The Facts About Collagen for Hair

By now, you’re probably familiar with why collagen is important for your skin, but what about collagen and hair? In case you’re in need of a refresher, the Cleveland Clinic explains that collagen is a protein located in the dermis—the middle layer of your skin that contains blood vessels, hair follicles, and sebaceous (oil) glands. But does collagen benefit your hair? Here, we look into a couple of studies on the topic and share a few of our hair care products formulated with collagen. (Spoiler alert: Further research is needed to fully understand if there is a relationship between collagen and hair, specifically hair growth.) Read on for your lesson on collagen!

THE FACTS ABOUT COLLAGEN AND HAIR

Let’s get down to business—are the claims surrounding collagen and hair growth a mere rumor or fact? Well, as it turns out, several studies have made the conclusion that collagen could be a potential solution for those with hair loss. One study from the National Center for Biotechnological Information (NCBI), which involved research done primarily on mice, found that increased collagen production strengthened the soft tissue surrounding hair follicles, creating a stable environment for hair growth.

Per another NCBI study, collagen VI—an extracellular matrix molecule that is abundantly expressed in the skin—was found to be strongly deposited in hair follicles. The study goes on to explain that a lack of collagen IV delays hair cycling and growth, suggesting there is an essential relationship between collagen and hair follicle regeneration.

So, can increasing collagen production promote hair growth? A study from the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology states that microneedling, a therapy used to induce collagen formation, shows some promise in improving hair growth, especially in combination with existing techniques.

As for using hair products with collagen or collagen supplements in an effort to promote growth, more research is necessary to understand the effectiveness of using collagen topically or taking it orally. Still, this hasn’t stopped collagen from becoming a popular ingredient for hair care products and supplements alike.

OUR HAIR CARE PRODUCTS FORMULATED WITH COLLAGEN

If your newfound knowledge of collagen for hair has made you curious about introducing products with this ingredient to your hair care routine, we’re here to share our favorites below.

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Volume Filler Thickening Shampoo: This shampoo for thin, fine hair is meant to provide your strands with long-lasting volume. The thickening formula builds body and density for hair that feels thicker in one use. Use as a system with our L’Oréal Paris Elvive Volume Filler Thickening Conditioner and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Volume Filler Densifying Gelee, both of which are also formulated with collagen, for a complete system that penetrates the hair fiber from root to tip for healthier-looking, full hair. It works to create texture from within to generate a thicker feel, root lift, and lasting volume over time.

How to use it: First, massage the shampoo onto wet hair, lather, and rinse. Then, apply the conditioner, leave it on for one to three minutes, then rinse. Finish your routine by applying the hair treatment evenly through damp hair before blow-drying.

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme: Looking to switch up your hair color? Consider this at-home hair coloring kit, which contains an after-color conditioner formulated with collagen. The kit seals, replenishes, and conditions your hair, providing triple protection. You’ll be left with rich, radiant, gorgeous color and 100% resistant gray coverage. What more could you want? 

How to use it: To dye your hair at home, carefully follow the instructions included with the at-home hair color kit.  

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Age Perfect: Another at-home hair coloring option, this kit also contains an after-color conditioner formulated with collagen. The hair dye is specifically developed to color mature, gray hair with Layered-Tone Technology to provide color full of highs and lows. At the roots, regrowth is beautifully blended with the rest of your hair. You’ll be left with flattering color and fuller, thicker-looking hair. 

How to use it: Follow the instructions on the package insert included in the box. 

Next up: Now that you’ve finished your lesson about collagen and hair, let’s brush up on another ingredient: rice water! Head over to our article, Is Rice Water a Hair Growth Miracle?, for everything you need to know.