hair

Caffeine shampoo, hair loss

Caffeine shampoos are indicated for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, also known as common baldness due to its widespread diffusion both in men and women.

In some studies, caffeine has been shown to stimulate hair growth in vitro and, more importantly, to reduce the suppression of follicular vitality induced by testosterone.

In fact, we know that this hormone and in particular its active metabolite called dihydrotestosterone, are heavily involved in androgenetic alopecia.

In the experimental model adopted, the stimulating actions of caffeine on hair growth were completely independent of the rubefacient effect (ability to increase blood circulation) to which its positive repercussions on hair growth have traditionally been ascribed.

It has also been shown that the addition of caffeine in a shampoo is an effective method to get this substance into the hair follicle. However, further research is needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and adequate caffeine dosage - for topical use - in the treatment of alopecia.

  • * Fischer TW, Hipler UC, Elsner P (2007). "Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro". Int. J. Dermatol. 46 (1): 27-35.
  • Fischer TW1, Herczeg-Lisztes E, Funk W, Zillikens D, Bíró T, Paus R. "Differential effects of caffeine on hair shaft elongation, matrix and outer root sheath keratinocyte proliferation, and transforming growth factor-β2 / insulin-like growth factor -1-mediated regulation of the hair cycle in male and female human hair follicles in vitro ". Br J Dermatol. 2014 Nov; 171 (5): 1031-43.