Can Caffeine Help Combat Hair Loss?

Bullsh*it or not? Lets find out.

Hair loss is a common concern, with DHT (dihydrotestosterone) being one of the main culprits behind androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness).

While medications like finasteride and minoxidil are widely used, natural alternatives like caffeine have been gaining attention for their potential to stimulate hair growth. But is there real science behind caffeine’s effectiveness, or is it just another trendy ingredient? Let’s dive into the research.

How Does Caffeine Affect Hair Growth?

Caffeine is well-known as an energy booster, but studies suggest it can stimulate hair follicles when applied topically. If you’ve ever wondered, "How does caffeine help with hair loss?", here’s how:

✔ Counteracts DHT’s Effects – While caffeine does not lower DHT levels like finasteride, research suggests it can counteract DHT’s suppressive effects on hair follicles (Fischer et al., 2007).

Many people ask, "Does caffeine block DHT?" Studies suggest that caffeine acts as a local DHT blocker at the follicle level.

✔ Extends the Hair Growth Phase (Anagen Phase) – Caffeine has been shown to prolong the active growth phase of hair follicles, preventing premature hair shedding.

✔ Stimulates Hair Follicles – It enhances follicular microcirculation and promotes keratinocyte proliferation, which supports thicker, healthier hair.

✔ Boosts Blood Flow to the Scalp – Caffeine acts as a vasodilator, meaning it can improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, encouraging better growth.

Scientific Studies on Caffeine and Hair Loss

1. Caffeine vs. DHT: Can It Block Hair Loss?

A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Dermatology examined the effects of caffeine on human hair follicles cultured in vitro (Fischer et al., 2007). The study found that testosterone (which converts to DHT) suppressed follicle growth, but adding caffeine to the culture completely reversed the suppression, allowing the hair to continue growing normally. This suggests that caffeine may act as a local DHT blocker at the follicle level.

2. Caffeine Stimulates Hair Growth at the Cellular Level

Another study in explored caffeine’s effects on male and female hair follicles in culture (Fischer et al., 2014). The researchers found that caffeine stimulated cell proliferation in hair follicle keratinocytes and increased the secretion of growth-promoting factors like IGF-1. More notably, caffeine downregulated TGF-β, a protein known to trigger hair follicle shrinkage.

3. Clinical Trial: Caffeine vs. Minoxidil

A 2018 clinical trial compared the effects of a 0.2% caffeine topical solution to 5% minoxidil (Dhurat et al., 2017). After six months, both groups showed significant improvement in hair regrowth, with caffeine performing almost identically to minoxidil. This suggests that caffeine-based treatments could be a natural alternative for individuals who cannot tolerate minoxidil’s side effects. In fact, many people searching for "Caffeine vs minoxidil for hair loss" will find this comparison helpful.

How to Use Caffeine for Hair Growth

Best Methods of Application:

• Leave-in caffeine serums – Those looking for "Where to buy caffeine hair growth serum" should consider products that provide prolonged exposure for maximum absorption.

• Combining caffeine with DHT blockers – Works well alongside saw palmetto or ketoconazole for enhanced effects.

Does Drinking Coffee Help?

No. The amount of caffeine needed to stimulate hair growth topically is far greater than what can be absorbed through drinking coffee. Instead, direct scalp application through specialized products is recommended. If you’re looking for solutions, you might come across "Caffeine hair products for thinning hair", which often contain clinically studied formulations.

Final Verdict: Does Caffeine Really Work for Hair Loss?

✅ Yes, research supports caffeine’s role in promoting hair growth and protecting hair follicles from DHT. While it may not completely stop hair loss, it can significantly slow down shedding, prolong the growth phase, and improve overall hair health.

For those seeking a natural alternative or an addition to their existing hair loss treatment, caffeine-based products are worth considering.

Many individuals look for Caffeine shampoo's. However, a shampoo will be washed out within minutes. So it does not get the time needed to really absolve into the scalp.  

That's why a leave in serum is the best option: "KADESO caffeine serum for hair loss" is an high-quality, research-backed option to fight your hair loss.

A screenshot from one of the studies:

Sources

Fischer et al. (2007) – Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro

Findings: Caffeine was found to counteract testosterone-induced growth suppression in hair follicles, stimulating hair shaft elongation and prolonging the anagen (growth) phase. ​jddonline.com+3karger.com+3pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3

Klenk et al. (2018) – An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Subjects With Androgenetic Alopecia

Findings: The study concluded that a 0.2% caffeine-based topical solution was noninferior to 5% minoxidil in promoting hair growth among male subjects with androgenetic alopecia. ​pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Zhou et al. (2023) – Anti-hair loss effect of a shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine

Findings: A shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine significantly enhanced hair density and reduced hair loss over a three-month period. ​onlinelibrary.wiley.com