Is Jello Good for Your Hair Growth and Thickness?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Research suggests that gelatin, the main ingredient in jello, is a protein source rich in amino acids essential for hair strength and thickness. Let's explore the science to see if jello is good for your hair growth and thickness.

Quick Summary

Gelatin provides amino acids that can support hair's protein structure. It may increase thickness and strengthen hair, but it is not a cure for hair loss. The most notable effects are seen through consistent oral consumption.

Key Points

Unflavored Gelatin is the Key Ingredient: The sugary dessert Jell-O offers no hair benefits, but the pure gelatin it contains provides amino acids that are vital for hair health.
Provides Building Blocks for Keratin: Gelatin is a source of amino acids, particularly proline, which the body uses to produce keratin, the protein that forms hair.
Increases Hair Thickness: Consistent oral consumption of gelatin has been shown in studies to increase the diameter of individual hair strands, leading to thicker-looking hair.
Strengthens and Reduces Breakage: By reinforcing the hair's protein structure from within, gelatin helps reduce breakage and split ends, promoting overall hair strength.
Oral Consumption is Most Effective: For long-term, structural benefits, consuming gelatin orally via supplements or bone broth is more effective than topical application, which provides only temporary cosmetic effects.
Supports Scalp Health: The amino acids in gelatin contribute to a healthier scalp, which is an essential foundation for healthy hair growth.
Results Require Patience and Consistency: Noticeable improvements in hair quality and thickness typically take several weeks or months of consistent use to appear.

The Core Ingredient: Gelatin vs. Jell-O

Before diving into the effects on your hair, it’s crucial to distinguish between the product and its primary ingredient. The common dessert, Jell-O, is full of sugar, artificial flavors, and dyes, which offer no real nutritional benefits for your hair. The ingredient responsible for its gelling properties is gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen. The potential benefits for your hair come from pure, unflavored gelatin, which can be purchased as a powder.

The Science Behind Gelatin's Impact on Hair

To understand why gelatin might help your hair, you need to understand hair's composition. Hair is primarily made of the protein keratin. The body uses specific amino acids, or protein building blocks, to create keratin. Gelatin is rich in several key amino acids, including proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline.

When gelatin is consumed, the body breaks it down into these amino acids. These building blocks can then be used to synthesize new proteins, including the keratin needed for hair growth and structure. The process is not a direct, guaranteed path, but it provides the raw materials the body needs for healthy hair production.

How Gelatin Works for Hair

Scientific studies, although often small, suggest that consistent gelatin consumption can have a measurable impact on hair quality.

Increased Hair Thickness: One study found that daily gelatin ingestion led to an average increase in hair diameter of over 11% in participants over a period of 50 weeks. Thicker individual hair strands contribute to the overall appearance of fuller, denser hair.
Reduced Hair Breakage: By providing the amino acids needed for keratin synthesis, gelatin can help strengthen the hair shaft from within. Stronger, more resilient hair is less prone to split ends and breakage, leading to a healthier overall look.
Improved Scalp Health: The collagen-derived proteins in gelatin can help improve the scalp's health and elasticity. A healthier scalp environment is essential for optimal hair growth and follicle function, potentially reducing issues like flakiness.

Oral Consumption vs. Topical Application

There are two main ways people use gelatin for their hair: consuming it and applying it as a mask. While both methods have proponents, the scientific evidence primarily supports the oral route for long-term benefits.

Oral Consumption (Supplements and Food)

Bone Broth: Cooking animal bones and connective tissues releases natural gelatin and collagen into a nutrient-rich broth. This is a traditional way to consume these beneficial proteins.
Supplements: Unflavored gelatin powder can be added to smoothies, coffee, or hot beverages. Collagen peptide powders, a processed form of gelatin, are also widely available and easily dissolvable.
Dosage: Effective doses typically range from 10 to 14 grams of gelatin or collagen peptides per day. Consistency is more important than a large, one-time dose.

Topical Application (DIY Hair Mask)

A popular DIY remedy involves mixing unflavored gelatin with warm water, milk, and a hair conditioner to create a protein-rich hair mask.

How it works: When applied topically, the proteins in the mask coat the hair shaft, temporarily filling in damaged areas of the cuticle. This can lead to hair that feels smoother, thicker, and more hydrated. It can also help reduce frizz.
Effectiveness: The effects of a hair mask are temporary and cosmetic, unlike the internal strengthening provided by oral consumption. The large collagen molecules are generally too big to be absorbed through the skin or hair shaft for systemic benefits.

Gelatin vs. Other Hair Supplements

For those seeking thicker, healthier hair, gelatin is one of many options. Here is a comparison with other popular supplements.


Feature	Gelatin / Collagen	Biotin	Iron	Vitamin C
Mechanism	Provides amino acids for keratin and collagen synthesis.	Supports metabolism of amino acids, crucial for keratin production.	Carries oxygen to hair follicles; deficiency can cause hair loss.	Aids in iron absorption and protects hair follicles from oxidative stress.
:---	:---	:---	:---	:---
Best for	Improving existing hair thickness and strength.	Addressing biotin deficiency, which is rare but linked to hair loss.	Treating hair loss caused by iron deficiency.	Complementing other supplements and enhancing collagen synthesis.
Source	Animal bones, skin, and cartilage.	Eggs, nuts, legumes, and supplements.	Red meat, fish, spinach, lentils.	Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers.
Considerations	Not vegan; can cause digestive upset in some.	Effectiveness for non-deficient individuals is debated; can interfere with lab tests.	Excessive intake can be toxic; requires testing for deficiency.	Essential for overall health and acts as an antioxidant.

Potential Risks and Important Considerations

While generally safe, there are some considerations before adding gelatin to your routine. Oral supplements can cause mild digestive issues such as heartburn, bloating, or feelings of fullness in some individuals. As with any new supplement, it's wise to start with a small amount to see how the body reacts. Furthermore, because gelatin is an animal product, it is unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. Always consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist, especially if you have significant hair loss, to rule out underlying medical issues.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Jello for Hair

So, is jello good for your hair growth and thickness? The answer lies in its core ingredient. While the sugary dessert is ineffective, pure, unflavored gelatin and collagen supplements do contain the amino acids that provide the building blocks for stronger, thicker hair. Oral consumption is the most effective method, though DIY masks can offer temporary cosmetic benefits. For the best results, incorporate gelatin as part of a holistic approach to hair care that includes a balanced diet rich in other essential nutrients. Patience and consistency are key, as significant changes take time.

For more detailed information on the benefits of collagen and gelatin, consult trusted health resources such as Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, flavored Jell-O is ineffective for hair health. The benefits come from the high protein content of pure, unflavored gelatin. Flavored Jell-O contains mostly sugar and artificial ingredients, which can be detrimental to overall health and offer no benefits for hair.

Pure, unflavored gelatin powder can be mixed into hot liquids like coffee, tea, or broth until dissolved. It can also be added to smoothies or used in homemade snacks like gummies. Many people also take collagen peptide supplements, which offer similar benefits and are easier to dissolve.

A gelatin hair mask can temporarily make hair appear thicker and smoother by coating the strands, but the effect is cosmetic and will wash out. For long-term, structural changes, consuming gelatin orally is more effective.

Results are not immediate and require patience. Based on studies, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily consumption to begin noticing improvements in hair thickness and strength.

Some individuals may experience mild digestive side effects from oral gelatin supplements, such as bloating, belching, or heartburn. These effects are generally uncommon and can often be minimized by starting with a small dose.

Since gelatin is an animal product, vegetarians and vegans cannot use it. Plant-based alternatives like agar-agar can be used as gelling agents in food but do not offer the same amino acid profile. Other supplements like biotin, vitamin C, and iron can also support hair health.

Gelatin is not a cure for hair loss, especially if caused by genetics, hormones, or underlying medical conditions. It can support hair health and improve thickness, but it is not a substitute for medically proven hair loss treatments.