Oral Supplementation Enhances Hair Strength and Collagen VII Expression in Patients With Hair Loss
A randomized, double-blind clinical study suggests that oral supplementation with a combination of turmeric extract, cysteine, silicon, and biotin may improve hair mechanical strength and structural integrity, supported by both clinical and in vitro findings.
“Oral supplementation is widely used to improve hair quality; however, robust clinical evidence proving its effectiveness is still limited,” the investigators noted. This study evaluated whether a targeted nutritional formulation could enhance hair resistance and address structural weakness associated with hair loss.
The study combined laboratory and clinical approaches. Human dermal fibroblasts were exposed to the formulation at 3 non-cytotoxic concentrations for 48 hours, with collagen VII expression measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In parallel, a randomized, double-blind clinical study enrolled 32 volunteers with hair loss who received daily supplementation for 90 days. Hair strength was assessed using a dynamometer at baseline, 45 days, and 90 days, measuring the force required to break individual hair strands.
In vitro results showed a significant increase in collagen VII expression of up to 147.7% (P<0.001). Clinically, hair breaking strength improved progressively, increasing by 9% at 45 days and 16% at 90 days compared with baseline (P <0.05). Overall, 77% of participants demonstrated improvement. Patient-reported outcomes were also favorable, with ≥90% reporting perceived benefits, such as improved hair strength, reduced breakage, and increased volume.
“Collagen VII is an essential component of anchoring fibrils, contributing to tissue cohesion and structural integrity,” the authors explained. “The observed increase in collagen VII expression suggests the modulation of extracellular matrix components associated with mechanical stability.”
“Oral supplementation with turmeric extract, cysteine, silicone, and biotin progressively improved hair mechanical strength, while the formulation increased collagen VII expression in vitro, suggesting modulation of extracellular matrix components associated with structural stability,” the authors concluded. “These findings support the potential of targeted nutritional strategies to enhance hair mechanical performance, although further studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and underlying mechanisms.”
Reference
Soares FM, Soras MM, Fagundes LK, et al. A promising oral strategy for hair strength: collagen VII upregulation and clinical improvement in hair resistance. Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting; March 27–31, 2026; Denver, Colorado.
