What happens if I mix homemade coffee with my regular shampoo?

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the most common reasons for dermatological consultations. Due to the lack of definitive solutions, many individuals turn to home remedies, such as mixing homemade coffee with their regular shampoo. But how effective—or even safe—is this method? Are we really talking about coffee, or are we referring to caffeine? And what about products that contain coffee extract? This article aims to answer all these questions with scientific clarity.

Homemade coffee or caffeine? They are not the same

Before discussing benefits or risks, it’s important to understand what’s being used. The coffee we brew at home contains caffeine, but also other compounds: chlorogenic acids, essential oils, solid particles, and antioxidants. Caffeine, on the other hand, is a specific chemical compound that can be isolated and synthesized for use in cosmetic products. We should not confuse these terms or assume that brewed coffee has the same effects as pure caffeine.

Coffee extract, another frequent ingredient in hair care cosmetics, is obtained through technical processes like supercritical CO2 extraction or the use of organic solvents. These methods isolate bioactive compounds from the coffee bean, such as antioxidants, polyphenols, essential oils, and small amounts of caffeine. Unlike homemade coffee, which is a diluted infusion, the extract concentrates beneficial substances that can be utilized in hair care products. Depending on the process and the manufacturer’s standard, these extracts may be formulated for specific purposes: from stimulating scalp microcirculation to acting as antioxidant or moisturizing agents. However, their effectiveness depends on the active concentration of the compound and the product’s complete formulation. This extract may be standardized to contain a certain amount of caffeine or utilize other antioxidant compounds from coffee.

What’s the difference between coffee beans, caffeine, and coffee extract?

Coffee beans are the raw material: they contain a complex variety of compounds, including caffeine. When roasted and ground to make a drink, the resulting infusion ("homemade coffee") includes sediments and oils that are not present in pure caffeine. Caffeine is an alkaloid that can be isolated from the bean and used in cosmetic formulas with precision and control. Finally, coffee extract is a concentrate obtained from the bean through technical processes and may or may not include caffeine, depending on the product’s goal. In hair cosmetics, shampoos often use coffee extract for its antioxidant content rather than for caffeine. There are no clinical studies showing that coffee extract has an effect on hair loss, though some products include it with promises to strengthen or stimulate.

Is there scientific evidence for using coffee to treat hair loss?

So far, no study has directly evaluated the effects of homemade coffee mixed with shampoo as a treatment for hair loss. However, preliminary evidence does exist regarding the effects of pure caffeine when applied topically. One widely cited study published in the International Journal of Dermatology examined how caffeine affects hair growth in human follicles cultured in the lab. In that controlled environment, caffeine was able to counteract the negative effects of testosterone on hair follicles, which is relevant in cases of androgenetic alopecia. While promising, this study was not conducted on living humans or with coffee itself, but with pure caffeine dissolved in specific solutions.

That same year, another study by Otberg et al. investigated caffeine’s ability to penetrate the skin. Using ex vivo human skin, researchers concluded that caffeine can cross skin layers, suggesting it could reach follicles if properly applied. Still, this study did not evaluate the actual efficacy of the treatment on hair growth. Altogether, these studies suggest that pure caffeine could stimulate hair growth under certain conditions, but there is no evidence that brewed coffee—whether mixed with shampoo or applied directly—has the same effect. Clinical trials have not yet been published on the use of coffee extract in living humans for this purpose, leaving a significant gap in the scientific literature.

Can mixing coffee with shampoo damage the scalp?

From a cosmetic standpoint, adding brewed coffee to shampoo can alter the formula. Coffee’s pH is acidic (between 4.5 and 5.5), while shampoos are formulated with a balanced pH for the scalp. Altering this balance can cause irritation, dryness, or dandruff. Additionally, solid coffee residues can clog pores, lead to buildup, or make rinsing more difficult. Although some people report sensations of freshness or exfoliation, this is not indicative of effectiveness against alopecia.

Products that contain coffee extract

There are cosmetic products that include coffee extract in their formulas—not as the main ingredient, but as part of a hair care combination. For example, Bolmann Brothers’ COFFEELLAGEN Shampoo combines coffee extract and hydrolyzed collagen, which may help maintain scalp hydration, though no clinical studies support its use as a hair loss treatment.

Bloommy’s Thickening Coffee & Collagen Shampoo, also formulated with coffee extract, is designed to add volume and strengthen hair, but again, there’s no scientific evidence backing these effects on alopecia. Products like Difeel Premium Natural Hair Oil include coffee extract alongside other natural oils, marketed as scalp stimulants, but without clinical proof of their impact on hair growth. SVA Organics’ pure coffee essential oil, extracted from arabica beans, must be diluted before use, as it may cause irritation. Lastly, scrubs like Generic Extracts Coffee Scrub include coffee extract to improve scalp circulation; however, it has not been shown to stop hair loss.

What alternatives exist for improving hair health without pharmaceuticals?

For those seeking to improve hair health without medications like finasteride or minoxidil, there are alternatives that, while not replacements for clinical treatments, can serve as complements. Some of these include scalp massages, which stimulate blood circulation; nutritional supplementation for deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, or proteins; herbal tonics with rosemary or nettle, though evidence is limited; and proper hair care practices like avoiding excessive heat and sun exposure. Stress management practices such as meditation or yoga can also have a positive influence, as chronic stress is a known contributor to hair loss. These options, although they do not cure alopecia, can support a holistic strategy for scalp and hair health.

User Experiences

Mixing homemade coffee with regular shampoo is a trend that has sparked various discussions in the Tressless community. Several users have experimented with coffee-infused shampoos or rinses, reporting a range of experiences that can provide some insight into what to expect.

One user shared their natural hair regrowth routine, which included a shampoo blend of peppermint oil and coffee. This person combined it with other lifestyle changes such as taking vitamin D and magnesium supplements, using liquid silica, and maintaining a healthy diet. They credited this holistic approach—including the coffee shampoo—as a key component in halting hair loss and improving hair thickness, without resorting to pharmaceutical treatments. This regimen was framed as beneficial for increasing scalp circulation due to caffeine's vasodilatory effects.

Another member documented their progress over three months using a combination treatment that included a shampoo made with green coffee and menthol, alongside oral minoxidil and dutasteride. They reported no significant shedding and noted some unexpected side effects like beard and back hair growth. Although the user didn't isolate the effects of the coffee shampoo, it was included in a protocol they felt was producing noticeable results.

A separate contributor incorporated daily coffee rinses with a comprehensive protocol that included 30% minoxidil cream, finasteride, daily microneedling, laser therapy, and Hims shampoo. Their approach was intensive and combined several elements designed to stimulate hair regrowth. They did not claim miraculous results from coffee alone, but believed it could provide supportive benefits when used as part of a broader routine.

In a more critical discussion, another user addressed the efficacy of coffee shampoos and noted that caffeine shampoos—when left on the scalp for at least two minutes—could show comparable benefits to minoxidil. This was based on the idea that caffeine can penetrate the scalp and exert localized effects on hair follicles by stimulating blood flow and potentially inhibiting DHT activity. These claims were backed by emerging scientific support, but also acknowledged that more data is needed.

On the flip side, some users voiced skepticism, suggesting that coffee alone is unlikely to reverse hair loss, especially in the absence of proven treatments like finasteride or minoxidil. There was also debate over whether coffee, when ingested or applied topically, has a meaningful enough biological impact on androgenic alopecia to warrant routine use.

In summary, community feedback suggests that mixing coffee with shampoo is unlikely to cause harm and may offer mild benefits such as scalp stimulation or enhanced hair feel. However, its effects are mild at best when used in isolation. Most users report better outcomes when it is part of a more comprehensive regimen.

Conclusion: Does using homemade coffee in shampoo help with hair loss?

The short answer is no. Although pure caffeine has shown some effectiveness in vitro and in specific topical formulas, there is no evidence that homemade coffee, when mixed with regular shampoo, can prevent or stop hair loss. On the contrary, it may alter the formula, irritate the scalp, and lead to counterproductive results. If you’re interested in exploring coffee-based products, choose those that use standardized coffee extract and always consult a dermatologist before starting any treatment. And if you’re looking for a science-backed option, topical treatments with pure caffeine in clinical concentrations—such as certain dermatological lotions or tonics—are currently the most supported by evidence.

References

ischer, T. W., Hipler, U. C., & Elsner, P. (2007). Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro. International Journal of Dermatology, 46(1), 27–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03119.x

Otberg, N., Richter, H., Schaefer, H., Blume-Peytavi, U., Sterry, W., & Lademann, J. (2007). Permeation of topically applied caffeine through human skin. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 20(4), 195–198. https://doi.org/10.1159/000102859

FDA. (2018). Adverse Reactions to Cosmetic Products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/adverse-reactions-cosmetic-products

Gadberry, E. A., & Burgess, C. M. (2021). Scalp exfoliation: A clinical overview. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(12), 3785–3790. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14458

American Society of Cosmetic Chemists. Natural Hair Dyes and the Chemistry of Pigments. https://www.scconline.org/

Bolmann Brothers. (n.d.). COFFEELLAGEN Shampoo. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Bolmann-Brothers-0431-01-001-COFFEELLAGEN/dp/B0CCQGGRJ2/

Bloommy. (n.d.). Thickening Coffee & Collagen Shampoo. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Thickening-Conditioning-Strengthening-Moisturizes-Sulfate-Free/dp/B0DKF6M58Q/

Difeel. (n.d.). 99% Natural Premium Hair Oil - Coffee Oil. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Difeel-99-Natural-Premium-Hair/dp/B096N2J5R2/

SVA Organics. (n.d.). Coffee Essential Oil - Cold Pressed from Arabica Beans. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/SVA-Organics-Extracted-Essential-Arabica/dp/B07GNKQVB9/

Generic Extracts. (n.d.). Coffee Scrub for Scalp - Stimulates Circulation and Exfoliates. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Extracts-Stimulates-Prevents-Exfoliates/dp/B0DKV7NR5D/