You might’ve heard about collagen for skin, joints, and gut health — but it’s becoming more relevant in hair care too. While collagen won’t magically create brand‑new hair, it supports the conditions necessary for your strands to stay fuller, stronger, and thicker over time. Let me walk you through 4 key benefits of collagen for hair thickness, what science shows, and why it’s a smart pick in your routine.
What Collagen Brings to the Table
Collagen is a structural protein abundant in body tissues, and collagen peptides (broken-down fragments) are often used in supplements and formulations because they’re more absorbable. In hair, collagen delivers amino acids and may influence the environment around follicles.
Research is still developing, but some compelling scientific findings already give us insight into how collagen can support thicker hair.
4 Benefits of Collagen for Hair Thickness
- Boosts Follicle Cell Activity
In lab tests, bioactive collagen peptides increased proliferation in human hair follicle cells by around 31 % in just 4 hours compared to untreated controls. That suggests collagen peptides may help awaken follicles in their internal machinery. - Supports Hair Thickness with Oral Supplementation
In a placebo‑controlled trial by NutraFoods of 44 women, taking 2.5 g of collagen peptides daily for 16 weeks led to a statistically significant increase in hair thickness (on average +1.93 μm) compared to a slight thinning in the placebo group. - Promotes Hair Growth Pathways
A study with recombinant type XVII collagen showed it activates the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways, helping resist apoptosis (cell death) in follicle cells. In short, it helps support growth signaling. - Helps Defend Against Stressors
Some studies from MDPI of collagen peptides (from fish or other sources) show protection against oxidative damage and improved survival of follicle cells in stressed conditions. For example, fish scale–derived collagen peptides stimulated dermal papilla cell proliferation in vitro.
How to Read the Science Realistically
- Promising and emerging results: The strongest human evidence comes from supplement trials, and more large‑scale studies are underway.
- Bioactive form matters: The peptide type, molecular weight, dosing, and delivery method influence if the collagen can reach where it needs to act.
- Supportive role: Collagen works best when paired with other ingredients (like botanicals) and good hair care habits — it’s rarely the “only hero.”
That said, collagen offers a low-risk, research-backed ingredient that helps your hair maintain thickness under real life stresses.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is hair that holds its volume longer, resists thinning, and looks fuller, collagen deserves a place in your toolkit. It supports follicle activity, strengthens hair structure, and helps defend against damage. When included in a rich formula alongside botanicals, collagen helps tilt your routine from “good enough” to truly supportive.
Try our 12‑in‑1 serum packed with Collagen and 11 other botanicals — shop Lia Belle today.
🔬 Scientific Sources & Links
- First Peer‑Reviewed Study Reveals Increased Hair Thickness with Bioactive Collagen Peptides — proliferation results in hair follicle cells GELITA
- Oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness — human supplementation trial NutraFoods
- Recombinant Type XVII Collagen Promotes Hair Growth via Wnt/β‑Catenin & SHH/GLI — mechanistic study on signaling pathways MDPI+1
- Hair‑Growth‑Promoting Effects of Fish Collagen Peptides — dermal papilla cell model and in vivo test MDPI