Table of contents:
- The benefits of collagen for healthier and stronger hair
- 1. Contains amino acids which are good for hair growth
- 2. Slows down the appearance of gray hair
- 3. Helps prevent hair thinning
- Tips for using collagen for hair care
- Bone broth
- Collagen powder or supplements
Almost everyone would want their hair to be healthy and strong. One way to get all of that is to use collagen for your hair care. Actually, how much benefit is collagen for making your hair look shinier?
The benefits of collagen for healthier and stronger hair
Collagen is a type of protein present in the human body and functions to help strengthen your muscles and skin. This protein is actually produced naturally by the body, but you can also get it through supplements and food, such as chicken broth.
Apart from being good for muscle and skin health, there are several studies that show that collagen is beneficial for hair. How come, huh?
1. Contains amino acids which are good for hair growth
Amino acids are found in collagen. It is this amino acid content in collagen which turns out to have such great benefits for hair growth.
This is because hair is made of keratin protein, which is composed of amino acids from the human body.
Therefore, when you consume collagen and other types of protein, your body will break down these proteins into amino acids. This compound is then used to build proteins and other new compounds.
Collagen consists of three types of amino acids, namely proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. Well, proline is one of the main components of keratin.
However, there has been no specific research that has actually discussed the benefits of collagen for human hair growth.
2. Slows down the appearance of gray hair
Apart from containing amino acids, collagen is a type of protein that has antioxidants and helps fight cell damage that can make hair gray.
As we age, the cells that create the pigment melanin, the color-giving hair of hair, begin to lose function.
Gray hair is not only affected by age and genetic factors, but also free radicals.
Free radicals that come from a bad lifestyle, stress, and environmental factors also accelerate the breakdown of these melanin cells.
If you don't have enough antioxidants, chances are that your hair will turn gray faster. Even so, again, there isn't enough research to actually suggest that collagen can help reduce gray hair.
3. Helps prevent hair thinning
Did you know that collagen makes up 70% of the dermis or middle layer of your skin which contains the root of each hair strand?
In fact, collagen also plays a role in making the dermis more flexible and stronger.
As we age, the body produces less collagen and the cells in the dermis fill up less. As a result, hair will also become thinner.
Tips for using collagen for hair care
After knowing the myriad of benefits provided by collagen for your hair, of course you want to know what are the ways to maximize its features? Here are some tips you can follow.
Bone broth
As previously explained, you can get collagen from food or supplements.
If you prefer to include collagen in your diet, maybe you can find it in bone broth. The bone broth can come from chicken or beef.
Bone broth usually contains gelatin and collagen. You can also process it into a variety of dishes, such as soup.
Collagen powder or supplements
Apart from food, you can also get the benefits of collagen for hair by using collagen pills or powders. Generally, almost all collagen supplements are easily absorbed.
You can add collagen powder to the smoothies, coffee, and other hot or cold drinks. Don't forget to follow the rules of use to minimize side effects, such as heartburn and stomach disorders.
Collagen does have quite a lot of benefits for the health of your hair. However, no studies have actually proven the efficacy of this protein compound. It is better if you consult with your doctor first.
