We all know that collagen is good for your skin, preventing wrinkles, and other skin aging issues, but what does collagen do for your hair? If you’re looking for the answer to that question, you’ve come to the write site! This article is all about collagen and your hair and what you need to know to keep your hair healthy.

Collagen’s Role in the Human Body 

Collagen, a key protein that our bodies naturally produce, has a very important role to play in the human body. In fact, not only is it responsible for our overall health but without collagen our bodies could not function.

Collagen is found in all of the connective tissues of our bodies: skin, tendons, ligaments, muscles, organs and bones. It also provides structure, elasticity, strength, and hydration. All these things are vital to our well being and our bodies’ ability to work properly.

When Does Collagen Production Begin to Slow?

Our bodies ability to produce collagen naturally begins to decline as we reach adulthood. Experts believe it can begin as early as our 20’s. Of course there are various factors that can impact when the decline actually starts such as health, lifestyle, diet, exercise and sleep patterns as well as environmental stressors.

How to Increase Your Natural Collagen Production

A question we hear often is: “Is there a way to increase my natural ability to produce collagen?” The answer to that question is yes there are a few different ways to give your body assistance when it comes to collagen synthesis.

Diet, lifestyle, sleep, and exercise would be the most natural of ways. Adding collagen supplements to your wellness regime would be another great option. Implementing all these options together will work to give your body the best collagen stimulation and boost possible.

Not sure what foods or collagen supplements to go with? Keep reading!

High-Protein Foods

Collagen is a protein. It makes sense that to make a protein, you need protein. Not only does collagen production require protein but eating protein actually has been proven to stimulate our bodies ability to produce collagen. So what foods are considered to be the best protein-rich foods?

Bone Broth

Bone broth is a protein-rich, nutrient-dense food that has numerous health benefits. Bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissues in water for an extended period of time. This process releases amino acids, minerals, and collagen. 

Collagen is a key component of bone broth that makes it so beneficial. Collagen and the amino acids present in bone broth provide the necessary building blocks for collagen synthesis.

The high concentration of nutrients makes bone broth an excellent protein-rich food.

Gelatin

Gelatin is a protein-rich substance that is actually derived from collagen. Gelatin has a very high content of the amino acids glycine, arginine and proline which complements the collagen richness of gelatin improving not only our collagen production but also our overall health.

Gelatin has been shown to improve joint health, aid in digestion, and boost the immune system because it is such a great source of dietary protein-rich collagen. 

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are a powerhouse of nutrients and offer a host of health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid.

Leafy greens are a good source of minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. But what makes leafy greens particularly special is their protein content. While most vegetables contain very little protein, leafy greens are a rich source of this essential nutrient. 

Citrus Fruits

Did you know that citrus fruits are not only a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, but they’re also a good source of protein? That’s right, those juicy oranges, tangy grapefruits, and zesty lemons are packed with amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

So why are citrus fruits so rich in protein? Well, it all has to do with their unique composition. Unlike other fruits, which are mostly made up of carbohydrates, citrus fruits contain a significant amount of fiber. This fiber is actually made up of a type of protein called pectin, which helps to give these fruits their characteristic texture. Pectin also contains other types of proteins that are essential for proper cell function.

Supplementation

Now that we have looked at protein-rich foods and how they are very beneficial in boosting our collagen production, let’s take a look at collagen supplementation and the various forms of collagen supplements.

Powders

One of the most popular forms of collagen supplements is collagen powders. This is because it is an easy and convenient way to add collagen peptides to your daily routine. It can be added to your coffee, tea, smoothies, yogurt or soup, sauces or any type of liquid. 

Capsules

Collagen capsules are a great way to increase your collagen levels for several reasons. First, they are a convenient option. You can simply take them with water once or twice per day.

Second, they provide a very high concentration of collagen, which can help to maximize the benefits.

Lastly, easily absorbed by the body, you can be sure that you’re getting all the intended benefits.

Liquid

Hydrolyzed collagen is great for boosting your collagen levels for several reasons. It’s very easily absorbed by the body. Unlike other forms of collagen, which can be difficult for the body to break down and use, hydrolyzed collagen is already in a liquid form that the body can easily assimilate.

This form of collagen supplementation is a rich source of the amino acids glycine and proline, which are essential for the production of new collagen fibers.

How Collagen Helps Your Hair

So, you now have a good understanding of collagen, collagen supplementation and natural ways to boost collagen production. But, what does collagen do for your hair? Let’s find out!

Provides Essential Amino Acids

Collagen is a major structural component of our hair. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen which can lead to dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage.

Collagen is made up of a variety of amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are necessary for the formation of new hair strands as well as keeping existing strands strong and healthy.

Fights Damage to Hair Follicles

As a structural protein, collagen helps to keep hair follicles strong and healthy. When hair follicles are damaged, they are unable to grow new hair. Collagen provides strength and elasticity which helps to repair damage to hair follicles while encouraging new, healthy hair growth.

Collagen adds nutrients and moisture to the hair follicle, keeping it hydrated and preventing the hair from becoming dry and brittle. As a result, collagen plays an important role in keeping hair follicles healthy and preventing damage that can lead to hair loss.

May Prevent Hair Thinning

While collagen may not directly prevent hair thinning, it does help to promote hair growth and overall hair health. Collagen does this by providing the hair with the nutrients it needs to grow.

Collagen also helps to keep the hair moisturized, which can prevent hair breakage. By protecting the hair from damage caused by free radicals, collagen does indirectly prevent hair thinning by promoting hair growth and hair health.

May Help Slow Graying

Collagen affects the overall health of our hair, keeping it lustrous, full, healthy and hydrated. So, collagen plus the amino acids that collagen is made up of is why experts believe our collagen levels greatly affect the natural pigmentation of our hair as we age. More collagen, less graying.

Should I Take Collagen Supplements for My Hair?

It stands to reason that collagen is very important for the health of our hair. If our collagen production declines as we age, why wouldn’t we want to add collagen supplements to our daily routine?

Potential Side Effects of Collagen Supplements

Generally speaking, collagen supplements are safe for everyone with very little side effects or concerns.

If you are allergic to fish or shellfish, collagen supplements may cause severe allergic reactions as many contain marine products. Check the label, now what the supplement ingredients are.

Too much collagen may cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas or diarrhea. All of which can be controlled by beginning with a smaller dose and gradually increasing as needed. 

More Health Benefits of Collagen Supplementation

There are numerous health benefits of collagen supplementation. Because we have been looking at “what does collagen do for your hair?”, let’s consider the benefits to our skin, nails and joints.

Smoother Skin

Collagen is a structural protein which means that it is needed for skin elasticity and support. As our collagen levels decline we end up with dry skin, wrinkles/sagging skin.

Collagen supplements give our skin back its plumpness, hydration and structural support.

Stronger Nails

By supplementing with collagen, we can help to reverse the effects of aging on our nails. Not only does collagen supplementation make them stronger, but it can also make our nails more hydrated and less likely to break or chip. 

Healthier Joints

Collagen supplementation helps to reduce the signs of aging by giving the body the amino acids it needs to produce more collagen. This is important for the health of our joints, their strength and elasticity. Less collagen equals stiffness and inflammation.

The Bottom Line

We hope you have found our guide “Collagen + Your Hair: What You Need To Know!” informative. Don’t stop here! Be sure to check out our Health BLOG and collagen product page because an informed decision is the best decision! 

---