For healthier hair that grows like crazy, we'll try anything, right? I mean, at least I know I will. Last year, when my hair was shedding a ton, I was reading up and trying all the supplements and haircare products in the hopes that I could stop what I thought was a descent into baldness. I have a routine down now that doesn't make my hair shedding as scary as it was, but I still have my moments. I think the cause is a mixture of stress and not getting enough vitamins and minerals (and probably some genetics thrown in). If you've done even the bare minimum research into hair growth, you've probably heard of the word biotin, which is a B vitamin that supports metabolism.
If you're deficient in it, you might experience thinning hair. It's important, but there's also another nutrient that helps with hair, skin, and nails: collagen. You might have heard of it in regard to skincare, but it also has hair-health benefits. For anyone who has dealt with hair thinning and loss, this may be the key to restoring your beloved strands to their healthiest state. According to the Cleveland Clinic, collagen is a protein that's all over your body—in your muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, blood vessels, skin, intestinal lining, and other connective tissue.
Your body makes collagen, but the production can decrease when you get older, which can lead to wrinkles and crêpey skin, stiffer joints, shrinking muscles, joint pain, and gastrointestinal problems. And the Clinic has said that collagen is also a strength-building hair protein. Though, more research needs to be done on the definitive effects of collagen on hair growth and health. Collagen is composed of several types of amino acids and happens to be one of the most abundant structural proteins in the body. As we age, we produce less of it (and even lose it due to environmental stressors, poor health habits, etc).
While incorporating collagen supplements into your diet may not be the solution to all your health problems, it certainly offers a way to give your body what it needs when it needs it. To support the formation of collagen in the body, the Mayo Clinic says it's important to consume enough foods that contain vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese and plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. And you'll want to avoid excess sugar intake, smoking, sun or UV exposure, and environmental pollutants—all of which can disturb collagen production.
If you are interested in getting more help in the collagen department, you can also try some supplements or other collagen products. We've listed some highly rated ones below. First, before you buy, it's important to note that you should check with your doctor or a healthcare professional before trying any new supplement or product. They know your health history best and can give you more personalized advice.
The Best Length-Boosting Collagen Products
If you're new to incorporating collagen peptides in your diet, Sports Research's Collage Peptides powder is a smart place to start. Offered in a selection of flavors (unflavored, matcha green tea, chocolate, and vanilla), this paleo and gluten-free powder works quickly to transform the health of your strands, offering 11 grams of collagen per serving.
Customer Review: "I'm always skeptical when it comes to products promising a lot but this one actually did not disappoint. I feel like my nails and hair is already getting stronger and I have only been using this for a month. It blends nicely into coffee or tea and is not hard to drink."
Pros: Dissolves easily in cold and hot drinks
Cons: Noticeable taste
Along with collagen, this superfood powder contains organic açaí fruit, French melon, astaxanthin, vitamin C, and probiotics, so you'll be getting a big boost of nutrients. It's formulated to support skin elasticity and prevent any signs of aging.
Customer Review: "I have been using this product for about three months and I have noticed my hair starting to come back around my hairline near my temples. I'm in my middle 50s and have experienced a change in my hair and skin, etc. from menopause. My local health food store recommended this one. I have tried a lot of different products over the last few years and this one is showing results."
Pro: Has a high concentration of collagen
Con: None
Horbäach's max-strength, quick-release softgels are enriched with a blend of powerful vitamins and nutrients to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. Glowing reviews highlight the benefits of the supplement, such as the fact that it's easy on the stomach, its clean formula, and its ability to jump-start growth for all hair types and textures.
Customer Review: "I love these! Small soft gels, easy to swallow, no bad taste, and no nausea. I have an issue with post nausea after taking supplements, but not with these! After 30 days, I can already see the new growth on my roots coming in stronger and softer. Doubtful it’s a coincidence!"
Pros: Features argan oil and hydrolyzed collagen
Cons: None
If you're new to incorporating collagen peptides in your diet, Sports Research's Collage Peptides powder is a smart place to start. Offered in a selection of flavors (unflavored, matcha green tea, chocolate, and vanilla), this paleo and gluten-free powder works quickly to transform the health of your strands, offering 11 grams of collagen per serving.
Customer Review: "I'm always skeptical when it comes to products promising a lot but this one actually did not disappoint. I feel like my nails and hair is already getting stronger and I have only been using this for a month. It blends nicely into coffee or tea and is not hard to drink."
Pros: Dissolves easily in cold and hot drinks
Cons: Noticeable taste
Formulated with highly absorbable grass-fed hydrolyzed collagen and biotin, these gummies help support healthy, young-looking skin and lustrous hair. Each peach-flavored gummy is packed with antioxidant vitamins C and E and zinc to help fight oxidative stress for long-time beauty support in your beauty regimen.
Customer Review: "Lemme Glow Collagen has become an essential part of my daily routine, and it has left me thoroughly impressed. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also works like a charm. I've tried various collagen supplements in the past, but this one stands out for its efficacy and enjoyable flavor."
Pros: No high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic colors
Cons: Gummies are overly sweet with a gritty texture
Are you noticing a pattern? Collagen and biotin are a superhero pairing alongside other skin, hair, and nail-nourishing vitamins. This collagen supplement by NeoCell has vitamin C and 19 amino acids to provide additional nourishment and protection. While it contains no soy, wheat, lactose, starch, or artificial flavors, it does have 3 grams of collagen per serving (which there are 60 of).
Customer Review: "These vitamins from NeoCell are just great. I take them for my hair and nails and I can tell both are more healthy after using the Super Collagen + Vitamin C & Biotin vitamins. I definitely recommend them if you are looking for a good vitamin."
Pros: High-performing supplement offered at an affordable price point
Cons: Some reviewers report a noticeable odor
The Beauty Chef's vegan elixir contains vitamin C to support collagen production. It's also formulated with pomegranate fruit peel extract to fight free radicals and zinc to support hair, skin, and nails. Plus, it has a wild berry flavor.
Customer Review: "This has completely supported my gut health and digestion; I've seen a marked difference over the past six months and was quite anxious to buy again when it was out of stock over the holidays. I also had hair loss due to illness and while this is just one component of an overall scalp and health initiative I started, I really think this has truly helped my hair, skin, and digestion. Pricey, but otherwise [I] recommend!"
Pro: Boost collagen production while nourishing your gut
Con: High price point
Ancient Nutrition's collagen powder is formulated with three types of collagen from three food sources: collagen types I, II, and III from chicken, beef, and turkey. You also get 14 grams of protein with every scoop.
Customer Review: "Once I started using about five months ago, I was surprised by the results. Not only did it address my gut issues, but I found that my skin had improved, my hair appeared to be growing faster (my hairdresser brought it to my attention), my nails became stronger (noticed by my manicurist), and I noticed that my eyelashes were getting longer too."
Pros: Contains 10 types of collagen from four real food sources
Cons: Has a noticeable odor
This all-natural formula contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides from bovine sources that are grass-fed and pasture-raised. It's recommended that you add it to smoothies or another flavored beverage since it is unflavored but does have a "natural" taste.
Customer Review: "I have been taking this for a week and a half now. I have already noticed my skin is smoother and softer, and my hair is not shedding near as much! I wasn't expecting this, but my adult acne has even cleared up better. I'm very interested to see how the rest of this month goes."
Pro: Formula is tasteless and dissolved easily into liquid
Con: Results are not immediately visible after months of use
Vital Proteins' premium powdered supplement features hydrolyzed collagen peptide sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows to support hair, skin, nail, bone, and joint health. My favorite thing about this collagen supplement is how easy it is to use! It easily dissolves in cold and hot liquids and is gentle on the stomach, with 20 grams of collagen peptides per serving.
Customer Review: "My hair is definitely growing quicker than before, but not incredibly speedy—so don't set yourself up for that expectation. My hair and nails are definitely stronger (which I needed after having a gel manicure twice a month for the last two years). My skin—definite improvement. I still get blemishes, that's just how my chemistry goes, but I've definitely noticed a glow, [it's] not over-oily, etc. Also, I just overall feel better."
Pros: Easy to incorporate into the diet
None: None
If you didn't know Grande Cosmetics has a line of supplements, now you know. The secret to achieving glowing skin, healthy nails, and strong strands, these citrus-flavored gummies support natural collagen production using a formula with biotin, folic acid, and zinc. While initial results can be seen in 45 days, expect full results in three months.
Customer Review: "I love these vegan collagen booster gummies! These gummies promote envy worth hair, skin, lashes and brows! I have noticed such a huge difference just in the 30 days that I have been using this product. They are sweet and taste so good too!"
Pro: Initial results can be spotted in as soon as 45 days
Con: Somewhat high price point for the size of the product
This collagen powder from Physician's Choice is hydrolyzed and also contains patented DigeSEB digestive enzymes, which are easily absorbed. The product is hormone-free, grass-fed, pasture-raised, all-natural, non-GMO, and contains 19 amino acids to benefit hair, skin, nails, and joints.
Customer Review: "I was using this brand in my lunch smoothies for about six months with excellent benefits. My hair was soft, silky, and growing like crazy. I had to touch up my roots every four weeks because of such rapid hair growth which was fine by me to have such thick, great hair."
Pro: Dissolves well into your drink of choice
Con: Has a distinct fragrance
Add these dissolvable tablets into your water and get ready to see some benefits. It's formulated to boost collagen levels, support collagen production, and improve the skin's hydration levels. And did I mention that it has a delicious strawberry-and-lemon flavor?
Customer Review: "First, it tastes amazing. And it works. I have been taking it now for about six weeks and I can see a huge difference in my hair. It's very soft and manageable! My nails are longer and stronger. I was skeptical because it definitely takes a little bit to see results but be patient and you will be pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend this product!"
Pro: Has a delicious strawberry and lemon flavor
Con: Taste of marine collagen is not completely masked
More Products for Hair Growth
The vegan biotin option is made to support hair, skin, and nails. It's soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
I take Nutrafol as part of my hair-growth regimen, and it really works for me. After about three months, I noticed less shedding, and my hair felt a lot fuller. It contains vitamins A, C, and D; biotin; iodine; zinc; and selenium.
Castor oil is another ingredient that promotes hair health. It's rich in vitamins and fatty acids, and it can moisturize and strengthen the hair follicles.
Customer Review:
I've also tried Hum's gummies, which not only taste good but also work really well at supporting hair growth. The formula features biotin, zinc, and Fo-Ti to promote healthy hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.
Moon Juice's SuperHair acts like a multivitamin to replenish deficiencies, but it also contains adaptogens to combat stress. The botanicals and micronutrients in the formula protect hair follicles and strengthen strands.
A lot of my fellow Who What Wear editors rave about this hair-growth supplement, saying it's the one that works for them. It has key ingredients of AminoMar (an exclusive marine complex), horsetail extract, biotin, vitamin C, and iron to promote hair growth and protect the hair.
Vegamour's hair serum increases the appearance of hair density and reduces shedding. To apply, just add a dropperful directly onto your dry or damp scalp and leave it in.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
