evidence is still developing, and what to look for if you decide to explore this further.
If you’re also noticing that your hair seems to have stopped growing, you may find my related post useful: 5 Reasons Your Hair May Have Stopped Growing
What is the connection between collagen and hair?
Hair is primarily composed of keratin — a structural protein made up of amino acids. Collagen, which is one of the most abundant proteins in the body, contains several of those same amino acids, including proline, which is also a building block of keratin. (Read: Collagen and hair — what Healthline reports)
Collagen is also found in the dermis — the layer of skin where hair follicles are rooted. Some researchers have suggested that supporting dermal collagen levels may, therefore, be relevant to the environment in which hair grows. However, it’s important to note that a direct causal relationship between collagen supplementation and hair growth in humans has not been definitively established in large-scale clinical trials.
Furthermore, collagen production in the body gradually decreases with age — a change that begins in the mid-20s and continues over time. Some people begin paying closer attention to this in their 30s and 40s as they notice changes in both skin and hair.
What some research on collagen for hair growth suggests
The research in this area is still developing, and study sizes are generally small. However, some findings are worth understanding:
Hair thickness: One 16-week placebo-controlled study involving 44 women aged 39 to 75 found that 2.5g of bioactive collagen peptides daily was associated with increased hair thickness, while the placebo group saw a slight decline. This is a small study and results may not be universally applicable.
Hair loss assessment: A more recent study found that collagen supplementation led to statistically significant improvements in hair loss assessment scores at the 6-week and 12-week timepoints — though researchers noted that more research is needed to definitively establish the benefits.
Important caveat: There is emerging clinical evidence that supplemental collagen may improve skin and hair health, but the form, source, dose, and quality of the supplement make determining the benefits difficult to extrapolate.
In other words — the early signals are interesting, but this is not a settled area of science. Collagen is rich in amino acids that the body needs to build keratin, the protein that makes up hair — though human studies on the direct use of collagen to increase hair growth are still limited. Individual responses may vary considerably based on age, health status, diet, and other factors.
Other nutrients commonly paired with collagen for hair wellness
Collagen is rarely the only ingredient women look at when addressing hair wellness. Several nutrients are commonly associated with normal hair health and are frequently included in formulations alongside collagen peptides:
- Biotin (Vitamin B7). Biotin is a nutrient commonly associated with keratin production. It is one of the more frequently discussed supplements in the hair wellness category, and is commonly included in multi-ingredient hair formulas. (Read: Biotin and hair)
- Zinc. Zinc is a mineral commonly associated with normal hair health. Some research suggests low zinc status may be associated with increased hair shedding, though this should be assessed by a healthcare provider before supplementing. (Read: Zinc and hair)
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C is recognized as an important nutrient involved in collagen synthesis. It is commonly included in collagen formulas because of the role it plays in this process.
- MSM. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur compound frequently included in joint and hair wellness formulations. Sulfur is a component of the keratin protein structure.
Hair thinning is likely the result of multiple contributing factors — including inflammation, oxidative stress, aging, emotional stress, and hormonal changes — suggesting that a multi-ingredient approach may be more relevant than any single nutrient alone.
What to look for in a collagen formula for hair wellness
If you’re exploring collagen supplements in the context of hair wellness, a few things are worth considering when evaluating a formula:
- Hydrolyzed collagen peptides. Hydrolyzed collagen is processed into smaller peptide fragments, which is one of the primary reasons it is used in collagen supplements — as larger intact collagen molecules are generally considered less easily utilized by the body.
- Multiple collagen types. Types I and III are most commonly associated with skin and hair support in research literature.
- Supporting nutrients. Formulas that also include biotin, zinc, and vitamin C provide nutrients that play broader roles in connective tissue and hair health.
- Consistent daily use. Collagen supplementation generally requires sustained daily use over several weeks before any changes — if experienced at all — may be noticed. Individual experiences vary.
A formula worth looking at
Advanced Collagen Plus is a flavorless, hydrolyzed collagen powder that includes Types I, II, III, V, and X collagen from multiple sources — grass-fed bovine, pasture-raised chicken, and wild-caught marine. The formula also includes Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and MSM — nutrients commonly associated with skin, hair, nail, and joint health.
In my opinion, the formula appears comprehensive for women looking for a multi-ingredient collagen option that combines several collagen sources with supporting nutrients in a single daily product. The powder is flavorless and dissolves easily in coffee, smoothies, or water — which makes consistent daily use more practical.
According to the manufacturer, it is produced in GMP-certified facilities. A 90-day satisfaction guarantee is included, which may provide some reassurance for those wanting to evaluate it over time before fully committing.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you purchase through the link below.
Explore Advanced Collagen Plus
For a full ingredient breakdown, read my Advanced Collagen Plus Review.
Where does this ship?
Advanced Collagen Plus currently delivers to: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Puerto Rico.
If your country is not on this list, orders cannot be fulfilled at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does collagen help hair growth?
The research is still developing. Hair is primarily composed of keratin, a structural protein made of amino acids, and collagen contains several of those same amino acids. Collagen is also found in the dermis, the layer of skin where hair follicles are rooted, which is why researchers have explored the connection.
What is the connection between collagen and hair?
Collagen supplies amino acids also found in keratin, the protein hair is made from. It is additionally a component of the dermis where follicles sit, so some researchers have suggested that supporting dermal collagen levels may be relevant to the follicle environment.
At what age does collagen start to decline?
Collagen production in the body gradually decreases with age, a change that begins in the mid-20s and continues over time. Many women start paying closer attention to it after 35, when changes in hair texture, density and skin firmness tend to become more noticeable.
How strong is the evidence for collagen and hair?
Still developing. Studies vary in their methodology and scope, and individual results may differ significantly. Collagen is best understood as one possible supporting factor among many — hormones, nutrition, genetics, medications and natural aging all influence hair.
What should you look for in a collagen supplement for hair?
Hydrolyzed peptide form for absorption, and formulas that combine multiple collagen types rather than a single source, since different types are associated with different tissues. Nutrients commonly associated with hair, such as biotin and zinc, often appear alongside them.
The bottom line on collagen for hair growth
Overall, collagen for hair growth is an area where early research is genuinely interesting — but where the evidence remains limited, mixed, and primarily based on small studies. Collagen supplementation is not a guaranteed solution, and individual responses vary considerably.
What makes more sense than expecting one ingredient to fix a complex issue is approaching hair wellness as a multi-layered effort: adequate protein and nutrition overall, consistent sleep, stress management, and — for those who choose it — a well-formulated supplement as one supporting element of that routine.
If you’re experiencing significant or sudden hair changes, consulting a dermatologist or healthcare provider is always the most important first step.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician or other medical professionals.
The information in this post is based on publicly available research and product information and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a guarantee of results.
Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Results vary by individual.