Collagen and Hair Growth: What’s the Connection?

Collagen is a protein discovered and produced throughout the physique. As you age, your physique produces much less collagen over time, which may result in a lack of pores and skin elasticity and different points. Collagen manufacturing may also be negatively affected by an excessive amount of solar, smoking, extreme alcohol use, lack of sleep, and restricted train.

Most analysis on collagen and collagen dietary supplements has revolved round its results on the pores and skin and its skill to enhance elasticity and cut back growing old. Nevertheless, some persons are curious if collagen dietary supplements may additionally promote hair development.

Thus far, there may be little proof that collagen dietary supplements trigger hair development, and the analysis that has been performed has been performed in check tubes somewhat than human trials.

Collagen is likely one of the most considerable proteins within the physique and is likely one of the main constructing blocks for wholesome pores and skin, muscle tissue, ligaments, tendons, and extra. It is usually present in bones, cartilage, and tooth and even fills out the cornea, which is current within the crystalline type.

Many healthcare professionals use collagen to deal with wounds, shut grafts, heal tooth extraction websites, and enhance restoration. Collagen-based membranes are additionally utilized in periodontal (gum) and implant remedy.

Essentially the most studied position of collagen is its results on the pores and skin. Fibroblasts type collagen within the dermis or your pores and skin—a course of that helps new cells develop and change lifeless pores and skin cells and provides your pores and skin construction, energy, and elasticity. It’s this course of that many individuals imagine may additionally have an effect on hair development—particularly as a result of collagen may assist create the canvas wanted for hair. Nevertheless, there may be little or no proof to assist these concepts.

Whereas collagen is required for wholesome hair, there’s a lack of proof that dietary supplements will really promote hair development. Most healthcare suppliers advocate consuming meals that enhance your physique’s pure collagen manufacturing. Even then, consuming sure meals isn’t assured to have an effect on your hair development.

Thus far, most research on collagen and its skill to affect hair development have been carried out in check tubes or have been funded by corporations producing collagen dietary supplements. For instance, one research discovered that individuals given a complement containing hydrolyzed fish‐origin collagen, taurine, cysteine, methionine, iron, and selenium confirmed better hair loss enhancements when mixed with hair loss therapies. Nevertheless, the research solely lasted 12 weeks and was funded by the corporate that makes the complement.

Further analysis is required earlier than collagen supplementation might be really useful for hair development.

Collagen supplementation isn’t a scientifically confirmed approach to enhance hair loss or promote hair development. Subsequently, it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account different choices for hair development.

It is at all times useful to seek the advice of a dermatologist for analysis and a remedy plan. Listed here are some issues you may strive:

• Focus on utilizing minoxidil together with your healthcare supplier: One approach to stimulate hair development is to make use of merchandise or dietary supplements containing over-the-counter (OTC) remedy minoxidil. This remedy can stimulate hair development, however when you cease utilizing it, the outcomes can be misplaced. Ensure this route works for you earlier than attempting it.
• Discuss to a healthcare supplier about important oils: Whereas the analysis on important oils for hair development remains to be in its infancy, some research recommend utilizing particular important oils may also help stimulate hair development. As an example, one staff of researchers found that rosemary important oil was simply as efficient as minoxidil in selling hair development. One other group of researchers had related outcomes with pumpkin seed oil.
• Spend money on a scalp massager: Though analysis is restricted, some folks have had good outcomes with scalp therapeutic massage. Researchers discovered that individuals had thicker hair after utilizing a scalp massager for 4 minutes day by day for twenty-four weeks.
• Take a look at for nutrient deficiencies: Hair loss might be attributable to an absence of sure nutritional vitamins and minerals—as an illustration, low vitamin D or B ranges. Conversely, over-supplementation with vitamins like selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E has been linked to hair loss. For that reason, don’t use dietary supplements until your physique wants them.
• Strive stress reduction: Stress, particularly continual or ongoing stress, is a serious contributor to hair loss. For that reason, it is advisable to do what you may to attenuate stress in your life and make the most of stress reduction methods, like respiration workout routines, when you’re pressured.

Most individuals begin to lose collagen of their physique beginning round age 20. After age 40, you may count on to lose about 1% of your collagen shops every year. By about 80 years outdated, collagen manufacturing can lower by 75% total in comparison with younger adults. For that reason, it is important to attempt to enhance your collagen shops by means of eating regimen—and typically with dietary supplements.

Begin by consuming sufficient protein and meals that comprise vitamin C. Your physique produces collagen utilizing amino acids like glycine and proline, that are in high-protein meals. Vitamin C helps your physique to metabolize the protein you devour.

Listed here are some collagen-boosting meals:

It is regular to lose about 50-100 hairs a day. In case you’re shedding greater than that otherwise you’re beginning to discover thinning, patchy areas, a widening half, or a receding hairline, it is essential to see a healthcare supplier like a dermatologist. They’ll inform you when you’re experiencing telogen effluvium or anagen effluvium.

• Telogen effluvium, or shedding, sometimes happens when somebody has misplaced a big quantity of weight, has had a excessive fever from an sickness just like the flu or COVID-19, or has given beginning. It may also be attributable to vital stress, surgical procedure, or stopping contraception capsules.
• Anagen effluvium is usually attributable to hereditary hair loss, autoimmune illnesses, and sure drugs. Harsh hair merchandise and tight hairstyles may trigger it.

A dermatologist can inform you which kind of hair loss you are experiencing and provide recommendation on treating it. In addition they can decide if in case you have an underlying medical situation contributing to your situation, like lupus or a thyroid situation. The earlier your hair loss is recognized and handled, the better the chance of a whole restoration or a profitable remedy plan to gradual your hair loss.

Collagen is likely one of the most considerable proteins within the human physique. Nevertheless, our physique’s collagen manufacturing begins to say no after age 40, resulting in growing old pores and skin and a lack of elasticity. How these adjustments have an effect on hair development isn’t totally understood. Some corporations recommend that taking collagen dietary supplements will enhance hair development, however little proof helps these claims.

Beginning with a well-balanced eating regimen, high quality sleep, and common train is essential. It may also be useful to debate your hair loss with a dermatologist. They may also help establish the foundation trigger and advocate a remedy plan.