There are many reasons for hair loss, from hormones to illness. But whatever the cause, for many people, watching excess hair fall out can be a major source of stress. Experts tend to recommend treatments like minoxidil and clinic-based treatments to encourage hair regrowth and prevent hair loss, but natural remedies have also been gaining popularity recently.
Rosemary oil and caffeine are two different things. We already know that caffeine is good for your skin (and can even boost your productivity if you add it to your morning coffee), but there’s also evidence that it may have a positive effect on hair growth. Here’s everything you need to know, according to the experts.
Does caffeine help with hair loss? | Caffeine’s effects on hair | How to use caffeine for hair growth | Best caffeine products for hair growth recommended by experts and editors | Top rated products | How to choose | Meet the experts
Our Recommendations
Best caffeine products for hair
Does caffeine help with hair loss?
Short answer: Possibly.
“Caffeine is a stimulant that increases blood flow, allowing beneficial nutrients and oxygen to reach your hair follicles, keeping them healthy,” explains Michelle Green, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Research has also shown that caffeine can help block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that’s been linked to hair follicle damage and can cause androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, Dr. Green says.
And in another study, Green added, when researchers applied caffeine topically to hair follicles in a test tube (i.e., in a laboratory setting), they found that it lengthened the anagen (growth phase) and increased hair shaft growth. That said, other hair loss medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) have more reliable evidence that they “effectively block DHT or prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT,” Green said.
Still, research suggests the ingredient may be most effective for people who suffer from male pattern baldness or stress-related hair loss, says Chesana Kindred, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Maryland. But it’s always best to see a dermatologist who can pinpoint the cause of your hair loss and provide the appropriate treatment.
Kindred also notes that there are no obvious side effects or contraindications to using caffeinated hair products, so for those concerned about the possible side effects of minoxidil or finasteride and looking for a gentler option to help combat hair loss, using caffeinated products may be an option.
Effects of caffeine on hair
Aside from potentially aiding hair growth, this ingredient has other benefits for your hair. “Caffeine contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants,” says Green. Antioxidants protect your hair and scalp from environmental damage like UV rays and pollution. “Caffeine has also been shown to reduce frizz and produce softer, shinier, healthier hair.”
“Caffeine doesn’t strip your hair of natural oils and helps lock in moisture for hydrated, shiny, and healthy-looking hair,” Green added.
How to Use Caffeine for Hair Growth
If you’re feeling like a do-it-yourself beauty treatment, you can also make a coffee hair rinse at home. To do this, Green says you’ll need to let the coffee rinse cool completely, put it in a spray bottle, apply the rinse to your scalp and hair, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
Alternatively, you can try one of the many over-the-counter products that contain the ingredient. “You can use a caffeinated shampoo or conditioner that’s safe for light-colored hair,” says Green. There are also caffeinated hair serums that you can leave on your scalp overnight for maximum absorption, she adds. Serums and scalp masks can be used once or twice a week.
“Massaging the product into your scalp increases blood circulation and allows for better absorption,” she says.
With hair growth treatments, consistency is key, so don’t give up if you don’t see results after a few uses. “It may take up to four months before you see any improvement or signs of hair growth,” says Green.
Here are some highly rated and popular products that contain this ingredient:
Expert and editor picks: Best caffeine products for hair growth
Alpecin C1 Caffeine Shampoo
What we like
Caffeine, Zinc, Niacin Cleanses scalp and hair
Size: 8.45 oz | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Zinc, Niacin
“Alpecin is a popular, highly-rated brand that sells caffeinated shampoos and liquids,” Green says. The brand, which was founded in Germany in 1930, says decades of research went into developing Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo, and this particular shampoo is designed to cleanse the scalp and nourish hair to promote thicker, stronger texture.
Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment
What we like
Fragrance-free and safe for color-treated hair
Capacity: 150 ml | Main ingredients: Caffeine, Redensyl
One example of a serum that contains this ingredient is The Inkey List’s stimulating scalp treatment, Green says. Designed to be applied before bed, the treatment contains ingredients like caffeine powder and Redensyl that the brand says stimulate the scalp and hair follicles while you sleep, encouraging new hair growth.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum to Increase Hair Density
What we like
Lightweight formula for all hair types and textures
Size: 1 oz | Main Ingredients: Caffeine, Redensyl, Procapil, Bicapil
You might be best known for The Ordinary’s affordable skincare products, but the brand also makes haircare products. This multi-peptide serum is a favorite of Associate Editor Shannon Garlin, who says she’s seen a “huge” improvement in her skin and hair health since she started using the product. “It was hard to break a bad habit (I dyed my hair with boxed dye last summer), but with consistent use of this serum, I feel like it’s starting to repair years of damage to my hair. My hairline is fuller and new hair is starting to grow in.”
Nioxin Ultimate Power Serum
What we like
Nourishes hair. Effective from just one use.
Points to note
A maximum of 15 pumps must be used
Size: 2.3 oz | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Niacinamide, Lauric Acid
Double-certified dermatologist Dr. Elisabeth Bahar Houshmand previously recommended the caffeine-containing serum to people suffering from hair loss, and the brand says that in a double-blind clinical trial, participants who used the product noticed less hair loss and breakage, and improved hair strength.
Vegamore Glo Hair Serum
What we like
Gives a nice texture and thickens hair
Size: 1.0 oz | Key Ingredients: Turmeric, Caffeine, Red Clover
Along with turmeric and biotin, caffeine is also a key ingredient in this popular serum. This vegan hair growth serum is clinically proven to increase hair density by up to 52% and reduce signs of hair loss by up to 76% in 150 days, according to the brand. It’s no wonder it has over 4,000 five-star reviews.
“It’s infused with plant-based ingredients like turmeric and red clover, making it a great investment in your long-term hair health,” celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab previously told us.
Revivv For Her 3-Month Hair Growth Support Serum
What we like
Convenient applicator Some users see results after 8 weeks. Some users report that their hair feels thicker. Product Specifications
Size: 2.01 oz | Key Ingredients: Betaine, Caffeine, Revivv Proprietary Blend, Tea Tree Oil
The former editor raved about the caffeine-infused serum after using it for a few months and seeing results. “Unlike other hair-growth serums I’ve used, this is the easiest and quickest to apply,” she noted. “So it’s really easy to use daily. The roller ball that dispenses the serum doesn’t dispense too much, so you can apply it only to the areas you need it in (in my case, the crown and top of my head near my forehead).” She explained that while she wasn’t “fully grown in” at that point, she was “seeking out a ton of new hair.”
Top Rated Caffeinated Hair Care Products
Prador Scalp Therapy Energizing Scalp Serum
What we like
Convenient for travelling and long lasting
Points to note
Some people saw no visible changes.
Size: 4.0 oz | Key Ingredients: Biotin, Argan Oil, Essential Oil Blend
Pura D’Or is best known for its popular anti-thinning biotin shampoo and conditioner, but the brand also makes a scalp serum designed to boost hair volume, which is said to be formulated with 16 active ingredients, including niacin, biotin, argan oil, coffee extract, and DHT blockers.
Briogeo Destined for Density Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Shampoo
What we like
It adds shine and thickness to hair, and reviewers love how gentle it is on hair.
Points to note
Some reviewers have said that there is no visible effect even with continued use.
Size: 8.0 oz | Key Ingredients: Turmeric, Caffeine, Red Clover
Designed to be safe on color-treated, keratin-treated, and straightened hair, the shampoo is said to stimulate the scalp, strengthen hair and hair follicles, and increase microcirculation in the scalp and roots to make hair look fuller and healthier. The brand also makes a conditioner and serum, which they recommend using together for best results.
Divi Scalp Serum
What we like
Nourishes the scalp and reduces product build-up
Points to note
May cause a tingling sensation. Product Specifications
Size: 30 ml | Key Ingredients: Copper Tripeptide-1, Caffeine, Tea Tree Oil
Your scalp will love this serum, which is formulated with caffeine, tea tree oil, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid. In addition to reducing product and oil build-up, this serum also focuses on promoting hair growth, tame frizz, and prevent breakage.
Selection method
Shop TODAY editors and writers scour the internet to find the best products, we interview experts and use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Meet Our Experts
Dr. Michelle S. Green is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She treats a variety of skin conditions, from premature skin aging to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne and skin cancer. Dr. Chesana Kindred is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Kindred Hair & Skin Center in Columbia, Maryland, where she treats patients of all ages and ethnicities. Her specialty is hair removal and ethnic skin. Dr. Elisabeth Bahar Houshmand is a double board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas. She specializes in dermatological laser procedures with a special interest in cosmetic dermatology, laser medicine, acne, hair loss and melasma. Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa in New Jersey.
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