Fingernails can be an important indicator of your health based on their change in appearance, texture and shape. Weak, broken and brittle nails could suggest nutrient deficiencies. Plus, it’s frustrating to have nails that are constantly breaking!

Your nails are continuously growing and creating new nail tissue, which affects your nail plate and cuticles. It’s important to take care of your health on the inside if you want healthier, stronger nails. 

Collagen and biotin are among the most popular dietary supplements online right now that you can take for your hair, skin and nails. Here at Wholy Dose, our “Wholy Grail" of ingredients has both collagen and biotin vitamins — plus the extra benefits of horsetail — and can help you work your way towards getting healthy, strong, and long nails.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in humans, and plays an important role in your connective tissues – also known as your skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles. It is responsible for keeping our nails strong, skin healthy, and joints robust.

Learn more about collagen benefits here. This protein is crucial to our health, beauty, and well-being!

What is Biotin?

Biotin is an important vitamin that helps with cell growth and metabolizing protein-building amino acids that are very important for nail growth.

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, can be found in foods like yeast, eggs, salmon, cheese and liver.

Usually, your body has enough of this vitamin, but you can have low biotin based on factors such as your age, dietary choices, medical conditions, genetics, if you’re pregnant, and alcohol consumption.

So, Can Collagen and Biotin Help Your Nails Grow Stronger and Longer?

Yes! It’s believed that collagen and biotin can help your nails grow and become more resilient.

Studies have found that biotin supplements help strengthen brittle or broken nails.

Participants in one study took biotin supplements daily for around 5 months to treat brittle fingernails. After the study, 91% experienced firmer and harder nails from biotin. 

Another study found that the collagen treatment improved nail growth and reduced symptoms of brittle nails. 80% of the 

participants agreed that participants agreed that there was a noticeable difference before and after taking collagen.

What Are the Cons of Biotin and Collagen Supplements?

According to Dr. Diane S. Berson, associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, there is criticism out there that some studies on collagen done thus far have often been small and sponsored by companies making the products. 

However, like many of the aforementioned studies in this piece, there have been plenty of encouraging studies and strong results. 

Regardless, Dr. Berson recommends using sun protection, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, avoiding cigarette smoke and getting enough sleep to protect the collagen you already have.

How Much Biotin And Collagen Do I Need for Stronger Nails?

As far as biotin goes, the answer to this question really depends on your age and how much your body actually needs it. Adults 19 and older should have 30 micrograms per day and breastfeeding women should have 35 micrograms of biotin per day. 

If your body needs more biotin in order to make your nails stronger, then up your biotin intake with biotin supplements to get those stronger nails.

How much collagen you should take for nail benefits is typically between 2.5-15 grams of collagen powder per day, according to Healthline. 

At Wholy Dose, we recommend taking 7-10 grams of collagen daily for the best results. You can up your collagen dosage if you feel your body needs more of it, but we don’t recommend taking more than 15 grams per day.

How Else Should I Take Care Of My Nails Naturally?

For all those nervous nail biters out there, try your best to stop. (We know it's hard.) To keep your nails looking as beautiful as possible, keep your fingernails dry and clean, trim them well, use moisturizer and think about using a nail hardener.

Avoid picking or biting at hangnails and cuticles, and cut out harsh products that harm your nail health. Your nails and hands are fragile parts of your body that you’re constantly using, so be sure to show them some love.

 How Will I Know if Collagen and Biotin Are Working?

Like many beauty products, change takes time. Results will be different for everyone, but it generally takes a few weeks up to a few months to start noticing a difference. 

Nail benefits from collagen and biotin supplements can be seen as quickly as 2-3 weeks, while other benefits such as skin and hair can take up to 2-6 months.

For instance, most people who take Wholy Dose for at least 2 months start seeing results in their hair, skin, and nails. For best results, be sure to be consistent and know that results may take longer than a month.

Take the time to find a supplement that works best for you and your body based on your needs. Most importantly, make sure to speak to a medical professional before adding anything new to your daily diet!