Coffee is one of the most widely-consumed beverages around the globe. In addition to having many health benefits and a low calorie count, some have wondered if drinking coffee can have any effect on hair growth.
On the surface, drinking coffee does nothing to actively promote hair growth, but it does contain caffeine, which may have the potential for aiding in hair growth stimulation when applied topically to the scalp, as caffeine has been linked to improved circulation and expanding skin cells.
The sensation of caffeine on the skin can often cause an efficient nutrient transfer, which can in turn stimulate hair growth. However, it’s not always recommended to apply coffee directly to the scalp as coffee granules can be quite abrasive on the skin and may cause irritation.
Dermatologists recommend a more delicate approach when trying to aid hair growth with coffee, such as adding coffee as an ingredient when shampooing or engaging in a heated cup mask. A heated cup mask is where you need to mix coffee, honey, aloe vera gel, or your favorite conditioner into a cup and transfer the preparation onto the scalp and massage it in. The sensation of coffee may produce a warm feeling, due to its potency – which can relax your scalp.
Another use for coffee to promote hair growth is to rinse with cooled coffee after you shampoo and condition. It is important to ensure that the coffee is sufficiently cooled so as not to cause discomfort to your scalp any further. Cold coffee can also bring in a gloss to your hair, leaving it with a subtle sheen.
Caffeine and antioxidants found in coffee can improve blood circulation, which can aid in the scalp’s health and general nourishment. As such, regular coffee drinkers who also pursue the other methods mentioned may be likely to see some positive results in their hair growth journey.
Experts suggest that the best way to use coffee for hair growth is to take it orally. Drinking coffee can boost the production of collagen, which can in turn improve the quality of hair. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body and helps to strengthen and repair the hair follicles. Additionally, an elevated production of collagen from drinking coffee helps to prevent hair breakage.
Side Effects Of Coffee On Hair
Even though coffee has benefits for hair growth, it can also come with some negative side effects when used outside of moderation. Too much caffeine on the scalp can overstimulate the blood vessels, and weaken the hair follicles. Additionally, coffee contains tannic acid, which can cause dehydration and damage to the scalp and hair. Dehydration of the scalp can cause dandruff and scalp dryness.
Another reason to be cautious with how often you rinse your hair with coffee is that coffee has a dark pigment. While it may give your hair some more shine, overuse can also discolor hair, making it appear darker, and giving it an undesired yellowish tint for some.
Summary of Benefits & Risks
Drinking coffee regularly can be beneficial for the hair, as it stimulates the production of collagen. Drinking coffee can also help improve blood circulation to the scalp, which helps in the nourishment of the hair follicles. It’s also possible to use coffee directly on the scalp, but this should be done carefully to avoid any damage or irritation, such as using coffee in shampooing and conditioning or using coffee as a rinse.
However, it’s important to note that excessively using coffee on the hair can produce adverse effects, such as discoloration, dryness, dandruff and more scalp irritation.
Dietary Changes Needed For Hair Growth
Apart from incorporating coffee into your haircare routine and drinking it regularly, it’s also important to make dietary changes in order to get the most of your hair growth journey.Firstly, it’s beneficial to eat more protein-rich foods that are high in essential vitamins and minerals and drink plenty of water throughout the day. These foods provide your hair the necessary nourishment to enhance growth. You should also include food items that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as eggs, walnuts, and flaxseeds, for strengthening your hair.
In addition, supplement your meals with vitamin B-complex, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium. These will help to improve overall hair health, reducing hair fall and promoting thick, healthy hair. It’s also recommended to procure your own liquid vitamin D supplement, as it can significantly help to stimulate hair growth, as sunlight is a main source of vitamin D.
Haircare Tips For Healthy Hair Growth
In addition to making dietary changes and incorporating coffee into your haircare routine, it’s important to practice good hair hygiene, by properly cleansing and conditioning the hair. Furthermore, regular oil massages to the scalp can help in promoting strong and healthy hair, as they help improve blood circulation in the scalp.
You should also ensure to keep your scalp clean by exfoliating it a few times a week to eliminate excess dirt and sebum build up. Investing in a good wide-toothed comb is essential for brushing the hair without breaking the hair or causing damage to the scalp.
You should also differentiate between styles that are healthy for your hair, and those that could possibly damage it. Longer-term protective styles such as box-braids and crochets, as well as multiple styles that involve loosening the hair such as Low Ponytails and Dutch Braids can be beneficial, while tight hairstyles such as buns, tight ponytails, and cornrows can cause more damage than benefit.
Taking Care Of Hair in Different Seasons
Different seasons bring different hair struggles, it’s therefore important to take extra care of your hair in each season. During winter, scalp dryness is an issue, thus scalps should be regularly oiled to retain moisture and prevent breakage. Additionally, humid weather can often cause frizzing, which can be prevented by using a leave-in conditioner.
In the summer, it’s essential to protect your scalp from sun damage, as UV rays can damage the hair strands, leaving them weak and brittle. Therefore, it’s recommended to wear protective styles, hats, and scarves when out in the sun.
To avoid any further damage to the hair, it’s best to also avoid heat-styling. Furthermore, avoid over-washing as this can further dry your hair, increase frizzing and weaken the strands, resulting in the hair becoming brittle.
Hair Growth Supplements
Another tool one can use to aid in their hair growth journey is supplements. For example, biotin is a popular supplement used to help with hair growth, as it boosts keratin production, which is the main protein of the hair, and promotes healthy hair growth. Additionally, using collagen supplements can also help strengthen and thicken the hair.
For those who don’t typically take supplements, multivitamins are a viable option, as it contains many essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy scalp and growing hair. Additionally, higher doses of vitamin C supplements can provide improved scalp health, leading to healthier hair.
