If you’ve noticed more hair in the shower drain than usual, you’re not alone. Hair shedding and thinning can happen for lots of reasons - stress, hormones, nutrient deficiencies, or simply time. While collagen isn’t a magic wand, research shows it can support the structure of your hair, scalp, and follicles in ways that promote stronger, fuller-looking strands [1, 2].
What Causes Hair Loss in Women?
Let’s start with the basics. Hair loss in women can stem from:
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause all shift hormone levels that affect hair growth cycles [4, 15,16] .
- Nutrient depletion: Low levels of protein, vitamin C, iron, or collagen-supporting amino acids can weaken hair structure [5,19].
- Stress and inflammation: Chronic stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase (telogen effluvium) [3,8].
- Age: Starting in your 30s, collagen and keratin production naturally decline - your body literally has fewer “building blocks” for healthy hair [6,7,16].
Enter collagen - the support protein your hair’s been waiting for.
How Collagen Strengthens Hair and Supports Growth
Collagen doesn’t grow hair directly, but it provides the structural support and nutrients your body uses to build keratin, the protein that makes up hair strands [9,10].
Collagen peptides contain amino acids like proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, which are the same building blocks found in keratin. Think of it like restocking the supply closet for your hair follicles [9,10].
One study found that supplementing with specific collagen peptides improved hair thickness and volume in women experiencing thinning. The participants noticed visible improvements in just 12 weeks [2,11].
How Collagen Supports the Scalp and Follicles
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Collagen helps by:
- Supporting skin elasticity: The scalp is skin, after all. Collagen helps keep it supple, reducing tightness or dryness that can interfere with follicle health [9,13].
- Combating oxidative stress: Free radicals can damage both skin and hair follicles. Collagen’s amino acids, along with antioxidants like vitamin C, help neutralize this stress [18,8].
- Improving circulation and nutrient delivery: By supporting connective tissue integrity, collagen may help keep follicles nourished and strong [14].
Collagen for Hormonal Hair Loss and Aging
For women, hormone shifts - especially around menopause - can accelerate hair thinning. When estrogen levels drop, collagen production declines too, leading to weaker skin and hair structure [15,16].
Adding collagen back into your diet can support your body’s own repair and maintenance processes. While it won’t change hormone levels, it may help offset the visible effects of collagen loss - like finer, more brittle hair [2,17].
Collagen and Vitamin C: The Perfect Pair for Hair Support
Your body needs vitamin C to produce and use collagen effectively. That’s why it is important to chose a collagen supplement that includes also vitamin C, such as Lemon & Co. Collagen Elixir. each serving contains 5 g of marine collagen, vitamin C and organic lemon juice, naturally rich in antioxidants [18,19].
Together, they help your body form collagen efficiently, protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, and keep your scalp hydrated and healthy [18,8].
How Long Does It Take to See Hair Growth Results From Collagen?
Collagen works gradually - most studies show visible improvements in hair and nail strength after 8-12 weeks of consistent use [2,20,21].
Just like skincare or fitness, it’s all about daily habits, not overnight miracles.
How to Add Collagen to Your Routine
- Drink it daily: With supplements like Lemon & Co. Collagen Elixir, just mix one or two sachets with cold water or tea.
- Be consistent: Your body thrives on routine - so make collagen part of your everyday ritual.
- Pair with balanced nutrition: Collagen works best alongside enough dietary protein, vitamin C, and minerals like zinc and iron [5,19].
Key Takeaways: Collagen for Hair Growth and Hair Loss Prevention
- Collagen provides key amino acids (proline, glycine) that your body uses to make keratin.
- It helps maintain scalp health, skin elasticity, and follicle strength.
- Supports thicker, stronger, fuller-looking hair when used consistently.
- Especially beneficial for women experiencing hair changes from aging, stress, or hormone shifts.
- Lemon & Co. Collagen Elixir makes it effortless - clean ingredients, no sugar, and naturally flavored with organic lemon.
References
1. Jang H, Jo Y, Lee JH, Choi S. Aging of hair follicle stem cells and their niches. BMB Reports. 2023;56(1):2–9.
2. Reilly DM, Lozano J, et al. A Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in Skin Collagen, Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles, Scalp, and Hair Condition following 12‑Week Oral Intake of a Supplement Containing Hydrolysed Collagen. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2024.
3. British Association of Dermatologists. Telogen effluvium (patient information). 2024.
4. Cleveland Clinic. Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Treatment & What to Expect. 2023.
5. Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and diet patterns. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017.
6. Ganceviciene R, et al. Skin anti‑aging strategies. Dermato‑Endocrinology. 2012. (Collagen declines ~1%/year from mid‑20s).
7. Giesen M, et al. Ageing processes influence keratin and KAP expression in human hair follicles. Exp Dermatol. 2011.
8. Trüeb RM. The impact of oxidative stress on hair. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2015.
9. Ricard‑Blum S. The Collagen Family. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011.
10. Strnad P, et al. Unique amino acid signatures… distinguish simple‑type, epidermal and hair keratins. J Cell Sci. 2011. (Hair keratins enriched in cysteine and proline).
11. Oesser S. The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. Nutrafoods. 2020;1:134–138. (RCT: 44 women, 2.5 g/day, 16 weeks).
12. Hwang SB, et al. Hair‑Growth‑Promoting Effects of Fish Collagen Peptides. Mar Drugs. 2022. (Preclinical support).
13. Bӧlke L, et al. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness and Density: RCT. Nutrients. 2019.
14. Schwartz SR, Park J. Ingestion of BioCell Collagen®… enhanced blood microcirculation and reduced facial aging signs. Clin Interv Aging. 2012.
15. Thornton MJ. Estrogens and aging skin. Dermato‑Endocrinology. 2013. (Estrogen decline → reduced dermal collagen).
16. Trüeb RM. A Comment on the Science of Hair Aging. Int J Trichology. 2018. (Postmenopausal reductions in fiber diameter/growth).
17. Watanabe M, et al. Type XVII collagen coordinates proliferation in the hair follicle stem cell niche. eLife. 2017. (COL17A1 in hair follicle aging).
18. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017. (Cofactor for prolyl/lysyl hydroxylases; antioxidant).
19. Padayatty SJ, Levine M. Vitamin C physiology: the known and the unknown and Goldilocks. Nutrients. 2016. (Vitamin C and collagen hydroxylation).
20. Lee M, et al. Oral intake of collagen peptide NS improves hydration, elasticity, desquamation and wrinkling in human skin: RCT (12 weeks). Food & Function. 2023.
21. Hexsel D, et al. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017.
