Myth vs Facts: Does Coffee Cause Hair Growth or Hair Loss?

Your morning cup of coffee undoubtedly gives you the much-needed boost of energy you need to tackle the day ahead of you. It's not only your energy levels that coffee affects; it may also affect your entire body, including your hair.

You might be thinking that is there any connection between hair and coffee? 

Can coffee cause hair loss?

…Or is it better to stay away from coffee altogether?

In this article, we will focus on the connection between hair loss and caffeine's positive effects on hair growth.

What is Caffeine? 

Tea, coffee, and chocolate all contain caffeine, a mild stimulant. Activating the central nervous system keeps you awake and prevents the development of weariness.

As a stimulant, caffeine enhances the activity of your brain and neurological system. Cortisol and adrenaline are released into the bloodstream at a higher rate.

Caffeine can help you feel energized and concentrated in modest quantities. However, caffeine, especially in high dosages, can cause anxiety and disrupt sleep.

Does Coffee Cause Hair Loss?

No, no concrete evidence shows a link between hair loss and caffeine. 

However, for a long time, it was believed that the use of coffee causes hair loss. 

In particular, experts believe that coffee causes hair loss because of an increased amount of cortisol in the body. However, this is not the case!

Let us look at some studies showing that coffee does not cause hair loss.

Coffee & Hair Loss Case Studies: 

One study in the International Journal of Dermatology states that there is no evidence that coffee causes hair loss. 

The study was performed on 63 people, and researchers found no connection between hair loss and coffee and the shrinking of the hair follicles. 

In addition, they also looked at other potential causes such as stress, genetics, and medications but still found no evidence to support hair loss from drinking coffee.

Another recent study has found that there is no direct link between the two habits. 

Researchers studied 82,000 women over 16 years and found that heavy coffee drinkers had less chance of hair loss caffeine than light or non-coffee drinkers. 

The findings suggest that actual hair loss may be related to genetics, age, stress, and medications rather than caffeine intake (though there is still no clear consensus among experts).  

One study showed that caffeine is a stimulant for hair growth benefits. However, consuming too much caffeine can cause excessive drying of skin and hair. 

Does Caffeine Help With Hair Growth? 

In many ways, caffeine is good for your hair.

That doesn't mean you should drink six cups of coffee a day or get as much caffeine as possible. 

There are limits to how well it can work. But caffeine hair growth may be good for your hair in a few ways that make that one cup a day rule worth it. 

5 Benefits of Using Caffeine For Hair Growth:

Improves Hair Growth

The proliferation of matrix keratinocytes occurs throughout the development and expansion of the hair follicle. For example, coffee increases hair growth by stimulating matrix cells. 

Coffee's antioxidants also aid to keep your hair hydrated and prevent water loss from the skin's surface. Because of this, healthy hair follicles may be formed.

Reduces Loss of Hair

A weakening of the hair follicles can be seen in the form of excessive hair loss and baldness. In addition, hair follicles weaken with age, which is true for both men and women. Coffee hair care has been shown to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth when applied to the scalp.

Softer Hair is Encouraged 

Flavonoids found in coffee are rich antioxidants. Antioxidants are linked to hair regrowth. Moisture loss is what causes hair to look dull and lifeless. Coffee aids in the preservation of hair hydration and promotes hair regrowth. A simple coffee wash will help you achieve a more manageable style if your hair is prone to tangling.

Exfoliates Scalps

As an exfoliator, coffee powder is excellent. A coffee mask might help if your hair is greasy or oily and needs to be exfoliated. Exfoliating your scalp with a DIY coffee mask will eliminate the dead skin cells. As a result, your hair and scalp would be in ideal condition.

Darkens Hair 

Gray hair may be made darker with coffee hair care. It's a safe, non-chemical way to dye your hair. Hair that is stained with coffee will seem darker and more tan if you apply it to your hair. As far as natural methods go, this is one of the best.

Potential Side Effects Of Using Coffee For Your Hair

When eaten in large quantities, coffee is harmless. However, there are several potential negative side effects:

• Using flavored or instant coffee to wash your hair all the time might cause harm to your hair. Although some coffees are more potent, their high levels of preservatives and processing can weaken the hair, leaving it more vulnerable to breakage.
• The hair and scalp can be burned when coffee is applied to the head while it is still hot. As a result, you should wait until the coffee has cooled down before applying it.
• Coffee rinse can naturally tint your hair, so don't use it on light-colored hair.

Does Caffeine Work For Any Hair Type? 

In general, caffeine is a pretty safe component and is often only used in small amounts in goods. For example, most caffeinated shampoos are safe on any scalp or hair type. However, check the label before purchasing or consuming the product as a precautionary measure.

4 DIY Coffee Recipes For Hair Growth

There are various ways to include coffee into your hair care routine, from utilizing caffeine-based products to making your hair masks, rinses, and scrubs.

Coffee Hair Growth Oil

For both hair and skin, coffee oil is an excellent choice. Coffee Oil promotes stronger, shinier, and softer hair!

What You’ll Need To Make It: 

• Start heating any oil, whether it is olive, coconut, or almond, into a liquid form. 
• Then add 1/4 cup of coffee beans and simmer them on low heat for around 10 minutes
• Allow the oil to drain for 7-8 hours.
• Essential oils like rosemary or peppermint can be used to enhance its advantages.
• Wait until it cools completely before transferring the oil to a storage vessel. Apply it to your scalp before sleeping in a cool environment.

Coffee Hair Mask

Coffee hair masks are an excellent option for stimulating hair roots and enhancing your hair's texture. This can help prevent hair loss and promote growth in the long run. In addition, it is possible to use coffee brew as a hair rinse to disentangle tangled hair and strengthen and smooth hair shafts.

What You’ll Need To Make It: 

• Coffee powder, olive oil/coconut oil, and honey are all you need in a bowl.
• Apply it to your hair and scalp using a brush.
• Allow at least 20 minutes for the shower cap to dry completely before washing with water.

Coffee-Infused Shampoo & Conditioner

This is a great way to obtain long, silky, and lustrous hair without ever going to a salon or paying a penny. Instead, you only need a small bit of coffee and your favorite shampoo to get the job done.

What You’ll Need To Make It:

In a small bowl, combine the shampoo with the coffee powder. Give it a nice whirl to make sure it's all included. Then, dampen your hair and apply the mixture using a little water. Wait for a few minutes before moving on to the next step. Then, use lukewarm water to wash it away. 

Coffee Hair Serum

Hair strands are strengthened, their gloss enhanced, and dullness combated by Caffeine and Coffee Oil. For both men and women alike, the Coffee Hair Serum ranks as one of the greatest hair serums.

What You’ll Need To Make It: 

• Unless you're using high-grade beans, the quality of the coffee you use for 4 teaspoons doesn't matter.
• Honey or maple syrup, about 2 tbsp Syrup adds a sheen that honey does not, and that's why I prefer it over syrup.
• Mix in a measuring jug or bowl.
• Add four serving spoons of hot, freshly boiled water per serving (honey needs to melt).
• Finally, combine the ingredients until paste forms.
• Leave it in for around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the texture of your hair.
• Finish with your usual drying procedure after a good shampooing and rinsing. Spectacularly lustrous locks!

Coffee Alternatives For Hair Growth

If, for whatever reason, you are not a coffee person and want to grow your hair in other natural ways.

You can even use tea to combat hair loss and promote hair growth!

Green Tea

Healthy hair growth and renewal may be supported by green tea consumption. Green tea-derived EGCG extract was applied to the scalps of three alopecia sufferers in one short trial. The subjects' hair growth activity increased significantly after four days.

Hair Growth Cocktails

Improved blood flow and increased hair growth are also a result of using a hair cocktail. In addition, it has been clinically shown to prevent hair loss and stimulate anagen growth. All in all, cocktails promote hair growth and work as a hair loss prevention agent.

Rosemary Water

Rosemary has been used successfully by many people to enhance hair growth. Use rosemary essential oil in the same way and see what happens. For male or female pattern baldness, the essential oil affects hair regrowth positively.

Summary

Coffee drinkers rejoice! No need to worry about stopping drinking coffee because of hair loss. Among its numerous advantages are its ability to slow down or stop hair loss, increase hair growth, and eliminate the appearance of grey hair. 

The stimulant caffeine is found in many plants. Using coffee for hair care has been shown to positively affect hair loss in several studies showing no connection between hair loss and coffee. 

FAQ #1: Is caffeine good for hair growth?

Hair loss can be caused by various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, underlying illnesses, stress, and injury to hair follicles. It's also likely that coffee might stimulate hair growth.

According to research published in the British Journal of Dermatology, caffeine hair growth increased the size of hair roots, prolonged the development phase, and encouraged the generation of hair cells, all of which may lead to better hair growth.

FAQ #2: Does caffeine increase DHT?

A slow loss of hair follicles finally results in baldness. On the other hand, caffeine has been shown in studies to stimulate caffeine hair growth and slow down hair loss.

The effects of DHT on male hair follicles were reduced by coffee in a laboratory investigation in 2007. Hair roots became longer and broader as a result of the stimulation of hair shaft elongation. It also extended the anagen phase, which is the growth phase of hair. Female hair follicles were also studied in the study and shown to have a growth-promoting impact on coffee.