Collagen and hair
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The Role of Collagen in Hair Health and Growth
Fish-Derived Collagen and Hair Growth
Collagen Hydrolysate from Mozambique Tilapia
Fish-derived collagen hydrolysate (CH) from Mozambique tilapia scales has shown significant promise in enhancing hair health. Studies have demonstrated that CH can mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, which are critical factors in hair health. In vitro studies using human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) revealed that CH increases levels of hair growth factors such as IGF-1 and VEGF while reducing inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-1β 1. In vivo experiments on C57BL/6 mice showed that CH treatment improved various hair growth parameters, including hair length, diameter, and density, and reduced hair damage 1. These findings suggest that CH can be a cost-effective and bioavailable option for improving hair health.
Collagen Peptides and Hair Regrowth
Collagen peptides (CPs) from fish scales, particularly from Mozambique tilapia, have also been found to promote hair regrowth. CPs enhance the proliferation of hDPCs and significantly improve hair regrowth in C57BL/6 mice. The treatment with CPs upregulated hair growth factors and downregulated inhibitory factors, indicating a robust potential for CPs in hair loss prevention and regrowth 5. Additionally, CPs modulate key signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and BMP, which are crucial for hair follicle development and cycling 5.
Low Molecular Weight Collagen Peptide (LMWCP)
Low molecular weight collagen peptide (LMWCP) derived from fish has been shown to activate the Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is essential for hair growth. LMWCP promotes the proliferation of hDPCs and increases the expression of hair growth-related factors such as VEGF and β-catenin. Oral administration of LMWCP in mice significantly stimulated hair growth, further supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent for hair loss 6.
Collagen and Hair Cycle Regulation
Collagenase IV and Hair Cycle
Collagenases, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, play a crucial role in regulating the hair cycle by inducing the expression of VEGF, IGF-1, and TGF-β. These enzymes show peak expression during the anagen phase and are associated with hair follicle development. Inhibition of collagenase IV significantly suppresses hair growth, indicating that collagenases are vital for normal hair cycling and growth 2.
Type I Collagen in Hair Cycle
Type I collagen, the predominant component in the dermis, undergoes significant remodeling during the hair cycle. Studies on C3H mice have shown that the synthesis and post-translational modifications of type I collagen are more active during the anagen phase compared to the telogen phase. This remodeling is essential for creating an environment conducive to hair follicle migration and growth 4.
Clinical Efficacy of Collagen Supplements
Oral Collagen Supplements
Clinical studies have shown that oral supplementation with bioactive collagen peptides can improve both skin and hair health. A study involving 60 healthy female participants demonstrated that daily intake of collagen peptides significantly increased hair strength and mechanical resistance, which are often compromised due to aging 8. These findings highlight the potential of collagen supplements in enhancing hair quality and resilience.
Collagen in Hair Cosmetics
Natural collagen obtained from fish waste has been explored as an alternative to synthetic polymers in hair cosmetics. This natural collagen can create a protective film on the hair, reduce excessive sebum production, restore pH balance, and reduce skin inflammations, making it a viable and eco-friendly option for hair care products 10.
Conclusion
Collagen, particularly from fish sources, plays a significant role in promoting hair health and growth. It enhances hair growth factors, reduces inflammation, and supports the hair cycle. Clinical studies and in vivo experiments underscore the potential of collagen supplements and cosmetics in improving hair quality and addressing hair loss. As research continues, collagen's role in hair care is likely to expand, offering new avenues for treatment and maintenance.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Collagen Hydrolysate from the Scales of Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) Improve Hair and Skin Health by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Promoting Hair Growth and Extracellular Matrix Factors
Fish-derived collagen hydrolysate from Mozambique tilapia scales improves hair and skin health by alleviating oxidative stress, promoting hair growth, and enhancing skin health, both in vitro and in vivo.
RCT
Animal StudyCollagenase IV plays an important role in regulating hair cycle by inducing VEGF, IGF-1, and TGF-β expression
Type IV collagenases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, play important roles in regulating hair cycle by inducing VEGF, IGF-1, and TGF- expression.
RCTAnimal Study
Rigorous JournalEfficacy and tolerability of an oral supplement containing amino acids, iron, selenium, and marine hydrolyzed collagen in subjects with hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, AGA or FAGA or telogen effluvium). A prospective, randomized, 3‐month, controlled, assessor‐blinded study
Oral supplementation with amino acids, iron, selenium, and marine hydrolyzed collagen may improve hair growth and overall health in individuals with hair loss conditions like androgenic alopecia and telogen effluvium.
RCTCharacterization of dermal type I collagen of C3H mouse at different stages of the hair cycle
Anagen skin shows more active collagen remodelling and post-translational modifications, potentially facilitating an environment for hair follicle migration and growth.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyHair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways
Fish collagen peptides from Mozambique tilapia scales can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss by enhancing human dermal papilla cell proliferation and modulating Wnt/-catenin and BMP signaling pathways.
Low Molecular Weight Collagen Peptide (LMWCP) Promotes Hair Growth by Activating the Wnt/GSK-3β/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
LMWCP promotes hair growth by activating the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway, promoting hair growth in human dermal papilla cells and mice.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyLack of Collagen VI Promotes Wound-Induced Hair Growth.
Lack of collagen VI in hair follicles promotes wound-induced hair growth, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for hair loss and skin-related diseases.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyOral intake of Bioactive Collagen Peptides in the improvement of skin and hair: clinical studies by instrumental measurements
Oral intake of 5g/day of collagen peptides significantly improves skin conditions and increases hair strength, particularly for aged hair.
Collagen-type synthesis in human-hair papilla cells in culture
Hair-papilla cells have similar biosynthetic capacities to human skin fibroblasts, but exhibit distinct characteristics, suggesting they represent a specialized fibroblast subpopulation.
In Vitro Study