Chances are, you might already be familiar with collagen peptides in skincare; but what do peptides do for hair?
In this guide, we’ll explore how peptides function in hair products, unpack the benefits of peptides for hair resilience, fullness, and vitality, and share our three-step collagen peptide hair care routine with key Dercos formulations.
What are collagen peptides for hair?
Collagen peptides (also known as hydrolysed collagen) are short chains of amino acids derived from the collagen protein1. Since they have a smaller molecular weight than collagen, they are easier for the body to absorb and use.
Collagen peptides for hair provide high amounts of amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline2, which provide building blocks for the hair’s primary protein – keratin. Peptide-rich hair care products play an important role in hair resilience, elasticity, and growth, as well as the scalp’s overall condition.
1https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6891674/
2https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464624001269
What do collagen peptides do for hair? 4 benefits of peptides for hair
By delivering amino acids to the hair, collagen peptides promote keratin synthesis2, which supports the hair’s internal structure, promotes a more balanced scalp, and improves the resilience of strands.
Read on as we unpack four key benefits of peptides to mitigate damage and support healthier-looking hair.
1. Help fortify hair strands
Keratin is the predominant protein found in hair, but when strands become damaged, it weakens the keratin bonds found in the hair shaft. This can ultimately lead to breakage, split ends, and brittle, coarse texture.
Peptides for hair work by penetrating the hair’s outermost layer – the cuticle – to reinforce these broken keratin bonds. This improves the hair’s overall resilience and elasticity, which helps treat and prevent hair breakage.
2. Support the hair growth phase
Each hair follicle on your head is on its own life cycle, which comprises four stages: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding).
Collagen peptides for hair have been known to prolong the hair growth phase. So, if you suspect you are experiencing more hair shedding than normal, collagen peptides can help target hair fall concerns and foster an environment for future growth.
3. Stimulate scalp circulation
The average human scalp is made up of approximately 100,000 hair follicles, all of which require strong blood flow to deliver oxygen and essential nutrients that are critical for keratin production3. When blood flow is impeded or slows down, it can impact your follicle growth and resilience. Using peptides for hair can help encourage better scalp circulation and healthier-looking hair.
3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513312/
4. Promote hair density
Changes in hair density are common as we age or experience dietary deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or continual exposure to external aggressors. Tackling a loss of hair density requires a two-pronged approach: with scalp and cuticle care.
We know that collagen peptides can help extend the anagen phase of the hair cycle and support scalp circulation, but peptide hair care products can also act as “film formers” on each of your strands. They form a coat over each cuticle, boosting resistance and elasticity.
With less breakage and a balanced scalp with positive conditions for growth, hair looks fuller and more voluminous.
Peptide hair care: 3-step collagen peptide-boosting hair routine
Infused with a powerful blend of collagen peptides and citric acid to reinforce weak hair bonds, the Dercos Collagen Peptide 17 Ultra-Repairing hair care range is designed to help repair 17 signs of damage.
This fortifying hair care system comprises three steps – a pre-shampoo treatment, a shampoo, and a conditioner – to promote visibly fuller, healthier-looking hair from root to tip.
Build your peptide hair care routine below.
Treat: Collagen Peptide 17 Ultra-Repairing Treatment
The Collagen Peptide 17 Ultra-Repairing Treatment is a preventative treatment that improves hair’s resistance before washing and helps fill gaps in the hair’s internal structure.
As a result, this collagen peptide hair care formula helps rebuild weakened hair bonds, which supports hair elasticity, suppleness, and vitality. This formula is suitable for damaged hair, sensitive scalps, and fine hair.
Apply this pre-shampoo treatment to your wet hair and scalp, working the product from root to tip. Leave on for five minutes, and do not rinse – you’ll be applying your shampoo right on top for maximum efficacy.
Cleanse: Collagen Filler 17 Ultra Repairing Shampoo
Sulfate- and silicon-free, this pro-collagen peptide-infused shampoo is designed to fortify strands prone to breakage while promoting density – for fuller, thicker-looking hair. Alongside collagen peptides for hair, this formula is enriched with citric acid to help reinforce strands within the cortex and improve the texture of the cuticle.
Apply the Collagen Filler 17 Ultra Repairing Shampoo directly on top of the treatment for optimal results. When shampooing, be sure to gently massage into your scalp and work through your hair. Rinse thoroughly.
Condition: Collagen Filler 17 Ultra Repairing Conditioner
Formulated to target damaged hair fibres, this conditioner acts as an intensive, reparative treatment for brittle, weakened, or damaged hair. A rich texture forms a protective layer over the hair to counteract breakage, improve softness and elasticity, and support the hair’s natural volume.
After shampooing, follow with the Collagen Peptide 17 Ultra-repairing Conditioner, working through your mid-lengths and ends. Leave on for three to five minutes to allow the formula to deeply penetrate the hair. Then, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Now that you’ve studied up on peptides for hair, explore our deep dive on another key ingredient to manage hair breakage – Aminexil.
