The Better Blog

We think a lot about how to protect our hair while we're awake: getting routine trims, not brushing our fragile hair while wet, avoiding tight updos and using a heat protectant prior to applying hot styling tools. But we tend to pay less attention to preventing hair damage while sleeping. 

To protect hair while sleeping, it’s important to focus on both hair restoration while we sleep and physically preventing hair breakage during the night. This dual approach to overnight hair health will help you achieve your healthiest, most vibrant hair yet! 

Read on for ideas for protective hairstyles to sleep in and our best tips for preventing hair damage while you're sleeping!

The maximum length of time hair spends in the anagen phase, otherwise known as the active growth phase, varies from person to person depending mainly on genetics. Yet, various things can disrupt the time our hair spends growing, like our health, diet, stress and hormones. For example, an increase of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in our system during menopause leads to follicle miniaturization. 

When this happens, our once-healthy follicles start producing thinner, weaker hair. DHT and other issues can disrupt the growth phase for some of our strands, cause fragile hair and even result in permanent hair loss. But there are ways to counteract this issue and increase our hair's time in the active phase. 

Head down any supplement aisle these days and the collagen supplement offerings are overwhelming to say the least. You have your powders and pills, bars and beauty gummies, even collagen-infused waters and shots. 

But your choices don’t stop there—some are sourced from bovine collagen (that’s cow), others from marine collagen (that’s fish) and others still from porcine collagen, otherwise known as pig. And did we mention there are 28 different types of collagen? That being said, only 3 of them (types I, II, III) are the true influencers of firm, glowing skin and stronger, healthier-looking hair. Even so, there’s still a bunch of confusion out there about which types are found in bovine collagen vs marine collagen vs porcine collagen. 

So before we dive into the details about marine collagen, let’s set the record straight: Cow, fish or pig, the source of collagen doesn’t dictate the collagen type. Bovine collagen, marine collagen and porcine collagen are all composed of the same amino acid building blocks and contain types I, II and III, though each collagen source has different amounts of each type. For example, marine collagen tends to have higher amounts of types I and III while bovine collagen tends to have higher levels of type II. What’s important to keep in mind is that not all supplements will contain all types and each supplement will have varying ratios of different types. This all depends on the processing method, which is at the discretion of those formulating the supplements. 

Now that we cleared that up, let’s take a closer look at this superstar protein.

Collagen is a protein that makes up our skin, hair, ligaments and bones. It is typically derived from fish or bovine connective tissue. Though collagen can now be made by using genetically modified yeast and bacteria, most collagen taken in supplement form is not vegan.

Many people choose veganism for numerous reasons—to benefit their health, address moral concerns, or even reduce their environmental impact. When practicing veganism, getting essential nutrients like collagen can be challenging at times, but there are alternatives.

Collagen is vital for a smooth face and healthy scalp. Restore lost collagen by eating a well-rounded diet, massaging your skin, and taking supplements.

Biotin and collagen have risen in popularity in the beauty supplement world. Yet, many of us remain unsure of the difference between the two and if we should choose one over the other. Truthfully, much of your decision about what’s right for you will depend on your beauty goals. 

For example, if hair loss is bumming you out, you may need to ensure you're getting the proper nutrients for stronger, shinier hair. Likewise, to achieve healthier skin elasticity, you may need products that can help you boost protein building blocks for smoother, thicker skin. 

Poor diets or lack of sun can leave us with wispy hair, dry skin and brittle nails. Thankfully, vitamins and minerals are available in pills and delicious gummies to fortify our diets. Supplements formulated to target our hair, skin and nails are especially beneficial for those of us experiencing the effects of aging and menopause.

Because everyone’s underlying physiology is different, and our hair, skin and nails regenerate at varying rates, the timetable for results will differ for everyone. That said, it may take a year or more to see results, but improved moisture, thickness and elasticity are typically the first signs of a turnaround you'll see. 

Collagen is often recognized as a potent solution for thickening hair. It may reduce hair loss and boost hair health while also improving nail and skin health.

Collagen's ability to boost skin elasticity also applies to your scalp. The dermal layer where your hair follicles are situated can experience damage, leading to age-related thinning and hair loss. 

Thankfully, eating a diet full of collagen-rich foods and taking supplements can be effective at fortifying your scalp, improving follicle health, and boosting hair thickness.

Collagen is a protein that your body makes and uses to form vital structures like skin, bones, muscles and tendons. Collagen production drops off as you get older, leading to various age-related issues like wrinkled skin, decreased flexibility, joint pain and thinning hair.

The most reliable way to replenish your body's collagen supply is through the foods you eat. Yet, taking dietary supplements can also boost your body's collagen availability. Collagen supplements are sold in multiple forms, including powders, liquids, pills and gummies.