What is Better for Thinning Hair, Biotin or Collagen?

Article Highlights
  • Biotin and collagen may be closely-related nutrients, but they are not the same thing
  • Biotin is a B vitamin that is necessary for the production of keratin, a protein that is a major component of hair, skin, and nails. Collagen is a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails and is essential for your hair’s strength and elasticity.
  • There is some evidence to suggest that biotin may help improve hair thickness and reduce hair loss, although more research is needed to confirm this. Collagen may also have some potential for improving hair health, although the evidence is not as strong.

So you are in the eye of a hair loss storm. It starts with thinning temples or a fading crown (if you are a man) or a bad case of traction alopecia (if you belong to the fairer gender). And now you are wondering aloud, what is better for thinning hair biotin or collagen? Truth be told, the debate surrounding collagen vs biotin has been going on for quite some time now. Actually, it's not just biotin vs collagen as per se, but the upsides and arguments made concerning the topic of biotin vs collagen for hair. Which, of course, leads us to the question; what is the difference between collagen and biotin? Let's get to the bottom of this, shall we?

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails, as well as in other tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and bones. It is the most abundant protein in the human body and is important for the strength and elasticity of these tissues.
Generally speaking, there are several different types of collagen, and they are found in various tissues in the body. For example, type I collagen is found in skin, tendons, and bones, while type II collagen is found in cartilage. Collagen is produced by cells called fibroblasts, and its synthesis can be influenced by various factors such as age, nutrition, and hormones.

How Can One Improve their Intake of Collagen?

Even before delving deeper into the distinct difference between biotin and collagen or whether to take biotin or collagen for hair, let's elucidate some of the reliable ways that one can employ to improve their intake of this protein.

There are several ways you can increase your collagen intake, and these are among the most dependable.

  • Eat collagen-rich foods: Foods rich in collagen with biotin include bone broth, chicken skin, fish, and eggs.
  • Take collagen supplements: Collagen supplements are available in the form of pills, powders, and liquids. While some are formulated to deliver one type of collagen, Raw Science's Multi Collagen Capsules are optimized to furnish your body with types I, III, II, V &X collagen.
  • Use collagen-containing skincare products: Some skincare products, such as creams and serums, contain collagen. These products may help to improve the appearance of your skin by providing a temporary boost of collagen. Still, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in solving the problem of hair thinning.
  • Incorporate collagen-boosting foods into your diet: Certain foods may help to stimulate collagen production in the body. These include foods that are high in vitamins C and E, as well as foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens.

How Effective is Collagen in Preventing or Reversing Hair Thinning?

To understand the various facets of collagen or biotin, it only makes sense to shed crucial light on the effectiveness of each of these supplements as far as hair thinning is concerned. For starters. Collagen plays a role in the structure and strength of your tresses and can be important for maintaining healthy hair. It's no wonder that some people believe that taking collagen and biotin supplements or using products that contain collagen biotin may help to alleviate hair thinning or promote hair growth.

Surprisingly, there is some limited scientific evidence to support this idea. For example, a small study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that a supplement containing collagen and other nutrients improved hair density and thickness in women with thinning hair. However, as promising as this may sound, larger and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.

What is Biotin?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble nutrient that is essential for the health of the skin, hair, and nails. It is found naturally in various foods, including egg yolks, liver, and yeast, and is also available as a dietary supplement. Bloommy's Biotin, Collagen and Keratin Supplement, for example, offers this nutrient alongside others that are relevant in improving the overall state of one's hair.

Biotin Keratin Collagen Bottle

That aside, biotin plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, and it is also involved in the production of keratin. This protein is important for the health of the skin, hair, and nails. Some people take biotin supplements or use products that contain biotin and collagen for hair in the hopes of improving the health and appearance of their tresses or slowing down hair thinning.

How Can One Improve their Intake of Biotin

At this juncture, one may wonder, what is the difference between biotin and collagen, and how can one improve their intake of the former? Well, let's take a quick glance at that.
Biotin is found naturally in a variety of foods, including:

  • Egg yolks
  • Liver
  • Yeast
  • Salmon
  • Avocado
  • Cheese
  • Nuts, such as almonds and peanuts
  • Whole grains, such as oats and brown rice
  • Legumes, such as beans and lentils

Eating a varied and balanced diet that includes these foods can help to ensure that you are getting enough biotin. It is worth noting that biotin deficiency is rare; it's not uncommon for vegetarians to struggle to find vegan-friendly sources of collagen and biotin. And here's where Bloommy's Hair, Skin and Nail gummies come into play.

Biotin Gummies

A Look at the Benefits of Biotin and Collagen

The benefits of biotin and collagen straddle a spectrum of physiological functions, not just your hair. You see, biotin and collagen are two nutrients that are often touted for their potential health upsides ranging from your overall metabolism to ensuring that your body is generally working as it is supposed to. To break it down, here are some potential key collagen and biotin benefits:

Biotin

  • May support healthy hair, skin, and nails: Wondering what does biotin and collagen do for your hair? You see, biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for the health and growth of hair, skin, and nails. It may help to strengthen hair and nails, and may also improve the appearance of dry, lackluster or brittle hair and nails, especially when taken regularly. It is one of the major reasons supplementing with Bloommy's Biotin Collagen and Keratin capsules comes with many aesthetics profits. Don't also overlook the fact that the consumption of biotin supports the production of keratin which spurs the growth of your hair follicles.Biotin Pills
  • May support metabolism: As mentioned earlier, biotin is a B vitamin essential for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It plays a role in the production of enzymes involved in the breakdown of these nutrients in the body. Biotin is also involved in the synthesis of glucose, which is the primary source of energy for the body. In addition, biotin is involved in the production of fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining the structure and function of cell membranes. It may also help to regulate cholesterol metabolism, a type of fat found in the body.
  • May support nerve function: Did you know that biotin is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cell? Apparently, it plays a role in the production of enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of these neurotransmitters. In addition, biotin may help to support nerve function by promoting the health and integrity of nerve cells. It also helps to support the myelin sheath, which is a protective layer that surrounds nerve cells and helps to insulate them.

Collagen

  • May support healthy skin: Collagen is generally a protein that is found in the skin, hair, and nails. It helps to give these tissues their structure and strength, which is usually equated with youthfulness and vigor. Unfortunately, as we age, the production of collagen in the body naturally decreases, which can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or even hair thinning. It's actually one of the main reasons some people take collagen supplements, e.g., Raw Science Biotin & Collagen drops to support healthy skin and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Besides, there is some evidence to suggest that collagen supplements may improve the elasticity and hydration of the skin Collagen may also help to support the production of other proteins in the skin, such as elastin and fibrillin, which give the skin its elasticity and structure.
  • May support healthy bones and joints: As you may already know at this juncture, collagen is a protein that is found in the bones, tendons, and ligaments. It helps to give these tissues their structure and strength. The only problem is that the production of collagen in the body naturally decreases as one grows older, which can lead to a number of musculoskeletal problems, including the weakening of bones and joints. It's also why some people take collagen supplements, e.g., these Multi-collagen Capsules by Raw Science, to help alleviate joint-related issues. That aside, there is some evidence to suggest that collagen supplements may improve the strength and density of bones. Collagen may also help to support the health and integrity of tendons and ligaments, which connect bones to muscles and help to stabilize joints.
  • May support a healthy gut: Are you aware that collagen is also found in the lining of the gut? If anything, numerous studies suggest that the presence of this protein here may help to support a healthy gut and reduce the risk of the leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome, for those who may not be aware, is a condition in which the gut lining becomes damaged, allowing bacteria and other substances to leak through the gut wall and into the bloodstream. It often leads to inflammation and a range of digestive problems.

Biotin and Collagen for Thinning Hair: Exploring the Relevance of these Two Nutrients in Solving the Problem of Hair Loss

A lot has been said about the nexus of biotin and thinning hair, but the main question remains does biotin help with thinning hair? You see, as a vitamin, biotin supports proper hair growth by reviving your hair follicle by supporting keratin production. It is no wonder that there is evidence that suggests that biotin may help to improve the general appearance of your hair and reduce hair loss, especially if you are already deficient in this vital micronutrient.

Taking collagen for thinning hair, on the other hand, is not as straightforward. You see, the link between collagen and thinning hair stems from the fact collagen is often made up of amino acids that are involved in the build-up of keratin. In simpler language, just consuming collagen (whether it is through a supplement or via dietary means) implies that you are essentially furnishing your body with the right set of raw materials that it needs to generate proteins that eventually end up as strands of your hair. What's more, collagen is also heavily involved in neutralizing the impact of free radicals on your hair follicles. Free radicals, in this case, refer to compounds that are often precipitated as a result of exposure to air pollutants, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, environmental influences, and even poor dietary choices.

Speaking of which, a few helpful products in this regard include;

  • Bloommy’s Hair, Skin, and Nail Gummies
    Combining the effectiveness of biotin in supporting healthy hair growth and the fortifying nature of collagen and keratin in a couple of flavored gummies.A girl with Gummies
  • Bloommy’s Biotin, Collagen & Keratin Capsules
    Nourish your hair by supplementing your eating routine and dietary regimen with collagen, biotin and keratin.a girl with keratin pills
  • Raw Science’s Biotin & Collagen Drops
    A formulation of vitamins for stronger hair growth that may help with thinning hair
  • Raw Science’s Biotin, Collagen and Keratin Supplement
    Delicious hair growth pills that are optimized to work with almost all hair types

Do Biotin and Collagen Help Hair Growth?

To round up this discourse, do biotin and collagen help hair growth? Here's a quick breakdown of the importance of biotin and collagen supplements for hair growth.

  • Biotin is a B vitamin necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids, which are all critical for healthy hair growth. It may also help to strengthen hair shafts, preventing breakage and promoting hair growth.
  • Collagen is a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails. It helps to give hair its structure and strength and may also play a role in promoting hair growth.
  • Taking both biotin and collagen supplements may help to improve the overall health of the hair and scalp, making it easier for hair to grow.
  • Relying on either biotin or collagen for hair growth i.e., supplements, may also help to improve the appearance of hair, making it thicker, stronger, and more lustrous.
  • Biotin & collagen may also help to reduce hair loss and promote the growth of new hair.
  • They may also help to improve the condition of the scalp, making it healthier and more resistant to dryness, flakiness, and other common problems that can hinder hair growth.
  • Biotin and collagen supplements may also help to improve the overall health of the skin and nails, making them stronger and more resilient.
  • Collagen plays a paramount role in preventing hair thinning associated with or triggered by aging thanks to its role in improving the strength and overall elasticity of your skin's dermis layer.

In Closing - The Bottom Line

Having cleared the air about the nutritional value of each of these supplements, it's only fair if we got to the bottom of the dilemma; is collagen or biotin better for hair growth? The most glaring difference between collagen and biotin supplements is that the former is a very common protein that the human body can synthesize on its own. Biotin, on the other side of the spectrum, has to be supplied by the diet - it is an essential vitamin. Ideally, you should take biotin and collagen supplements if you really want a decent shot at stopping the progression of thinning hair or regrowing balding spots.

List of resources

  1. K. Fletcher & N. B. Myant, et al., (2016). Biotin in the Synthesis of Fatty Acid and Cholesterol by Mammalian Liver https://www.nature.com/articles/188585a0

  2. Hend Al-Atif, et al., (2019). Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824545/#:~:text=The%20evidence%20from%20the%20reviewed,effects%20of%20its%20oral%20supplements

  3. Jie Ding, Peter Kwan, Zengshuan Ma, Takashi Iwashina, Jianfei Wang, Heather A Shankowsky, Edward E Tredget, et al, (2016). Synergistic effect of vitamin D and low concentration of transforming growth factor beta 1, a potential role in dermal wound healing https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27222384/

  4. Amaryllis Mavragani, et al., (2011). Effect of a Daily Collagen Peptide Supplement on Digestive Symptoms in Healthy Women: 2-Phase Mixed Methods Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9198822/



Leave a comment

Follow Us On Instagram