Early research suggests caffeine shampoo may help stimulate hair growth and reduce shedding, making it a potentially useful supplement to hair loss treatments. However, larger scale studies are still needed.
When applied topically, caffeine can stimulate the scalp and encourage hair cells to produce more ATP, a form of energy responsible for hair regrowth. This speeds up the hair growth cycle and prolongs the anagen (growth phase) stage, delaying hair fall and allowing hair to grow thicker and longer.
Caffeine benefits for hair
"Caffeine contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants," Green says. Antioxidants can protect the hair and scalp from environmental damage, such as UV rays and pollution. "Caffeine has also been shown to reduce frizz and produce softer, shinier, and healthier hair."
Another study from 2014 found that caffeine enhanced hair shaft elongation and prolonged the duration of the anagen hair growth phase in both men and women. A third study from 2018 even found that a caffeine-based topical liquid was nearly as effective as minoxidil 5% solution in treating hair loss in men.
Caffeine does seem to have stimulatory effects on cells, according to Jodi LoGerfo, a dermatologist with the Orentreich Medical Group in New York City. Because of this, caffeine can potentially help with hair growth.
Limit use to 3-5 times per week if you have a dry or sensitive scalp. For optimal hair growth results, aim to use a caffeine shampoo daily. Apply conditioner focused on the ends after shampooing, avoiding the scalp, to prevent interfering with absorption.
There is no evidence to suggest that it can prevent or treat hair loss. In tests, caffeine has been shown to be able to encourage hair follicles to grow new hair in laboratory conditions. However, it has not been shown to be effective for new hair growth when directly applied to the scalp.
And fortunately for coffee lovers, caffeine doesn't cause hair loss or baldness, either. Most hair loss is genetic. It's linked to high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is a derivative of testosterone, which is why male or female pattern baldness is more common in men than in women.
Kiwi Juice: A Vitamin C Powerhouse
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and tissue health. Since hair follicles consist mostly of collagen proteins, vitamin C plays a vital role in promoting healthy hair growth and shine. The nutrient protects follicles against damage while stimulating new strand production.
A coffee rinse is one of the simplest ways to reap the benefits of caffeine for your hair. After brewing a strong pot of coffee, let it cool down and then apply it directly to your scalp and hair. Massage it in for a few minutes before rinsing it out with water.
Apply a small amount onto the eye contour in the morning and evening.
Leave on for 2 minutes
Lather and massage your Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo of choice into your scalp and leave in for 2 minutes to give the caffeine enough time to recharge your hair.
Weakness, Dryness & Breakage
Applying coffee excessively to your hair will make your hair weak and dry. It can further cause hair breakage also. Overuse of coffee may lead to hair loss.
Plus, it doesn't last long: Depending on how frequently you wash your hair and whether you use organic conditioners, Davis says coffee coloration typically hangs on for about two to three weeks.
The beneficial effects of topical application of caffeine in AGA can thus be attributed to inhibition of phosphodiesterase, improvement in barrier function, follicular penetration, stimulation and promotion of hair growth. Thus it appears to be a useful adjuvant in the management of AGA.
Most of the time when people are chatting about the big 3 for hair loss, they are referring to Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo. Although, there are some who feel like the third component of the big 3 should be microneedling in place of Ketoconazole shampoo.