Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
Caffeine shampoos are hair-cleansing products that contain the common chemical compound caffeine, often present as a component of coffee bean extract. Caffeine shampoos often contain other beneficial ingredients such as zinc, niacin, biotin, niacinamide and aloe vera. Caffeine shampoos entered the market after a study found that using shampoo containing caffeine could stimulate hair growth. The original research cited evidence of new hair growth on Petri dishes, not hairs still attached to scalps.
Caffeine is known to be a stimulant, so applying it topically to the scalp for hair growth made sense. Laboratory studies have shown that caffeine can penetrate hair follicles and counteract the effects of androgenetic alopecia. Caffeine has been shown to increase the amount of energy in cells, elevate levels of a protein called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) that promotes hair growth and reduce the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), another hormone associated with baldness.
Based on the observation from in vitro studies that caffeine might counteract AGA progression, the effect of caffeine-containing formulations on hair loss has been investigated in several in vivo studies. Some of those were noncomparative or privately funded; therefore, one must draw only a few conclusions from the results.
The studies that showed caffeine was more effective on male patients with AGA than the corresponding control group used mainly leave-on topical caffeine solutions and not shampoos. High caffeine doses are needed to support the active growing phase of male and female hair follicles.
There is not enough clinically viable evidence to support that caffeine shampoo prevents or stops androgenetic alopecia. The results of in vitro experiments conducted on cells and tissues outside the body have limited value compared to studies examining how a substance reacts under normal conditions. The good news is that caffeine shampoo has been found to cause no harm and can help improve the scalp’s health, supporting healthy hair growth when paired with a clinically proven treatment.
Adequately dosed topical caffeine-containing solutions may be helpful as a hair growth stimulant in addition to proven and licensed medical treatments for hair loss. A study comparing caffeine lotion to Minoxidil 5% on patients with androgenetic alopecia found that both treatments were equally effective after six months. While the results of these studies are encouraging, larger randomised clinical trials will provide more conclusive evidence. It is unlikely that topical caffeine will treat male or female pattern baldness.
Dr Bonaros is a member of the ISHRS and the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons. He performs hair restoration surgery at his Glasgow clinic. He can provide you with a consultation if you suffer from hair loss and want to know the best available treatments available.
Your diet plays a surprisingly large role in the growth of your hair. Just like eating the right diet can keep you healthy and fit, the right food can help to stimulate hair growth and keep your hair strong and healthy as you get older.
Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is one of the most common conditions affecting men.
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