Is marine or bovine collagen better for hair growth?

Bovine collagen and Marine collagen has become a go-to ingredient in the worlds of beauty and wellness. From powders to capsules, more and more people are turning to collagen supplements to combat thinning hair, reduce shedding, and promote healthy scalp function. But a common question arises: Is marine collagen or bovine collagen better for hair growth?

The short answer? Both types offer benefits, but their differences in amino acid profile, bioavailability, source, and absorption rate may make one better suited for your hair health goals than the other.

In this blog, we’ll explore how collagen supports hair growth, the unique properties of marine and bovine collagen, and which type may be more effective depending on your needs and lifestyle.

What Is Marine Collagen?

Marine collagen or fish collagen is a type of collagen protein that is extracted from the skin, bones, and scales of saltwater fish, such as cod, snapper, or tilapia. It is naturally rich in Type I collagen, which is the most abundant collagen in the human body and particularly concentrated in the skin, hair, nails, tendons, and ligaments.

Unlike collagen sourced from bovine or porcine animals, marine collagen offers smaller peptides and a lower molecular weight, making it easier to digest, absorb, and utilize in the body. This is why marine collagen is often praised for its superior bioavailability and rapid results, particularly in beauty and anti-aging applications.

Understanding Bovine Collagen Powder

Bovine collagen powder is derived from the bones, hides, and connective tissues of cows, particularly from grass-fed or pasture-raised sources. It is primarily composed of Type I and Type III collagen, both of which play vital roles in maintaining the structure and health of skin, hair, bones, tendons, and internal organs.

Bovine collagen is one of the most commonly used collagen types in supplements due to its availability, versatility, and broad range of benefits. Type I collagen is crucial for hair structure, while Type III collagen supports the vascular and cellular networks that nourish the scalp and hair follicles.

How Collagen Supports Hair Growth

Before diving into the marine vs. bovine debate, let’s understand why collagen is important for hair health in the first place.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and serves as a building block for skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues. For hair, collagen supports growth and strength in the following ways:

1. Provides Essential Amino Acids

Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein composed of amino acids. Collagen helps supply proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, which are needed for keratin production.

2. Strengthens the Hair Follicle Structure

Collagen enhances the dermal layer of the scalp, where hair roots are embedded. A healthy, collagen-rich scalp provides the ideal environment for hair to grow.

3. Reduces Oxidative Stress

As an antioxidant, collagen helps neutralize free radicals that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair thinning, especially due to aging or environmental stress.

4. Improves Blood Flow to the Scalp

By supporting vascular structures, collagen can enhance nutrient delivery to the hair follicle—crucial for consistent and healthy growth.

Marine Collagen: What Makes It Unique?

Marine collagen is extracted from fish skin, bones, and scales, primarily from cold-water species like cod and tilapia. It’s rich in Type I collagen, which is the most abundant collagen type in hair, skin, and nails.

Key Features of Marine Collagen:

• Small peptide size = superior absorption
  Marine collagen peptides are smaller and more bioavailable than bovine collagen, meaning they’re absorbed faster and more efficiently by the body.

• Rich in Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline
  These amino acids are essential for keratin production and scalp repair.

• Ideal for skin, hair, and nail health
  Type I collagen makes up 90% of the collagen in hair and skin, making marine collagen particularly targeted for beauty benefits.

• Eco-friendly and sustainable
  Often produced from fish byproducts, marine collagen is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce waste and support marine sustainability.

• Pescatarian-friendly
  Suitable for people avoiding beef or pork for dietary, religious, or ethical reasons.

 

Bovine Collagen: The Traditional Powerhouse

Bovine collagen is extracted from the hides, bones, or cartilage of cows and is rich in both Type I and Type III collagen. Type III collagen is particularly beneficial for connective tissues, organs, and skin elasticity.

 Key Features of Bovine Collagen:

• Contains both Type I and Type III collagen
  This makes bovine collagen beneficial for full-body support, including joints, skin, gut, and hair.

• Supports scalp and hair follicle health
  Type III collagen supports the vascular system that supplies nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting healthier, stronger strands.

• Widely available and cost-effective
  Bovine collagen tends to be more affordable and accessible in a variety of supplement formats.

• Effective for overall wellness
  Ideal for users looking for multi-functional collagen that benefits joints, digestion, and skin in addition to hair.

 

Marine vs. Bovine Collagen: Comparison for Hair Growth

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help determine which type of collagen might be better for your hair goals:

Feature	Marine Collagen	Bovine Collagen
Primary Collagen Type	Type I	Type I & Type III
Amino Acid Content	Higher in glycine and proline	Well-rounded, including arginine and alanine
Absorption Rate	Higher due to smaller peptides	Moderate
Hair Growth Support	Excellent for keratin production and scalp structure	Supports follicle health and vascular system
Additional Benefits	Skin elasticity, nail strength, anti-aging	Gut health, joint support, muscle recovery
Sustainability	Eco-friendly (fish byproduct use)	Varies (depends on sourcing)
Best For	Beauty-focused users, pescatarians, anti-aging	Multi-target users (joints, gut, hair), keto-friendly

How to Use Collagen for Hair Growth

To get the best results from either marine or bovine collagen:

Recommended Daily Dosage:

• 5–10 grams per day for noticeable improvements in hair and skin

Consistency Is Key:

• Take collagen supplements daily for at least 8–12 weeks to see visible results

Best Formats:

• Hydrolyzed collagen peptides (powder or capsules) are easiest to absorb

• Look for products with added vitamin C, which enhances collagen synthesis

Stacking for Maximum Benefit:

Pair your collagen supplement with:

• Biotin: Supports keratin production

• Zinc: Helps regulate oil production and prevents hair thinning

• Hyaluronic acid: Improves hydration in hair and scalp

• Silica or MSM: Strengthens hair strands and promotes growth

Which One Should You Choose?

The best type of collagen for hair growth depends on your goals, dietary preferences, and individual health needs.

Choose Marine Collagen if you:

• Want fast absorption and targeted beauty results

• Focus primarily on hair, skin, and nails

• Follow a pescatarian or halal diet

• Prefer a clean, eco-conscious source

Choose Bovine Collagen if you:

• Want a broader range of health benefits (joints, gut, skin)

• Prefer a cost-effective option

• Don’t follow dietary restrictions like pescatarianism

• Are looking for a collagen that also supports scalp circulation and deeper follicle health

 

Conclusion

Both marine and bovine collagen are excellent for supporting hair growth, thickness, and strength. While marine collagen may have a slight edge in terms of bioavailability and beauty-specific benefits, bovine collagen offers holistic wellness support that also enhances the hair-growth process.

Explore High-Quality Collagen with Yangge Biotech

At Yangge Biotech, we offer:

• Marine collagen peptides (from wild-caught fish)

• Bovine collagen peptides (from grass-fed cattle)

•  Custom formulations for beauty, anti-aging, and hair nutrition

• Third-party tested for purity, heavy metals, and safety

Whether you're a formulator, brand owner, or wellness entrepreneur, we’re here to help you bring collagen-powered hair care to market.📧 Contact Us: info@yanggebiotech.com 📦 Bulk orders | Private label | OEM service available