Collagen or Biotin for Hair Growth: Which Is Better?

If hair growth is your biggest concern, then you may have considered taking a collagen or biotin supplement (or both!). These ingredients are everywhereand it’s nearly impossible to scroll through any social feed without seeing personal anecdotes from people who swear by their alleged hair-growing powers.

But with so much conflicting information out there, it can be difficult to figure out which supplement, if any, is actually best for you and your hair needs. So, to settle the collagen vs. biotin debate, we turned to the experts. See what they had to say below.

How Collagen Promotes Hair Growth

Collagen plays a vital role in many areas of the body, including healthy hair growth. As board-certified dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, of Rabach Aesthetics explains, when our dermal collagen is healthy, hair follicles are better able to anchor and grow on our scalp. As we age, our collagen levels decrease and our skin becomes thinner. This can cause blood circulation to slow down, making hair more susceptible to breakage and damage, Dr. Labach says.

So, where do collagen supplements come from? They are believed to support hair thickness with skin-related benefits. New York City dermatologist Hadley King, MD, explains that studies show that collagen supplements (made from more easily absorbed collagen peptides) and topical products are most proven to improve hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Because collagen may help support scalp health, it may also lead to healthy hair growth, but Dr. King says the evidence for this is still limited: “The jury is still out.”

People with allergies to fish, shellfish, eggs, or beef should be cautious when taking collagen supplements, as they are sometimes made from animal-derived ingredients. She also said those with kidney disease, conditions that require protein restriction, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should check with their health care provider first to be on the safer side. Other disadvantages may include mild bloating, stomach upset, or an off-putting taste. So, there are a few things to consider before you start incorporating collagen supplements into your daily routine.