We are constantly looking for new hacks and products to keep our hair healthy and long. However, as aging begins, it becomes more difficult to maintain that healthy glow. It turns out there is a reason why our hair, nails, muscles, and skin begins to grow weaker with time: collagen. 

Keep reading to learn about the role collagen plays in our hair, and how it helps us stay young and healthy over time! 

What Is Collagen and What Does It Do?

Collagen is a protein found all over the body, especially in muscles, tissues, bones, and cartilage [1]. It has recently become popular because of its numerous benefits when it comes to health and the effects of aging. Collagen is made up of several amino acids, the most abundant being glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline [2]. 

Once the body begins aging, the collagen production in our bodies slows down. As a result, our skin begins to wrinkle, our muscles become less flexible, and our nails and hair tend to weaken. Collagen supplements, such as Pattern Wellness’ Collagen Peptides Powder, can help replace the body's natural collagen production, making up for the loss while still obtaining the protein needed to keep the body in its healthiest state.

Benefits for Overall Health

Collagen is beneficial for several reasons, such as providing elasticity in muscles and tissues, improving skin, nail, and hair health, easing joint pain, and preventing bone loss, among many other reasons [3]. When taking collagen supplements, you are helping your body keep its youthful glow, prolonging the natural aging process and its effects. 

Additionally, did you know collagen supplements can help boost your hair health?

How Does Collagen Benefit Hair Growth?

We have been wondering how to make our hair grow faster for ages. Thanks to collagen’s fast rise in popularity, we now have the tool to help our hair grow stronger, naturally.

Our hair does not contain the protein collagen. So how does taking collagen supplements help with hair growth? About 80% of our hair weight is made up of proteins, with keratin being the most prominent [4]. In order for the body to make keratin, it needs several amino acids, such as proline, which is where collagen becomes an important part of the process [5]. 

Because proline is one of the main components of collagen, taking collagen supplements may help restore the production of keratin in the body once it has naturally slowed down, resulting in stronger and healthier hair and stimulating hair growth [6]. 

Additionally, taking collagen supplements can help keep hair follicles strong, as well as build new ones. Since the outermost layer of hair follicles is composed of keratin, the amino acids in collagen can help create new, stronger follicles, boosting your hair’s strength, health, and shine [7]. 

How Much Should I Take? 

The recommended amount of collagen to consume is between 2.5 to 15 grams per day. Be wary of going over the recommended dosage, since overconsumption of collagen supplements can lead to negative effects such as stomach pain and a bad taste in your mouth [8].  

How to use Collagen Supplements

The Pattern Wellness’ Collagen Peptides Powder can be smoothly and conveniently added to your favorite foods and beverages! Because of its flavorless nature, the powdered supplement can be added to your coffee, smoothie, pancakes, and even cookies, changing none of the flavors and reaping all the benefits for your health! 

Pattern Wellness’ Collagen Peptides Powder is certified hormone-free and 100% non-GMO, from grass-fed and pasture-raised Grade A beef. Help your hair shine again with Pattern Wellness. 

Ready to check it out yourself? Click here to shop!

Sources

1. Collagen. The Nutrition Source. (2022, March 2). Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/

2. Kubala, J. (2022, February 9). Collagen: Benefits, side effects, and more. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen#what-it-is-and-uses  

3. Divya Jacob, P. D. (2021, May 6). How much collagen should you take a day? supplements. MedicineNet. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/how_much_collagen_should_you_take_a_day/article.htm 

4. Toscani, M., & Fino, P. (2021, June 29). Structure and chemical composition of hair. CRLAB EN. Retrieved from https://crlab.com/en_en/scientific-area/hair-and-scalp/structure-and-chemical-composition-of-hair/  

5. Bragulla, H. H., & Homberger, D. G. (2009, April). Structure and functions of keratin proteins in simple, stratified, keratinized and cornified epithelia. Journal of anatomy. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2736122/  

6.  Jordan, A. (2022, April 18). We know that collagen supplements help the skin - but what's the deal with hair? mindbodygreen. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/collagen-for-hair/  

7. Harth, D. Y. (n.d.). Best collagen supplements for hair regrowth. MDhair. Retrieved from https://www.mdhair.co/article/benefits-of-collagen-for-hair-health  

8. Streit, L. (2019, January 23). 5 evidence-based ways collagen may improve your hair. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-for-hair