Does caffeine shampoo work for hair loss? The doctor weighs

Have you ever given your hair the caffeine shampoo treatment, only to be disappointed with the results?

A doctor is ready to debunk if its effectiveness is just a “myth”. Caffeine shampoo has become a supermarket and drugstore staple in recent years, designed to promote hair growth using caffeine extract.

The first of its kind hit shelves after a 2007 study found that caffeine stimulated hair follicles to regrow in a lab dish, leading researchers to create a shampoo hoping to replicate that effect on human scalps. LloydsPharmacy previously reviewed all negative reviews of four caffeine shampoo brands on Amazon, revealing that 41% of users found them ineffective at promoting hair growth.

This led Dr. Bhavini Shah of the pharmacy to clarify how caffeine shampoo works, possible side effects and viable alternatives. According to LloydsPharmacy, it remains “unclear” whether the shampoo actually works. “There’s not enough evidence that it works on scalp hair.”

LloydsPharmacy adds: “There is much debate about whether caffeine shampoos can really match the success of this initial study in preventing hair loss. In general, caffeine shampoos are not approved by the medical community to treat hair loss. Instead , most doctors in the UK recommend medical treatments such as finasteride or minoxidil, which have been proven in clinical trials.’

Meanwhile, Hair Transplant and Restoration Surgeon Dr. Asi Peretz, who is a regular on TikTok with his account Trichogenics (@trichogenics), has weighed in on the effectiveness of certain shampoos in combating hair loss. In one of his videos on the subject, he remarked, “There are a lot of shampoos out there that promise to restore your hair.”

He went on to explain: “There are some shampoos out there, such as caffeinated shampoos and even ketoconazole that can reduce DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels in the scalp. However, this is not going to restore your hair to the levels you expect. .don’t restore areas that are bald, but it can help slightly with some density.”

In the UK, only two treatments for hair loss have been clinically validated: Finasteride, which comes in tablet form, and Minoxidil, available as a lotion or foam. GP Dr Shah sheds light on why Finasteride may be the best option for those struggling with hair loss, stating: “While caffeine shampoo can improve circulation to the scalp and stimulate hair follicles, its effects are generally less potent and less scientifically proven than those of finasteride. “

Dr. Shah further elaborates on the mechanism behind Finasteride, adding: “Finasteride works by blocking the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts the hormone testosterone into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone. High levels of DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to hair loss By reducing the amount of DHT in the scalp, finasteride helps prevent hair loss and may even promote new hair growth.

Another TikTok user, Helena (@helenajekul), however, praised the effects of a caffeine shampoo on her hair, revealing in a video that she saw a “huge improvement” after 18 months of continuous use. “Omg, so much new hair coming out,” she exclaimed, noting, “It also feels so thick in a ponytail.”

And a second person who swore by its impact – TikToker Kathleen Ayald (@kathleenayald) – continued with her positive experience: “I’ve been using it for 2 months and it really helps. I wash my hair with Dr. Wolff Alpecin caffeine shampoo. I massage and leave it for 2 minutes.”

However, experts at LloydsPharmacy have issued a warning, advising users to be wary of potential side effects associated with caffeine shampoos. “Scan any negative reviews of caffeine shampoos and you’ll also see some unpleasant side effects such as redness and burning of the scalp. While it’s important not to believe every word of a negative review, you should keep in mind that Hair and Scalp of your scalp may react badly to caffeine shampoo,” they advise.

“Please check the label of your chosen shampoo for side effects before use and consult a doctor at the first sign of a problem.”