According to the National Coffee Association, an estimated 83% of adults in the US consume some form of coffee. But what does coffee do to our hair? Does drinking coffee cause hair loss? Most people presume that hot beverages can be detrimental to hair health. However, research on what coffee does to our hair has been inconclusive.
There are some speculations surrounding hair loss and coffee. One of the suppositions is that drinking too much coffee can strip away essential nutrient levels from the body, which might cause hair loss. There are also suggestions that caffeine can create oxidative damage within the body, which can impair the growth of new hair. However, there is no direct evidence that the act of drinking coffee causes balding.
Nevertheless, further research should be conducted to determine the effect of coffee on hair. It is possible that drinking large amounts of coffee can have an effect on hair loss. In one study, it was found that exostosis/ excessive caffeine consumption can weaken the hair shaft, making it prone to breakage. Additionally, excessive coffee drinking could make an individual prone to developing poor nutrition habits, which could lead to hair loss.
Moreover, caffeine could potentially cause the scalp to become itchy and the involvement of dandruff which has been associated with hair loss. On the other side, coffee is also believed to be its health benefits, such as improving circulation and increasing antioxidant levels in the body. More research is needed to determine the exact effects of coffee on hair health.
In conclusion, while it is possible that too much coffee drinking could potentially contribute to hair loss, there is still not enough evidence that supports this claim. It is also unclear if lighter coffee consumption is beneficial or not. Ultimately, it is best to exercise discretion when considering the consumption of coffee.
Coffee Together With Other Foods
Apart from drinking coffee, the combination of coffee with other foods has also been researched, and the effects on hair growth. One report states that adding brewer’s yeast and biotin to coffee can potentially stimulate hair follicles and scalp. Brewer’s yeast is a by-product from the fermentation of beer, and it is rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. Additionally, biotin is a vitamin that helps to promote hair growth. However, further research is still needed to determine the particular effects of this combination on hair growth.
Coconut oil is another food that has been studied in conjunction with coffee and hair health. Coconut oil is known to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. In a 2017 study, it was found that the topical application of coconut oil and caffeine, together with regular shampooing, could prevent hair loss. The main result of the experiment was that it could potentially help to improve hair elasticity and strength, reducing the risk of hair breakage.
Herbal Coffee
Herbal coffee is an alternative to traditional coffee, hence some individuals might believe it to be a better alternative for hair health. However, the reality is that many of these products still contain caffeine and other potentially harmful ingredients.
Additionally, there are some herbal coffees that claim to be free of caffeine but might still contain stimulants, such as guarana. Guarana is a plant-based stimulant that has been used by natives of the Amazon Basin for years. Yet, this stimulant can have adverse effects on an individual’s health, including hair loss.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the ingredients contained in herbal coffee, as it could potentially affect your hair health adversely. The best approach is to read the labels of commercial herbal coffee before making a purchase.
Home Remedies For Hair Loss
Apart from understanding the potential effects of coffee on hair loss, there are some natural home remedies that one can follow to enhance hair growth. One of the remedies is to use hot oils, such as coconut and jojoba. These oils can help to nourish and stimulate the scalp, which can lead to healthier hair. Additionally, rubbing the scalp with essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme, can help to stimulate the hair follicles. Moreover, applying a combination of eggs and olive oil on the scalp could help to enhance hair thickness and strength.
Another home remedy for hair loss prevention is consuming a healthy and balanced diet. This includes foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fish, beans, yogurt, and whole-grain foods. It is also suggested to eat more fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, to boost scalp and hair health.
Lifestyle Changes To Enhance Hair Growth
Apart from using home remedies, individuals might want to consider making some changes to their lifestyles to encourage hair growth. One of the suggestions is to massage the scalp to improve circulation. It has been suggested that massaging the scalp can help to stimulate the blood vessels, thus encouraging the growth of new hair. Additionally, reducing stress levels is also important, since high levels of stress can impair hair growth.
Furthermore, regular exercise has been associated with improved hair health. This is because exercising increases the flow of oxygen to the scalp, which promotes healthy hair growth. Avoiding the use of styling tools whenever possible can also help to improve hair growth. It is especially important to avoid using extremely heated styling tools, as it can cause damage to the hair strand.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question, ‘Does drinking coffee cause hair loss?’ is an inconclusive one. While it is impossible to give a definitive answer, drinking too much coffee could pose a potential risk to hair health. To ensure healthy hair growth, it is suggested to reduce caffeine intake, follow a healthy and balanced diet, and make necessary lifestyle adjustments.
