Does Taking Collagen Really Make Hair Thicker and Voluminous?

"Doctor, my hair is thinning, so I've been taking collagen. Will it really be effective?"

As the perception grows that collagen—well known for skin elasticity—is also good for hair health, many people are looking for collagen supplements. In fact, there is clear scientific evidence for the link between collagen and hair. However, to obtain the effects we expect, we need to accurately understand the role of collagen and approach it wisely.

1. Scientific Evidence: The Deep Relationship Between Collagen and Hair

Collagen is a key component that accounts for about 30% of the protein in our body and is essential for the health of the scalp and hair follicles that support the hair, as well as skin, bones, and cartilage.

Hair Follicle Stem Cells and Collagen

Recent studies particularly emphasize the importance of 'Type XVII Collagen.' This collagen plays a decisive role in keeping 'hair follicle stem cells'—which produce hair—healthy. It has been revealed that when this Type XVII collagen is damaged or decreased due to aging or stress, hair follicle stem cells disappear, causing the follicles to shrink (miniaturization), which eventually leads to thinning hair and hair loss.

Hair Loss and Decreased Collagen

There are also research results showing that collagen content decreases in the scalp where hair loss is progressing. This demonstrates how important collagen is for the structural stability of the dermal layer of the scalp, which holds the hair firmly. As such, it is a clear scientific fact that collagen is an essential substance for hair regeneration and growth.

2. The Trap of Collagen Supplements: Does Eating It Become Collagen Directly?

So, will taking collagen supplements solve all these problems? This is exactly where many people misunderstand. The collagen we ingest as a supplement is not reassembled into collagen in our body as it is. The collagen we consume is broken down into amino acids or small peptide units during the digestion process. Then, our body uses these amino acids as 'raw materials' to synthesize collagen again where it is needed. In other words, you should understand that taking collagen supplements is similar to increasing your protein intake.

3. The Real Key: Boost the Body's 'Collagen Synthesis Capacity'

In conclusion, what we should value is not how much collagen we 'inject' from the outside, but how well our body 'produces' collagen on its own. The key is to actively run the collagen synthesis factory in the body.

How to Promote Collagen Synthesis

• Intake of High-Quality Protein: You must supply enough amino acids, which are the raw materials for collagen. Consuming various protein foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu consistently is the basis.
• Vitamin C is an Essential Helper: Vitamin C is absolutely necessary in the process where our body uses amino acids to synthesize collagen. If Vitamin C is lacking, collagen is not made properly no matter how much protein you eat.
• Zinc and Copper are also Important: Zinc and copper are also important minerals involved in collagen synthesis.
• Avoid Collagen Destruction Factors: Ultraviolet rays, smoking, and excessive sugar intake destroy collagen and interfere with synthesis, so they should be avoided.

While it is true that collagen is good for hair health, taking collagen does not necessarily mean that collagen synthesis in the body will improve. Therefore, rather than relying solely on collagen supplements, developing your body's collagen production capacity through a healthy diet and lifestyle is the wisest and most fundamental path toward 'Super Hair.' If you are going to take collagen anyway, I also recommend taking supplements containing Vitamin C, zinc, and copper together.