According to American Salon, collagen was one of the top trending ingredients in hair care in the year 2021. We often hear about collagen when it comes to skin, nail, and hair, but what exactly is it and how does it affect hair?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is one of the main building blocks of bones, cartilage, ligaments, skin, and tendons. There are a variety of different types of collagen in the body; each serves a specific purpose. For example, there is a type of collagen (Type IV) that comprises a membrane found in blood vessels. Other forms of collagen can be found in the cornea, gut, teeth, and muscles.
Like all proteins, collagen is comprised of amino acids. There are three amino acids that comprise collagen. All three of these amino acids are nonessential, meaning that they do not need to come from diet and the body can make them on their own. In order to be formed properly, the collagen molecule requires Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for cross-linking within the protein strand, or fibril. People who have a deficiency in Vitamin C (known as scurvy) are prone to issues relating to collagen that is not formed properly, including bleeding gums and non-healing wounds of the skin.
There are many other disorders that can affect collagen in the body, including, some autoimmune diseases. Some examples include Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, lupus, and scleroderma.
How does collagen affect hair?
Collagen can impact hair in a variety of ways. For example, one of the amino acids that comprises collagen is also one of the building blocks that comprises keratin, the main protein of hair. When one consumes collagen and other proteins, they are broken down and the amino acids components are recycled into other proteins. Collagen is rich in the amino acid proline and proline is one of the main ingredients of keratin.
Collagen can also act as an antioxidant and scavenge damaging free radicals (compounds that are deleterious) in the body that contribute to inflammation. Free radicals in the body may hasten hair graying; collagen may help to slow this process. It may also help to combat damage to hair follicles, but more research is needed. More research is also needed to determine if collagen can improve hair growth or if it can impact hair thinning over time.
Collagen can be taken as a supplement. There are gummy forms of collagen, as well as powders that can be dissolved in hot beverages or smoothies, as well as liquid formulations that can be directly drank. It can also be consumed through the diet, such as through the consumption of bone broth. As with any supplement or dietary change, speak with your physician prior to making any adjustments and confirm that it is safe for you to do so.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to be used for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment purposes. This is not medical advice. Please see your physician or care provider with any questions or concerns.
Sources:
American Salon Staff. (2021, July 26). Top 8 haircare category Google search trends [Online]. Available: https://www.americansalon.com/hair/top-8-haircare-category-google-search-trends
L. Streit. (2019, January 23). 5 evidence-based ways collagen may improve your hair [Online]. Available: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-for-hair
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