I've been losing a lot of hair over the last few months and I saw several influencers recommending hydrolyzed collagen. I bought a jar of Vital Proteins which costs an insane amount here in Brazil, but I wanted to know if it's actually worth it or if it's just marketing.
I've been taking collagen for years because I noticed a difference in my skin and joints, but for hair it's more complicated - most research shows it works better if the problem is general nutritional deficiency rather than something genetic or hormonal. If you're losing a lot of hair suddenly, it's worth going to a dermatologist to figure out if it's iron deficiency, thyroid problems, or alopecia, because collagen alone won't fix that. Yes, hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed better than other forms, but paying that price Vital Proteins charges for a jar seems excessive to me when Portuguese brands like Solúvel or similar ones do basically the same thing - if you decide to go for it, it'll be cheaper that way.
Hydrolyzed collagen does help with hair, but it's not a miracle and it really depends on what's causing the shedding. If you're losing hair because of actual nutritional deficiency, then it makes a difference because collagen provides amino acids that your body uses in the hair shaft structure. But if the shedding is from stress, genetics, or a hormonal issue, an expensive jar isn't going to fix it on its own - you'd have to address the root cause too.
The thing is, influencers get commission for recommending this stuff, so let me be real with you: it works better if you actually have a protein deficiency, and honestly regular gelatin or eggs can make a pretty big difference. Before you drop a lot of cash on an imported brand, I'd test whether you're eating enough protein, sleeping well, and if the shedding got worse because of stress or a hormonal change.
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