If you can’t function without a coffee in the morning, then you’ll be more than happy to hear that caffeine has be scientifically proven to overwrite the unwanted side effects of testosterone on male skin, scalp and hair.
Internationally renowned hair and caffeine expert and the scientist who first discovered caffeine’s beneficial effects for hair, Dr. Adolph Klenk, found that age, stress, a lack of iron or zinc, thyroid dysfunction and extreme reduction diets are major contributors to hair loss for men.
“Stress-based hair loss, hair loss by strong reduction diets, and an imbalanced diet can cause premature hair exhaustion,” says Dr. Klenk.
“It’s a continuous lack of energy – the hair organ can be compared to a high power engine; without sufficient support it stops working.”
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern baldness usually occurs beyond the age of 40 and affects 50% of men at 50 years old.
The breakthrough study from The University of Lübeck shared that caffeine works to block a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks the hair follicle and causes hair loss. Caffeine also improves barrier function and follicular penetration, as well as stimulation and promotion of hair growth.
“Caffeine is a strong energy enhancer,” continues Dr. Klenk. “Not only does it work in the brain, but it also works in the hair organ. The speed of hair growth will be enhanced, the timespan of a growth period will be expanded and the quality of the hair structure will be improved.”
What’s more, is that caffeine works quickly, with reduction of hair loss being able to be measured after only three to six months.
As wonderful as it would be to have an excuse to indulge in an extra coffee or two each day, Dr Klenk calculated that it would take a daily intake of 50 cups of coffee to see the benefits in your hair. The best way to administer the caffeine is by applying it locally as a leave-in treatment or shampoo.
However, it’s been shown that caffeine works only against stress, insufficient energy and minerals or hereditary AGA – caffeine doesn’t prevent hair loss caused by drugs or chemotherapy.
Regardless, it is clear that caffeine can give a boost to both the state of our headspace and our head of hair.
