Hair loss remains a prevalent issue that many people attempt to treat with natural solutions. Biotin and collagen shampoo has become one of the most common products used, but do biotin and collagen shampoos help hair grow?
The research on both biotin and collagen for hair growth is limited, and existing studies mainly look at biotin and collagen in oral supplement forms, not as topical products. We don’t think so because these ingredients need to be ingested to be utilized by the body. However, biotin and collagen shampoos are relatively safe and low-risk. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the potential roles of biotin and collagen in hair growth.
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is part of the B vitamin complex. Among other functions, biotin plays a role in metabolism and converting certain nutrients into sources of energy. Biotin is also integral to the health of your skin, nails, and hair. Keratin is the fibrous protein that makes up the structure of your hair, skin, and nails. Biotin plays a role in maintaining and producing keratin.1
Biotin is commonly found in egg yolks and meats, particularly organ meats like liver and kidney. It is also present in:
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Cauliflower
- Bananas
- Mushrooms
The Role of Biotin in Hair Growth
Poor hair growth and hair loss can be signs of biotin deficiency. Approximately 38% of women complaining of hair loss have biotin deficiency. Treating these women with 5,000 mcg biotin/day improved hair growth.7
In another study, women with self-perceived thinning hair were given either a supplement containing biotin or a placebo twice per day for 90 days. Results of this study showed that the women taking the biotin supplement had an increase in the number of new terminal hairs and a decrease in hair shedding compared to the placebo group. These results suggest that oral biotin may help to reduce hair thinning and promote hair growth.2
What Is Collagen?
Comprising about one-third of all protein in the human body, collagen is the basic building block for nearly all tissues and organs, including bone, skin, muscles, joints, and ligaments. It is essentially the “glue” that holds everything together.
The human body contains about 16 different types of collagen, though the body mainly uses four types of collagen to maintain structure and support. Type I, comprising a series of densely packed fibers, accounts for about 90 percent of the body’s collagen and makes up the basic structure of skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissue.3
Procollagen is the precursor to collagen. This precursor uses glycine and proline combined in a process involving vitamin C. You may be able to increase your natural collagen levels by consuming more:
- Vitamin C
- Copper (found in organ meats, sesame seeds, cashews, and lentils)
- Glycine (found in animal skins, gelatin, and protein-containing foods)
- Proline (found in egg whites, dairy products, asparagus, and cabbage)3
The Role of Collagen in Hair Growth
Research on the role of collagen in hair growth is as limited as that of biotin. As mentioned, hair is primarily composed of the protein keratin, but hair follicles and skin share an intrinsic link. About 70 percent of the human dermis consists of collagen. The dermis is the middle layer of skin where hair follicles are rooted.4
As you age, collagen levels naturally begin to diminish, resulting in reduced skin elasticity and strength. This may be a contributing factor to hair thinning and hair loss in old age.3 Supplementing with collagen has been shown to improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging in the skin, which may contribute to healthy, well-functioning hair follicles.5
Collagen may also act as an effective antioxidant to neutralize free radical damage. Free radicals are a product of the body’s natural oxidation process. These compounds can contribute to damage to tissue, organs, and even DNA. Free radicals may also damage hair follicles, resulting thinning hair or hair loss. Studies suggest that collagen, particularly collagen taken from fish, may possess powerful antioxidant properties.6
If you want longer, stronger, thicker, and healthy hair then it may be more effective to combine oral biotin and collagen with a shampoo with more proven topical ingredients that block DHT. High levels of DHT cause male and female pattern hair loss. DrFormulas® HairOmega® shampoo features many natural DHT blocking ingredients such as saw palmetto ketoconazole, peppermint oil, and caffeine.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/biotin-hair-growth
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2015/841570/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen
- https://www.derm101.com/inflammatory/embryologic-histologic-and-anatomic-aspects/collagen/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23949208
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24670209
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4989391/
About the Author:
Dr. Bryan Do, D.O. is an osteopathic physician whose research interests include gastroenterology, immunology, and dermatology. He is particularly interested in the role of probiotics in the gut-brain-skin axis and has written many articles on the topic. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before graduating from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana and becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathic physicians are taught to take a holistic approach to medicine and to consider mind, body, and spirit when treating a patient. Osteopathic physicians receive training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) in addition to the standard rigorous medical school curriculum. Both physicians with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree as well as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) can practice medicine.