Caffeine
KAF-een
What Is Caffeine?
A naturally occurring stimulant found in coffee, tea, and cacao. In hair care, it is used topically to stimulate hair follicles and counteract the effects of DHT on hair growth.
Source: Coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao (also synthesized)
Origin: Natural
Also known as: 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine, Coffee Extract
What Does Caffeine Do to Your Hair?
Stimulates hair follicles by counteracting the suppressive effects of testosterone/DHT on hair growth. Extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and increases cellular energy metabolism in follicles.
Best For
Thinning hair, androgenetic alopecia, slow-growing hair, fine hair
Not Recommended For
None known
Concentration Matters
0.2-1% in hair products
Hair Type Compatibility
Method Compatibility
Safety & Regulation
Very safe for topical use. Well-studied with promising results for hair growth stimulation. No significant side effects when applied topically. Caffeine penetrates the hair follicle effectively.
FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe
FDA considers caffeine GRAS for food. Topical cosmetic use is permitted without restrictions.
EWG Score: 1/10
HairAide Verdict
A promising natural ingredient for hair growth with solid research backing. No side effects to worry about and easy to incorporate into your routine. Worth trying before reaching for pharmaceutical options.
Products That Contain Caffeine
Anti-hair-loss shampoos, scalp serums, growth-stimulating treatments, leave-in tonics
Alternatives to Caffeine
If you want to avoid Caffeine, look for products with these ingredients instead:
Minoxidil, Procapil, Redensyl, Biotin
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Caffeine has a safety rating of 9/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Very safe for topical use. Well-studied with promising results for hair growth stimulation. No significant side effects when applied topically. Caffeine penetrates the hair follicle effectively.
Caffeine is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.
Yes, Caffeine is approved for the Curly Girl method.
Some alternatives to Caffeine include: Minoxidil, Procapil, Redensyl, Biotin
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