Does Coffee Cause Hair Loss?

For many of us, the day doesn’t truly begin until we’ve had our first cup of coffee. While most people know coffee can boost energy levels and alertness, there’s a growing concern about a potential side effect: hair loss.

However, like many health topics, the answer is not always black and white. So, what is happening to your luscious locks due to our coffee intake, and is it really worth skipping the morning routine for the sake of our hair health?

The Rumoured Relationship Between Coffee and Hair Loss

Some believe caffeine may negatively affect hair health because of how it influences hormone levels. In particular, caffeine can raise cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. High cortisol levels may disrupt the hair growth cycle by pushing more hairs into the telogen phase (the stage where hair naturally falls out).

However, this theory isn’t strongly supported by science. It also overlooks other major causes of hair loss, including stress, diet, genetics and other health conditions. Blaming coffee for hair loss oversimplifies a much more complex situation.

Can Coffee Actually Help with Hair Loss?

Interestingly, some research suggests the opposite to this rumour. And coffee may support hair growth.

One study showed that caffeine could help to block the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone which shrinks hair follicles and contributes to androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness). By blocking DHT’s affect, caffeine might help protect against this common form of hair loss.

Topical Caffeine for Hair Loss

Drinking coffee won’t deliver enough caffeine to your scalp to have a noticeable effect on hair growth. This is where topical caffeine may help.

When applied directly to the scalp, caffeine may stimulate the hair roots and boost blood circulation to promote healthier, faster-growing hair. While results may vary from person to person, many people do report thicker, stronger hair after using topical caffeine for their hair health.

And no, this doesn’t mean pouring your morning cappuccino over your head (no matter how your Monday morning is going). For hair health benefits, caffeine needs to be used in a concentrated form, typically in a shampoo. So, while your morning coffee may help wake you up it probably won’t do anything for your hairline.

What if Caffeine Isn’t Enough?

Caffeine based treatments can support your overall scalp health, but they are unlike to reverse significant hair loss on their own. For those wishing to try something extra, our evidence-based hair loss treatments may offer more of a benefit for those suffering from thinning, or bald patches.

Considerations for Your Coffee Intake

Even though moderate coffee intake is unlikely to cause hair loss, or significant hair growth, it’s still wise to be mindful of your caffeine consumption. Guidelines suggest that up to 400mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for most adults. That’s about four cups of brewed coffee, though strength and mug size can vary.

Be aware of how caffeine affects your body, as everyone is different If you experience sleep issues, anxiety, or elevated stress, it may be worth skipping the extra cup or switching to decaf. These side effects of excessive caffeine, such as stress and anxiety, can impact hair health in their own ways.

The Bottom Line

Drinking coffee or consuming caffeine in moderation is unlikely to directly cause hair loss. While consuming a cup of coffee itself if not supported as a treatment for hair loss, topical forms of concentrated caffeine may offer some benefit when used alongside clinically proven treatments. Especially if suffering from hair thinning or bald patches. If you’re suffering from hair loss, consider speaking to a healthcare professional for advice or treatment.