Is collagen good for hair?

We know the anti-ageing benefits of collagen for the skin, but how does it work on our hair? Can taking marine collagen make your hair healthier and stronger? Let's find out how this protein can strengthen the hair fibre and how marine collagen powder can help you get beautiful, strong, vigorous hair again. Here's our advice on how to reap all the benefits of plant collagen, an essential cosmetic ingredient for thick, shiny hair.

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Collagen identity card

Common name: collagen

INCI: hydrolysed collagen

Origin: animal (bovine, fish), biotechnological

Obtainment method: hydrolysed collagen is extracted mainly from the skin, bones or scales of animals (usually bovine or fish), or from plant sources that stimulate collagen production. The hydrolysis process breaks down the protein into shorter peptides, making them easier to absorb by the skin or body.

Biochemical composition: collagen is a protein composed of three coiled chains forming a structure called tropocollagen. It consists mainly of amino acids such as glycine and proline and carbohydrates.

What is collagen?

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, accounting for around a third of all proteins in the body. It forms the basis of our connective tissues such as bones, skin, tendons and cartilage. It is even found in the corneas of our eyes and in our internal organs, as well as in our blood vessels. This macromolecule is present in several forms in our bodies, and there are in fact several types of collagen:

  • Type I collagen: the main interstitial collagen, found in the dermis, tendons, bones and vascular walls.

  • Type II collagen: found in cartilage and the vitreous body of the eye

  • Type III collagen: found in the dermis and vascular walls

  • Type IV collagen: present in the basal lamina

  • Type V collagen: present in muscles, placenta, etc.

In total, there are more than 16 different types of collagen in the body, but the most abundant are types 1, 2 and 3.

Collagen is a polysaccharide, a natural carbohydrate in the glycosaminoglycan family. It is also a protein (i.e. composed of a succession of amino acids). Its fundamental unit, called tropocollagen, is 280 nm long and 1.5 nm in diameter. It is a glycoprotein formed by the coiling of three left-handed α-helices carrying carbohydrates (glucose, galactose). The amino acids are glycine, proline,hydroxylysine and 4-hydroxyproline. The carbohydrates are attached to hydroxylysine, and it is the coiling of the three α chains that forms the tropocollagen molecule. Collagen plays a crucial role in the regeneration and structure of skin tissue, and also plays a part in skin elasticity.

Collagen is essential to your skin's healthy appearance, giving it volume, elasticity, firmness and resistance. Collagen proteins also play an essential role in maintaining healthy, young-looking hair. Lastly, collagen plays a part in intestinal comfort, joint health and even helps our brains function properly!

From the age of 25, our bodies begin to synthesise collagen less effectively, and then our collagen stocks fall drastically after the age of 50. This drop in our collagen stocks leads to skin ageing, loss of firmness, loss of hair density, lack of muscle tone and joint pain.

Benefits of collagen for hair

  • Sheathes and strengthens hair by forming a film, sheathing the cuticle, reinforcing and protecting it while having a noticeable thickening effect.

  • Makes hair soft and shiny.

  • Encourages keratinocyte production and promotes hair growth and elasticity when taken orally.

Why take collagen for your hair?

In cosmetics, collagen is very often used in hair care products, in hair salons and in hair protective products. A few years ago, hair straightening with collagen was the talk of the town. Today, there are natural, plant-based solutions for making your own collagen treatments and improving your hair's appearance. Aroma-Zone's Plant Collagen cosmetic active ingredient can be easily incorporated into your volumising shampoo recipes, fine hair recipes or simply to enrich a hair mask base.

You can also use a course of marine collagen while incorporating our Plant Collagen active ingredient into your daily hair care routine for its overall effects.

Does marine collagen make hair grow?

Although there is limited documentation on this, a 2019 study highlighted the effect of collagen on keratinous tissue. Although this study focused mainly on nails, it suggests that collagen promotes the growth of keratinous tissue. Nails and hair are both mainly made up of keratin, so we can assume that collagen could have similar beneficial effects on hair, improving its structure, strength and potentially promoting growth.

A closer look at our collagen-based hair products

Marine collagen - 250 G - Food supplement

Made from hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, it is an ideal food supplement taken as a course to combat the signs of skin ageing. This type 1 collagen, manufactured in France, is clinically proven to help firm the skin. Lastly, marine collagen is also an essential supplement for athletes. This neutral-tasting collagen powder is easy to use, diluted in a glass of water or fruit juice, or in your everyday drinks.


Discover our marine collagen

Vegan collagen

This 100% vegan food supplement with proven effectiveness is the best vegan alternative to marine collagen. It is composed of a combination of acids from natural extracts of ginseng and Centella asiatica, as well as vitamin C to support the natural synthesis of collagen by our cells. Clinically tested, it reduces wrinkles and improves skin firmness and elasticity. For daily use, simply dissolve vegan collagen in a glass of water.


Discover our vegan collagen

How do I use collagen for my hair?

To make the most of all the benefits of collagen for your hair, you should follow a routine of regular hair care treatments enriched with plant collagen active ingredients. Our Plant Collagen Cosmetic active ingredient is the perfect ingredient for your homemade hair care routine. This active ingredient can be added to our Aroma-Zone Neutral Bases:

  • Transfer your product into a cosmetics mixing bowl or other suitable container.

  • Add between 0.5% and 5% maximum of plant collagen in relation to the total weight of your formula. You'll find all the instructions for use on the product fact sheet.

  • Shake well to even distribute the mixture.

As a hair product

Incorporate our Plant Collagen cosmetic active ingredient into your recipes for moisturising day creams for hair, smoothing serums and protective hair care products. Thanks to its thickening, sheathing and protective properties, it helps strengthen the hair fibre and keeps hair supple and shiny.

As a shampoo

To make your own natural collagen shampoo, with no harmful or irritating ingredients for the scalp, add our Plant Collagen to your homemade shampoo recipes.

You can create your own recipe from start to finish, such as a volumising plant-vased shampoo or an intense volume shampoo for fine hair.

Or if you prefer the simpler option, you can customise our Palm-Free Neutral Shampoo Base by adding 50 drops of Plant Collagen active ingredient.

As a hair mask

As a hair mask, our Plant Collagen active ingredient is an ideal addition to the Aroma-Zone Organic Hair Mask Base. For a volumising hair mask with collagen. Apply this mask to your hair before shampooing, comb through to evenly distribute the mask, leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with your usual shampoo.

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As a course of treatment

Taking collagen food supplements as part of a course of treatment helps boost keratin production by providing the amino acids needed for hair growth. For this, consume 5 g of powder a day, diluted in a glass of water or fruit juice for 1 to 2 months.

What can we combine collagen with for an effective hair care treatment?

To make tired hair shiny again, combat hair loss after pregnancy or for anti-ageing hair products, there are many natural solutions you can combine with collagen.

Neutral Shampoo Base

This neutral shampoo base gently cleanses hair, leaving it supple and shiny. 100% natural origin, certified organic, palm oil derivative and sulfate free, this base can be used as it is or combined with active ingredients such as collagen.

Discover our Neutral Shampoo Base

Hair mask

This certified organic Neutral Hair Mask Base, enriched with jojoba, castor and shea butter carrier oils, protects, smoothes and nourishes your hair. Its light, supple texture makes it ideal for use as a hair mask or conditioner. Ideal as a leave-in treatment to sheath, nourish and revitalise all of your hair right down to the ends, it can be used on its own or in combination with our collagen active ingredient for a customised treatment.

Discover the hair mask base

Hyaluronic acid serum

Use after washing. Combining these two active ingredients helps to combat hair ageing, locks moisture into the hair fibre and coats the hair. Our recommendation is to customise our Hyaluronic Acid Serum Concentrate with our Plant Collagen active ingredient for a restorative, moisturising serum that nourishes your hair right down to the ends.

Discover our Hyaluronic Acid

Keratin Food Supplement

In combination with collagen, keratin food supplements help make hair strong and shiny again. It also has an effect on hair quality and reduces the daily hair loss caused by styling. Clinical studies also show benefits for the skin's overall appearance and elasticity, and for improving both nail quality and hardness.

Discover our Keratin Food Supplement

Hair oil

Organic premium carrier oils can be used as a rub-in or leave-in treatment for the ends of your hair. Enriched with castor, coconut, amla, avocado, olive, broccoli, jojoba and mustard oils, it strengthens and nourishes your hair, leaving it shiny. This oil can be used neat or with the active ingredients, essential oils or fragrances of your choice to create your own 100% natural hair care product

Discover our hair oil

Recipes for healthy hair

Here are a few recipes you can use at home to look after your hair.

Hair growth elixir

Preparation

1

Pour all the ingredients into a bottle.

2

Close the bottle and shake.

3

All set!

Day care for fine, volume-depleted hair

Ingredients (without scales)

Preparation

1

Transfer the Fucocert active ingredients and Plant Collagen into the 200 ml Organic Neutral Hair Mask jars.

2

Mix well.

3

All set!

Contraindications

This food supplement is not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. For adults only. Not recommended for people with kidney failure without medical advice. Keep out of reach of young children. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

Storage

To preserve the effectiveness of your product, store it in a cool, dry place away from light.

Expert advice

Take your collagen on an empty stomach to maximise its absorption. This means it is absorbed more quickly and effectively by the body. On an empty stomach, collagen does not compete with other nutrients, allowing it to pass more easily into the bloodstream.

Find out more

Collagen or keratin for hair?

Both! Collagen and keratin, added as active ingredients to your hair care routine, will work in synergy on multiple aspects of the hair, such as volume, shine and protection. You can combine the active ingredients Plant Collagen and Keratin'protect in your DIY hair care recipes.

In the form of food supplements, marine collagen helps to increase keratin production by providing the amino acids needed for hair growth.

Biotin or collagen for hair?

Collagen is a protein while biotin is vitamin B8. Collagen and biotin affect different aspects of the hair and can be complementary.

Biotin (vitamin B8) helps to maintain normal, healthy hair. It is found in the food supplement Enriched Brewer's Yeast which has a strengthening effect on tired hair.

Please note that biotin may interfere with thyroid hormone levels, so speak to your GP if you are concerned.

Which types of collagen are most effective for hair?

Marine collagen is often considered the most effective for healthy hair due to its high bioavailability, which means it is more easily absorbed by the body than other types, such as bovine collagen. Consisting mainly of type I collagen, essential for skin and connective tissue, it helps strengthen the dermis where the hair roots are located, promoting hair growth and density. By slowing down the ageing of the scalp, it makes your hair thicker and stronger.

Spotlight on our Naturopathic editor, Lucie Granjon

Passionate about plants and their properties, she started her career as a perfumer before moving to the world of natural beauty and aromatherapy over 10 years ago. Lucie supports ethical and committed brands with strategy development, product formulation and expert advice for their customers. She has worked with the Aroma-Zone team on several books, including "Le grand guide de l'Aromathérapie et des cosmétiques naturels" ("The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy and Natural Cosmetics"). She also has years of training in aromatherapy, herbalism and essential oil distillation, and supports the work of French plant growers.

Bibliography

1

Bertolini, M., et al. Revealing novel insights on how oral supplementation with collagen peptides may prevent hair loss: Lessons from the human hair follicle organ culture. Journal of Functional Foods, 2024.

2

Kim, J. B., et al. Low Molecular Weight Collagen Peptide (LMWCP) Promotes Hair Growth by Activating the Wnt/GSK-3β/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2024.

3

Zuniga, K., Ghousifam, N., Sansalone, J., Senecal, K., Van Dyke, M., & Rylander, M. N. Keratin Promotes Differentiation of Keratinocytes Seeded on Collagen/Keratin Hydrogels. Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 2024.