When it comes to supporting healthy hair from the inside out, two ingredients often dominate the conversation: biotin and collagen. Both have become popular additions to hair supplements and wellness routines, particularly for people experiencing hair shedding, thinning, changes in texture, or the natural effects of ageing.
But what do they actually do? Are they equally effective? And if you're trying to support your hair and scalp health, which one is the better choice?
The truth is, they work in very different ways.
In this article, we'll explore the differences between biotin and collagen, what current research tells us, and how to decide which may be more suitable for your individual needs.
What Is Biotin?
Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B-vitamin that helps your body convert food into energy. It also plays an important role in maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails.
Unlike many ingredients marketed for hair, biotin has an authorised UK health claim, meaning its role has been assessed and recognised.
UK-Approved Health Claim
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin.
This is one of the reasons biotin has become such a popular ingredient in hair supplements.
However, it's important to understand what biotin doesn't do.
Biotin does not make hair grow faster or dramatically increase hair thickness. Instead, it helps maintain normal hair health and may be particularly beneficial for people whose hair is affected by low biotin intake or certain nutritional deficiencies.
Although true biotin deficiency is uncommon, some people may be at greater risk. This includes those with digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption, prolonged antibiotic use, excessive alcohol intake, some medications or rare inherited conditions that affect biotin metabolism. In these situations, correcting a deficiency may help restore normal hair health.
For most people, however, biotin should be viewed as part of an overall approach to supporting healthy hair rather than a quick fix.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and forms an essential part of the skin, bones, tendons and connective tissues.
When people think about collagen and hair, it's easy to assume collagen builds the hair itself—but that's not actually the case.
Hair is primarily made from keratin, not collagen.
Instead, collagen provides structural support to the dermis—the deeper layer of skin where your hair follicles sit. As we age, natural collagen production gradually declines, contributing to changes in skin firmness, elasticity and hydration. These changes may also influence the environment surrounding the hair follicle.
Some early research suggests collagen peptides may help support skin hydration and elasticity, which could contribute to a healthier scalp. However, there are currently no authorised UK or EU health claims linking collagen specifically to hair health, and evidence that collagen supplements directly improve hair growth remains limited.
While collagen may support overall skin health, more high-quality research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about its benefits for hair.
Biotin vs Collagen: What's the Difference?
| Biotin | Collagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Vitamin (Vitamin B7) | Structural protein |
| Primary role | Helps maintain normal hair and skin | Supports skin structure and connective tissue |
| Approved UK health claim | ✔ Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin | ✘ No approved hair-specific health claims |
| Often used for | Hair shedding, nutritional support, stress-related changes | Skin health, ageing and joint support |
| Suitable for vegans? | ✔ Usually yes (depending on formulation) | ✘ Usually marine or bovine derived |
Can Collagen Replace Protein?
Not entirely.
Hair is primarily made from keratin, a protein that requires a wide range of amino acids, together with vitamins and minerals, to be produced.
Although collagen provides certain amino acids that the body can use, it isn't considered a complete protein because it lacks some essential amino acids.
For this reason, collagen shouldn't replace a balanced, protein-rich diet.
Supporting healthy hair requires adequate dietary protein alongside nutrients such as biotin, iron, zinc and other vitamins and minerals that help support normal hair health.
Which One Should You Choose?
The answer depends on your individual needs.
If your main concern is hair shedding, nutritional support, hormonal changes or periods of stress, biotin may offer more direct support because of its recognised role in maintaining normal hair.
If your focus is skin health, ageing or supporting your scalp as part of overall skin wellbeing, collagen may provide complementary benefits, although evidence for hair-specific improvements is still developing.
Some people choose to take both because they work in different ways.
However, it's always sensible to speak with your GP or healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you're pregnant, taking medication or receiving medical treatment.
Healthy Hair Starts with More Than Supplements
At Laura Simmons, we believe supplements are only one piece of the puzzle.
Healthy hair depends on several factors working together.
A healthy scalp provides the environment where hair can grow.
Good nutrition supplies the building blocks your body needs to produce healthy hair.
Gentle haircare helps protect both the scalp and the hair fibre, while lifestyle factors such as stress management, sleep and hydration also play an important role.
No single supplement can replace these foundations. Instead, supplements should be viewed as one part of a consistent, long-term approach to supporting both hair and scalp health.
When Hair Shedding May Be a Sign of Something Else
While supplements can play a valuable role in supporting normal hair health, they aren't always the answer to hair shedding or thinning.
Hair is often a reflection of what's happening inside the body, and persistent or sudden hair loss can sometimes be linked to an underlying health condition rather than a lack of specific nutrients.
Some possible causes include:
Iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies.
Hormonal changes, including menopause or postpartum hair shedding.
Thyroid disorders.
Significant physical or emotional stress.
Illness, surgery or certain medications.
Some medical conditions that affect the scalp or hair follicles.
If you've noticed excessive shedding, bald patches, ongoing thinning, or changes that don't seem to improve over time, it's important to speak with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional. They can help identify whether further investigation or blood tests may be appropriate.
At Laura Simmons, we believe in supporting healthy hair through education, gentle haircare and good nutrition. Sometimes that includes supplements, but just as importantly, it means understanding the underlying cause so you can make informed decisions about your hair and scalp health.
Why We Chose Biotin
At Laura Simmons, we include biotin in our Hair Gummies because of its authorised health claim and its well-established role in helping to maintain normal hair and skin.
Rather than following trends or using unnecessarily high doses, we've chosen a level that supports everyday wellbeing as part of a balanced routine.
Our approach has always been simple: to provide products that are grounded in evidence, supported by education and designed to complement healthy lifestyle habits—not replace them.
A Note About Blood Tests
If you're taking a supplement containing biotin, including ours, it's important to know that high-dose biotin supplements may interfere with certain laboratory blood tests.
As a precaution, many healthcare providers recommend stopping biotin supplements around 48–72 hours before a blood test, although you should always follow the advice provided by your GP or the laboratory carrying out your test.
Be sure to let your healthcare professional know about any supplements you're taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take biotin and collagen together?
Yes. Many people choose to take both because they work in different ways. However, it's always advisable to check with your healthcare professional before introducing any new supplements.
How long does biotin take to work?
Hair grows slowly, so if biotin is going to help, most people should expect several months of consistent use rather than weeks. Supporting healthy hair is a long-term process, and consistency is much more important than expecting quick results.
Does collagen make hair grow faster?
Current research does not show that collagen directly increases hair growth.
Some studies suggest collagen may help support skin health, including the scalp, but there is currently limited evidence that collagen supplements directly improve hair growth.
Can biotin stop hair loss?
Biotin is not a treatment for hair loss.
However, it contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and may help support healthy hair where low biotin intake is a contributing factor. If hair loss is persistent or sudden, it's important to seek advice from your GP or another qualified healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause.
Our Philosophy
At Laura Simmons, we believe healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.
Healthy hair begins long before you see it in the mirror. It starts with caring for your body, supporting your scalp and giving your hair the best possible environment to thrive.
While supplements can play a valuable role for some people, they are just one piece of the puzzle. A healthy scalp, balanced nutrition, gentle haircare and realistic daily habits all work together to support healthy hair over time.
Our goal has never been to promise quick fixes. Instead, we're here to help you better understand your hair and scalp, so you can make informed choices with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Biotin and collagen both have a place in discussions about hair and scalp health, but they work in very different ways.
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin, while collagen supports the structure of the skin and may contribute to a healthy scalp environment. Neither should be viewed as a quick fix, and neither replaces the importance of good nutrition, gentle haircare and looking after your overall wellbeing.
Whether you choose biotin, collagen, both or neither, remember that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. There is rarely one single answer. Healthy hair is influenced by many factors, including your nutrition, hormones, lifestyle, genetics and the health of your scalp.
By understanding what your hair needs and supporting your body consistently over time, you're creating the best possible foundation for healthy hair—not just for today, but for the future.
Healthy Hair Starts with a Healthy Scalp
At Laura Simmons, we're passionate about helping you understand the connection between scalp health, haircare, nutrition and overall wellbeing.
Our Journal is here to provide honest, evidence-informed education, empowering you to make confident decisions about your hair and scalp. Alongside our thoughtfully developed products, our aim is to support you with practical advice that fits into everyday life.
Healthy hair isn't created overnight. It's nurtured through knowledge, consistency and understanding what your hair and scalp truly need.