Evidence supporting the use of: Collagen (mixed)
For the body system: Hair
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Collagen (mixed types, such as types I, II, and III) is commonly marketed as a supplement to support hair health, strength, and growth. Scientific evidence supporting collagen's role in hair health is emerging but remains limited. Collagen is a structural protein found in skin, nails, and connective tissue, and it provides amino acids like proline and glycine, which are components of keratin, the main protein in hair. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that collagen peptides can support skin and hair health by providing building blocks for these tissues and by potentially reducing oxidative stress that can damage hair follicles.
However, robust human clinical trials specifically demonstrating that oral collagen supplementation directly improves hair growth, thickness, or strength are scarce. Most available studies focus on skin and joint health, with hair benefits extrapolated from improvements in skin elasticity or structure. A few small human studies and anecdotal reports suggest possible benefits, but these are not yet conclusive. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence, the overall level of direct scientific validation for collagen's effectiveness in supporting the hair body system is moderate at best.
In summary, collagen supplementation for hair health is justified by emerging but not definitive scientific evidence. More rigorous, large-scale human studies are needed to confirm its efficacy for this use.
Other ingredients that support Hair
amino acidsashwagandha
bamboo
biotin
bovine gelatin
ceramides
collagen
copper
fish oil
fish protein
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
horsetail
iron
kelp
l-cysteine
l-cystine
l-lysine
l-methionine
l-proline
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
protein
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sage
saw palmetto
selenium
silicon
keratin
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
zinc
lingzhi
sunflower
trace minerals
wheat germ
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
bladderwrack
Argan nut oil
Alkanna
Animal protein
Black Seed
Babchi
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
Curry leaf
Cetearyl alcohol
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cymbopogon Martini
Castile Soap
Cystine
DL-Methionine
Drynaria
Egg
Eclipta
Emu Oil
Egg protein
Ferritin
Fish
Fatty acids
Molasses
Quinoa Protein
Silk protein
Other body systems supported by Collagen (mixed)
Gastrointestinal TractGums
Hair
Joints
Nails
Skeletal System (Bones)
Skin
Spinal Disks