EXPERT GUIDE

The Best 5 Caffeine Shampoo Against Hair Loss


Pete Scott, MD

This text was written according to the highest scientific standards and reviewed by medical experts. Find out more about our quality assurance.

Written by Erin D. Updated on 27 Mar 2024

Nowadays, there are a variety of shampoos and conditioners that are supposed to help against hair loss. But is it all true, can a caffeine shampoo really have that much effect, or is it all just a story? If you would like to read more about the effects, advantages and disadvantages and the use of caffeine shampoos, we have summarized all the important topics for you on this page.

Most Important Findings svg

Costs 4 USD - 15 USD
Risks Dryness, dandruff etc
Effectiveness Low
Alternatives Minoxidil, Hair Transplantation

Are caffeine shampoos effective against hair loss?

Although there are many advertisements and success stories of caffeine shampoos, it must be said right at the beginning that there is a lack of trustworthy and intensive research on the effectiveness of caffeine shampoos.

We are probably all familiar with the stimulating effect of caffeine. It can also have a stimulating effect on the hair roots and prolong the growth phase by penetrating the hair roots and stopping hereditary hair loss. According to numerous advertisements and websites, caffeine shampoo can stop hereditary hair loss and also stimulate hair growth. However, the question is whether or not these shampoos really have the expected effects.

The theory behind caffeine shampoos is promising, but unfortunately the studies are not. In cases of hereditary hair loss, a disorder of the sex hormones causes an overproduction of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from testosterone and thus causes the hair roots to die. Caffeine can block the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT and thus stop hair loss. When applied to the scalp, caffeine is also said to ensure longer growth phases, faster growth and better blood circulation.

The theory of caffeine shampoos sounds very good, but unfortunately there are not many studies that sound trustworthy. For example, some of the studies lacked control groups or had unequal starting conditions. In some cases, there was a lack of objective measurement of hair loss and objective implementation, as the studies were financed by caffeine shampoo manufacturers. Although the studies showed satisfactory results and satisfaction among the participants, they usually lacked scientific trustworthiness.

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However, as the shampoos are not dangerous and the effect is not 100% scientifically proven or rejected, you can try out the effect yourself and test whether the caffeine stimulates your hair roots.

As an alternative to caffeine shampoos, there are other shampoos that can stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss:

  • Biotin Shampoo: Biotin, also known scientifically as vitamin B7, is a vitamin that is involved in a variety of human metabolic processes. Biotin has long been used as a supplement as it has a strengthening and growth-enhancing effect on hair and nails. Biotin shampoo can therefore help against brittle and unhealthy hair, but it cannot reverse hair loss.
  • Ketoconazole shampoos: Ketoconazole is an azole antifungal agent that can primarily help against fungal diseases and is used as an anti-dandruff shampoo. This active ingredient can also prevent the scalp from drying out and has been shown to have a positive effect on hair growth.
  • Other hair growth shampoos: In addition to the common caffeine and biotin shampoos, there are a variety of hair growth shampoos that promise to increase hair growth and reduce hair loss. Some of these shampoos are based on natural agents such as essential oils or other natural ingredients. Some of these shampoos are based on new chemical ingredients, so it is advisable to read through the ingredients to be aware of the effect.
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Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages
Stopping hair loss: By blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, caffeine can probably stop hair loss. Not only in men, but also in women who are affected by hair loss. Various studies have shown that caffeine can have an effect on the hormone DHT and thus stop hair loss. Study situation: The effectiveness of caffeine shampoos has not really been proven by sufficient studies. On the other hand, the effectiveness of minoxidil and finasteride has been sufficiently proven by science.
Stimulation of the hair roots: Due to the activating and stimulating effect that caffeine is said to have, it can presumably stimulate the hair roots. And also promote hair growth. Due to the antioxidants that caffeine contains, it can make the hair healthier and also repair damaged hair roots and hair. Possible drying out of the scalp: Using a caffeine shampoo may dry out your scalp and hair. Skin irritation can also occur. A revitalizing cream for the scalp is therefore also recommended.
Supporting long hair: According to various studies, caffeine can promote hair growth and an increase in the width and length of hair has been observed. It was also found that the hair shaft became longer due to the effect of caffeine. Possible discoloration of the hair: Another possible disadvantage can be discoloration of the hair. However, this is rather unlikely and rarely the case.

The 5 best caffeine shampoos against hair loss

You have probably already seen caffeine shampoos in TV commercials or are familiar with other advertisements for caffeine shampoos. Below we have compiled the most common and most popular caffeine shampoos for you:

Caffeine shampoo Price Amazon reviews
Alpecin C1
8 USD (250ml)
4.4 stars
MySpring
7 USD (200ml)
4.3 stars
Terez & Honor
25 USD (250ml)
4.3 stars
TruePure
28 USD (237ml)
4.2 stars
UltraX Labs Hair Surge
109 USD (236ml)
4.0 stars

1. Alpecin Koffein-Shampoo C1

  • Cost: 8 USD (250ml; 32 USD/liter)
  • Rating: 4.5 stars on Amazon with 3,105 reviews
  • Ingredients: biotin, zinc, castor oil and niacin

Alpecin probably launched the first caffeine shampoo and is considered the best-selling hair shampoo for men. Thanks to its wide range of ingredients and low price, it continues to impress today.

 

2. MySpring Koffein Shampoo

  • Cost: 15 USD (2x 200ml; 45 USD/liter)
  • Rating: 4.3 stars on Amazon with 51 reviews
  • Ingredients: Caffeine

The caffeine shampoo from MySpring is impressive thanks to its ingredients. The various ingredients help against hair loss and ensure thicker and fuller hair. The shampoo is free from silicones and parabens.

 

3. Terez & Honor Koffein-Shampoo

  • Cost: 25 USD (250ml; 100 USD/liter)
  • Rating: 4.3 stars on Amazon with 477 reviews
  • Ingredients: Acacia, caffeine and black sesame

The caffeine shampoo from Terez & Honor impresses with its natural ingredients. With the active ingredients of acacia, black sesame and caffeine, it promises to stop hair loss through natural DHT blockers.

 

4. TruePure Koffein-Shampoo

  • Cost: 28 USD (237ml; 118 USD/liter)
  • Rating: 4.2 stars on Amazon with 802 customer reviews
  • Ingredients: Caffeine, red clover, niacin and aloe vera

TruePure’s caffeine shampoo contains various natural ingredients to promote hair growth. It also contains aloe vera, which is good for dry scalps, and DHT blockers, which prevent hair loss.

 

5. UltraX Labs Hair Surge Stimulierendes Koffein-Shampoo

  • Cost: 109 USD 236ml 462 USD/L
  • Rating: 4.0 stars 11.572 stars
  • Ingredients: Specially concentrated caffeine preparation

UltraX promises to have launched a new type of highly concentrated caffeine formula with its caffeine shampoo. Which, according to them, prevents hair loss even more effectively and strengthens hair growth.

How do you use caffeine shampoos?

Caffeine shampoos are applied like normal shampoo during a shower or bath. However, you should massage the shampoo thoroughly and gently into the scalp to achieve the best results. After rinsing out the shampoo, the scalp absorbs the caffeine best, after which it can make its way to the hair roots and support the follicles there.

You will achieve the best results if you leave the shampoo on for at least 2 minutes.

For the first attempt, it is recommended that you take your time and pay attention to your scalp so that you can ensure that no unpleasant irritation of the scalp occurs.

As the caffeine shampoo is generally very safe, you can even use it every day, depending on your preference.

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Alternative treatments against hair loss

If your attempts with the caffeine shampoo have not produced the expected results or you would like to know more about alternative methods against hair loss, we have compiled the most important alternative treatments for you in the next section.

Hair transplantation

Hair transplants are popular alternatives for restoring a full head of hair as they achieve long-lasting and sustainable results. However, these are usually more expensive and more complex (see hair transplant cost study). Popular methods include FUE, DHI, or FUT. Hair follicles from the donor area (usually the back of the head) are transplanted into the affected areas. Depending on the method, the follicles are harvested and inserted differently.

Hair transplants are therefore particularly suitable for affected areas where there are no hair roots left.

 

SMP

Scalp micro pigmentation, or SMP for short, is another alternative that ensures fuller hair. Compared to other methods, however, SMP is based on an optical illusion. For this method, a tattoo machine is used to place black color pigments under the scalp. The dots under the scalp create the impression of a fuller head of hair, as the dots are adapted to the natural hairline.

 

Finasteride / Minoxidil

In addition to invasive procedures such as hair transplants and micro-tattoos, there are also medications to combat hair loss. The drug finasteride, for example, blocks the production of DHT, which is responsible for the death of hair roots. However, this can also lead to side effects such as erectile dysfunction and loss of libido.

Another medication against hair loss is minoxidil, which supports the hair roots in the scalp. After application to the scalp, it can dilate the blood vessels, ensuring that the hair roots are supplied with more blood and nutrients. This can improve hair density and thickness and stop hair loss.

Hair system

A very quick, simple and traditional remedy for hair loss is the hair system. According to some clinics, a successful result is possible after just 2 hours. Hair systems use real donor hair to create toupees. According to various providers, these modern hair systems are simple and quick solutions against hair loss. Their simplicity, invisible attachment, natural feel and resilience are convincing.

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Conclusion

Whether caffeine shampoos are really effective in preventing hair loss, strengthening hair roots and making hair thicker has not been scientifically proven. However, a large number of satisfied users testify to their effect.

The effectiveness of caffeine shampoo therefore seems to depend more on individual and genetic components. As there are no dangerous side effects, you can test it on yourself and see if the results are satisfactory for you.

The best-known German caffeine shampoo, Alpecin, has been on the market since the beginning of the 20th century and has been just as successful ever since. Recently, there have been a variety of other caffeine shampoos ranging from natural ingredients to chemical super formulas designed to support the hair roots. Depending on your tastes and preferences, you can try each hair shampoo and see if it has a satisfactory effect on you.

Frequently asked questions

Do shampoos really work against hair loss?

Which caffeine shampoo is suitable for combating hair loss in men?

Which shampoo is good for hair loss in women?

Sources

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