Caffeine
Stimulant used in hair shampoos and lotions
Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the methylxanthine class and is the most commonly consumed psychoactive drug globally. It is mainly used for its eugeroic, ergogenic, or nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) properties ; it is also used recreationally, often in social settings. Caffeine acts by blocking the binding of adenosine at a number of adenosine receptor types, inhibiting the centrally depressant effects of adenosine and enhancing the release of acetylcholine. Caffeine has a three-dimensional structure similar to that of adenosine, which allows it to bind and block its receptors. Caffeine also increases cyclic AMP levels through nonselective inhibition of phosphodiesterase, increases calcium release from intracellular stores, and antagonizes GABA receptors, although these mechanisms typically occur at concentrations beyond usual human consumption.
Read “Caffeine” on Wikipedia and its adverse effects · text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing a treatment.
Research 10
- The role of hair follicles in the percutaneous absorption of caffeine
- Anti‐hair loss effect of a shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine
- Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro
- Caffeine as an Active Ingredient in Cosmetic Preparations Against Hair Loss: A Systematic Review of Available Clinical Evidence
- Caffeine relaxes hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia
- A Novel Approach Against Male Pattern Hair Loss With Topical Dimethylglycine Sodium Salt (DMG‐Na) and Caffeine: Efficacy of a 24‐Week, Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
- Caffeine as an Active Molecule in Cosmetic Products for Hair Loss: Its Mechanisms of Action in the Context of Hair Physiology and Pathology
- Reduction of telogen rate and increase of hair density in androgenetic alopecia by a cosmetic product: Results of a randomized, prospective, vehicle‐controlled double‐blind study in men
- Caffeine Supplementation and Hair: A Systematic Review
- Transepidermal UV radiation of scalp skin <i>ex vivo</i> induces hair follicle damage that is alleviated by the topical treatment with caffeine
- Effect of Transcutol P on Percutaneous Absorption of Gel Containing Pure Synthetic Caffeine or Plant‐Extracted Natural Caffeine
- Caffeine Supplementation and Hair: A Systematic Review
- A Canadian Consensus on Androgenetic Alopecia: Approach and Management
- A Novel Approach Against Male Pattern Hair Loss With Topical Dimethylglycine Sodium Salt (DMG‐Na) and Caffeine: Efficacy of a 24‐Week, Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
- Restoration of Hair Luster via Novel Biomarker COL7A1 by Minoxidil, Caffeine, and Biotin
- The effects of caffeine and adenosine on the microbiome and lipidome of the scalp
- Personalized Compounded Hair Loss Treatments: A Compatibility Assessment of the TrichoConcept™ Vehicle Line.
- Enhancing hair growth through phytochemicals: mechanisms, supporting evidence, and future directions
- Caffeine as an Active Ingredient in Cosmetic Preparations Against Hair Loss: A Systematic Review of Available Clinical Evidence
- Caffeine as an Active Molecule in Cosmetic Products for Hair Loss: Its Mechanisms of Action in the Context of Hair Physiology and Pathology
Posts 20
- Just started Fin + Min – Are "add-ons" like Caffeine Shampoos actually worth it?
- Does drinking coffee offset the effects of Minoxidil?
- Why is no one talking about coffee and TE/hairloss?
- Coffee as Hair loss treatment ?
- Here’s the rundown on scalp serums from a former cosmetic chemist
- Effects of energy drinks on hair loss
- Promising new data on peptide serums (not sponsored)
- Increased Coffee intake resulted in massive shed
- I just came across an ad for a product that I'd never seen called HairMDL.
- Dr Huberman - Cafeine when rubbed on the scalp can be as effective at times as minoxidil because it triggers 1GF-1
- Keeps 5-1 dutasteride Side Effects?
- abusing caffeine boosts DHT levels!
- What's the deal with "natural" DHT blockers?
- I had a very bad experience with Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo
- A little more than a month using red light therapy. I'm surprised by the progress.
- Has topical caffeine helped anyone here? Or is it one great big scam?
- Best red light hair therapy device for someone already on min and fin? Looking to add LLLT to my stack.
- Massive shed after starting a caffeine shampoo? Am panicking.
- What is widely considered to be the best non-drug treatment in 2026?
- Lowering dose of Oral Minoxidil?