Collagen and biotin have become two of the biggest names in hair health, found in everything from shampoos to supplements. Both promise stronger, thicker hair. But while the marketing often treats them as interchangeable, science says they work in completely different ways.
At SST UK, we partner with trichologists to separate hype from fact. Here’s what collagen and biotin actually do for your hair, how they differ, and when it makes sense to use both.
The Science of Biotin
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble B-vitamin that helps your body convert food into energy and supports the enzyme systems responsible for producing keratin, the protein that makes up around 95 % of each hair strand (NIH, 2023).
A genuine biotin deficiency can cause brittle nails, dry skin, and hair shedding — but this is rare if you eat a varied diet. Eggs, salmon, seeds, and leafy greens all provide biotin naturally, and your gut bacteria also synthesise small amounts.
For those with poor absorption, restrictive diets, or postpartum deficiency, biotin supplementation can help restore normal keratin production, resulting in stronger strands over several months.
Topically, biotin supports hair shaft resilience when paired with peptides or amino acids — helping protect against breakage and environmental stress.
The Science of Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in your body, providing strength and elasticity to the skin, joints, and the scalp’s dermal layer, which anchors your follicles.
Unlike biotin, collagen is not a vitamin. It’s made of amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) that serve as raw materials for keratin synthesis. When you take hydrolysed collagen (broken into smaller peptides for absorption), these amino acids circulate through your bloodstream and can be used where your body needs them — including hair follicles.
📖 A 2022 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that oral hydrolysed collagen improved hair thickness and scalp elasticity after three to six months of use.
Topically, hydrolysed collagen (such as that used in the DSD de Luxe 5.3 Collagen Therapy Mask) can bind to the hair fibre, increasing elasticity and shine (British Journal of Dermatology, 2020).
Collagen vs Biotin: The Key Differences
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Collagen = the building material your body uses to make keratin.
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Biotin = the metabolic trigger that helps your follicles produce that keratin efficiently.
They’re different tools solving different problems.
Do You Need Both?
Probably, but for different reasons.
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Biotin supports the follicle’s internal processes. If stress, diet, or hormones have disrupted keratin synthesis, it helps restore balance.
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Collagen strengthens the scalp foundation and strand structure, especially as natural collagen declines with age.
Together, they target two sides of hair health: internal metabolism and external integrity.
That’s why SST’s DSD de Luxe range includes both: biotin to energise follicle function and hydrolysed collagen to reinforce the hair and scalp. It’s a synergy trichologists often recommend for comprehensive repair.
How to Use Collagen + Biotin for Hair Health
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Start with a collagen spray, such as DSD 3.4.2 to strengthen scalp and strands.
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Use a biotin leave-in serum to support follicle activity and reduce breakage.
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Apply a collagen mask once weekly for elasticity and shine.
Allow at least 12 weeks for visible improvement, hair grows slowly, and both nutrients work cumulatively.
The Bottom Line
Collagen builds the structure. Biotin fuels the process. Together, they help create stronger, fuller, more resilient hair.
If you’re dealing with thinning, brittleness, or lack of elasticity, a routine that combines hydrolysed collagen and biotin, internally and externally, can support both your scalp foundation and follicle performance.
At SST UK, we focus on clinically proven formulations that merge trichology expertise with real-world results. No hype, just science that works.
👉 Explore the DSD Line 3 Collection to build your collagen-and-biotin routine.
