Collagen Peptides Can Have Huge Benefits For Your Hair Health

It is safe to say that aging is a normal — and yes, beautiful — process and that nobody should be taking extreme measures to prevent this from happening. That being said, a healthy amount of anti-aging practices, such as a good skincare regimen, supplements, and a healthy diet, is perfectly fine for most people, and might even lead to a richer, healthier lifestyle. Collagen, for example, is among those elements that many people speak of in relation to anti-aging benefits but not enough of us fully understand.

More than a mere bodily substance, collagen is a protein responsible for multiple things, from skin elasticity to supporting muscle and bone strength. It is naturally produced by the body and is vital to the health of our skin and hair, like keratin and hyaluronic acid. Though the benefits of using topical collagen and taking collagen supplements are debated, hair loss expert Sanjay Batra, Ph.D., tells Shape that "collagen, the most abundant protein in your body, is a primary building block for healthy bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments." 

Collagen peptides may not be a miracle cure for hair problems on their own, but by primarily affecting the cells at the root of the hair follicles, they may help to boost hair growth and prevent age-related thinning. "Studies have demonstrated that by supplementation of these specific amino acids [derived from collagen digestion], hair rejuvenation can be supported, particularly if these amino acids are supplemented in conjunction with a tandem hair loss initiative such as minoxidil, finasteride, or a natural treatment such as Revivv," Batra explains. 

Sadly, collagen is something the body makes less and less of as it ages, which is one of the primary causes of the most visible signs of aging, alongside sun exposure. As you age, your body's natural collagen production decreases and you might notice the signs in the way of a lack of elasticity in your skin or hair thinning and graying.

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are a form of broken-down, easily digestible collagen. Anthony Youn, M.D., explains that "collagen is a large protein, and for [it] to be absorbed by the body, it has to be broken down into either individual amino acids or groups of amino acids called peptides," (via YouTube). They often come in small capsules just like any other supplement, which are meant to boost and replenish the body's natural collagen production. 

According to a 2017 study published in Food & Function, collagen peptides were found to have significant antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from photoaging, and by extension, it is believed that they can also protect hair follicles with lower collagen levels from the damage of free radicals. Further, a study published in 2022 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences explored the benefits of collagen peptides (extracted from fish scales) for hair growth with promising results, indicating that fish-derived collagen may be used to prevent and treat hair loss.

Collagen boosters come in two effective forms: oral supplements and topical products such as face creams and serums. Supplements, often capsules and powders, are the broken-down version of collagen's amino acids and can be digested and absorbed more easily. You can find them in most grocery stores, drug stores, and specialized vitamin stores, and they're easy to incorporate into your morning supplement routine. Plus, collagen peptide powders can be mixed in with your favorite smoothies and protein shakes.

Haircare products are also a great way to introduce collagen peptides into your routine. "Collagen peptide infused shampoos and conditioners or serums are really about moisture and the amino acids benefits protecting and defending hair and scalp," expert hair restoration surgeon Rae Lynne Kinler, M.D., tells Byrdie. As YouTuber Andrea Suarez, M.D., (or Dr. Dray) explains, this is because it is believed that applying collagen peptides topically "can actually traverse through the epidermis to the deeper layers of the skin where they might, potentially, serve as the substrates for collagen synthesis." In simpler terms, although topical collagen peptides don't absorb into the body as readily as their supplement counterparts, they're still great at signaling a boost in your skin and hair's natural collagen production. So, if your shampoo or hair serum says it includes collagen peptides, you might notice improvements in thickness and overall health.