Caffeine is considered the most used drug in the world and a part of nearly everyone's life. Whether you start your day with a cup of coffee, enjoy a cold soda on a hot day, or you're a coffee lover who prefers an espresso or latte, you likely use caffeine in some way on a daily basis. While small amounts of caffeine can be good for you, consuming high amounts can hurt your hair and even lead to hair loss.
Caffeine and Hormones
Caffeine can benefit hair growth by helping fight the hormone DHT. DHT is a hormone that the body produces from testosterone. When present in large quantities, the compound inhibits your hair follicle's ability to absorb the nutrients they need to function correctly and create strong, healthy strands of hair.
Caffeine helps stop the effects of DHT by encouraging cells to make another hormone called ATP. Caffeine helps reverse DHT's effects by encouraging your cells to produce another hormone called ATP. ATP promotes the absorption of nutrients, helping stimulate healthy hair growth. In addition, caffeine helps to increase circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the scalp.
How Caffeine Affects Your Hair
The use of caffeine is a part of most people's lives in one form or another, which is one of the reasons there is so much debate about how the drug affects your hair. It's a proven scientific fact that caffeine is a diuretic and can cause dehydration. However, while it's true that too much can dehydrate you, caffeine is also known to be full of antioxidants and minerals that can restore the health of your cells and help maintain and improve overall health.
For instance, a small amount of caffeine daily can limit damage to your hair and restore the health of your hair follicles. Caffeine improves the efficiency with which your body uses vitamins and minerals. This increased efficiency can help to ensure that your hair follicles have the nutrition they need to remain healthy and grow healthy strands of hair.
Unfortunately, caffeine can hurt your hair in several ways. Because the drug can cause you to become dehydrated, it can also remove moisture from your hair. Too much caffeine can leave your hair dry and brittle, lead to split ends, and can even lead to thinning hair and hair loss. High levels of caffeine can also interfere with the hair's natural growth cycle, resulting in stunted growth and increasing the potential for thinning hair and hair loss.
Caffeine has the potential to affect your hair in both positive and negative ways, making it vital to watch your caffeine intake and take care of your hair's health if you use the drug daily.
How to Heal Your Hair From the Effects of Caffeine
If you notice changes to your hair that you believe are related to caffeine consumption, you can take a few steps to help your hair heal. Implementing a few simple steps into your hair care routine can help your hair retain moisture and return to its natural fullness.
- Limit or stop using caffeine.
- Use a deep conditioner or hair mask to help your hair maintain a healthy moisture level.
- Wash your hair less often. Excessive shampooing can contribute to the dryness of your hair and intensify the effects of caffeine.
- Brush your hair daily to help distribute natural oils throughout each strand.
Consult the Experts at New Look
Many factors affect the health of your hair. However, if you're experiencing issues with your hair, help is available. At New Look, our hair specialists can help you determine if caffeine is the cause of your problem or if other factors are involved. After determining the exact cause of your condition and any contributing factors, our team can help you find the best solution that meets your unique needs. To learn more about how caffeine can affect the growth of your hair, contact us today and schedule your FREE initial consultation.
