Thinning hair and hair loss can cause social discomfort and personal angst to men and women alike. Our value and worth shouldn’t be tied to things like our skin, hair or weight. However, so often our confidence really can be shaken when our appearance starts to change in ways that we don’t like and feel out of our control. If you’re experiencing hair loss, hair thinning or you just want to look your very best, taking collagen for hair may help give your body a very pure and easy to digest form of protein that provides the amino acids it needs to:
- Produce keratin - the protein that creates our hair structure
- Fight free radicals from stress and toxins that cause grey hair
- Build and protect the dermis around hair roots - which can help prevent hair loss
Looking for luscious locks? Read Emma's collagen hair growth before and after story (and check out her beautiful hair).
Our hair can reflect our health
Our hair can actually serve as a well-being indicator. Full, thick, shiny hair imparts an image of health and vibrancy, whilst thinning hair can point to an underlying issue or imbalance. Hair loss* can happen for any number of reasons, including:
- Stress
- Hormone disruptions
- Illness, injury or trauma
- Malnutrition
- Genetics
- Smoking
Why do we need collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and is used to maintain integrity and health for everything from skin, nails and muscles, to joints, gut and even cognitive function. And, surprise surprise, it’s a major component of our hair. The catch, however, is that as we age, our ability to produce collagen decreases. As a result, we may need a little helping hand from collagen supplements.
Does collagen thicken hair?
Hair is made up largely of a protein called keratin. Our bodies rely on several amino acids to create keratin. One in particular is proline, which is found in collagen. As a result, consuming proline-rich collagen may help hair growth and overall health.
When it comes to hair thinning, it’s actually our skin that might have a role to play. A major component of skin is collagen. In fact, 70% of the dermis, or the middle part of the skin, is constructed of collagen protein. Our hair roots are located in the dermis. As we age and our ability to produce collagen slows, our skin loses its elasticity. As a result, decreased collagen in our skin may be the cause for hair loss in some people.
Does collagen protect against grey hair?
Greying hair is caused by so many influences, not least of all genetics and lifestyle. Factors such as stress, pollution and diet may cause free radicals to wreak havoc on our hair health. Antioxidants fight free radicals, and this is where things get interesting. Test tube studies have found that collagen may have similar radical scavenging properties to antioxidants. So, collagen might even help us to retain our hair’s youthful appearance!
Collagen for hair - the benefits
If you are suffering from hair thinning, hair loss, grey hairs or just a lacklustre appearance in your locks, then collagen supplements may be your answer to good hair health.
*Hair loss can be a side effect of a more serious issue. Any hair loss or thinning should be discussed with your physician. The information we have provided herewith, and all linked materials, are not intended nor should they be construed as medical advice. Moreover, the information herewith should not be used as a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions and consult your General Practitioner for advice specific for you.