The Best Collagen Haircare Products For Shinier, Stronger Strands

Trichologist Hannah Gaboardi explains, “Collagen is the body’s natural support system. It is the most common protein we have, making up a significant portion of our skin, hair, bones, and muscles. Essentially, it is the framework that holds everything together, keeping it strong yet flexible. At its core, collagen is made from amino acids, which are the building blocks of all proteins. When these amino acids link together, they form long, tough fibres that don’t easily stretch. This makes collagen ideal for providing structure and resilience wherever the body needs strength, from maintaining skin firmness and smoothness to enabling tendons and joints to withstand movement and pressure.”

Eva Proudman, a trichologist who assisted in formulating the Absolute Collagen haircare range adds, “The hair follicle is the second fastest dividing cell in the body, but also non-essential, which means that it is always the last place to get nutritional support, especially if your body is under pressure with other medical conditions.” She continues, “Collagen contains amino acids that are essential for providing nutritional nourishment to both the hair and scalp to give soft, smooth, shiny hair with a well-balanced scalp. The Clinical Research Study found improvements in hair density, growth and scalp health.”

Often referred to as scaffolding for the skin, collagen has a similar function in terms of the hair and scalp. Gaboardi says, “The key to maintaining healthy hair is focusing on internal factors like our vitamins, nutrients and proteins within the body, like collagen. Collagen plays a role in maintaining healthy hair, especially your scalp. Collagen creates strength and elasticity on your scalp, leading to a healthy environment for your hair to grow. When the scalp health declines, hair can start to become diffused, dry and brittle. As we age, collagen begins to decrease in the body, which leads to weaker scalp health and so weaker follicles. The loss of collagen can lead to visible hair loss as the hair follicles get thinner.”

Proudman confirms this: “The amino acids support the strength of the hair, its condition and density, alongside helping to keep the scalp microbiome balanced to give soft, shiny, healthy-looking hair.”

Gaboardi breaks it down: “Oral supplements are ingested and go through a systematic circulation instead of just on the surface. This helps break into amino acids and peptides, and work internally to support collagen production. Whereas a topical product like a shampoo or mask which contains collagen directly absorbs and targets the problem area. They both have beneficial qualities and are recommended to be added in your daily routine.”

Both trichologists agree that this is product dependent. “Oral supplements such as Viviscal Pro typically show visible results after around 12 weeks. These may appear as stronger strands, reduced breakage, and overall healthier-looking hair. Collagen can also support hair growth with consistent use, you may notice faster growth after the 12-week mark,” says Gaboardi. However, “With topical collagen-based products, results can appear more quickly. Hair may feel shinier, smoother, and less frizzy after the first few uses. However, long-term improvement requires consistency over time.”

The expert cautions, “It’s also important to remember that results vary with age. As we get older, our natural collagen production decreases, which can weaken scalp health and hair follicles. For this reason, rebuilding collagen stores may take longer than 12 weeks in some individuals.”

Proudman stresses too, “To get the best results for your hair and scalp you need to stick with it, consistent use over time you will notice your hair looking and feeling stronger, it will be fuller, easier to style and more resilient to breakage.”

According to Proudman, “Collagen supplements are usually very well tolerated, but they are not all the same. As with any supplement that you may take, always check the label for ingredients, and if you know you have allergies or sensitivities, then seek appropriate advice; however, do be reassured that for most people it is safe and effective.”

Gaboardi says too, “Oral collagen can occasionally cause mild bloating or a feeling of fullness. Those with fish or beef allergies should check the source. Always choose high-quality, hydrolysed collagen and take it with food. Topical collagen is safe but may cause slight scalp irritation or dryness if overused. Protein-rich masks should be used once or twice a week to avoid making hair feel stiff.”

“The most beneficial types of collagen for hair growth are type I and type III, which can be found in marine collagen or bovine collagen,” reveals Gaboardi. These help the scalp structure, skin elasticity and nutrient delivery to hair follicles. Also, taking collagen with vitamin C helps absorb and store in the body.” Proudman says too, “When I am advising on hair health, marine collagen is my go-to as the most effective; it is clinically proven.” She adds, “Plant-based products do provide some nutritional support, but are known as incomplete proteins as they don’t contain the amino acids that you find in animal-derived proteins.”

• Hannah Gaboardi is a trichologist with over 15 years of experience
• Eva Proudman is a fellow of the Institute of Trichologists with over 20 years of experience in hair and scalp health

Before embarking on our selection process, the Vogue team consulted our network of specialists – in this case, two leading trichologists. We harnessed their expertise to find out the products that they would recommend to their clients. This, paired with the Vogue beauty team’s own hands-on, real-world experience, is what feeds into our edit.

To curate the best collagen haircare products, I selected the shampoos, conditioners, serum and supplements based on tester feedback, considering ingredients, texture, sensorial aspects and results. These include the products I’ve used myself – the Absolute Collagen full collection, Augustinus Bader, Viviscal – with must-haves that the rest of the team suggested based on their experience – Perfectil and Color Wow, as well as reviewer insights to curate a minimal edit so you can easily add to basket without feeling overwhelmed.