Is Marine or Bovine Collagen Better for Hair Growth?

When it comes to achieving strong, thick, and healthy hair, collagen has become one of the most talked-about ingredients in the beauty and wellness world. As the body’s most abundant protein, collagen plays a key role in supporting skin, joints, and—yes—hair growth.

But not all collagen supplements are created equal. With both marine collagen and bovine collagen available on the market, many people are asking: Is Marine Or Bovine Collagen Better For Hair Growth?

At Smart Restoration, we’re passionate about empowering our customers with clean, effective beauty solutions. This guide breaks down the differences between these two collagen sources, helping you make an informed choice for your hair health.

Collagen and Hair: What’s the Connection?

Collagen is made up of amino acids—especially glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—that your body uses to build the protein found in hair strands. As you age, your body produces less collagen, which can lead to hair that’s thinner, drier, and more prone to breakage.

Supplementing with collagen may help restore strength and volume to your hair by:

• Supporting the production of healthy hair follicles
• Improving scalp circulation
• Providing the structural proteins needed for strong strands

But whether marine or bovine collagen offers better support depends on a few key factors.

What Is Marine Collagen?

Marine collagen is derived from the skin, bones, or scales of fish. It is primarily composed of Type I collagen, which is the most abundant and beneficial type for skin, nails, and hair.

Benefits of Marine Collagen for Hair:

• High Absorption Rate: Marine collagen peptides have a smaller molecular size, making them more easily absorbed by the body.
• Rich in Type I Collagen: Since this type is found naturally in hair follicles and the scalp, marine collagen may offer more targeted support for hair growth and structure.
• Sustainable and Pescatarian-Friendly: Many marine collagen products, like the ones we offer at Smart Restoration, are sustainably sourced and ideal for those avoiding red meat or following pescatarian diets.

What Is Bovine Collagen?

Bovine collagen comes from the hides and bones of cows. It typically contains both Type I and Type III collagen, which can be beneficial for full-body support.

Benefits of Bovine Collagen for Hair:

• Supports Overall Skin and Scalp Health: Type III collagen may improve blood flow to the scalp, helping deliver nutrients to hair follicles.
• More Widely Available: Bovine collagen is often less expensive and more commonly found in stores.
• Versatile Protein Support: The dual presence of Type I and III collagen offers general benefits for skin, joints, and connective tissues.

While bovine collagen can certainly contribute to hair health, it may not offer the same direct benefits to the hair shaft and follicles as marine collagen.

Marine vs. Bovine Collagen: Which Is Better for Hair?

So, is marine or bovine collagen better for hair growth? The answer depends on your body’s needs and dietary preferences, but marine collagen stands out for several reasons when it comes to promoting healthy hair.

Feature

Marine Collagen

Bovine Collagen

Collagen Types

Type I only

Type I & III

Absorption Rate

Higher (smaller peptides)

Moderate

Targeted Hair Support

Yes

Yes, but less targeted

Diet-Friendly

Pescatarian

Not suitable for non-meat diets

Sustainability

Often sustainably sourced

Depends on supplier

Thanks to its high bioavailability and direct connection to Type I collagen—the type most needed by hair follicles—marine collagen may deliver faster, more visible results in terms of shine, strength, and growth.

Final Thoughts:

To wrap it up—is marine or bovine collagen better for hair growth? Both types offer benefits, but marine collagen may be the superior choice due to its high absorption rate, concentrated Type I content, and targeted hair follicle support.

Especially if you're looking for faster results, sustainable sourcing, and a pescatarian-friendly option, marine collagen is hard to beat.

At Smart Restoration, our marine collagen supplements are crafted with care and backed by science—to help you restore your hair from the inside out.