When most people think of hair care, shampoos, conditioners, and serums usually come to mind. But what happens beneath the surface is just as—if not more—important. Collagen, a structural protein found throughout the body, plays a surprising yet significant role in maintaining healthy, vibrant hair. It's not just about appearance; it's about nourishing the foundation from which every hair grows.
Hair follicles rest in the dermis layer of the skin, a collagen-rich zone. This means that the health of your skin directly affects the strength and resilience of your hair. As collagen levels naturally decline with age (especially after your mid-20s), so can the vitality of your hair—leading to thinner strands, slower growth, and increased breakage.
How Collagen Supports Hair Growth and Strength
One of the key ways collagen helps your hair is by fighting oxidative stress. Free radicals from UV exposure, pollution, or even poor diet can damage hair follicles and interfere with normal hair growth. Collagen is rich in the amino acid proline, which also happens to be a major component of keratin—the protein that makes up the majority of your hair structure. When you support your body with high-quality collagen peptides, you're essentially supplying it with the raw materials it needs to build stronger, healthier strands.
Additionally, collagen supports the elasticity and hydration of the scalp. A nourished scalp creates an ideal environment for hair follicles to thrive, promoting consistent growth and reducing issues like dryness, itchiness, and flaking. Some studies have even indicated that consistent collagen supplementation may improve hair thickness and reduce hair shedding over time.
Choosing the Right Collagen for Hair Health
When looking for a collagen supplement to support your hair, focus on its bioavailability—how easily your body can absorb and use it. Marine collagen, such as that sourced from sustainably harvested fish, is known for having a smaller peptide size compared to bovine or porcine sources, making it more readily absorbed. Ballstad Salmon Collagen, for example, is hydrolyzed for better absorption and is completely tasteless and odorless, so you can mix it effortlessly into your morning coffee, smoothie, or tea.
Its naturally high Type I collagen content—an essential type for skin, hair, and nails—makes marine collagen particularly beneficial for maintaining the strength and thickness of your hair as you age.
A Daily Habit That Pays Off
Adding collagen to your daily wellness routine doesn’t require a dramatic lifestyle change. But over time, it can lead to noticeable improvements in hair quality, resilience, and shine. If you’re experiencing breakage, slow growth, or dullness, your hair may be telling you it's time to support it from within.
