9 Best Collagen Supplements for Hair Growth (2024) According to a Pharmacist

Hair loss can be a frustrating experience, especially when it leads to visible scalp exposure. I often get asked about the best collagen supplements for hair growth. The short answer is that it depends.

Collagen, the most abundant structural protein in the body, not only contributes to youthful-looking skin and strong muscles but also plays a significant role in hair growth.

So, if your goal is specifically to have those luscious locks, here are my top recommendations for the best collagen supplements for hair growth.

But first, what exactly is collagen?

Collagen is a source of functional peptide amino acids (protein building blocks). Protein is important for our many physiological functions, and collagen has been shown to play an important and beneficial supplemental role. One key area of interest is hair growth.

While the data isn’t definitive, there is reason to believe that collagen plays a pivotal role in promoting healthy and strong hair growth. Our bodies make collagen, and to do so also requires the antioxidant vitamin C, which, in addition to helping us make collagen, is also crucial for maintaining the integrity of our skin, connective tissue, bones, blood vessel walls, and teeth.

Let’s move ahead and check out our list of the best collagen supplements for hair growth in 2024, of course, according to a pharmacist.

Best Collagen Supplements for Hair Growth in 2024

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Best Multi-Collagen For Hair Growth: Ancient Nutrition Mult Collagen Protein

Best Hydrolyzed Collagen for Hair Growth: Morphogen Nutrition Multi-Type Collagen (Use code “ROMAN10” for 10% off)

Best Gluten-Free Collagen for Hair: Codeage Amen Collagen, Grass-Fed & Hydrolyzed

Best Collagen with Biotin: NeoCell Collagen Beauty Infusion with Biotin

Best Marine Collagen for Hair Growth: NeoCell Marine Collagen Capsules for Skin

Best Keto-Safe Collagen for Hair: Double Wood Supplements Collagen Peptides

Best Collagen Supplements with Hyaluronic Acid: California Gold Nutrition CollagenUP

Best Meatless Collagen Supplements: Codeage Wild Caught Marine Collagen Peptides, Meatless Collagen

Best Collagen Supplements to Buy in Bulk: PureBulk Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder (Bovine)

1) Ancient Nutrition Mult Collagen Protein (Best Multi-Collagen For Hair Growth)

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Ancient Nutrition, when it comes to collagen, is one of the most reputable and long-standing brands out there. They have their third-party-certified collagen protein in powders, pills, travel packs, and even gummies.

This multi-collagen protein is their flagship product, and it’s clinically proven to promote healthy hair. That, in addition to several other benefits,.

Aside from the science to back it up, a few other elements make this product stand out. It comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, so it’s high-quality right from the source.

They include vitamin C and probiotics for digestion and absorption support. The taste is quite good and comes in lots of flavors. The chocolate is a classic, but I also like the cold brew powder. They have an unflavored option too.

For all of these reasons, Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein is our #1 pick.

Pros:

• This product offers 10 different collagen types from 4 sources (beef, chicken, fish, and eggshell membrane)
• Fermented eggshell membrane collagen and SBO probiotics suggest better absorption
• It is easy to mix and dissolves well in both hot and cold liquids.

Cons:

• Allergy to components such as eggs, fish, etc.
• Collagen, with added probiotics, may cause digestive discomfort.

Average Customer Rating: 4.5/5 – 47,480+ reviews

Standout User Review: “I take it in my coffee. No clumps, dissolved easily, and added a bit of vanilla taste. I would recommend the product to others, but keep in mind that results vary within individuals.”

What Makes It Stand Out Among Competitors: 10 types of collagen in every scoop

2) Morphogen Nutrition Multi-Type Collagen (Hydrolyzed Collagen For Hair Growth)

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Morphogen’s collagen is high on our list for a few reasons. First and foremost is the overall quality. There’s a debate about the best collagen supplements for hair growth, but the truth is that different collagen peptide sources come with slightly different amino acid profiles and, therefore, some unique benefits.

Morphogen collagen includes 3 forms of collagen: bovine collagen, chicken bone broth collagen, and eggshell membrane collagen. Through this, you’re getting many of the major types of collagen (type i, ii, iii,v, and x)

Second, this product includes a hydrolyzed form of collagen. This is extremely important because collagen can start repairing your hair and other tissues within minutes, as long as it’s small enough.

Furthermore, it includes vitamin C, which is key for supporting collagen production. Aside from that, it has no other ingredients. It comes in a simple, unflavored powder form. 

With 60 scoops per container, you’ll be getting a solid 10 grams of collagen protein for less than a buck.

It’s gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and more.

For all of these reasons, Morphogen Multi-Type Collagen is our #2 pick.

You can use our code, ROMAN10, to get 10% off. 

Pros:

• Made up of a diverse range of collagen: bovine collagen, chicken bone broth collagen, and eggshell membrane collagen.
• Contains hydrolyzed collagen, which helps in rapid tissue repair.
• Simple and pure composition.

Cons:

• Limited flavor options.
• Does not dissolve easily.

Average Customer Ratings: 4.7/5 – 475+ reviews

Standout User Review: “It helps me a lot with something I need help with, and I think it’s a great product.”

What Makes It Stand Out Among Competitors: No unnecessary fillers, just high-quality collagen.

3) Codeage Amen Collagen, Grass-Fed & Hydrolyzed (Best Gluten-Free Collagen)

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Coming in at number three is Amen Collagen from Codeage.

For about a buck a day, they provide high-quality, American-manufactured collagen in a hydrolyzed capsule formulation.

This is great for those of us who hate mixing powders or dry-scooping into our mouths.

Their facility is cGMP certified, meaning you can trust that what comes off the assembly line is what’s promised on the label: high-quality, affordable supplements.

I personally like this one because it also includes vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C, as previously mentioned, is key for our bodies to synthesize collagen, and it’s something I always include in my supplement stack when taking collagen.

Hyaluronic acid is ubiquitous in our skin and plays a key role in moisture maintenance. Skin health and hair health are inextricably linked, and though there is limited evidence of the role of hyaluronic acid in hair growth, the literature is continually growing.

Their collagen also comes from grass-fed cows and is hydrolyzed so that you can absorb more of the collagen.

It’s gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and more.

For all of these reasons, Codeage Amen Collagen is our #3 choice.

Pros:

• Convenient capsule form.
• Easier absorption by the body compared to non-hydrolyzed forms.
• Includes vitamin C, which aids collagen synthesis.

Cons:

• They use a blend and don’t show the exact dose of each type of collagen

Average Customer Ratings: 4.4/5 – 470+ reviews

Standout User Review: “I did not notice any improvement in my skin or joint pain; however, it did seem to make my hair grow faster and my nails seem stronger.” 

What Makes It Stand Out Among Competitors: Good value compared to other top products

4) NeoCell Collagen Beauty Infusion with Biotin (Best Collagen with Biotin and Best Collagen with HLA)

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NeoCell Collagen Beauty Infusion contains two types of collagen: hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. But what makes this product stand out is the inclusion of biotin. Biotin may have additional benefits to support your hair growth.

It also comes in a flavored powder that’s surprisingly quite good. So if you’re looking to avoid capsules and don’t want to have to mix unflavored powder into a smoothie or shake, this is a great option.

Pros:

• Contains hyaluronic acid, a highly hydrating nutrient.
• Includes biotin
• Each serving contains 12 grams of collagen made using hydrolysis.

Cons:

• Mixed reviews about the cranberry flavor

Average Customer Ratings: 4.4/5 – 730+ reviews

Standout User Review: “The taste is good, and I have noticed a positive impact on my hair! That is my main goal!!”

5) NeoCell Marine Collagen Capsules for Skin (Best Marine Collagen For Hair Growth)

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This is a truly unique formulation from Neocell. This company is also cGMP-certified and located in southern California, USA.

This marine collagen not only contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid but also includes magnesium and zinc, which have wide-ranging health benefits and have been implicated in hair growth.^{1, 2}

It’s a great deal as well, with 30 servings for $13.86

Pros:

• Formulated with collagen protein types 1 and 3.
• Gluten-free and paleo-friendly.

Cons:

• Reported digestive discomfort.

Average Customer Ratings: 4.5/5 – 3280+ reviews

Standout User Review: “Now I’m on my third bottle of this stuff because it actually works.” 

6) Double Wood Supplements Collagen Peptides (Best Keto-Safe Collagen for Hair)

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Next are the Double Wood Supplements Collagen Peptides. This keto-safe, bovine-sourced collagen contains types I, II, and III collagen and provides great value from a truly reputable company. 

This product is also USA-made and cGMP-certified. It contains 38 days worth of collagen powder, which you can mix with water or juice of your choice.

$19.95, 38 scoops.

Pros:

• Contains a grass-fed bovine source, a higher-quality protein.
• Easy to Mix
• It provides a good protein boost per serving, around 11 grams per serving.

Cons:

• Unpleasant taste

Average Customer Ratings: 4.6/5 – 95+ reviews

Standout User Review: “My hair started looking shinier and my nails stronger. I definitely recommend it.”

7) California Gold Nutrition CollagenUP ( Best Collagen With HLA)

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If you haven’t heard of iHerb and you’re looking for a great deal, their California Gold Nutrition CollagenUP powder may be perfect for you.

At $47.03 for 90 servings, this marine-sourced collagen with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is a great choice. And it’s sourced from a GMP-certified facility.

This one has all the components I am looking for and is at a great price. They also sell it in packets, which I find useful for travel, but the powder has a better price point.

Pros:

• Contains a blend of marine collagen and hyaluronic acid, which is great for hair health.
• Enhanced absorption and bioavailability
• It is unflavored and easy to mix.
• Travel-friendly pouches are available.

Cons:

• Allergy to marine collagen.

Average Customer Ratings: 4.5/5 – 1870+ reviews

Standout User Review: “I have noticed new hair growth, especially in my mom; she has very short hair, and she was losing a lot of hair, especially on the top of her head, and we started noticing new baby hairs growing there.”

8) Codeage Wild Caught Marine Collagen Peptides (Best Meatless Collagen)

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Coming up next is another great product from Codeage.

This is their Wild Caught Marine Collagen Peptide Powder. This keto-safe, meatless supplement is held to the same rigorous standards as their other products we’ve mentioned and may be just what you’re looking for if your dietary restrictions limit meat-sourced materials.

At $59.99, this product offers a 50-day supply of high-quality collagen.

Pros:

• It tastes good and is easy to mix.
• Gives noticeable and quick results.

Cons:

• Marine collagen can cause allergies.

Average Customer Ratings: 4.4/5 – 815+ reviews

Standout User Review: “I’ve only used this product for 3 weeks now, but I do notice my hair feels thicker and have recommended it to others.”

9) PureBulk Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder (Best Collagen to Buy in Bulk)

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This is for those of us who are looking to buy the best collagen supplements for hair growth in bulk.

From PureBulk, this is sold in packs up to 1kg for $39.25!

This is for those among us on a budget looking for a steal. However, because the manufacturer uses sulfur dioxide in the manufacturing process, this may have an unpleasant smell or taste, so you’ll have to mix it in something like a post-workout smoothie.

Rest assured, it’s safe to consume and is 3^rd party accredited.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better budget deal.

Pros:

• Very cost-friendly.
• Can be bought in bulk.
• Does not cause digestive discomfort.

Cons:

• Unpleasant taste and smell.

Customer Ratings: 4.8/5 – 29 reviews

Standout User Review: “Clean. Gentle on the stomach. Price unmatched.”

The Best Collagen Supplements for Hair Growth: Why Do You Need Them?

There are several studies demonstrating the ability of collagen supplements to improve skin elasticity and skin health, recover lost cartilage, aid in joint pain, and play a role in bone density (particularly in postmenopausal women).

Collagen is also an essential building block of healthy hair, providing necessary protein components for the keratin structure that forms strong hair.

Proline is a main component of keratin. According to research, consuming proline-rich collagen provides your body with the building blocks it needs to create hair.

One study found that marine collagen is able to fight four different types of free radicals.

One type of collagen in particular, collagen VI, is present in high amounts in the skin and scalp and is deposited in hair follicles.

Evidence suggests that collagen VI could be a potential therapeutic target for hair loss and other skin-related diseases.

There is also some discussion around whether collagen can increase the body’s hair-building proteins, give you longer, thicker hair, reduce the appearance of grey hairs, and treat brittle split ends. The evidence for this is less definitive, however, and more work is currently being conducted.

Where is collagen sourced from?

Collagen is typically sourced from either marine (undersized fish, jellyfish, sharks, sponges) or animal sources (cattle, chickens, pigs). The difference is that marine sources may present a safer and more environmentally conscious source of collagen.

Fish biomass has a high collagen content and may provide a sustainable collagen source for future applications. As well, individuals may be prevented from consuming porcine (pig) or bovine (cattle)-derived collagen due to personal choices or religious reasons, making marine collagen an excellent alternative.

Hydrolyzed collagen is a term you will no doubt see littering the internet. Native collagen, which is typically much larger (a factor of 100x heavier than hydrolyzed collagen) and less bioavailable (your body can absorb less native collagen), is much harder for our bodies to absorb. By breaking down the collagen using hydrolysis, we can access a greater proportion of it, making it more compatible with our bodies.

How we ranked

Yes, we’ve ranked these products, but we also want you to make the best decisions for you, and that means understanding how we ranked them.

Strict Testing Standards

The FDA does not regulate the supplement industry, so we select products primarily from companies with cGMP certifications, preferably those manufactured in America.

Ingredient complement

Even though collagen on its own is great, combining it with other key ingredients, such as vitamin C, can improve the value you receive per dose. That’s why the best collagen supplements for hair growth often contain additional ingredients proven to help and are ranked higher.

Value

We’re all looking for a deal. I’ve done my due diligence to not only provide high-quality options but also those with a solid price point.

FAQ:

Which type of collagen is best for hair growth?

The best type of collagen for hair growth is Type I collagen. Type I collagen is crucial for building hair follicle cells, tissue regeneration, bone health, and active hair growth. 

Does collagen increase facial hair in females?

Collagen can potentially support hair growth in females, including facial hair, by providing essential amino acids like keratin needed for strong hair. Research primarily targets the benefits of collagen for skin and hair health, including promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss, but direct evidence specifically addressing the impact of collagen on facial hair growth in females is limited.

Which is better for hair growth, biotin or collagen?

Based on the information provided in the sources, collagen is generally considered better for hair growth compared to biotin.

Research suggests that collagen supplements can lead to improvements in hair thickness, elasticity, and density, making them a more effective option for enhancing hair health compared to biotin supplements.

Is collagen powder or pills better?

Collagen is typically very well tolerated. I don’t often hear complaints from my patients, aside from gastrointestinal (stomach) upsets. To reduce this, I’d recommend taking it with a meal if you notice that one of these formulations doesn’t quite sit well with you.

However, if you’re taking medications in addition to these supplements, I recommend you reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare provider to determine the best way for you to take these supplements and avoid any interactions with your medication regimen.

Does collagen cause allergies?

I’ve tried to vary the options to include both bovine and marine options. I listed most of the reasons above, but another important consideration is allergies.

Consequently, if you have a shellfish allergy, it’s best to avoid marine formulations and opt instead for a meat-sourced alternative if possible.

So, there you have it. These are the products I typically refer my clients to and the ones that I personally prefer. Talk to your primary care provider to discuss which option might be best for you.

What other supplements support healthy hair growth?

There are a few other supplements you can look into, like biotin and glycine. So, if you’re like a 6-year-old child like me then you can also get collagen supplements in gummy form.

Additionally, there’s also some interesting research showing that spermidine supplements can help with hair growth.

References:

1. A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair – PMC (nih.gov),
2. Magnesium and Human Health: Perspectives and Research Directions – PMC (nih.gov)