Collagen may help reduce the appearance of gray hair by supporting the healthy structure of the hair follicle (where the pigment that gives hair its color is produced). When collagen creams or gels are applied directly to the scalp, gray hair can appear darker and less dry.
“The newfound mechanisms raise the possibility that the same fixed positioning of melanocyte stem cells may exist in humans. If so, it presents a potential pathway for reversing or preventing the graying of human hair by helping jammed cells to move again between developing hair follicle compartments.”
Collagen is an important component of health and function of scalp and hair follicles. Some believe collagen supplements can stimulate hair growth, prevent hair loss and slow graying, but more research is needed.
However, you should not forget that hair grows out of the skin. Therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the effects of collagen peptides on skin hydration and elasticity may play a big role in reversing hair loss and hair regrowth.
According to some experts, it takes around four weeks for collagen to work on your hair. However, there are not enough research studies to back this up. On the other hand, nail strength may be enhanced for about 24 weeks.
Collagen may help reduce the appearance of gray hair by supporting the healthy structure of the hair follicle (where the pigment that gives hair its color is produced). When collagen creams or gels are applied directly to the scalp, gray hair can appear darker and less dry.
Collagen supplements cannot cause hair loss, though too much collagen in the skin can cause another condition called scleroderma. While some collagen supplements can cause mild side effects depending on the patient, any hair loss is unrelated and can be symptomatic of a more serious issue.
Generally, for improved skin and hair health, 2.5-10 grams of collagen peptides can be taken orally for 8-12 weeks daily.
The reality: There's no study to back this up
This is just a theory at this point. "There are no controlled studies that address this issue," Galligan says. "However, the popular literature is in agreement that collagen supplements seem to work equally well when taken at bedtime or in the morning."
Type I collagen from bovine or marine sources is the best collagen for hair growth because it is rich in the amino acid proline, the main component of keratin. Supplementing with collagen is likely more effective as a preventative measure.
Collagen's role in the body
Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz.
Some adverse reactions to collagen supplements include headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, and skin rashes. If you experience any of these side effects after taking collagen, stop taking it and speak to your doctor.
Collagen is considered to be well tolerated with no major side-effects. Minor side-effects include: a feeling of heaviness in your stomach. mild diarrhoea.
It's impossible to reverse melanin loss in your hair if it's genetic. If you don't want to let your hair turns grey, you can talk to your hairstylist about options, including permanent and semi-permanent dyes. Root touch-up powders and creams may also work if you're trying to cover a few grey hairs.
The connection between grey hair and stress
This supports the research that grey hair can absolutely be caused by their emotional state but in some cases, not all, it can return to its original color if that stress is removed.
Research shows that taking 2.5 to 15 grams daily of hydrolyzed collagen is safe. A smaller dose benefits your joints and skin, while a larger amount may help with body composition and muscle mass.
Although it's never too late to begin collagen supplementation, people with certain lifestyle habits and choices might benefit from starting sooner.
Collagen peptides have been safely used in doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 months. Side effects are rare.
To reap the benefits for skin health, the research recommends that you take between 2.5 to 5 grams of collagen per day (2). This amount is shown to increase skin elasticity and hydration in elderly women while reducing the depth of existing skin wrinkles in middle-aged women.
The body can break down collagen and use the resulting amino acids to build keratin. This is where the idea behind collagen and beard growth comes from. This doesn't however mean that collagen supplementation is necessary or even helpful for beard growth.
Summary. Collagen powders are the most effective format as they can offer significantly more collagen per serving than capsules or pills. In addition, powders are also highly versatile and can contain additional good-for-you ingredients.
Collagen supplements may not be safe for: People with fish, shellfish, or egg allergies (collagen supplements may contain these allergens as ingredients)16.
What happens if I stop taking Collagen? If you stop taking collagen for a couple of days there will not be any significant effects. However, research shows that if you stop taking the supplement completely the benefits will slowly disappear and your skin will return to its original state.