If you are looking for a natural way to improve your hair health, you may have heard of collagen peptides. Collagen peptides are short chains of amino acids derived from collagen, the most abundant protein in your body. Collagen peptides have many benefits for your skin, joints, bones, and gut health, but did you know they can also help reduce DHT and boost hair growth? In this blog, we will answer some common questions about collagen peptides and hair health.
What is DHT and how does it affect hair growth?
DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that is derived from testosterone. DHT is responsible for many male characteristics, such as facial hair, muscle mass, and libido. However, too much DHT can also cause hair loss, especially in men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. DHT binds to the receptors in the hair follicles and causes them to shrink, weaken, and eventually die. This leads to thinning, receding, and balding of the hair (Healthline, 2022).
How can collagen peptides help reduce DHT?
Collagen peptides can help reduce DHT by providing amino acids that are essential for building keratin, the protein that makes up hair. Keratin is mainly composed of proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, which are also the main components of collagen. By consuming collagen peptides, you can supply your body with the building blocks it needs to create more keratin and strengthen your hair follicles (Byrdie, 2023).
Collagen peptides can also help reduce DHT by acting as antioxidants and fighting free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that can damage your cells, proteins, and DNA. They can also damage your hair follicles and increase DHT production. Collagen peptides have been shown to have powerful antioxidant activity, especially those derived from fish scales. By consuming collagen peptides, you can protect your hair follicles from oxidative stress and inflammation (Healthline, 2022).
How can collagen peptides help boost hair growth?
Collagen peptides can help boost hair growth by improving the scalp environment and supporting new growth. Collagen peptides can increase blood circulation to the scalp, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. They can also improve the elasticity and hydration of the skin dermis, which houses the root of each hair. This can prevent early signs of balding or receding hairline (Hearthy Foods, 2021).
Collagen peptides can also help boost hair growth by improving your gut health and microbiome. Your gut microbiome is the collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. They play a vital role in your immune system, metabolism, mood, and overall health. They can also affect your hair health by influencing hormone levels, nutrient absorption, inflammation, and stress response. Collagen peptides can support your gut health and microbiome by strengthening the intestinal lining, preventing leaky gut syndrome, modulating immune response, and promoting beneficial bacteria (Live Science, 2023).
What are the best sources of collagen peptides for hair health?
The best sources of collagen peptides for hair health are those that are high-quality, bioavailable, and contain a variety of collagen types. Collagen types 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 are especially important for hair health because they support different aspects of your skin, bones, joints, cartilage, and connective tissues.
One of the best sources of collagen peptides for hair health is SKINNLY Collagen Boost (with types 1,2,3,5,and 10 Collagen). This product contains hydrolyzed collagen from grass-fed bovine sources that are easily absorbed by your body. It also contains vitamin C and biotin that enhance collagen synthesis and support healthy hair growth.
Another great source of collagen peptides for hair health is SKINNLY Marine Collagen Peptides. This product contains hydrolyzed collagen from wild-caught fish sources that have high antioxidant activity. It is pure marine collagen with no other ingredients added. It is ideal for people who want a simple and natural product that delivers the benefits of collagen peptides.
A third option is SKINNLY Beef Collagen Peptides. This product contains hydrolyzed collagen from grass-fed beef sources that are rich in proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. It is pure beef collagen with no other ingredients added. It is perfect for people who prefer a more robust and savory product that provides the amino acids needed for keratin production.
How to use collagen peptides for hair health?
To use collagen peptides for hair health, you can simply add them to your favorite drinks, smoothies, soups, or baked goods. You can also apply them topically to your scalp and hair as a mask or serum. The recommended dosage is 10-20 grams per day, depending on your age, weight, and health goals. You can start seeing results in as little as 4-8 weeks, but you should continue taking collagen peptides for at least 3-6 months to maintain the benefits.
Conclusion
Collagen peptides are a natural and effective way to improve your hair health. They can help reduce DHT and boost hair growth by providing amino acids, antioxidants, blood circulation, skin elasticity, hydration, gut health, and microbiome support. The best sources of collagen peptides for hair health are SKINNLY products that contain high-quality, bioavailable, and diverse collagen types. You can easily incorporate collagen peptides into your diet or apply them to your scalp and hair for optimal results.
References
Healthline. (2022). 5 Evidence-Based Ways Collagen May Improve Your Hair. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-for-hair
Byrdie. (2023). Collagen Peptides for Hair: Benefits and How to Use. Retrieved from https://www.byrdie.com/collagen-peptides-for-hair-5211316
Hearthy Foods. (2021). How Men Can Use Collagen Peptides For Hair Growth. Retrieved from https://www.hearthyfoods.com/blogs/news/how-men-can-use-collagen-peptides-for-healthier-shinier-hair
Live Science. (2023). Does collagen help hair growth? Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/does-collagen-help-hair-growth
Science. (2012). Collagen depletion underlies aging hair. Retrieved from https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2012/02/collagen-depletion-underlies-aging-hair
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. (2012). Effect of Collagen Hydrolysates from Silver Carp Skin (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) on Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf203825s
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. (2019). Efficacy and Tolerability of an Undenatured Type II Collagen Supplement in Modulating Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms: A Multicenter Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study. Retrieved from https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961616P0010X
1 comment
Marshall Saltzman
Unfortunately your assertion may be incorrect. The high glycine content in collagen peptides should significantly increase DHT by increasing the expression of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme; it’s responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Nonetheless I still believe the overall benefit of collagen peptides could lead to a net positive for hair health but one should get before and after blood tests if hormone levels are a concern.