What Kind of Collagen Is Best for Hair Growth?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

While anecdotal evidence has long touted its benefits for skin and joints, collagen is now emerging as a key player in promoting hair health. Understanding what kind of collagen is best for hair growth can help you choose the right supplement to support healthier, more resilient locks.

Quick Summary

This article examines the types of collagen most beneficial for hair health, detailing the roles of Type I, III, and V collagen in supporting keratin production and scalp elasticity. It also explores different sources, bioavailability, and what to consider when choosing a supplement for hair growth.

Key Points

Type I and III Collagen Are Key: For hair growth, focus on supplements containing Type I and Type III collagen, found primarily in marine and bovine sources.
Hydrolyzed Collagen for Absorption: Opt for hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are broken down for better absorption by the body.
Supports Keratin Production: Collagen provides essential amino acids, like proline, which are the building blocks for keratin, the main protein in hair.
Combats Free Radical Damage: The antioxidant properties of collagen, particularly marine collagen, help protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals.
Promotes Scalp Health: Collagen maintains the elasticity and hydration of the dermis, creating a healthier environment for hair follicles to thrive.
Choose the Right Source: Marine collagen is often preferred for its high bioavailability, while bovine collagen provides a comprehensive amino acid profile.
Support with Nutrients: For best results, pair collagen with Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis.

The Foundational Role of Collagen in Hair Health

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structural support to your skin, bones, and connective tissues. It's crucial for hair health, as hair follicles are anchored in the dermis, the middle layer of skin, which is composed of 70% collagen. As we age, our body's natural collagen production declines, which can lead to weakened hair follicles, reduced hair thickness, and increased breakage. This is why incorporating the right type of collagen can provide the necessary amino acids to help build and strengthen hair from the inside out.

How Collagen Supports Hair Growth

Collagen's benefits for hair health are rooted in several key mechanisms:

Providing Building Blocks for Keratin: Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein that relies on amino acids like proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline for its production. Collagen is rich in these amino acids, supplying your body with the raw materials needed to synthesize keratin and build strong hair strands.
Fighting Free Radical Damage: Oxidative stress from free radicals, caused by sun exposure, pollution, and poor diet, can damage hair follicles and accelerate the hair aging process. Collagen acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect hair follicles from damage. Marine collagen, derived from fish scales, has shown particularly powerful antioxidant activity in some studies.
Improving Scalp Health: A healthy scalp is a prerequisite for healthy hair growth. Collagen helps maintain the elasticity and hydration of the dermis, the skin layer where hair roots reside. This strong, supportive environment promotes better circulation, ensuring that hair follicles receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive.
Regulating the Hair Growth Cycle: Some research, including in vitro and animal studies, suggests that specific collagen peptides, particularly marine-derived, may prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and delay the telogen (resting) phase. This could potentially reduce excess hair shedding and encourage new growth.

A Comparison of Collagen Types for Hair Growth

When choosing a collagen supplement, it's essential to know the different types and their primary functions. For hair growth, specific types offer the most direct benefits. Hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides, is the most recommended form, as it's broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed molecules.


Feature	Type I Collagen	Type III Collagen	Type V Collagen
Primary Function	Builds bones, skin, tendons, and connective tissue; provides strength and structure.	Supports the structure of muscles, organs, skin, and arteries; often found with Type I.	Helps with hair fiber formation and cell surfaces.
Primary Source	Marine (fish) and Bovine (cow) sources.	Bovine (cow) sources.	Found in eggshells and some layers of the skin.
Benefit for Hair	Provides amino acids for keratin and strengthens the dermis, supporting follicle health.	Promotes skin elasticity and firmness, benefiting overall scalp health.	Contributes directly to the health of the hair follicles and fibers.
Ideal For	Improving overall hair strength, thickness, and resilience.	Supporting skin and scalp elasticity.	Directly targeting hair density and follicle health.

What to Look for in a Collagen Supplement

To maximize the benefits of collagen for hair growth, consider these factors when choosing a product:

Hydrolyzed (Peptides): This form is highly bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb and utilize it most efficiently. Collagen peptides are the most effective delivery method for hair health.
Source (Marine vs. Bovine): Marine collagen (Type I) is often praised for its higher bioavailability due to a smaller molecular size, making it easily absorbed. Bovine collagen (Types I and III) is more widely available and provides a robust amino acid profile. Both can be effective, and the choice depends on dietary preferences.
Supporting Nutrients: Many high-quality collagen supplements include complementary nutrients that boost your body's natural collagen production and improve hair health. Look for products that contain Vitamin C, zinc, and biotin. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of new collagen, while biotin and zinc support hair structure and follicle function.

Conclusion: Selecting the Right Collagen for Your Hair

For those targeting improved hair growth, the consensus points toward a hydrolyzed collagen supplement, specifically one rich in Type I and Type III collagen peptides. Marine collagen is a popular choice due to its high bioavailability and concentration of Type I collagen, which directly supports hair and skin. Combining this with a diet rich in supporting nutrients like Vitamin C can enhance your body's ability to produce collagen naturally. While not a miracle cure for permanent hair loss conditions, a consistent collagen regimen can significantly improve hair strength, thickness, and resilience over time by nurturing the hair follicles and protecting against damage.

Your Collagen Hair Growth Action Plan

Choose Hydrolyzed: Opt for a hydrolyzed collagen powder or liquid to ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness.
Prioritize Types I & III: Seek a multi-collagen blend or marine collagen, which is naturally abundant in Type I collagen, the main type supporting hair.
Incorporate Supporting Nutrients: Ensure your supplement or diet includes Vitamin C to aid in your body's collagen synthesis.
Be Consistent: Like all supplements, consistency is key. Daily use over several months is needed to see noticeable improvements in hair quality.
Consult a Professional: For severe hair loss, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider, as collagen can serve as a supportive measure rather than a standalone treatment.

Ultimately, supporting your hair with the right kind of collagen is a long-term investment in your overall hair health, contributing to stronger, more vibrant hair growth from the root up.

Here is additional information on the science behind collagen and hair follicles for more in-depth reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both marine and bovine collagen, which contain Type I and Type III, can be effective. However, marine collagen is often noted for its superior bioavailability, meaning your body can absorb it more easily due to its smaller molecule size. The best choice depends on your dietary preferences.

Consistency is key, and it typically takes about 3 to 6 months of daily supplementation to notice improvements in hair strength, texture, and growth. Hair growth is a slow, cyclical process, so immediate changes are unlikely.

Collagen supplements can support overall hair health and may help with age-related thinning or shedding by providing essential building blocks and protecting follicles. However, they are not a proven treatment for reversing permanent conditions like male pattern baldness and should be used as a supportive measure.

While foods like bone broth, fish with skin, and other animal products contain collagen, getting a concentrated and consistent dose from diet alone can be difficult. Supplements offer a more convenient and bioavailable form of collagen, especially peptides, to ensure your body receives a steady supply.

No, topical collagen is generally not effective for hair growth because its molecules are too large to be absorbed through the scalp and reach the hair follicles in the dermis. Oral supplementation is the most effective method for utilizing collagen's benefits for hair.

Yes, taking biotin and collagen together can be beneficial. Collagen provides the amino acid building blocks for hair, while biotin supports the keratin structure, and both work together to improve overall hair health.

Hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides, is collagen that has been broken down into smaller, more easily digestible molecules. This process, called hydrolysis, increases the bioavailability of the supplement, allowing your body to absorb and use the peptides more efficiently.