You might have gone through several Google searches on the best treatments. We are betting that hair supplements are a part of your browsing history, too. So you’re wondering, between biotin vs collagen, which one is better for you?
You love your hair (we have that in common). It is only natural for you to want to keep it as healthy and as voluminous for as long as possible (that is our goal). And both collagen and biotin have been known to improve one’s hair. But there’s more to it, let’s dive right in.
Player 1: Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that also goes by vitamin B7, vitamin H, and coenzyme R. It is responsible for helping the body convert fat and carbohydrates into energy.
It also helps transfer carbon dioxide, supports a healthy metabolism, maintains a steady blood sugar level, and lowers cholesterol. But it is more popularly known to play a vital role in hair, skin, and nail health.
Our body does not produce biotin. However, it can be found in several foods. These include egg yolk, dairy, salmon, sweet potato, nuts, and seeds.
And while biotin deficiency is quite rare, those who lack this vitamin may suffer red and scaly skin rashes, anorexia, depression, fragile nails, and hair loss. Several factors, such as alcohol abuse, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, can increase your risk of a deficiency.
Biotin supplements:
Since biotin supplements are an affordable and accessible solution, it would make sense to stock up on these ASAP. After all, increasing your intake should increase the benefits, too, right?
Well, maybe not too much. There is not much research to prove these supplements work, though there is some evidence that they may help strengthen your nails and reduce skin rashes and improve alopecia and dermatitis. There is also one study on how it helped enhance hair growth and quality.
If you still wish to take these supplements, feel free. There is no recommended dietary allowance for biotin supplements, but your healthcare practitioner can always guide how you can safely increase your dosage to reap the maximum benefits. This would vary by age, sex, and overall health.
You can also find other biotin-infused products out there such as shampoos, conditioners, and serums.
Player 2: Collagen
Collagen is a protein. It is the most abundant kind in your body (from your tendons, ligaments, hair, and skin). This protein encompasses around 45 percent of your skin’s dry weight and makes up about 30 percent of the body’s total mass.
There are many benefits to collagen. It helps boost muscle mass, burn fat, reduce joint pain, improve digestive and gut health, and many others. No wonder it is so popular!
Our body naturally produces collagen. It can even be found in several food sources such as bone broth, fish, chicken, egg whites, citrus fruits, berries, and more.
But one of the reasons why collagen is highly marketed is because we produce less and less of it as we age. And with little collagen in our system, we are more prone to wrinkles, sagging skin, and even hair loss (yikes).
Collagen supplements
So, collagen supplements should be the obvious winner compared to biotin here, right? Yes and no. There have been a few evidence-based ways of how collagen can help with strengthening and improving hair. But research on its effects on a human hair is still limited.
There is currently no official guideline regarding how much collagen you can take per day. It would also depend on the type of supplement you decide to get.
While it is safe for most healthy individuals, it is better to consult with your healthcare provider if you plan on taking more than the recommended dosage of these supplements.
Biotin vs collagen, who won?
We are calling a tie on this match, only because there is no clear indication of a more effective solution between biotin vs collagen.
Do not get discouraged, though. It is safe to take collagen and biotin supplements. You can take them together, especially if they are well made and contain clean, all-natural ingredients.
Overall, both collagen and biotin present many health benefits. And if you are lucky enough to receive their beauty-boosting properties, then we are all for it! Regular hair growth period can be boosted using these supplements.
Do remember though that taking biotin and collagen are just as they are marketed – supplements. They are meant to complement or add to your daily food intake and are not meant to take the place of a healthy and balanced diet.
While events of an overdose are unlikely, we still recommend consulting with your doctor before you take any supplements.
It is not for everyone, after all, especially for those who may have medical concerns. A small number of people may experience a couple of minor side effects (i.e. nausea, cramping, diarrhea), too.
There are also several factors to consider where healthy hair is concerned. You need to be on top of your health, do a little digging on your genetics, and steer clear from all habits, products, and treatments that can potentially harm those strands. For example, smoking, dandruff, COVID-19, and lack of sleep are all correlated to hair loss.
Investing in collagen and biotin supplements would be a complete waste if you neglect all the other aspects that can affect your hair. It is a lot of work, we know. But no one ever said having lush, covetable hair is quick or easy.
Collagen and biotin aren’t miracle workers
Collagen and biotin are good supplements to consider thanks to their benefits. They make suitable additions to one’s diet, especially when one feels they considerably lack certain nutrients. However, studies on these supplements’ correlation to hair growth are still severely lacking. Therefore, no one can make a definitive argument between biotin vs collagen without further research.
Achieving great hair does not happen overnight. There is also no all-in-one natural solution to address hair loss. It takes a combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and using the right hair care products to have strong, healthy, and voluminous hair.