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Caffeine For Hair Growth 2024: How Does It Affect Your Hair?
Updated on
- Written by Sarah Ryan, BSc Nutritional Medicine
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
For those of us who drink coffee, we know how precious that first sip of it in the morning is. It is the most widely consumed stimulant globally and is as popular now as ever. But did you know that caffeine may not only stimulate your mind but also may stimulate your hair follicles and promote hair growth?
While caffeine is best known for its effects on the nervous system when ingested, it has also been studied for its topical uses and impact on the skin and hair, mainly using caffeine to promote hair growth. So, does caffeine help hair growth, and can using caffeine help to strengthen hair? Let’s see.
Is Caffeine Good For Hair?
Yes, caffeine may promote hair growth when applied topically by stimulating blood circulation to the hair follicles and blocking the effects of DHT, but further research is needed to fully understand caffeine hair growth effectiveness.
Caffeine For Hair Growth: Does It Help?
Yes, caffeine can potentially aid in hair growth when applied topically. Research suggests that caffeine, known for its stimulating properties, may have beneficial effects on hair health. When applied to the scalp, caffeine can penetrate the hair follicles and promote increased blood circulation. This improved circulation can help deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, which may in turn support healthy hair growth.
Moreover, caffeine has been found to inhibit the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss. By blocking DHT, caffeine may help prevent or slow down the miniaturization of hair follicles, which is a common cause of hair thinning and baldness. This dual action of caffeine – promoting blood flow and inhibiting DHT – makes it a promising ingredient in hair care products aimed at promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.
However, it’s important to note that while some studies have shown promising results regarding caffeine’s potential benefits for hair growth in both female human hair follicles and male hair follicles, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and long-term impacts. Additionally, individual responses to caffeine-based hair treatments may vary, and factors such as genetic predisposition, overall health, and lifestyle habits can also influence hair growth. Therefore, while caffeine can be a valuable addition to your hair care routine, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to your specific needs and concerns.
What Is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that belongs to a class of alkaloids. It is found in varying quantities in some plants’ seeds, leaves, and fruits, acting as a natural pesticide![1] Caffeine is most commonly consumed through drinking coffee, tea, and soft drinks and ingesting chocolate and some medications.
Caffeine affects the central nervous system by temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. It works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation. As a result, other neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine, increase arousal, vigilance, and cognitive function.
How Might Caffeine Help Hair Growth?
Caffeine is easily absorbed topically and may help hair growth as an alternative to traditional drug-based treatments.
It may reduce hair loss caused by hormonal factors, hold water in the hair shaft to reduce breakage, increase blood circulation to the scalp, promote hair shaft elongation, and increase keratin production. Its antioxidant properties may also protect against damage from environmental factors and heat damage caused by styling tools.
Benefits Of Using Caffeine On Hair
Caffeine has some potential benefits, particularly concerning hair health and preventing hair loss. Research has suggested that caffeine and hair growth may be linked due to the positive effects on[2] enhanced hair shaft elongation and the hair cycle, making it one of the best superfoods for hair.
May Reduce Hormonal Hair Loss
Caffeine stimulates human hair follicle growth[2] and can counteract testosterone-induced hair growth suppression. This suggests that caffeine may help reduce hair loss caused by hormonal factors such as androgenic alopecia.
Caffeine’s ability to help with androgen-related hair loss has been widely studied.[3] Researchers believe that the effects of caffeine can block an enzyme called 5α-reductase, which reduces the amount of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, in hair follicles. This hormone is believed to be a significant factor in the loss of hair density.
Can Be Easily Absorbed Topically
Caffeine’s ability to easily permeate the skin barrier[4] and penetrate human skin makes it a perfect candidate for topical use. Hair thinning has been shown to adversely impact one’s quality of life, potentially leading to depression and anxiety.
Androgenetic alopecia is the most prevalent form of hair loss among men and women. Currently, there are only a limited number of approved drug-based treatments for it, which often come with side effects. As a result, topical solutions that utilize natural ingredients like caffeine[5] to combat thinning hair could offer a valuable alternative to drug-based methods.
May Reduce Hair Breakage And Stimulate Hair Follicles
Caffeine can be found in hair care products like shampoos and conditioners. There isn’t much information on how caffeine specifically affects the hair shaft, but since it’s a small water-loving molecule,[6] it might help hold water in the hair fiber, making it more flexible and less prone to breakage. Additionally, caffeine has been shown to stimulate hair follicles by increasing blood circulation, promoting hair growth, and extending the hair growth cycle.
Enhance Hair Shaft Elongation
Some studies have suggested that caffeine may promote hair shaft elongation[7] by improving the proliferation of hair matrix cells, contributing to thicker hair and increased hair density. Other studies have found that caffeine can increase the production of keratin,[2] a protein that makes up the majority of hair strands. If these findings are confirmed, caffeine may be an effective ingredient in products designed to make hair appear longer and healthier.
May Protect Against Damage
Caffeine’s antioxidant properties[8] help protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals and environmental factors, potentially promoting healthier hair growth. Topically applied caffeine may protect against heat damage caused by styling tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
How To Use Caffeine For Hair Growth
Aside from drinking your morning cup of coffee to reap the benefits of caffeine for your hair and skin, here are some ideas on how to use caffeine for improved hair growth:
- Use caffeine-based hair care products, such as in a shampoo formulation, while washing your hair; it can help stimulate hair growth. Make sure to massage the shampoo gently into your scalp to enhance blood circulation.
- After shampooing, prepare a coffee hair rinse by brewing a strong cup of black coffee and allowing it to cool down. Pour the coffee over your hair, massaging it into your scalp, then let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water. You can also prepare a hair rinse the same way using green tea, which also contains caffeine.
- Add a teaspoon of powdered coffee to your favorite carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp, leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then wash it with a mild shampoo.
- Find a caffeine-based hair tonic or serum and apply it directly to the scalp according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This topical application can help stimulate hair growth.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your scalp in circular motions to exfoliate and stimulate blood flow, then rinse thoroughly.
- Brew a strong cup of black coffee and allow it to cool. Pour the coffee into a spray bottle and mix it with equal water. Spritz the mixture onto your scalp and hair after showering or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up for your hair.
Precautions When Using Caffeine For Hair
Before using any caffeine-based product on your scalp or hair, perform a patch test on a small area of skin, behind the ear, or on the inner arm to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Overusing caffeine-based products may lead to scalp irritation, dryness, or even hair damage. Follow the recommended usage instructions on the product label, or use DIY treatments in moderation.
If you plan to take collagen, consult your healthcare provider first. Taking excessive amounts of caffeine orally can cause side effects[9] like increased heart rate, insomnia, and anxiety, as can consuming too much caffeine through various food and beverage sources.
When applying caffeine-based hair products, be careful not to get them in your eyes, as this can irritate them. If contact occurs, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using caffeine-based hair products or increasing caffeine intake as a supplement for hair, as excessive caffeine consumption can adversely affect both mother and baby.
If you are on any medications, particularly antidepressants, antipsychotics, or bronchodilators, consult your doctor before using caffeine-based hair products or supplements, as caffeine can interact with certain drugs.[10]
The Takeaway
So, is caffeine good for your hair? While further research needs to be done, particularly when creating effective formulations for hair growth, what has been studied is promising. Caffeine-based hair products or supplements may help promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss, and incorporating it into your haircare routine may be beneficial!
Just ensure that when using products containing caffeine, use them as directed and do not apply to the eyes. Pregnant and breastfeeding people and those taking medications should talk with their healthcare providers before using caffeine-based hair products or increasing their dietary intake.
+ 10 sources
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- Kateřina Šimůnková, Ladislav Reinprecht, Nábělková, J., Štěpán Hýsek, Kindl, J., Vlastimil Borůvka, Tereza Lišková, Šobotník, J. and Miloš Pánek (2021). Caffeine – Perspective natural biocide for wood protection against decaying fungi and termites. [online] 304, pp.127110–127110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127110.
- Fischer, T., Herczeg-Lisztes, E., Funk, W., Detlef Zillikens, Tamás Bíró and Paus, R. (2014). Differential effects of caffeine on hair shaft elongation, matrix and outer root sheath keratinocyte proliferation, and transforming growth factor‐β2/insulin‐like growth factor‐1‐mediated regulation of the hair cycle in male and female human hair folliclesin vitro. [online] 171(5), pp.1031–1043. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13114.
- Daniels, G., Akram, S., Westgate, G.E. and Slobodanka Tamburic (2019). Can plant-derived phytochemicals provide symptom relief for hair loss? A critical review. [online] 41(4), pp.332–345. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12554.
- Jörn Michael Völker, Koch, N., Becker, M. and Klenk, A. (2020). Caffeine and Its Pharmacological Benefits in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review. [online] 33(3), pp.153–169. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000508228.
- Eman Abd, Heather, Roberts, M.S. and Grice, J.E. (2018). Follicular Penetration of Caffeine from Topically Applied Nanoemulsion Formulations Containing Penetration Enhancers: In vitro Human Skin Studies. [online] 31(5), pp.252–260. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000489857.
- Herman, A.G. and Herman, A.G. (2013). Caffeine’s Mechanisms of Action and Its Cosmetic Use. [online] 26(1), pp.8–14. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000343174.
- Rachita Dhurat, Chitallia, J., May, T.W., Jayaraaman, A.M., J Madhukara, Subbu Anandan, Vaidya, P. and Klenk, A. (2017). An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia. [online] 30(6), pp.298–305. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000481141.
- Nisakorn Saewan (2022). Effect of Coffee Berry Extract on Anti-Aging for Skin and Hair—In Vitro Approach. [online] 9(3), pp.66–66. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics9030066.
- Cappelletti, S., Piacentino, D., Sani, G. and Mariarosaria Aromatario (2015). Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug? [online] 13(1), pp.71–88. doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159×13666141210215655.
- Anteneh Belayneh and Molla, F. (2020). The Effect of Coffee on Pharmacokinetic Properties of Drugs : A Review. [online] 2020, pp.1–11. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7909703.
Written by:
Sarah Ryan, BSc Nutritional Medicine
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
