Caffeine Shampoo: Does It Really Work for Hair Loss?

If you look for hair loss solutions, you’ll undoubtedly come across caffeine in shampoos and scalp tonics. These products are often marketed as preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth — but does caffeine shampoo actually work?

Many hair loss shampoos contain ingredients that allegedly stimulate hair growth, but the research on these active ingredients — such as caffeine — is pretty flimsy. Still, it may be worth using caffeine shampoo alongside proven treatments.

We’ll explore the benefits of caffeine shampoo, how to use it, and proven alternatives for addressing hair loss. Let’s get into it!

Your cup of coffee may wake you up in the morning, but can caffeine shampoo “wake up” your hair follicles?

The answer is complex.

A 2020 review looked at research on caffeine’s effect on androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss). It found that topical caffeine may help slow down androgenetic alopecia and support hair growth.

Some research has compared caffeine shampoo to topical minoxidil — the gold standard for treating hair loss. According to a 2023 review, caffeine has performed just as well as 5% liquid minoxidil solution in a few clinical studies.

More recently, a 2024 review found that caffeine hair products are a promising hair loss treatment. But the researchers concluded that many of the available studies had design flaws, so more rigorous research on the topic is needed.

All of this is to say, caffeine has potential as a hair loss treatment — but there’s not enough research to confidently say it works.

Our recommendation? Use a science-backed hair loss treatment, and, if you’d like, try caffeine shampoo in addition to these treatments. Caffeine shampoo isn’t a standalone cure for hair loss.

Beyond hair growth, caffeine shampoo offers several reported benefits for hair health. It might:

• Boost blood circulation to hair follicles

• Improve scalp health

• Deliver antioxidants that benefit the scalp

We’ll look at these benefits and explore the science — or lack thereof — behind each one.

1. Caffeine Boosts Blood Circulation to Hair Follicles

Caffeine shampoo’s main benefit is that it seems to improve blood flow.

When it comes to hair growth, circulation is important because hair follicles need a steady supply of blood in order to function. Adequate blood flow ensures hair follicles get the oxygen and nutrients they need to sprout and grow hairs.

2. Caffeine Improves Scalp Health 

Scalp care should be seen as an essential part of your hair care routine — after all, a healthy scalp is vital for healthy hair growth. 

Caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a possible treatment for inflammatory scalp conditions that cause itching, dandruff, and even hair loss. 

Common inflammatory scalp conditions include:

• Seborrheic dermatitis

• Folliculitis

• Psoriasis

Since these conditions cause itching and flaking, caffeine might help reduce dandruff — although this hasn’t been studied in detail.

3. Caffeine Has Antioxidant Properties  

Day-to-day stressors — like pollutants and sun exposure — can cause free radicals to accumulate in the body. This leads to oxidative stress, which can damage cells.

Research has found that oxidative stress may cause early hair loss, premature hair graying, and poor scalp health.

Antioxidants help your body counteract the effects of oxidative damage, thus protecting your hair from the damaging effects of free radicals. 

Caffeine is rich in antioxidants — which is also why it’s used in “anti-aging” skincare products. In theory, this may help protect hair from oxidative damage, although there aren’t any specific studies on the topic.  

Using caffeine shampoo is straightforward and doesn’t require significant changes to your routine.

Here’s how to get the best results:

1. Rinse your hair. Start with thoroughly wet hair to ensure even application.

2. Apply shampoo. Massage the caffeine shampoo into your scalp. Work it into a lather, focusing on the roots. 

3. Leave it on. For maximum effectiveness, leave the shampoo on your scalp for two to three minutes to allow the caffeine to penetrate the skin.

4. Rinse thoroughly. Rinse out the shampoo completely and follow up with a nourishing conditioner.

For consistent results, use caffeine shampoo as part of your regular hair-washing routine.

To learn more about improving your hair care routine, read our best hair care tips for men. 

If you’re considering trying caffeine shampoo to address hair thinning or boost scalp health, choose a shampoo that aligns with your hair type and specific needs.

Not all caffeine shampoos are created equal, so here’s what to look for:

• Opt for reputable brands. Don’t just grab the first caffeine shampoo you see on the shelves. Do your research and look for a reputable brand with science-backed ingredients and good reviews.

• Avoid harsh ingredients. For example, sulfates can strip hair of natural oils, and heavy silicones can build up on the scalp. Choose sulfate-free, silicone-free shampoos. Some people also steer clear of parabens to avoid scalp irritation.

• Look for hydrating ingredients. Aloe vera, argan oil, castor oil, and glycerin are examples of moisturizing ingredients that can keep your hair soft, strong, and nourished.

• Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type. For instance, if you have an oily scalp, go with a lightweight, clarifying shampoo. People with dry hair will want to choose nourishing, sulfate-free formulas.

• Find products that address any other hair concerns. Some caffeine shampoos also contain ingredients that address other hair issues, like dandruff or hair breakage.

If you’re unsure which shampoo to opt for, consider asking a stylist, dermatologist, or another healthcare provider for advice.

Hair loss shampoos often contain multiple active ingredients to promote natural hair growth. Caffeine shampoos may include other ingredients, like ginseng or menthol, to improve effectiveness.

Many hair growth formulations work by blocking DHT (short for dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the hormone responsible for male pattern hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, these DHT blockers may slow down hair loss.

Here are some common hair growth ingredients and their roles:

• Saw palmetto. A natural DHT blocker, saw palmetto may reduce hair thinning caused by androgenetic alopecia.

• Green tea. Rich in antioxidants like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), green tea might help reduce inflammation, soothe dandruff, and protect hair follicles from oxidative damage.

• Ginseng. Known for its stimulating properties, ginseng may improve blood flow to the scalp and strengthen hair follicles.

• Biotin. Keratin makes up your hair strands, and biotin is critical for keratin production. There’s no evidence that biotin shampoo can actually strengthen the hair shaft, promote growth, or prevent breakage — but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

• Rosemary. A popular natural hair growth treatment, rosemary essential oil might stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.

• Menthol. This minty ingredient provides a cooling sensation that soothes the scalp and stimulates blood flow.

• Vitamin E. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E might protect hair follicles from free radicals and support scalp health.

• Ketoconazole. An antifungal ingredient, ketoconazole can help combat dandruff and reduce hair loss.

Not sure where to start? Try our hair thickening shampoo, which contains saw palmetto. Our thickening conditioner contains niacinamide and panthenol — two nourishing types of B vitamins.

While caffeine shampoo can be a helpful addition to your routine, it’s not a standalone solution for significant hair loss.

In general, hair loss gets worse over time if you don’t treat it. So, if you’re experiencing the early signs of balding, like thinning hair, it’s crucial to use a science-based treatment ASAP.

Here are some evidence-backed hair loss treatments to consider:

• Minoxidil. Minoxidil (generic Rogaine®) is an FDA-approved topical treatment that stimulates hair follicles and promotes regrowth. It’s effective for both men and women experiencing hair loss.

• Finasteride. Another FDA-approved option is finasteride (Propecia®), an oral medication only available by prescription. It works by blocking DHT production.

• A combo of finasteride and minoxidil. Use finasteride and minoxidil together for a particularly effective hair loss treatment. You can find the two active ingredients in our topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

• Supplements. Nutrients like biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin D can support hair health, but only if you have a deficiency. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements.

• PRP therapy. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your body’s own growth factors to stimulate hair follicles and encourage regrowth. PRP therapy is a promising option for early-stage hair loss.

• Laser hair therapy. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) stimulates hair follicles with light energy, improving density and promoting regrowth.

• Hair restoration surgery. Although pricey and complex, a hair transplant is an extremely effective way to deal with severe hair loss. But it’s not for everyone.

Word to the wise: The hair loss treatment you choose should depend on what’s causing your hair loss. And the best way to figure out the cause of your hair loss is to consult a healthcare professional, like a GP (general practitioner) or a dermatologist.

Not only can they help assess the cause of your hair thinning, but they can also recommend the best treatment options tailored to your needs.

Caffeine is great for waking you up in the morning. Unfortunately, though, it won’t make new hairs magically sprout up from your head overnight.

Before reaching for caffeine shampoo, keep the following in mind:

• Caffeine shampoo isn’t a proven hair loss treatment. It may stimulate hair follicles by promoting blood flow, but it needs to be studied further before we can definitively say this is the case.

• It may have other benefits, though. Beyond hair growth, caffeine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties — which might benefit hair and scalp health.

• Opt for proven hair loss treatments. Alternatives like minoxidil, finasteride, and laser hair therapy are more reliable solutions for significant hair loss.

While caffeine shampoos might seemingly provide an easy cure for hair fall, they shouldn’t be used alone. Try a proven hair loss treatment first — if you’d like, you can always experiment with hair-thickening shampoo on the side.

Hair loss is a medical condition, so it’s a good idea to consult a professional if you’ve noticed hair thinning or bald spots. We can help you book a virtual appointment with a healthcare provider to explore the best options for your unique needs. Take our free hair quiz to get started.