Caffeine reduces premature hair loss
The source of this claim is Alpecin, a company that makes caffeine shampoo.
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Image description: An article published by shampoo brand Alpecin, the title reads: Hair loss is the number 1 issue among men 50% of men are affected by hairloss!
The text reads: "In 80% of all cases it is androgenetic alopecia that presents a problem to men. Hereditary hair loss is inherited dominantly and is not a disease but a disposition. As such, hereditary hair loss cannot be cured and, instead, it must be continuously prevented. Since this is a cosmetic problem, a cosmetic solution should be sought. The use of pharmaceuticals that involve the risk of undesirable side effects is not advisable.
WHAT CAUSES HEREDITARY HAIR LOSS? The testosterone surplus, which begins during puberty, makes beard hair grow on the one hand but also weakens predisposed hair roots in the scalp. These hair roots react hypersensitively to testosterone (DHT). It cuts the energy supply, thereby weakening the hair roots. Their growth phases are shortened and their lifetime ends prematurely.
WHY DO THESE HAIR ROOTS DIE MORE QUICKLY THAN NORMAL? Normally, the hair root is active for up to eight years (growth phase), followed by a resting phase. The hair root then releases the hair and it falls out without the threat of hair loss. Subsequently, the hair root starts another growth phase and does so about 14 times before dying. With the corresponding genetic predisposition, testosterone (DHT) prevents the generation of c-AMP, a messenger compound for energy, which is required for the hair roots’ metabolism. This shortens their growth phases and the hair roots’ lifetime ends prematurely. If more and more hair roots die this way, male baldness will be the result."
Two graphs display the change in hair root activity over time, with and without using Alpecin shampoo. Without, the activity has stopped halfway through the lifetime. With, the activity continues along the length of the graph.
Image description: An article published by shampoo brand Alpecin, the title reads: Effectiveness of a caffeine-containing liquid against premature hereditary hair loss in men
The text reads:
"CONDUCTED AT THE CENTER FOR COSMETIC RESEARCH OF CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF THE SACRED HEART IN ROME About half of all men at the age of 50 suffer from hereditary hair loss. Due to the genetic predisposition, this number can even increase in the future. Therefore, great efforts are made in order to achieve effective prevention against premature hair loss. Caffeine is a particularly interesting substance, since its performance-enhancing impact is already known. From ex-vivo tests, we already know that caffeine can achieve growth effects in the hair root. However, the exact mechanism is as yet unknown. The known effect of caffeine in the energy metabolism may be a key in the effectiveness against premature hair loss. As a result, it was the objective of this study to confirm the clinical significance of caffeine in a caffeine-containing liquid in the application for hereditary hair loss."
