Notes From The Editor Emeritus, 2011–2013

The document discusses the potential effects of caffeine on hair growth, both in vitro (in the lab) and in vivo (in living organisms). The author, initially skeptical about the use of caffeine for hair loss, acknowledges that there is scientific evidence supporting caffeine's stimulation of hair. Caffeine is a phytochemical that can increase neurotransmitters and has various effects on the body, including increased cell proliferation and decreased micro-inflammation, which are relevant to hair growth. A 2019 review cited in the document highlighted that caffeine could stimulate hair follicle keratinocytes, inhibit 5-alpha reductase, and reduce oxidative stress and UV damage to the skin and hair follicles. Topical application of caffeine was shown to enter the bloodstream through hair follicles faster than through the skin. While caffeine products are classified as cosmetics and cannot make drug-like claims, they are still an option for patients seeking non-pharmaceutical treatments for hair loss. The author concludes that caffeine has a proven effect on hair follicles, but the optimal dosage and frequency for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) are yet to be determined.