When it comes to hair care, most people think about shampoos, conditioners, or styling serums. But what really determines the strength and vitality of your hair begins beneath the surface.
Collagen—a structural protein found throughout the body—plays a surprisingly important role in keeping hair strong, resilient, and healthy. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about nourishing the foundation from which every strand grows.
Why Collagen Matters for Hair
Hair follicles sit within the dermis, the collagen-rich layer of the skin. That means the condition of your skin directly influences the health of your hair.
As collagen levels naturally decline with age (starting in the mid-20s), hair may become:
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Thinner and weaker
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Slower to grow
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More prone to breakage
By supporting your body’s collagen levels, you can help maintain both scalp health and hair vitality.
How Collagen Supports Hair Growth and Strength
Collagen contributes to hair health in several key ways:
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Fights oxidative stress: Free radicals from UV exposure, pollution, or poor diet can damage follicles. Collagen provides antioxidant support to protect them.
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Supplies building blocks: Collagen is rich in proline, an amino acid essential for producing keratin, the protein that makes up most of your hair.
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Improves scalp health: Collagen helps maintain hydration and elasticity in the scalp, creating the ideal environment for follicles to thrive.
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Promotes thickness and strength: Some studies suggest that regular collagen supplementation may reduce shedding and improve hair density over time.
Choosing the Right Collagen for Hair Health
Not all collagen supplements are equally effective. The key is bioavailability—how easily your body can absorb and use it.
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Marine collagen, especially from sustainably sourced fish, has a smaller peptide size than bovine or porcine collagen, making it easier to absorb.
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Ballstad Salmon Collagen is hydrolyzed for maximum absorption and offers a clean, tasteless, and odorless option. You can stir it into coffee, smoothies, or even tea without altering flavor.
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Rich in Type I collagen, it directly supports skin, hair, and nail health, making it a smart choice for those focused on maintaining hair strength and shine.
A Daily Habit That Delivers Results
Adding collagen to your daily routine doesn’t require a major lifestyle overhaul. But over time, it can lead to noticeable improvements in hair quality, resilience, and overall appearance.
If your hair feels brittle, grows slowly, or lacks luster, it may be a signal that your body needs support from within. With consistent use, collagen supplementation can help restore strength and vitality where it matters most.