These days, you have the power to fight back against hair loss. You’ve probably noticed that over-the-counter and prescription treatments, such as minoxidil and finasteride, are becoming more well-known, not to mention the rise of transplants and hair systems.
But what about caffeine shampoo? Is it effective at treating hair loss? In this guide, we’ll look at why people think it might work and its other benefits.
Three key takeaways
Caffeine shampoo has been designed to encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss.
There is not enough substantial evidence to prove that caffeine shampoo can treat hair loss.
There are proven alternatives like finasteride and minoxidil that can help the regrowth of hair and stop you from losing hair.
How effective is caffeine shampoo?
In 2007, a laboratory study found that applying caffeine to human hair follicles increased ‘hair shaft elongation’ by 46% and extended the growth phase of hair compared to the control groups.
Another study from the same year found that caffeine can penetrate the scalp and inhibit the hormone DHT, which is associated with hereditary hair loss. This led researchers to suggest that caffeine may be an effective treatment for hair loss.
However, these studies were conducted In Vitro, meaning they weren’t performed on human participants, but rather with a cell culture (think a petri dish).
Since then, several smaller studies have explored the effectiveness of caffeine shampoo. For example:
A 2017 study with 210 participants found that a 0.2% caffeine solution should be considered ‘not inferior’ when compared to topical minoxidil.
A study from 2024, which tested caffeine shampoo with adenosine, which helps with hair growth, revealed a significant reduction in hair loss, with 71% of 77 subjects stating they were satisfied with their hair after using the product.
Despite this, because there is still no viable clinical evidence that it can work long-term, a large-scale, independent trial is necessary to confirm whether caffeine shampoo is indeed effective at treating hair loss.
What’s the ‘best’ caffeine shampoo?
Two caffeine shampoos broadly dominate the market, Alpecin and Plantur 39.
Both shampoos are developed by Dr Wolff Laboratories, with Alpecin being predominantly marketed towards men, while Plantur 39 is marketed towards hair loss in women, specifically those in menopause.
In 2018, the Advertising Standards Agency deemed that the Alpcein caffeine shampoo's claim to 'help reduce hair loss' was ‘misleading’. However, no claim has been brought forth against Plantur 39, which targets thinning hair due to reduced oestrogen.
Using caffeine shampoos is simple, as it is very much the same as any other shampoo. Ensure that your hair is wet and massage it through your hair and scalp.
Directions for use may vary depending on the product, with some suggesting that you leave it on the scalp for up to two minutes before thoroughly rinsing.
For the best results, you’ll need to be consistent. It can take 3-6 months before there are noticeable improvements to the thickness of your hair.
We recommend reading the directions for use on your chosen caffeine shampoo to ensure you are using it correctly and maximising its benefits.
Benefits of caffeine shampoos
Caffeine shampoos can still be beneficial to use and have many practical advantages over alternatives.
“Whilst the evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited, they do offer certain benefits over prescription medications:
Fewer side effects: caffeine shampoos are generally well-tolerated, without the potential for headaches, dizziness, or sexual dysfunction that some prescription treatments may cause.
Easy accessibility: you can purchase them directly from the shelf without needing a GP appointment or prescription, making them a convenient first step.
Cost-effective: at roughly £40 for a six-month supply, they're considerably more affordable than prescription alternatives, which can cost significantly more over the same period.
However, I always advise patients to have realistic expectations and consider consulting their GP if hair loss is progressive or concerning."
If you are concerned about hair loss, we recommend exploring proven treatments that are backed by research to help reduce hair loss and even encourage regrowth, such as finasteride or minoxidil. Other alternatives, such as hair transplants, are also available.
If this is a product you’re interested in, we want you to feel confident in using it. To be prepared, it’s good to be aware of any potential side effects of finasteride that you may encounter when taking it.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, you’ve probably come across minoxidil and may be wondering – does minoxidil work?
You can take minoxidil in two different ways: by spraying and applying it directly to your skin, or by taking it orally as a tablet. If you’re unsure whether to choose oral or topical minoxidil, which is right for you, we’ve got you covered.
The risk of experiencing side effects from using caffeine shampoo is rare. In some instances, caffeine can cause irritation when applied to the scalp. If you experience this, stop using the shampoo immediately.
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