Håravfall

Can coffee save your hair?

Kvinnlig DHI hårtransplantation

Frida Halvardsson

February 23, 2022

a coffee cup with coffee beans

If you have read about hair loss, you may have come across information about how caffeine has the potential to promote hair growth. However, it is important to understand what caffeine actually can and cannot accomplish when it comes to androgenic hair loss. The studies conducted can be a bit confusing (especially if you haven't had enough coffee today).

The influence of caffeine on hair

Caffeine is commonly used for its invigorating effects on the brain. But it might benefit something else on your head - namely your hair and your skin. While we would benefit from more research on the effects of caffeine on hair, the studies that have been done so far have shown that caffeine may have a positive effect on hair growth. According to Dr. Russel Knudsen, caffeine for hair could be used in several different ways. The most beneficial use would be in conjunction with other treatment. Caffeine acts as a vasodilator, thereby improving blood flow in the body. This may allow medications to pass through barriers more effectively.

Caffeine and DHT

We all have an enzyme called II 5-alpha reductase in the body, which converts testosterone into the steroid hormone DHT. The hormone shortens the growth phase of the hair, which leads to thinning hair and, in turn, hair loss in men.Some studies on caffeine speculate that the substance can block DHT in the body. Unlike Finasteride - which only inhibits the enzyme - caffeine presumably has a direct effect on DHT. Another study on caffeine addresses caffeine's theoretical ability to increase the amount of the cells that create hairs and its protective structure. The study also discusses the substance's potential to stimulate a hormone that promotes tissue growth and a longer growth phase of the hair follicles.

How could caffeine for hair be used

If caffeine is proven to have a positive effect on hair growth, it would unfortunately not help to just drink a couple of extra cups of coffee every day. It would take more coffee than is considered safe to consume to see a difference on the hair. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to tremors, palpitations and, in extreme cases, caffeine poisoning. You would have needed to focus directly on the area - thus application of. caffeine directly on the scalp. No, this does not mean that you should rinse your hair with yesterday's coffee. It would instead have to be done through a concentrated serum. For example, some doctors talk about creating a solution of Minoxidil and caffeine or a cutaneous Finasteride or Minoxidil emulsion.

Conclusion

Theoretically, caffeine can help counteract hair loss. However, it is an area that requires more research before we can guarantee its effectiveness.We must also distinguish coffee and caffeine. Today there is no evidence that only the consumption of coffee for everyday life has an impact on the hair follicles. Drinking several cups every day will make no difference. Studies, on the other hand, have raised speculation around the direct application of caffeine and its capabilities. However, even if you use a concentrate of caffeine directly on the scalp, we cannot vouch for the fact that it will cause changes in the hair. We hope that more studies will be carried out that demonstrate the effect of caffeine and that a concrete, tangible way of use will be developed. Until then, we will follow developments with excitement.