Is Coffee Good for Hair? Here’s How to Use It for Your Hair

Wondering if coffee is good for hair? This blog delves into this question with science-backed evidence.

Wingservices also offers practical steps and precautions to help you enhance the growth and softness of your beautiful hair.

Is Coffee Really Good for Your Hair or Is It Just a Myth?

The effects of caffeine on hair are not just fairy tales; they’re backed by science. Numerous scientific studies have explored caffeine’s influence on hair follicles, especially as a natural treatment for hair loss.

One well-known study published in 2007 revealed that caffeine can indeed stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth. The researchers found that caffeine could counteract testosterone’s negative effects on hair growth, a promising fight against androgenetic alopecia, also known as hereditary hair loss.

Another study from 2014 discovered that caffeine enhanced hair shaft elongation and prolonged the duration of the anagen phase of hair growth in both men and women. Additionally, a study from 2018 found that a caffeine-based topical liquid was nearly as effective as a 5% minoxidil in treating hair loss in men.

So, if hair loss concerns you, caffeine might be your hair’s knight in shining armor. It’s not just a myth; it’s a scientifically proven solution for your hair’s health.

Benefits of Coffee for Hair

Now that you know that “Is coffee good for hair?” isn’t just a word-of-mouth solution for your hair concerns, let’s learn about other benefits that coffee can do to your hair.

Coffee Improves Hair Softness

If you struggle with frizzy hair or often face bad hair days where your hair appears dull, brittle, dry, and lifeless, coffee can be a quick and effective solution. Rinsing your hair with coffee can improve its dullness. Also, its antioxidant content and its ability to increase blood circulation to the scalp. This helps retain the natural moisture of the hair, making it look less brittle, dry, and damaged.

Coffee Adds Natural Shine to Your Hair

Coffee isn’t just a caffeine powerhouse; it’s also rich in antioxidants, like flavonoids. These molecules protect your hair from harmful free radicals and oxidative stress. This strengthens hair follicles and makes your hair appear shinier. Unlike synthetic ingredients, coffee does not strip the hair of its natural oils. Instead, it helps your locks retain moisture and create a natural sheen.

Coffee Promotes Hair Growth

Hair loss can occur with age, affecting both males and females. Applying coffee topically to your hair and scalp might help stop hair loss and promote regrowth. The aforementioned laboratory study in 2007 found that caffeine helped block the effects of the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in both male and female hair follicles. It stimulated hair shaft elongation, resulting in longer, wider hair roots. In this study, caffeine also prolonged the anagen phase, which is the hair growth stage. Furthermore, it also increases blood circulation to hair follicles, helping hair grow faster and become stronger, giving the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.

Coffee Reduces Gray Hair

Those gray hairs annoy you and you want to stop them naturally? A coffee rinse is great for naturally dyeing those pesky grays. The dark color of coffee stains the hair and leaves a tint that picks up on your white or gray hair, providing a quick fix. Using robust coffee, like espresso, yields the best results. Coffee stain works even better for those with naturally brown hair, as the color of coffee seamlessly matches the hair color, effectively covering grays without a trace.

Important Considerations Before Using Coffee for Hair

Always ensure the coffee is completely cooled before transferring it to a spray bottle and applying it to your hair. Never apply hot coffee to avoid burning your scalp. It’s better to use powdered coffee in your hair mask.

If you’re making a coffee mask at home, use unflavored coffee. Flavored coffee often contains added sugar, which can reduce its potency.

If you experience any allergic reactions, whether from your homemade coffee treatments or from coffee products bought from reputable stores, discontinue use immediately and seek professional medical advice.

Potential Side Effects of Using Coffee On Hair

When it comes to coffee and hair care, there are a few things to keep in mind before diving into your coffee-infused haircare regimen:

• Hair Staining: If you have light-colored hair, be cautious when applying actual coffee. Coffee’s natural pigments can temporarily stain light hair shades, leaving an unintended tint. To avoid this, it’s recommended to opt for carefully formulated hair products that won’t leave behind any undesired hue.
• Excessive Caffeine Consumption: While caffeine can work wonders when applied topically, consuming excessive amounts of coffee for hair benefits might not be favorable. This can become an issue if you try to make a lot of coffee rinse from your daily cups. Drinking too much coffee for hair growth can lead to a range of health issues, including increased heart rate, nervousness, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances.
• Dryness and Brittle Hair: Coffee can have a slightly drying effect on hair. If you use DIY coffee hair treatments too frequently, it could lead to dry, brittle, or fragile hair.

Using Coffee to Promote Hair Growth

Other than your daily cup of coffee, there are several ways you can use coffee for hair care. Whether it’s through a conditioning hair mask or a shampoo rinse, coffee is an ingredient that’s easy to find and incorporate into your routine. A common and effective method is using a coffee rinse. Whether you’re looking to stop hair loss, dye your hair, or improve its texture, making a coffee rinse is simple.

What You’ll Need:

• 2–4 cups of brewed, completely cooled coffee
• Spray or applicator bottle
• Plastic shower cap

Steps:

1. Brew 2 to 4 cups of coffee, depending on the length of your hair. Let the coffee cool completely, then pour it into a spray bottle or an applicator bottle.
2. Wash and condition your hair as usual. While your hair is still wet, spray or apply the brewed coffee, ensuring to saturate your strands.
3. Massage the coffee into your hair and scalp for a few minutes. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the rinse sit for about 20 minutes.
4. For added moisture, mix your favorite leave-in conditioner with the brewed coffee before applying it to your hair.
5. After 20 minutes, rinse the coffee from your hair with cold or lukewarm water and pat dry.

Note: If using a coffee rinse to dye your hair, you may need to repeat the rinse to achieve the desired color.

Another convenient option is to use coffee-infused cosmetic products. These are widely available and include shampoos, conditioners, masks, or treatments. They are great for those who are too busy to make a coffee rinse themselves but still want to achieve similar results.

Notes:

• Combine coffee treatments with a balanced hair care routine for optimal benefits.

• Avoid using very hot coffee to prevent scalp burns and irritation.

Conclusion

Is coffee good for your hair? Now you know. In short, coffee is an accessible and scientifically-proven ingredient that can help your hair regrow, become softer and shinier, and even cover pesky grays. You can easily make a coffee rinse at home or use hair care products that contain coffee. Just ensure you use cooled coffee and not hotly brewed coffee, and stop using if you experience any allergic reactions.

How has this coffee treatment worked for your hair? What other hair issues are you dealing with? Do you have any haircare tips to share? Comment below, so we can help you better.