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Coffee, espresso, tea, colas, and energy drinks all contain caffeine, and if they’re your regular beverages of choice, you might be wondering: Does caffeine cause hair loss?
The good news is that you don’t need to switch to decaf to prevent hair loss. There’s no evidence linking caffeine intake and hair loss.
That said, caffeine might impact the hair growth cycle.
Below, we answer the question, “Is coffee bad for your hair?” by reviewing the research on caffeine and hair loss. We also explore the potential hair benefits of caffeine and how to address hair thinning (without ditching your morning cup of coffee).
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There’s limited scientific research on how caffeine affects human hair growth or hair loss.
And ultimately, there’s no firm evidence to suggest a link between caffeine and hair loss.
Here’s what we do know about caffeine and hair loss.
Caffeine may reduce hair loss from stress. One study suggested that caffeine can help with stress-related hair loss in me by calming stress pathways in the hair follicles and improving hair growth.
Caffeine may have an effect on DHT. Early lab studies (also known as in vitro studies) have shown a relationship between caffeine and the male sex hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is largely responsible for hair loss. According to the research, caffeine curbs the expression of certain proteins affected by testosterone, which may encourage healthy hair growth, and also increased the levels of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), which is known to promote hair growth.
Caffeine may increase the growth phase of the hair growth cycle. In the above mentioned lab study, researchers topically applied caffeine to hair follicles and saw an increase in the anagen (hair growth) stage phase and hair shaft elongation (growth). This may be because it increases blood flow to the scalp.
However, the effects were more pronounced among women in the study, and this study looked at caffeine used topically. So unless you’re washing your hair with coffee, your daily dose of caffeine probably won’t have this kind of effect.
So, there are no studies linking caffeine to hair loss, but is coffee good for your hair?
Can a daily coffee or black tea drink improve your hairline?
There’s no current consensus on whether there’s a direct link between caffeine and the hair growth cycle. While green tea may have hair health benefits, research into caffeine's benefits for hair growth is still in the early stages.
Some evidence suggests that some naturally caffeinated products may improve hair health.
One 2019 review suggested that green tea may help control scalp oil production, prevent dandruff, and soften hair follicles, though it’s unclear whether caffeine itself (or another
component of green tea) is responsible for green tea’s ability to stimulate hair regrowth.
Another study showed that a topical application of caffeine in people with androgenic alopecia helped improve skin barrier function.
However, further studies are needed to confirm the research and clarify the relationship between caffeine and scalp health.
A 2018 study on women experiencing androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss) found that those using a shampoo containing caffeine (like our volumizing shampoo) had “significantly fewer hairs pulled in a hair pull test.”
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Here’s some good news: If you’re worried about hair loss, there are some proven methods to help stop that hair loss and stimulate regrowth.
FDA-approved treatments for hair loss include:
Finasteride has been shown to block the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from causing male pattern hair loss.
Clinical trials show that daily finasteride can reduce DHT levels by about 90 percent when taken as directed.
The topical hair growth medication minoxidil (Rogaine®), available in a foam or solution, can help stimulate hair growth by shortening the telogen or dormant phase of hair growth and causing your hair follicles to enter the anagen growth phase.
You can get the benefits of both research-backed medications in our topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.
There’s also evidence to suggest that certain supplements and essential vitamins can promote growth or reduce thinning. Some shampoo ingredients may support your hair goals, too.
Read our guide, “What to Look for in a Men’s Hair Loss Shampoo,” if you’re interested in learning more about your shampoo options for a receding hairline.
More research is needed on the effects of caffeine on the hair growth cycle. But here’s what we know about the relationship between hair loss and caffeine so far:
Early lab studies show caffeine might influence DHT levels. DHT is a male sex hormone that plays a role in male pattern baldness. Some lab-based research suggests caffeine might help protect hair follicles.
Caffeinated shampoo may help with healthy hair growth. More research is needed, but there is some evidence that shampoos with caffeine can slow hair loss.
Caffeine won’t cause you to lose hair. Can too much caffeine cause hair loss? Probably not. Unless your diet consists of only caffeinated drinks, your daily coffee habit is unlikely to be the culprit for your receding hairline.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional about your concerns and hair loss treatment options. Addressing hair loss sooner rather than later can help prevent permanent hair loss due to male pattern baldness.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Dr. Knox Beasley is a board certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss. He completed his undergraduate studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and subsequently attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA.
Dr. Beasley first began doing telemedicine during his dermatology residency in 2013 with the military, helping to diagnose dermatologic conditions in soldiers all over the world.
Dr. Beasley is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Dr. Beasley currently lives in North Carolina and enjoys spending time outdoors (with sunscreen of course) with his wife and two children in his spare time.
Bachelor of Science, Life Sciences. United States Military Academy.
Doctor of Medicine. Tulane University School of Medicine
Dermatology Residency. San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium
Board Certified. American Board of Dermatology
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