Coffee Hair Growth Benefits + DIY Recipes

A lot of research has been performed about the potential health benefits of coffee. Experts believe coffee can help hold off serious illness and possibly prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimers.

Additionally, scientists have studied coffee hair growth benefits during the course of their research.

Coffee’s Disease Fighting Antioxidants

Ongoing research demonstrates that coffee is loaded with disease fighting antioxidants. The high temperatures used during processing churn out more antioxidants from the bean according to Food Research International.

The darker the roast, the more benefits you receive. In fact, whether you’re drinking coffee for your health or brewing it for its coffee hair growth benefits opt for French roast or espresso similar to Dark Brazilian Santos.

Journal of Dermatology Study – Coffee Hair Growth Benefits

A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology (Volume 46, Issue 1, pages 27-35) addressed coffee as a possible stimulanting factor for hair follicles. The study found that caffeine works by blocking the effects of a chemical known as DHT which damages hair follicles and is thought to cause Male Pattern Baldness (MPB).

Germany’s University of Jena researcher Dr. Tobias Fischer studied the effect of caffeine on human hair follicle growth. He said “caffeine is a well-known substance, yet little is known about its effect on human hair follicle growth. Caffeine shows it’s a promising option for hair growth stimulation.”

Dr. Fischer conducted his study by taking scalp biopsies from men in the early stages of hair loss.  He extracted hair follicles from the 14 men in the trial and placed them in test tubes with solutions containing different levels of caffeine. The hair samples were left in the lab for up to 8 days to monitor the growth results.

Increase In Average Growth Of Hair Follicles

When Dr. Fischer compared the hair follicles treated with caffeine against those that weren’t, he discovered some interesting results. The average growth of the follicles treated with caffeine increased by around 46 percent compared to the control group. In addition, the life span of the hair treated with caffeine was extended by 37 percent. Caffeine boosted the length of the hairs by between 33 and 40 per cent.

Dr Fischer noted that “hair follicles treated with caffeine showed a highly significant growth rate at 24 hours and still showed further significant growth at eight days.”

Caffeinated Tea Vs Coffee Hair Growth Benefits?

Although hair growth and hair loss experts have studied coffee hair growth benefits, some experts point out that it’s the caffeine in the popular drink which is thought to help stimulate hair follicle growth. While coffee hair growth benefits are the focal point of many studies, others have studied the possible benefits of caffeinated teas to achieve similar results.

It’s important to note that all testing of coffee hair growth benefits were linked to topical applications and not to drinking lots of coffee or similar caffeinated drinks.

Follicular Penetration of Topically Applied Caffeine Via Shampoo

As a result of studies performed on hair follicles to determine coffee hair growth benefits, some hair loss and hair growth related shampoo products contain caffeine or coffee related ingredients.

Researchers in Germany wanted to determine if topically applied caffeine could be delivered to the follicle as a shampoo. The studies showed that after 2 minutes of shampooing, the caffeine in the shampoo was able to penetrate into the scalp via the hair follicles and outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum).

DIY Coffee Hair Oils & Butters 

Some hair consumers interested in conducting their own tests of coffee hair growth benefits have created specialty hair mask recipes utilizing a base coffee oil.

Coffee grounds can easily be dried and then infused into an oil which can be applied to the scalp in a variety of delivery methods ranging from direct application to the scalp, pre-shampoo treatments, shampoo applications and/or rinse-out or leave-in conditioners. The coffee grounds or oil can also be combined with a shea butter or coconut oil such as Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil base to create a specialty scalp mask.

As a side benefit, used coffee grounds are known to be a great exfoliant for the scalp. Coffee grounds are also a great skin treatment as well as helping to reduce cellulite in some cases.  Coffee is also often used as part of a henna rinse.

Coffee In The Shower

Some hair consumers have discovered that cold brewed coffee, when used on wet hair, as an after shampoo rinse, will often help slow or stop shedding.

After shampooing, completely rinse hair. Gently squeeze excess liquid from hair with fingers. Pour pre-brewed cool coffee into hair using a clean plastic container to harness the drippings. Continue to pour coffee through the hair until all the drippings have ceased. Allow to sit on hair for 5 minutes.

Add desired rinse-out or leave-in conditioner. Wrap hair in stain-proof towel or cloth and allow the coffee conditioner mixture to remain on hair for 30 to 60 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and finish with a cool water rinse. Towel blot and air dry if possible. Style as normal.

DIY – Popular Coffee Oil Recipe

Coffee oil is believed by some hair experts to increase the scalp’s blood circulation and to help stimulate the roots of the hair. Coffee oil is rich in phytosterols which promotes excellent moisture retention and quick product penetration. It is a popular ingredient in some cosmetics and sunscreens.

If you’d like to experiment with making your own DIY coffee oil recipe follow the instructions below:

Step By Step Instructions

1. Pour 2 cups of your favorite room temperature hair oil (jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, extra virgin olive oil or similar) into a small glass saucepan or a crock pot.

2. Add 2 ounces of green or roasted medium to dark whole coffee beans.

3.  Cover the beans and the oil and cook over a slow heat for approximately 6-8 hours. Check on the mixture every 30-60 minutes to make sure the oil and beans are not burning. Stir the mixture every hour or so.

4.  When the mixture has finished cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat source or turn off the crock pot.

5.  Use a strainer, paper coffee filter, a cheesecloth or similar to strain the oil and remove the beans. Dispose of the beans. Strain the mixture 3-5 times to make sure all of the beans have been removed and the oil has been properly filtered.

6.  Optionally you can add a few drops of hair growth triggering essential oils (EO) or herbs to the oil. Ingredients to add may include, but not be limited to cinnamon, peppermint, rosemary, orange, vanilla, lavender, sweet basil or nettle. Mix well.

6.  Pour the oil into a small, airtight, clean glass container.

Note:  I like to use clean baby jars, glass condiment jars or similar to store my various oil mixtures.

7.  Store the coffee oil in the refrigerator or a cool dark place where it will be isolated from heat and/or sun.

8.  The coffee oil can be applied directly to the scalp, mixed with a carrier oil (olive, almond, coconut, jojoba) or added to shampoo, deep conditioner, shea butter, or to finishing rinse water.  Experiment with the various options until you find the best delivery method for you.

Optionally you can use a heat cap to help the coffee ingredients penetrate deeper. You can also spritz a bit of the coffee oil mixed with water or water and essential oils and allow it to air dry directly on damaged tresses.

When mixed with conditioners or butters help increase stimulation to the roots and adds natural shine. A hair conditioner infused with coffee oil can be left on overnight for maximum coffee hair growth benefits. The coffee oil may also be used in any of your other DIY cosmetics, toiletries, soaps, massage oils, balms, hair care and sun care preparations.

Adding Nettle To The Mix

Although caffeine free, nettle is known to also help stimulate hair growth. Some hair consumers infuse their pre-shampoo oils and masks with the liquid from chilled nettle tea. Others apply the nettle liquid from previously boiled tea directly to their scalps and hair roots in between oilings, shampoo and mask treatments.

The liquid from the nettle may be used in conjunction with any coffee infused oils, butters and masks. Or nettle teas or herbal infusions can be use as a hair growth alternative. While nettle is known to stimulate the hair roots, coffee is known to block DHT. The two ingredients used in harmony can offer a powerful hair growth combo.

Although some hair consumers may not see instant or obvious growth after using nettle, coffee or a combination of hair remedies, they will often notice much less shedding. Also, nettle and coffee infusions and/or rinses can leave hair soft and shiny which are added bonuses.

Side Effects Of Coffee Hair Growth Benefits

While many believe coffee rinses or oils can keep hair strong and minimize shedding, it can slightly darken some hair colors such as platinum, light red and light brunette. For some people regular coffee rinses will help to darken brunette tresses as well as gray hair. In some cases coffee rinses give hair a slight reddish hue which may or may not be desirable.

Summary – Coffee Hair Growth Benefits

Some hair experts and scientists believe the potential health benefits of coffee can extend to the hair. Many tout coffee hair growth benefits from utilizing a wide method of coffee application to the scalp and strands. If you’re interested in the possibility of increasing stimulation to your own hair roots or blocking follicle damaging DHT you may wish to try some of the recipes included above.

Image courtesy HAAP Media