Coffee has a long list of purported benefits for the body, such as the ability to make hair healthier. While some people have no problem pouring cold brew over their hair (and getting excellent results), you might wonder: Is it good to use coffee on my hair?
Here’s a look at possible benefits of using coffee on your hair, potential side effects, and how to apply.
What does research say?
There isn’t a lot of research supporting the use of coffee on hair. But according to the research available, coffee more specifically the caffeine in coffee may improve the appearance and texture of hair in a few ways.
Restores hair growth
Hair loss can occur with age, affecting both males and females. Applying coffee topically to hair and the scalp might stop hair loss and promote regrowth.
In the case of male baldness, hair loss typically occurs when the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) damages hair follicles. Women with too much DHT can also experience hair loss.
Hair follicle damage occurs gradually, eventually leading to baldness. But according to research, the caffeine in coffee can help stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss.
One 2007 laboratory study Trusted Source found that caffeine helped block the effects of DHT in male hair follicles. It stimulated hair shaft elongation, resulting in longer, wider hair roots. It also prolonged anagen duration, which is the hair growth stage.
The study also tested the effects of caffeine on female hair follicles and found that it had a growth promoting effect on hair follicles in females, too.
Since caffeine is a stimulant, it also increases blood circulation to hair follicles. This too can help hair grow faster and become stronger, giving the appearance of fuller, thicker hair
Promotes softer and shinier hair
If your hair appears dull, brittle, and dry, adding moisturizer can revive its appearance. Surprisingly, though, rinsing your hair with coffee may also improve dullness because it contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that promote hair regeneration.
Your hair shaft can become smoother. This can relieve frizziness, resulting in hair that’s softer and easier to de-tangle.
Because caffeine has a diuretic effect on the body, you might think it’ll have a drying effect when applied on your hair.
However, caffeine doesn’t strip the hair of oils. Rather, it can help your locks retain moisture and create a natural sheen. Increased blood circulation helps move nutrients to the hair roots, resulting in healthier, shinier hair.
Naturally gets rid of gray hairs
A coffee rinse also comes in handy if you’re looking to dye gray hair or darken your hair color naturally. Coffee is dark in color, so it acts as a stain on the hair. This is a quick fix for hiding gray strands if you have brown or black hair. For the best results, use strong coffee such as espresso.
The information in this article is for educational use, and not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as such.
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