AAD 2026: Oral Supplement Shows Gains in Hair Strength, Collagen VII

New data presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, evaluated a nutraceutical approach to improving hair strength through collagen VII upregulation and mechanical resistance outcomes. The study assessed a daily oral supplement containing turmeric extract, cysteine, silicon, and biotin in individuals experiencing hair loss.

Investigators first conducted in vitro testing using human fibroblasts incubated with the formulation for 48 hours. Collagen VII expression, measured by ELISA, increased by up to 147.7% (P < .001), suggesting enhanced dermal-epidermal anchoring structures relevant to hair follicle support.

The clinical component included a double-blind study of 32 participants who received daily supplementation over 90 days. Hair samples (n = 30 per participant) were collected at baseline, 45 days, and 90 days. Mechanical strength was assessed באמצעות dynamometry, measuring the force required to induce hair breakage. Results demonstrated progressive increases in breaking force at both follow-up time points (P < .05), with 77% of participants showing measurable improvement.

Patient-reported outcomes aligned with these findings, with participants noting reduced hair shedding and improved hair strength over the study period. However, the relatively small sample size and short follow-up duration limit broader generalizability.

"Daily oral supplementation with turmeric extract, cysteine, silicon, and biotin enhanced collagen VII production in vitro and progressively increased hair strength in a double-blind clinical study," the authors wrote. "These findings suggest the formula is a promising strategy for supporting hair quality, although further studies are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy."