Hair loss is a problem that many men and women face today. According to recent studies, hair loss is found in as many as 70 percent of men, as well as in women – who are commonly considered less likely to have this problem. Statistics show about 30 percent of women face or will face hair loss later on in life. However, in women, hair loss usually does not end with total baldness, as is the case with men. According to studies, using caffeine-enriched products could help to increase hair growth.
A big benefit of caffeine, apart from helping people feel alert, is that it can help promote hair growth straight from the root in the initial phases of hair growth.
This is achieved through targeting a hormone called DHT which causes hair loss.
DHT prevents vitamins, proteins and minerals from helping hair follicles to grow.
Caffeine combats this by causing hair cells to produce more ATP, which is a form of energy which encourages hair to grow.
READ MORE: Best supplements for the heart – the 2p capsules to protect against heart disease
In a study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the effects of caffeine on hair shaft elongation and hair growth were investigated.
The study noted: “Caffeine reportedly counteracts the suppression of hair shaft production by testosterone in organ-cultured male human hair follicles.
“Caffeine enhanced hair shaft elongation, prolonged anagen duration and stimulated hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation.
READ RELATED: Burger King Just Launched 4 Spicy New Menu Items—But There's a Catch
“This study reveals new growth-promoting effects of caffeine on human hair follicles in subjects of both sexes at different levels.”
Caffeine is known to help increase blood circulation to the scalp which promotes healthy hair follicles.
Massage caffeine infused hair products directly on to the scalp to boost blood circulation to stimulate the roots.
Dr Tobias Fischer said: “Caffeine speeds up the hair growth cycle and increases the length of hair from 33 to 40 percent.
“It specifically targets the hair follicle with caffeine hair products aiding in your hair growth journey.”
Consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong from London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, is cautiously optimistic about caffeine shampoos in general but agrees that more research is needed.
She said: “In early stages of genetic hair loss or thinning, caffeine-containing shampoos may be helpful as a supportive treatment in addition to proven and licensed medical treatments for hair loss, such as topical minoxidil and Propecia.
“Whilst the results from predominantly lab-based studies are encouraging, larger randomised, controlled clinical trials on actual patients are required to draw more definitive conclusions.”
Source: Daily Express