Are there benefits to coffee in your hair?
We all know the benefits of sitting down with a nice hot, frothy macchiato at your favourite coffee shop, but a lot of people still don’t recognise the major benefits that caffeine has for your hair and scalp. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately if you’re not a fan, drinking coffee won’t allow you to reap caffeine’s hair rewards, only a topical application will do that. Fortunately there are some really good caffeine-containing shampoos, conditioners and scalp scrubs available. Make sure you choose one which is clinically tested, paraben and sulphate-free. Below are 3 key benefits to splashing out on a caffeine-based solution for your hair.
Prevents and combats hair thinning
Caffeine-based hair products are renowned for their preventative qualities when it comes to hair loss. Regular use (2-3 times a week) over a six month period has been shown to result in fewer strands of hair falling or being pulled out, as well as improvements in hair growth. It has also been found to be helpful in improving cases of androgenic alopecia. Caffeine, which is easily absorbed through the skin, combats hair loss by inhibiting the effects of the androgen DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a hormone that contributes to the shedding of hair from your head, and the growth of hair on other parts of your body. In addition, research shows that caffeine inhibits phosphodiesterase, an enzyme which plays a pivotal role in alopecia. These factors combined make caffeine one of the most helpful, natural agents in combatting hair loss.
Promotes hair growth
Applying a caffeine-based hair product to your roots every other day can facilitate longer, thicker hair due to the fact that caffeine is rich in the antioxidants that block possible causes of cell damage. It also reduces transepidermal water loss, which in turn helps to stimulate healthy cell production and strengthens the roots. As a result hair follicles become stronger and their endurance increases. The presence of caffeine also stimulates production of keratinocytes, which are a major protein component of hair and essential for healthy hair follicles. Combined with increased circulation to the scalp and the elongation of the hair shaft in the hair matrix, these factors prolong the growing phase of hair and can lead to new or rekindled hair growth.
Improves hair texture and shine
Caffeine has a long list of beneficial qualities that boost the quality and appearance of your hair. The strengthening of the hair follicles and related cells increases softness and using it as a rinse can help retain moisture. Caffeine’s natural acidity helps restore your hair’s pH balance, reducing frizziness and breakage. It contains polyphenols, as well as a range of vitamins that help to protect the hair from the damage caused by UV rays from the sun. The antioxidants and flavonoids present in caffeine encourage hair regeneration, which translates to stronger, healthier, shinier strands, but caffeine is also good for the scalp, reducing inflammation and irritation and removing dead skin cells. We recommend a caffeinated scalp scrub for this, which will gently exfoliate your scalp and promote healthier looking hair.
Top Tips:
- Look for a product which contains other useful vitamins and ingredients known to promote healthy hair and scalps, such as zinc, niacin, biotin, aloe vera etc
- Check your product is cruelty-free and hasn’t been tested on animals
- Check your product is free from sulphates and parabens
- Whilst daily use is ok, it won’t necessarily increase the effectiveness of the product and could increase the slim chance of irritation. Every 2-3 days is the recommended regularity with which you should wash your hair with a caffeine-infused product.
