CollagenDoes collagen help hair and nails?
Updated 9 Nov 2026
Short answer
The evidence is weak. In a study without a placebo group, 25 people with brittle nails took 2.5 g of collagen peptides a day for 24 weeks. Their nails grew 12% faster and broke 42% less often.[1] For hair, a 2023 trial tested a tablet with 300 mg of fish collagen plus amino acids, iron and selenium, added to hair loss medicines. Hair improved more than with the medicines alone, but the effect of collagen cannot be separated, and two authors work for the company that sells it.[2]
Sources (2)
- Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S J Cosmet Dermatol, 2017. PMID 28786550
- Efficacy and tolerability of an oral supplement containing amino acids, iron, selenium, and marine hydrolyzed collagen in subjects with hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, AGA or FAGA or telogen effluvium). A prospective, randomized, 3-month, controlled, assessor-blinded study. Milani M, Colombo F Skin Res Technol, 2023. PMID 37357646
More about collagen
What is collagen?Can you get collagen from food?What is collagen used for?How long does collagen take to work?Is collagen safe?Does collagen help joint pain?For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.