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.
Since collagen has been shown to fight free radicals in test tubes, it may, in theory, help prevent damage to cells that produce hair color. As a result, it may prevent premature graying or slow down age-related graying ( 9 , 10 ).
Without enough antioxidants, your hair can begin to gray prematurely. Again, the promising result of test-tube studies has shown that collagen can help against premature graying of the hair and even slow down age-related graying.
There are no treatments that are proven to treat (or reverse) gray hair. As researchers learn more about how the graying process happens, they may develop effective medications and treatments for gray hair.
Vitamins D, B12, B9, B5, and minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc can help reverse gray hair. Vitamin supplements can also prevent premature hair graying.
Biotin has many benefits. It triggers hair growth, it treats hair loss related disorders, and it thickens and strengthens the hair. One of our favorite beneficial effects of Biotin is that is can reverse premature greying of hair.
So how long does it take for collagen to start working? Tangible results for skin, hair and nails are seen in as soon as four weeks. And with consistent, daily supplementation, the best results are achieved from 12 weeks.
Some research has found that taking daily collagen powder could help make your bones denser, slowing the aging process that makes them brittle and helping your body to produce new bone. Skin elasticity and hydration. Collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity for older people.
Many people think taking care of their skin should start when they begin noticing the signs of ageing; however, research suggests that the best time to start is much earlier than we think. The good news is that it is never too late to revitalise damaged skin.
Vitamin B-12 is the most common culprit, with folate, copper, and iron deficiencies increasing your risk, too. Dietary supplements may help these deficiencies and you might see your natural hair color start to grow back after several weeks.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is one of the most common causes of prematurely graying hair. Researchers have noted that vitamin B-12 deficiencies are often concurrent with folic acid and biotin deficiencies in people whose hair has started to turn gray early.
Melanin deficiency is associated with vitamin deficiency. That's why you need to increase your vitamin intake through your food or vitamin supplements. Vitamin A, C and B12 are the most needed vitamins to increase the melanin production in your hair.
Specific minerals are needed by the melanocytes to make pigment (a process called “melanogenesis”), such as copper, zinc, iron and calcium (R,R). Other important minerals for healthy hair are selenium and magnesium. People who are deficient in these important minerals have more risk of their hair turning gray.
Some studies have demonstrated that grey and ageing hair can recover its original colour when nourished by diets rich in zinc and supplements formulated with this element.
Vitamins B6 and B12 have also been proven to boost melanin production. Goddard says that vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, has been found to trigger the production of enzymes and chemical reactions that boost the metabolism of the hair proteins (keratin and melanin) in the hair follicles.
Although the primary cause of premature hair graying (PHG) is considered to be genetic, certain environmental factors also play a role. Trace element deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and calcium may also be associated with PHG.
Although this may seem like a permanent change, new research reveals that the graying process can be undone—at least temporarily. Hints that gray hairs could spontaneously regain color have existed as isolated case studies within the scientific literature for decades.
As such, no matter your goal for using collagen, it will take at least 8 weeks to experience noticeable results ( 6 ). Most studies use a minimum of 8 weeks to assess collagen's effects on skin health and joint pain relief, but other studies use longer periods, such as 12 months, for bone health ( 9 , 14 , 22 ).
So which supports hair growth more: collagen or biotin? Based on scientific studies, it seems that collagen has a better claim to improving the condition of your hair. However, both can actually be used together for well-rounded nutrition and countless health benefits, aside from promoting hair regrowth.
So the question is – Can too much collagen cause hair loss? The answer is no. If the person consumes the doctor prescribed amount of collagen, then there is no danger. Collagen can also be used externally, in which case the collagen can cause side-effect if the person is allergic to it.
Taking collagen may improve the health of your scalp and hair, but there isn't much objective evidence that it will result in hair growth for everyone who takes it. Other potential collagen benefits include improvements in the health of skin, joints and bones.
Studies have shown that supplementing with collagen peptides — broken down collagen that's easier for your body to absorb — may be beneficial for older people and promote skin and bone health during aging.
As we age, we begin to notice many changes to our bodies. Collagen is one of the best supplements for women over 50, and as well as targeting wrinkles, you'll find there are so many great benefits of adding this to your daily routine.
Collagen is an incredibly important protein that keeps your tissues and bones together. Specifically for your skin, collagen helps give your skin structure and elasticity, or that famous “bounce.” So, in theory, boosting your skin's collagen levels — or preventing its loss — would help you look younger.