Does Caffeine Cause Hair Loss?

Caffeine does not cause hair loss. It is rather helpful in preventing hair fall and promoting hair growth. So, it is a myth that consuming coffee can hamper the health of your hair or that applying coffee to the hair can lead to hair loss. Here we will look at the benefits of coffee for hair growth.

In a laboratory study of 2007, on caffeine and hair loss, it was found that caffeine blocks the effects of DHT in the hair follicles of men, and it promotes the elongation of the hair shaft, thereby preventing the shorting of the hair cycle.

• Consuming coffee can limit the damage caused to the hair, as it supports the use of vitamins and minerals by the body and leads to healthier hair. Caffeine leads the hair cells to generate more ATP, which promotes the absorption of nutrients by the body. It also helps circulate oxygen-rich blood to your scalp, thus boosting hair growth.
• Coffee is known to increase the number of hair follicles, thus leading to denser hair.
• Caffeine-based hair care products, such as shampoos, aim at the topical application of caffeine to the scalp, thus promoting the circulation of oxygen-rich blood in the scalp region which leads to faster hair growth and stronger hair.
• As coffee contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that boost hair regrowth, rinsing the hair with coffee helps the hair get a shine.
• Coffee helps the hair shaft get smoother, effectively causing the hair to get less frizzy, softer, and easier to manage.
• Caffeine helps lock moisture in the hair, leading to smoother and shinier hair.
• Coffee, being dark in colour, acts as a natural stain. Applying a strong coffee on the hair can help in giving the hair a dark colour, thus masking grey hair.
• If the hair requires exfoliation, coffee can help. A hair mask with coffee powder can help exfoliate the skin of your scalp. Coffee scrubs can help in getting rid of dead skin cells on the scalp.
• Being acidic in nature, the coffee powder helps balance the pH levels of the hair and the scalp.

• Excessive application or consumption of coffee is detrimental to healthy hair, as it slows down the process of hair growth, due to which the hair does not regrow quickly.
• Instant coffee is not good for the hair as it is processed and contains preservatives which are not suitable for the hair.
• Excessive use of coffee in the form of hair scrubs or masks can cause hair loss.
• The coffee must be cooled before application on the hair. Hot coffee is not good for the hair and the scalp.
• Unflavoured coffee is recommended for use, as coffee with other substances added in the coffee may not be very effective on the hair.

Thus, you can see that the answer to ‘does caffeine cause hair loss?’ is a resounding ‘No’. In fact, coffee benefits the hair in many ways. It helps in preventing hair loss and promotes hair growth. It also helps in strengthening the hair and increasing the length of the hair shaft. It soothes the skin of the scalp, helps in exfoliation, and improves the texture and colour of the hair. So, is drinking coffee good for hair? Yes. Does the topical application of coffee or caffeine-based hair products help in keeping the hair healthy? Yes. However, it must be noted that excessive consumption of coffee can have adverse effects on the hair and overall health. Similarly, applying excess coffee powder to the hair is also not advisable. Use coffee in moderation to reap the amazing benefits of caffeine for the hair.

For expert advice on hair health and the best treatments for luxurious hair, consult the experienced dermatologists at HairMD, a leading hair transplant centre in Pune. They will guide you well and give you the most effective treatments for various hair conditions. Their advice will help you attain healthy and beautiful hair.