Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides for Hair Health: Can They Really Help Growth and Thickness?
Collagen has become one of the most talked-about supplements in the beauty world. From Instagram reels to TikTok testimonials, the promise is simple: add collagen peptides to your morning coffee or smoothie, and your hair will grow faster, look thicker, and shed less.
Among the many collagen brands, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides stand out as one of the most popular. The brand markets its bovine-derived peptides as dissolvable, unflavored, and an easy way to boost beauty "from within." But does it really work for hair?
To find out, we turned to the voices of real users. By looking at candid reviews from people who have taken Vital Proteins daily for weeks or months, we can separate hype from reality. Here’s what the community has to say.
Faster Hair Growth & Thicker Strands
One of the most common reasons people start collagen is hair loss-whether from stress, postpartum shedding, or simply wanting fuller hair. For many, the results feel noticeable after a couple of months.
"After about 8 weeks of taking it daily, I now have lots of baby hairs along the hairline and shedding has slowed down to normal." -u/Impressive-Bird2389
This kind of "baby hair regrowth" is a recurring theme. Users often describe a fine halo of new hairs filling in their hairline, something that can be hard to fake or attribute to placebo.
Others simply notice less shedding and healthier growth overall:
"I mix Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides into my coffee every day and it has helped a ton. I have a lot of regrowth." -u/HerSatanicWiles
And some pair collagen with other hair treatments, like minoxidil, and feel the combination makes a big difference:
"Vital Proteins collagen powder was a game changer for me along with 5% topical minox." -[deleted]
While it’s difficult to know whether collagen is the main driver of improvement-especially when combined with proven hair-loss treatments-these kinds of testimonials are common enough to suggest many users see tangible benefits for growth and thickness.
Shine, Texture & Reduced Shedding
Beyond growth, another major draw is overall hair quality. Users frequently describe hair that feels shinier, smoother, and less prone to breaking.
One user shared how quickly they saw changes, not only in their nails but in visible hair regrowth after a period of stress-related hair loss:
"I got the new ‘mocktail’ flavors of liquid IV and they hide the collagen flavor… I saw the benefits fast. Like first 1–2 weeks. Fingernails were the most immediately obvious… I had sprouts of regrowing hair (my hair fell out from stress) visible sticking up 1–2 inches within 3 months. My hair has generally grown faster and had more volume since I started taking it." -u/iphigeneiarex
Others highlight collagen’s role in slowing down thinning or making hair look fuller over time:
"I have Celiac disease, I’ve been taking collagen everyday for years – it is so good for gut health, I also realized it helped with my thinning hair!" -u/safshort
The common thread is not overnight transformation, but gradual strengthening. People notice less hair in the shower drain, less breakage when brushing, and an overall boost in volume and density.
Mixed Experiences
Of course, not everyone gets the results they hope for. Some users report no change even after months of daily use. Others even feel their hair got worse while taking collagen.
"I’ve been using Vital Proteins collagen, flax and biotin for almost 2 years. My hair loss has accelerated dramatically in the last 6 months." -u/finagler123
This highlights one of the most important points: results vary widely. Factors like diet, genetics, hormonal health, and underlying medical conditions all play major roles in hair growth. For some, collagen may be a helpful support. For others, it might do little to address the root cause of shedding.
It’s also worth noting that expectations matter. Some users expect dramatic hair regrowth within weeks, when in reality, the process is often slow and subtle.
Practical Tips from the Community
From dozens of reviews, a few practical lessons emerge for anyone considering Vital Proteins for hair health:
- Consistency is key: Most positive reviews come from people who took collagen daily for 8+ weeks. Sporadic use rarely produces results.
- Dosage matters: A typical serving is 10–20 g per day. Some split it into two servings for better digestion.
- Mixing methods: Coffee, smoothies, tea, and oatmeal are popular vehicles. Some users complain of clumping or an aftertaste in plain water.
- Pair with vitamin C: Vitamin C helps the body use collagen more effectively. Adding a source of vitamin C (like orange juice or fruit) is a common hack.
- Set realistic expectations: Collagen may support hair health, but it’s not a guaranteed cure for medical hair loss conditions.
What the Science Says
The user reviews are anecdotal, but there is some scientific evidence to support collagen for hair:
- Collagen provides amino acids (proline, glycine, hydroxyproline) that are key building blocks of keratin, the main protein in hair.
- Some small studies suggest collagen supplements improve hair thickness and volume after several months of use, though the evidence is not as robust as for skin or joints.
- Collagen may also support the dermis (the skin layer where hair follicles sit), which could indirectly help with hair anchoring and reduced shedding.
Still, the research is limited, and results are far from universal.
Pharmacist’s Perspective
To put these experiences into context, we asked Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, for his professional view:
*"Collagen peptides are essentially a source of protein. They contain amino acids that the body can use to build keratin and connective tissue, which is why people often report stronger hair and nails. There is some promising research on collagen for hair density and thickness, but the evidence is not yet conclusive. What’s clear is that results take time and consistency, and not everyone will respond in the same way.
For patients with unexplained hair loss, it’s important to look at the bigger picture: iron levels, thyroid health, hormones, and overall nutrition all play critical roles. Collagen can be a helpful support, but it should not be seen as a replacement for medical evaluation or a balanced diet."*
Conclusion
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides have become a staple in many beauty routines, and for good reason. Users frequently report faster growth, new baby hairs, less shedding, and shinier, fuller locks after a few months of daily use.
But the experiences are not universal. Some people see little change, and a few even report worsening hair loss. The truth is that collagen is not a magic bullet-it’s one piece of the complex puzzle that is hair health.
For those already eating a balanced diet, collagen may provide an extra boost of amino acids that support hair and nails. For others, especially those with underlying medical causes of hair loss, it may not make a visible difference.
The best advice? Try it if you’re curious, commit for at least 8 weeks, and see how your hair responds. But keep expectations realistic, and remember: collagen is a supportive supplement, not a guaranteed cure.
