Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss, affects approximately 80 million men and women in the United States alone, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Among the many natural cures that pervade the internet, caffeine has emerged as a popular alternative for those looking to reverse their thinning hair. This is buoyed by dermatologists who tout the effectiveness of caffeine on social media. So, does caffeine really work? Here is the proof you need to know about.
Understanding The Biology of Caffeine & Hair Growth
Over the years, studies have suggested that caffeine promotes healthy hair through various mechanisms, including:
- Stimulating blood flow to hair follicles
- Reducing inflammation
- Prolonging the anagen growth phase of hair
- Inhibiting phosphodiesterase (an enzyme implicated in hair loss)
- Blocking DHT (by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase)
Caffeine Hair Growth Research Summary
Research has been conducted to explore the potential of caffeine, a common ingredient in coffee and tea, in promoting hair growth. The findings suggest several beneficial effects of caffeine:
One of the initial studies connecting this natural stimulant to hair health showed that caffeine could penetrate hair follicles in as little as two minutes. Hair loss is often associated with the production of DHT, a more potent variant of the androgen testosterone.
Early experiments indicate that caffeine can mitigate the adverse effects of testosterone on hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth. An exploratory study also suggested that minoxidil, when used in conjunction with caffeine, could enhance hair length and weight more effectively.
However, it’s important to note that most of the evidence supporting caffeine’s role in hair growth is derived from studies on isolated follicles and laboratory animals.
Human Proof For The Effects of Caffeine And Hair Growth
A 2017 study, often cited by dermatologists as evidence of caffeine’s effectiveness, involved 161 men suffering from androgenic alopecia. The participants were divided into two groups: one applied a 5% minoxidil solution, while the other used a 0.2% caffeine solution on their scalps daily for six months.
The study authors reported that the hair growth rate in the caffeine group was “not inferior to minoxidil,” suggesting that topical caffeine was as effective as Minoxidil.
Despite the bold claims and the attention this study has received, certain issues need to be addressed.
Study problems
- Others have not replicated the experiment.
- Some of the researchers worked for the company that supported the study.
- Before and after pictures showing caffeine works, as well as minoxidil, were not provided.
Keep in mind that the duration of this experiment was six months, a sufficient period to observe if caffeine can stimulate hair regrowth. It’s concerning that the researchers did not provide comparative before and after images with minoxidil. Furthermore, considering the implications of a straightforward solution for hair loss, it’s surprising that the medical community has not endeavored to reproduce these results.
How To Make a 0.2% Caffeine Hair Growth Solution
There are many caffeine-hair growth serums online which make things very easy. It is also possible to make a DIY solution too.
To make a topical solution, you will need caffeine powder, which can be purchased online. To make a 0.2% solution, weigh 0.2 grams of caffeine and dissolve it in 100 mg (3.5 oz) of water. You will also need a 1 ml to 2 ml eye dropper to apply the solution to your scalp. Here are bottles with eye droppers and funnels.
However, you must be aware of the precautions and dangers of handling pure powdered caffeine. Wear protective clothing to reduce skin absorption. Wear protective gloves and eyeglasses too. Side effects from skin absorption can include.
- Dehydration
- Skin irritation
- Rosacea
- Reduced collagen production
For safety, it’s crucial to wear a mask when handling powdered caffeine to prevent accidental inhalation. The effects of inhaling caffeine can be as severe as those of consuming it in large amounts, potentially causing rapid heartbeats, irregular heart rhythms, and even heart attacks.
Ensure that the pure substance is stored out of children’s reach to avoid accidental ingestion, which can be lethal even in small quantities such as a teaspoon.
How Much Caffeine Grows Hair?
In the above-mentioned clinical trial, they used 2 ml twice daily – once in the morning and again in the evening. This amounts to a total of 4 ml per day.
User Experiences: Real Testimonials
Numerous online platforms offer a variety of hair care products, including shampoos and serums, that blend stimulants with other components like castor oil, biotin,
and peptides. Notably, only a handful of companies market the stimulant in its pure form without added ingredients.
When it comes to these combination products, customer feedback varies. Some users have reported a decrease in hair fall, while others found them ineffective for hair loss.
Additionally, a few customers mentioned that these products made their hair feel oily. However, this could be attributed more to the oil-based ingredients than the stimulant itself.
Comparing Caffeine to Other Hair Growth Solutions
Social media platforms abound with natural substitutes for minoxidil, encompassing options from pumpkin seed and rosemary oil to even onion juice. This plethora of alternatives can create a sense of overwhelm for individuals seeking the most effective solution for hair loss.
Evaluating how caffeine stacks up against these other remedies necessitates scientific investigation. Regrettably, there appears to be limited motivation to undertake such research. Consequently, consumers are left to depend on personal testimonials when deciding which treatments to try for themselves.
Conclusion: The Future of Caffeine Hair Loss Treatments
The writing on the wall suggests that this common stimulant penetrates hair follicles and inhibits enzymes involved in androgenic alopecia. However, the real proof of its effectiveness is whether it grows hair in those who are balding. This is a simple thing to prove. Why aren't medical researchers doing this?
Delve Deeper: Insights On Other Popular Hair Growth Solutions
- Viviscal
- Nutrafol vs. Viviscal
- Pumpkin Seed Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Castor Oil
- Onion Juice
- Methylsulfonyl Methane (MSM)
- Vegamour Hair Serum
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