Can Coffee Be Good for Your Hair?

Scientists have studied that COFFEE can potentially boost hair growth with particular focus on its disease fighting antioxidants.  The high temperatures used during processing churn out more antioxidants from the bean and it seems that the darker the roast; the more benefits you receive. 
 
A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology (Volume 46, Issue 1, pages 27-35) addressed coffee hair growth benefits as a possible stimulant for hair follicles.   The study found that the topical application of 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).
 
The results were very interesting; the average growth of the follicles treated with caffeine increased by around 46% compared to the control group.  In addition, the life cycle of the hair treated with caffeine was extended by 37%. Caffeine boosted the length of the hairs by between 33% and 40%. Scientists 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.
 
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. As the caffeine content is greater in coffee than tea, fresh brewed (not instant) coffee is the preferred caffeine source.

Note: Whether you’re brewing coffee for its hair growth benefits it’s best to opt for “French roast” or “espresso”.  It’s been noted that the caffeine was able to penetrate into the scalp via the hair follicles and outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) after just two minutes of application.
 
If you’re interested in conducting your own experiment in “caffeine-accelerated hair growth” then perhaps consider coffee oil. Coffee grounds can easily be infused into an oil which can then be applied to the scalp.  Coffee grounds or infused oil can also be combined with a shea butter or coconut oil base to create a special scalp mask. As a side benefit, used coffee grounds are known to be a great defoliant for the scalp.

I have personally noticed 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 and gently squeeze excess water from hair with fingers.  Pour cool brewed coffee onto your hair using a clean plastic bowl or container to catch the drippings.  Continue to pour coffee through the hair for about 5 minutes.  Wrap hair in stain-proof towel or cloth and allow the coffee conditioner mixture to remain on hair your for 30 to 60 minutes.  Rinse with lukewarm water and finish with a cool water final rinse.  Towel blot and air dry if possible then style as normal.

A hair conditioner infused with coffee oil can be left on overnight for maximum coffee hair growth benefits. (You might want to use a towel to protect your pillow cases from staining.
 
While many believe coffee rinses or oils can keep hair strong and minimize shedding, it can slightly darken some hair colours such as platinum blonde, 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.
 
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 step by step instructions:

1. Pour 2 cups of your favourite room temperature coconut oil into a small crock pot.
2. Add 50g of roasted dark ground or whole coffee beans.
3. Cover the beans and the oil and cook on low for approximately 6-8 hours.  Check on the mixture every 30-60 minutes and stir the mixture every hour or so.
4. When the mixture has finished cooking 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 and strain the mixture 3-5 times to make sure all of the grounds have been removed and the oil has been properly filtered.
6. Pour the final oil into a small, airtight, clean glass jars.
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 conditioners, shea butter, or to final rinse water.  Experiment with the various options until you find the best delivery method for you.

 

Adding Nettle to the Mix
Although caffeine free, nettle is known to also help stimulate hair growth.  You can infuse your pre-shampoo oils and masks with the liquid from chilled nettle tea.  Or 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.  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 you may not see instant or obvious growth after using nettle, coffee or a combination of hair remedies, you may notice a decrease in shedding.  Also, nettle and coffee infusions and/or rinses can leave hair soft and shiny which are added bonuses.