Is Collagen Good for Hair Growth?
The benefits of collagen for hair growth are often discussed, but remain unclear. Though collagen supplements are often touted as a treatment for thinning hair, these claims can be misleading. Hair thinning and hair loss can have many different causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medical conditions.
While collagen may help strengthen brittle strands and protect against breakage—which can, in turn, make hair appear thicker and fuller—there’s no strong evidence that oral or topical collagen can directly accelerate hair growth. What collagen can do is support the overall condition of the scalp and strands, creating the optimal conditions for healthy-looking hair to grow.
Keep in mind that if you’re struggling with thinning or are noticing more hair fall than usual, it’s best to consult your dermatologist. They can help you identify the cause of the thinning and work with you to develop a plan that addresses your needs.
Topical Collagen Peptides for Hair vs. Collagen Peptide Supplements: What’s The Difference?
There are two ways that you can incorporate collagen peptides into your haircare routine: Orally with supplements or topically with haircare products.
Usually, supplements don’t contain whole collagen, but rather, collagen peptides—broken-down pieces of collagen that, in theory, are easier for your body to digest. During digestion, the peptides are broken down further into amino acids, which your body can then use to help support stronger hair, skin, and nails.
On the other hand, there are collagen peptides found in shampoos, conditioners, masks, and treatments. It doesn’t get absorbed into the hair itself; instead, it sits on the surface of the hair fiber, helping to condition, smooth, and temporarily improve the look and feel of your strands. If dullness, dryness, or roughness rank among your top concerns, using haircare products with collagen peptides can be a great way to achieve your hair goals.
Collagen vs. Biotin for Hair: What’s The Difference?
Collagen, as we’ve explained, is a structural protein that provides your body with the amino acids necessary to make keratin. It also helps support the skin and connective tissue around the hair follicles, which can contribute to healthier-looking hair.
Biotin, by contrast, is a B vitamin (specifically, B7) that helps the body convert essential nutrients into energy. Like collagen, it also helps support keratin production. As such, it’s often found in haircare supplements designed to help address hair loss or thinning. However, like collagen, evidence supporting these claims is limited2.
Additionally, while taking collagen supplements for hair is unlikely to cause harm, taking too much biotin can pose several risks, including interfering with routine blood tests. If you’re interested in adding a supplement to your routine for any reason, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor first. They can guide you through proper dosages and make you aware of any potential side effects you should keep an eye out for.
How To Add Collagen To Your Haircare Routine
How you add collagen to your haircare routine depends on the products you’re using—some can be used daily, while others are best used more sparingly. If you’re looking for a system that you can use every wash day, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Collagen + Peptide Lifter System. The lineup consists of a shampoo, conditioner, volumizing mousse, and lightweight dry shampoo that work in tandem to help hydrate the hair, boost volume, and support healthy-looking strands. Keep reading to learn more about each product and how to use each in your routine.
1. Cleanse to remove dirt and oil
How often you should wash your hair depends on several factors, including your hair type, texture, daily routine, and styling habits. For some, a daily shampoo is ideal; for others, once or twice per week may be enough.
When it is time to lather up, start off strong with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Collagen Peptide + Lifter Volumizing Shampoo. The lightweight formula deeply cleanses and hydrates hair, delivering long-lasting volume from root to tip. Work the paraben-free cleanser into a lather, work it throughout your scalp and strands, then rinse well with lukewarm water (hot water can dry out your hair).
