Unlocking the Power of Biotin and Collagen for Hair Health: The Benefits You Need to Know

Biotin and Collagen are two of the most talked about supplements that address hair health issues.

Biotin is known to support health by breaking macronutrients in the body for the renewal of hair follicle cells and growth. Collagen strengthens the scalp and protects hair. Continue reading to know more about biotin collagen for hair growth.

Image depicting Biotin and its role in promoting hair growth

What is Biotin?

Biotin has gained commercial popularity for its claimed benefits on healthy hair and nail. Despite its reputation, there is limited research to support the utility of Biotin in healthy individuals. Biotin is needed for several enzymatic reactions within the body and for properly metabolizing fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Over time, poor metabolism of nutrients can give rise to undernourished hair follicle cells. Although rare, a biotin deficiency may contribute to skin rashes and hair loss.

Evidence suggested by Harvard University suggests that Biotin is one of the most important nutrients for preserving hair strength, texture, and skin function. Due to its relatively low cost and abundant availability in cosmetic products, Biotin has become the new trend for consumers wishing to have longer, healthier hair. According to the Institute of Medicine state, the current recommendation for the adequate daily intake for adults is 30 mcg/day. Most healthy individuals meet these daily requirements through a well-balanced diet, though many still take up to 500 to 1000 mcg of biotin supplements daily.

Biotin and hair growth

There are numerous benefits of Biotin for hair. Biotin supplements for hair and biotin-added products are commonly advertised to promote hair growth for hair to support healthy hair or promote voluminous hair. This is why the cosmetic industry has biotin hair tablets and many supplements. You can choose the best biotin tablets for hair growth. Despite these claims, there’s limited evidence to suggest that biotin supplements for hair promote hair growth in nondeficient people. 

What is Collagen?

Collagen is often used to reduce signs of aging, plump up skin, and provide a youthful glow to our complexions. It is considered the most abundant protein found in connective tissues and skin. In addition to numerous full-body benefits that often come with collagen supplements, hair health is a common claim. But what does collagen do for your hair? After all, hair is made of the protein keratin, not collagen. Read on to get experts’ advice on collagen and hair health, including what collagen does for the hair and is it helps with hair growth.

Science-backed benefits of collagen for hair

Here are four potential benefits collagens has on hair, including reducing hair shedding and a balanced scalp. More information is given below.

  1. Provides essential compounds for hair growth – According to experts, collagen is not a compound of hair. The main component of hair, about 95% of it, is the protein keratin. For our body to produce keratin, an amino acid considered a building block of protein, is necessary. And that’s where the role of collagen begins. Proline is one of the most helpful primary acids. It is a physical component of keratin and interferes with new hair growth. So, collagen peptides containing proline can help form the protein that makes hair and assist with growth.
  2. Assist hair follicle health and regeneration – Several studies have found that during the hair growth phase (called anagen), the collagen levels surrounding the hair bulb thicken and increase. And as the hair follicles shifts to the catagen phase (when hair follicles shrink and hair growth slows down), it sheds two layers of collagen encompassing it. As our bodies tend to produce more collagen, the layers regenerate. This supports our hair follicles by supporting them in re-entering the growth phase and maintaining hair growth. In addition, the consumption of collagen allows the body to have enough amino acids, which can provide strength and protect hair follicles from oxidation. This, in turn, will enhance the productivity of the hair follicle.   
  3. Help with greying – Collagen may also help reduce the number of grey hair on your head. It has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals from ultraviolet rays and pollution.
  4. Help maintain a healthy scalp – Collagen supports scalp thickness. Thin hair with inadequate collagen is less robust and incapable of holding the hair follicle bulbs in place.

Final verdict!

Discuss any new supplement with a healthcare specialist to review possible side effects, allergies, and drug interaction. Collagen may be sourced from eggs and fish, considered common allergens. While Biotin is necessary for normal body function, and supplementation may help pregnant women and some people with diabetes mellitus. Insufficient data is still available to support supplementation or claims about healthy hair. Furthermore, because a hair growth supplement contains multiple ingredients, including iron and zinc, crucial for hair growth, it is impossible to attribute the findings to biotin collagen alone.

Read More: Diet for Healthy Hair