What is better for thinning hair, biotin or collagen?

Author: Corbin Aufderhar  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Both biotin and collagen supplements have benefits for hair health. Biotin aids keratin production, while collagen supports hair follicles and growth factors. Most experts recommend a combination for the biggest impact. Take biotin to boost keratin levels along with collagen for stronger, thicker strands.

Is collagen or biotin better for hair loss?

Collagen vs Biotin for Hair Growth

A 2018 study found that women who took collagen supplements for 90 days experienced significant improvements in hair thickness, elasticity, and density. In contrast, a 2017 review of biotin studies found little evidence to support its use for hair growth.

What supplement is best for thinning hair?

To help with hair loss, consider taking biotin, vitamin D, and zinc, as they support healthy hair growth. Iron and vitamin E can also be beneficial for hair health.

Can I take collagen and biotin together?

Biotin and collagen can be taken together as two separate products or as a combination supplement product. Collagen can be derived from various sources, including fish, cows, and chickens. 2 Therefore, collagen may not be a suitable option for people with allergies to these products or who are vegan.

What is the best collagen for hair regrowth?

Our top picks for collagen supplements for hair growth in 2024:
  • Best Collagen for Hair Growth Overall. Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement for Thinning. Read more.
  • Best Collagen Tablets for Hair Growth. Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements. ...
  • Best Liquid Collagen for Hair Growth. SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen.

Does Biotin (or Biotin Shampoo) Really Work for Hair Loss?

Who should not take biotin?

If you have any medical conditions -- or are pregnant or breastfeeding -- check with a doctor before using biotin supplements. Don't give biotin to a child unless a pediatrician recommends it. Interactions. If you take any drugs regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using biotin supplements.

What is the downside of collagen?

Collagen side effects may, for instance, be a result of excessive collagen intake. It is advisable to cautiously watch your collagen intake as excessive consumption often leads to some mild reactions. Clinical symptoms include rashes, acne breakouts, or general skin inflammation.

What does Jennifer Aniston say about collagen?

“My go-to collagen routine is adding Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in my morning cup of coffee or smoothie — so easy to use," Aniston says.

What really works to regrow thinning hair?

The most common options include:
  • Minoxidil (Rogaine). Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. ...
  • Finasteride (Propecia). This is a prescription drug for men. ...
  • Other medications. Other oral options include spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and oral dutasteride (Avodart).

What are the big 3 for thinning hair?

Most of the time when people are chatting about the big 3 for hair loss, they are referring to Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo. Although, there are some who feel like the third component of the big 3 should be microneedling in place of Ketoconazole shampoo.

What am I lacking if my hair is thinning?

Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements. Iron.

How much biotin should I take for thinning hair?

If you're experiencing alopecia, your doctor may recommend certain biotin supplements or a higher biotin-rich diet as a way to combat hair loss. They may recommend upping your dosage to 3 milligrams (or 3,000 mcg) a day.

What to avoid when taking collagen?

Avoid these factors, which can decrease collagen levels in your body:
  • Smoking. Smoking decreases collagen production. ...
  • Eating too much sugar and refined carbs. Sugar attaches to proteins to form advanced glycation end products. ...
  • Exposure to ultraviolet light.

What is the healthiest type of collagen to take?

Marine collagen is classified as being a type I collagen, renowned for its high collagen content which is absorbed well by the body – getting to work quicker than bovine. It's also most suitable for promoting healthy skin and bones, and early research in mice suggests it may be on of the best collagen for anti-ageing.

Should I take biotin or collagen?

If a person has a biotin deficiency, taking biotin may improve the health of their skin. Otherwise, collagen can be a better option as there is more evidence to suggest it helps improve the skin's appearance.

Is collagen safe for the liver and kidneys?

“Collagen supplementation is healthy for most people but those who have conditions that impact the kidneys who should refrain from taking them,” says nephrologist and functional medicine practitioner Majd Isreb, M.D., an assistant professor at Elson S.

When should I take collagen, morning or night?

Timing for collagen supplements depends on the reason you are taking them. If you have experienced gases or gut issues with these supplements, it is best to have them in the morning blended in with your smoothies or in a cup of coffee. If you want a good night sleep, you can take it at night with a glass of milk.

Does collagen help with belly fat?

Do collagen peptides help burn belly fat? A few recent studies have suggested that collagen peptides can in fact support your body not just in maintaining a normal weight or in developing lean mass, but in burning body fat.

What are the first signs that collagen is working?

The first signs that collagen is working can be noticed when you look at your skin; regular collagen can begin to improve the skin's overall elasticity and improve hydration levels after (at least) six weeks.

Which food is high in collagen?

The 12 Best High-Collagen Foods
  • Bone Broth.
  • Fish and Shellfish.
  • Chicken.
  • Beef.
  • Egg Whites.
  • Citrus Fruit.
  • Berries.
  • Garlic.

Is biotin toxic to liver?

Dietary Biotin Supplementation Modifies Hepatic Morphology without Changes in Liver Toxicity Markers.

Is biotin hard on your kidneys?

Is biotin harmful to the kidneys? Taking biotin supplements does not seem to be harmful to the kidneys or other organs. There is no evidence that taking biotin causes kidney stones or leads to chronic kidney disease.

Is biotin bad for your thyroid?

Further, some skin doctors also recommend biotin for these issues. Biotin has no effect on thyroid hormone levels or thyroid function in the body. However, biotin can interfere with the measurement of hormone levels in the laboratory, making them inaccurate.

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