- Quick Summary Of The Top Picks
- How Does Collagen Help with Hair Growth?
- What Is the Best Type of Collagen That Will Improve Hair Growth?
- What to Look for in a Collagen Powder for Hair Growth
- The 7 Best Collagen Powders for Hair Growth (And the Reasons Why They Made Our List)
- Who Should Add a Collagen Supplement to Their Diet?
- Collagen vs. Biotin
- Side Effects That You Need to Know About
- The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for ways to speed up the process of your hair growing, this article about collagen for hair growth is perfect for you. If you’ve never taken a collagen supplement before, then you’re probably wondering what collagen is and why it’s relevant to the growth of your hair. Let me explain.
Collagen is a highly abundant protein in the body that is extremely beneficial for things like our skin, joints and hair. Composed of 18 different amino acids (the main three being glycine, praline and hydroxyproline), collagen is an essential part of cell renewal, bone strength and the strength of our tendons, joints (see our recommended collagen powders for joint health), nails, eyes, etc. We are able to produce collagen ourselves, but this process slows down as we hit the age of 30. It will continue to decrease from that point on. This is what leads to wrinkles, fine lines and thinning hair as we age.
One way to deal with a decreased production of collagen is to utilize a supplement each day. High quality collagen sources can help turn back the hands of time while also helping your hair grow. It’s also important that your body is getting enough vitamin C in order to properly produce collagen, so you may see these supplements fortified with that nutrient as well.
Quick Summary Of The Top Picks
| Collagen for Hair | Types of Collagen | Benefits | Best price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Primal Collagen Powder | Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen, Type I & III pure hydrolyzed collagen | Promotes healthy hair and nails | Primal's official website |
| 2. 1st Phorm Collagen With Dermaval | Collagen Matrix I, II, III, V & X – Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen peptides | Healthier hair growth, skin and nails, Enhanced youthfulness | 1st Phorm's official website |
| 3. Transparent Labs Grass Fed Collagen | Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen, Rich in Type I and type III collagen peptides | Helps with people that have thinning hair (thickens hair) | TL's official website |
| 4. Primal Keto Collagen | Types I & III hydrolyzed bovine collagen | Supports healthy hair | Primal's official website |
| 5. Live Conscious Collagen Peptides | Hydrolyzed types I & III Collagen Peptides | Supports strong hair, skin and nails | LC's official website |
| 6. Alaya Collagen Powder | Multi-source collagen peptide blend of types I, II, III, V and X (Grass fed) | Strengthens and promotes healthy hair and nails | Alaya's official website |
| 7. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | Bovine Collagen types I & III | Helps support healthy hair | Vital Protein's official website, or amazon |
How Does Collagen Help with Hair Growth?
There are a few different ways that collagen can help with hair growth. To start with, the antioxidants in collagen help our body fight back against free radicals caused by pollution, poor air quality, stress, diet, smoking and alcohol. Free radicals can be very damaging to hair follicles, which can slow down the growth of your hair and make it look thin. The amino acids in collagen can also support the production of keratin, which is the protein that is responsible for forming our actual strands of hair. If your supplement of choice contains marine collagen, this provides your body with additional praline, which is also essential for the relationship between keratin and hair formation.
In order for your hair to grow faster, you need to pay attention to the health of your scalp. Our hair follicles are situated on the dermis layer of our skin. This layer is largely made up of collagen. So, as we get older, our decreased collagen production will decrease the efficiency of our dermis layer to grow and maintain healthy hair.
What Is the Best Type of Collagen That Will Improve Hair Growth?
There are 28 different types of collagens, with type I and III being the most important when it comes to hair growth. Type I collagen is largely sourced from marine collagen, which is beneficial to our bones, skin, blood vessel walls, cartilage, and other tissues. This is also the form of collagen that is prevalent in the body.
What to Look for in a Collagen Powder for Hair Growth
When shopping for a collagen powder / supplement that will help you with your hair growth journey, there are some specific things to keep in mind.
Type I Collagen Included in the Supplement
I touched on this briefly earlier in this article, but I would like to explain this concept further. Type I collagen is the main collagen that has the ability to fight against all of the different free radicals that can impact your scalp. Instead of experiencing hair loss and hair thinning, your hair will look healthier, thicker and grow faster. By increasing the antioxidant presence around your hair follicles, you won’t have to worry about a slower regeneration process. When you’re trying to choose a collagen supplement that will provide you with the most benefits in regard to your hair, make sure that type I is included in the formulation.
Reputable Brand
You’re not going to get the results that you’re looking for if you don’t purchase a collagen supplement from a reputable brand. By reputable I mean a company that has loyal customers that have experienced positive results from regular use of a product. It’s important that you can trust that a company has created their products using scientific information, high-quality ingredients and has put a great deal of research into potential benefits.
Safety – Third Party Tested
In order to determine that a product is safe, third-party testing should be utilized. This means that a company will outsource the testing of their products so you can ensure that they’re producing accurate and truthful results. Third-party testing can confirm the purity and potency of a product while sometimes testing for banned substances.
Free of Additives
The best collagen supplements for hair growth are free of artificial additives and ingredients. You want only pure collagen and other pure nutrients that are going to get the job done without causing harm to the body.
Transparent Ingredients
A brand that deserves your business will be very truthful about what is in their products. Transparency is key so you know what you’re putting into your body. Look for a full ingredient list but see if there is additional information on the company’s website that explains where ingredients are sourced and why.
The 7 Best Collagen Powders for Hair Growth (And the Reasons Why They Made Our List)
I tried a lot of collagen supplement powders over the year and these are my top-rated collagen powders that have helped hair growth. A quick tip for everyone – I love to add collagen to my coffee in the mornings, which is a really nice way to add the supplement to your daily routine. Here are my favorites:
#1. Primal Collagen
Primal Harvest has created their Primal Collagen powder using certified grass-fed, free-range cows that haven’t been treated with any hormones. Breaking down this collagen into shorter peptides (by way of hydrolyzation) increases its absorbency and potency. Thanks to amino acids such as histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine, you should see a remarkable increase in the speed at which your hair grows. One bag of Primal Collagen Powder costs just under $30 and should last you approximately 30 days. Subscribing for monthly deliveries will save you 20 percent while also unlocking free shipping for your orders.
Now, Primal Harvest also makes Primal Hair Growth Complex, which consists of many essential vitamins and ingredients designed to support healthy hair. However, there are many of us out there that have seen results with Primal's Collagen Powder.
Pros
- Can speed up the growth of your hair while repairing your hair follicles
- Improves the texture and appearance of your skin
- This product has a full amino acid profile
- Also has the potential to boost gut health
Cons
- Contains only one source of collagen
- It’s a bit costly, but you can save money by subscribing for regular deliveries
#2. 1st Phorm Collagen with Dermaval
A great collagen option from 1st Phorm is their Collagen with Dermaval supplement. This is a product that has gone through a low-temperature process to make collagen more absorbable by the body. Containing five different forms of collagen that comes from five different sources, 1st Phorm has formulated this product to ensure you’re getting a very extensive amino acid profile that will benefit your hair growth in addition to other things. Each serving offers 50 milligrams of Dermaval, which is a phytonutrient complex that increases the presence of elastin in the body. Made in a convenient powder form, you can add this product to things like smoothies, coffee, tea or oatmeal in the morning.
Pros
- 1st Phorm is a very reputable brand that sells a variety of health supplements that can help you achieve results in the way of beauty, metabolism, nutrient intake and much more
- Multiple collagen sources are used
- Delicious chocolate flavor
- Free of artificial ingredients or additives
- Can increase hair growth
- Improves the quality of your skin
Cons
- This product is more expensive than other collagen supplements, but it’s made from high quality collagen sources
#3. Transparent Labs Collagen Peptides
As we age, our body will produce less collagen. Transparent Labs will help you fight back against this scenario by increasing your intake using bovine-sourced collagen I and III. The longer that you take this product, the most results you’ll experience. This will not only include faster hair growth but also healthier connective tissues, faster recovery time after exercise and a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. This product is free of artificial ingredients like sweeteners (stevia is used), coloring and preservatives.
Pros
- Comes in a tasty chocolate flavor
- Reduces signs of aging
- Promotes vitality
- Made with grass fed bovine sourced collagen
- Mixes well with a variety of beverages and foods
Cons
- Contains non-organic natural flavors
- Contains stevia
#4. Primal Keto Collagen
Keto Collagen by Primal Harvest is a supplement that is gaining massive popularity due to the MCT ingredient that's added in it. It contains hydrolyzed bovine collagen that can benefit your hair growth, hair quality, skin, joints, gut and so much more. Primal Harvest has opted to add MCT powder to their collagen supplement, sourced from certified grass-fed, free-range cows. This product contains a full panel of essential amino acids, including histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. All of these ingredients combined provides a very potent product that is almost identical to the natural collagen production that your body experienced when you were younger.
Pros
- Promotes faster hair growth
- Boosts the quality of your skin and nails
- Improves joints and gut health
- Contains types I & III hydrolyzed bovine collagen
- Added MCT oil will boost your energy levels
- Provides faster recovery time
- Unflavored, so you can use it in a variety of foods and beverages
- Made in a GMP-certified facility
Cons
- Not safe for people with tree nut allergies, as this product contains coconut
#5. Live Conscious Collagen Peptides
Live Conscious Collagen Peptides includes both hydrolyzed types I and III collagen that are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, Grade A bovine. Completely hormone-free and non-GMO, this product contains 19 different amino acids. Formulated with enhanced bioavailability and absorption in mind, Live Conscious Collagen Peptides supports fast hair growth and can also strengthen your hair. It’s also great for your joints, skin and nails thanks to healing of the body's overall cellular structure. You simply mix together 11 grams of Live Conscious Collagen Peptides powder with 8 to 12 ounces of liquid.
Pros
- Contains pure, hydrolyzed peptides
- Increases the body’s collagen reserves
- Easily dissolves
- Contains type I and type III collagen
- 100 percent non-GMO
- Provides hair, skin, nail and joint support
Cons
- Could be pricey for some people
#6. Alaya Naturals Multi Collagen Protein
Alaya Collagen is a very versatile product that contains collagen peptides from multiple sources. Included are types I, II, III, V and X. Also included is a multi-joint complex made up of MSM, glucosamine and chondroitin. Sources of collagen in Alaya Collagen include chicken, fish, bovine and egg. This product has been designed to mimic the body's natural production of this essential protein for hair growth and a wide spectrum of other benefits.
Pros
- Contains multiple collagen types, such as I, II,III, V and X
- Also added are MSM, glucosamine and chondroitin
- Unflavored and odorless for ease of administration
- Formulated from grass-fed and hormone-free bovine and other wild and free-range sources
Cons
- Contains egg (not safe if you have an egg allergy
- Manufactured in a facility that processes many of the major allergens like shellfish, tree nuts, eggs and milk
#7. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Containing 19 different amino acids, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder not only includes types I and III collagen (twenty grams are in each serving) but also hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which promote an increased production of collagen in the body. It mixes easily with various liquids and is readily absorbable. You can use this product to support your hair, skin and nails as well as tendons, organs and bones. Incorporate Vital Proteins into your morning routine for impressive benefits in just a few weeks. You can purchase large containers of the powder, but individual serving travel sticks are also available for convenience of use.
Pros
- Contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
- Beneficial for hair growth, skin and nails
- Promotes optimal joint health
- Whole 30 approved
- Doesn’t contain artificial ingredients or additives
Cons
- If you opt for the capsules, you have to take a very large number each day
Who Should Add a Collagen Supplement to Their Diet?
While this article largely focused on using collagen supplements to promote faster hair growth, you can also reap the benefits of increased collagen production in regard to other areas of the body. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your joints, want to decrease inflammation in the body or feel like you’re not recovering from your workouts quickly enough, it might be time to start adding collagen to your routine each day. Collagen is very well tolerated by most people, and it’s something that can be included with many of your other supplements that you’re already taking.
Collagen vs. Biotin
Collagen and biotin are both used for beauty-related benefits and other health functions, but there are some key differences that I want to point out. Biotin is very rich in vitamin B7 and contains collagen. It has an important role in fatty acid metabolism and cell growth. While it can also help with hair growth and skin health, biotin also has biological benefits like regulating blood sugar and digestive functions.
Collagen functions as a main structural protein that can be found in things like our nails, bones, muscles, skin, tendons, and connective tissues. It essentially works hard to keeps the body functioning as a strong, whole unit.
Side Effects That You Need to Know About
Collagen is well tolerated by many people, but there are side effects that you should take note of before trying a supplement of this type. For example, it can result in high levels of calcium in the blood when taken in excess. A hypersensitivity response can occur as well, which would cause the immune system to overreact to a potential allergen or trigger. Lastly, some people experience a dry mouth or a bad taste in their mouth when they are taking collagen on a regular basis. These are just some side effects to watch out for, and you may want to speak with your doctor if you’re concerned with any of them prior to starting a supplement for the first time.
The Bottom Line
If you have decided to utilize a collagen supplement for the purpose of hair growth, you can talk with a trusted doctor regarding how you should take these supplements. Your exact dose may depend on what you’re hoping to achieve and your current state of health.
Make sure that you’re choosing a collagen supplement that is formulated with high quality ingredients. Stay away from artificial ingredients and additives that simply lower the quality of a product. You may want to ensure that hyaluronic acid and vitamin C have been added as well, to maximize the benefits of your collagen therapy for hair growth and regeneration.
Tips for Success from the RD
Aside from using collagen to get your hair to grow faster, here are some of my tips for success that can help you achieve luscious and healthy locks.
Wash Less Frequently
If you are used to washing your hair every single day, you could be doing more harm than good. When you’re washing frequently, this process can strip away natural oils that protect your hair. Even the best conditioner can’t replace those natural oils. If you have an oily scalp, try washing every other day to start out with. You can wash less frequently if you wish.
Take a Multivitamin
It’s beneficial to take a supplement that contains specific ingredients for hair growth, but you might want to try a daily multivitamin supplement as well. If you have nutritional gaps in your diet, these missing vitamins and minerals might be slowing down the growth of your hair.
Work More Healthy Fats into Your Diet
Increasing your levels of plant-based omega’s can decrease any inflammation that is present on your scalp. This can promote faster hair growth.
