When it comes to caffeine, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is their morning cup of coffee (or tea). However there’s actually so much more to caffeine then this much-needed boost most of us need to kickstart our day! Did you know that caffeine can also work wonders for your hair? Yep, caffeine is making waves in the beauty industry for its remarkable hair benefits. There has been a stead rise in caffeine products to promote hair growth and combat hair loss. However, how much of this is based on fact and does caffeine really help with hair growth? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind the hair benefits of caffeine, probe how effective it is as a hair loss treatment and the best ways to use it in hair care.
Benefits of Caffeine for Hair Growth
Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee beans, tea leaves and various other plants, is well-known for its ability to enhance mental alertness and physical energy. However, recent studies have shown that caffeine can also have a positive impact on hair health. When applied topically, caffeine penetrates the scalp, stimulating the hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth. The main ways caffeine promotes hair growth are:
- Hair Follicle Stimulation: The relationship between caffeine and hair growth lies in the way caffeine interacts with the hair follicles. Hair follicles are small cavities in the scalp from which hair strands grow. These follicles go through a cycle of growth (anagen phase), rest (telogen phase) and shedding (catagen phase). Caffeine plays a role in prolonging the anagen phase which ensures that hair stays in the growth stage for a longer period. The effect is fuller and longer hair.
- DHT Inhibition: Caffeine also works by inhibiting the effects of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is known to contribute to androgenetic hair loss, particularly in men. DHT binds to hair follicles and shrinks them, leading to hair thinning and eventual hair loss. By blocking DHT, caffeine helps to maintain the size of the hair follicles, promoting thicker and fuller hair growth.
- Boosting Blood Supply: In addition to the above effects, caffeine also stimulates the blood microcirculation in the scalp. This ensures that hair follicles receive essential nutrients and oxygen. Enhanced blood flow can revive dormant hair follicles and encourage them to produce new hair strands.
How Caffeine Can Help Treat Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common concern that affects both men and women. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress and nutritional deficiencies. One of the most significant contributors to hair loss is the presence of high levels of DHT. This is the primary hormone responsible for androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss. Caffeine has emerged as a promising treatment for hair loss because of its ability to counteract the effects of DHT with some studies showing it maybe as effective as 5% Minoxidil.
Research also shows that caffeine when used as a shampoo can penetrate the scalp and reach follicles quickly, where it works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase. This is an enzyme that promotes the breakdown of cyclic AMP. The effect of this is to stimulate hair follicle activity and promote hair growth. Taken together, the evidence from studies demonstrate that caffeine not only prolongs the hair growth phase (anagen phase) but also increases hair shaft elongation and keratin production. This leads to thicker, longer and healthier hair.
Can it Make Your Hair Look Better?
Even if you don’t have hair loss, caffeine can significantly enhance the appearance of your hair. Due to its effects on follicles and the scalp, it can making your hair look fuller, longer and more lustrous. When applied topically, caffeine improves blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive the nutrients and oxygen they need for optimal growth. It also stimulates the keratin producing cells in the scalp which fortifies hair strands by strengthening the hair shaft. All together, the benefits of caffeine on hair include:
- Thicker & longer hair
- Reduced breakage and split ends
- Noticeable improvement in hair texture
- Hair looking visibly denser and shinier
- More resilient strands to daily wear and tear.
How to Add Caffeine to your Hair Care Routine
Its actually increasingly easy to add caffeine to your hair care routine but as always comes down to choosing the right products for you. Here’s what to look for when choosing caffeine-based hair products:
- Shampoos & Conditioners: These are designed to cleanse the scalp while delivering the benefits of caffeine directly to the hair follicles. Regular use of caffeine-infused shampoos and conditioners can help strengthen hair strands, reduce breakage and improve overall growth. Overtime this can leave your hair looking thicker, healthier and more vibrant. These products are particularly useful for those experiencing early signs of hair thinning or looking to maintain a full, robust head of hair. Look for products that contain a high concentration of caffeine and are free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens.
- Serums & Leave-In Treatments: For those experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, caffeine serums and leave-in treatments offer a more targeted approach. These products are applied directly to the scalp and left in, allowing the caffeine to work throughout the day. Caffeine serums and leave-in-products are available over-the-counter or as part of custom prescription treatments. They may containing other beneficial hair ingredients like Biotin or Minoxidil.
- DIY Solutions: You can also get the benfits of caffeine by making your own hair treatments. 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. This simple treatment can help to strengthen hair, reduce hair fall, and add shine to your locks. Alternatively, combine your cold brewed coffee with natural oils like coconut or olive oil, and apply the mixture to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. This mask can boost hair growth, improve texture and leave your hair feeling soft and manageable.
There’s actually good evidence that adding caffeine into your hair care routine can help give you stronger, thicker, longer and glossier hair. If you’re dealing with hair loss or thinning, caffeine can also help reduce shedding and promote growth particularly if used alongside other treatments. Its really easy to find caffeine hair care products but as with anything in life, patience and consistency are key. Although caffeine can provide significant benefits, it’s essential to use these products regularly and give them time to work. If you’re experiencing hair loss, its also important to see your doctor and check if there is an underlying cause. They will also help get you started on a comprehensive treatment to ensure you tackle it early.
At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare and hair regrowth treatments. Our online skin clinic offers safe and effective individualised treatments with prescription-strength ingredients including Tretinoin, Hydroquinone, Minoxidil, Finasteride and Dutasteride where appropriate. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing and hair loss. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin (and hair) starts here.
