The many surprising ways coffee can help your hair growth

While we’ve all heard about the health benefits of coffee, few are aware of the fact that it can also breathe a new lease of life into dull hair. Here are some fascinating ways you can use it to rejuvenate your locks.

What coffee can do for your hair

To a great extent, the length and the quality of your hair depends upon the health of your hair follicles. Coffee is effective in stimulating not only your mind and body, but also your hair roots by improving its structure and growth. For this reason, it can even be found as an ingredient in several shampoos and hair-care products.

Coffee can benefit your hair in the following ways:

Treating Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common bane of many, and women as well as a large number of men are affected by it. Nobody likes to lose their hair. It is heartbreaking and, if it results in balding, it can severely affect a person’s self-confidence.

Men experience hair loss due to the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which damages susceptible hair follicles. Once these follicles start getting smaller (called miniaturisation of hair follicles), they disappear over time, thereby affecting hair growth and eventually leading to baldness.

Coffee contains caffeine, which is great for hair. Hence, when coffee is applied topically to the hair/scalp, it makes its way into the hair roots and stimulates them. Not only does it deter baldness and hair loss, it also works through the hair roots and brings about better hair development

Restore Hair Growth

According to 2007 a study published by the International Journal of Dermatology, the presence of caffeine stimulated hair follicles and enabled hair shafts to grow faster by blocking the effects of DTH. Caffeine can therefore restore hair growth or prevent abnormal hair loss. The clinical effects of caffeine on encouraging hair growth, however, have yet to be comprehensively examined.

Manageable Hair

Apart from making the hair shaft stronger and smoother, caffeine can also give your hair a natural sheen and make it more manageable.

It is important to note that the results related to the benefits of coffee for hair were connected to topical applications, and not to the consumption of large amounts of coffee and/or other caffeinated beverages.

Using Coffee on Hair:

As Hair Mask

Coffee can make hair softer and shinier. One of the best ways of using coffee on your hair is by applying it as a hair mask.

Take 1 tablespoon of honey and olive oil each and add 2 teaspoons of coffee powder to them. Combine well to make a smooth paste. Apply to your hair and leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off.

As Hair Rinse

Coffee hair rinse is easy to make and can be used to enhance the texture and the colour of your hair.

Brew coffee in boiling water. Turn off the heat and allow the solution to cool. Use it as a hair rinse for smooth and silky hair.

As Hair Oil

Many hair experts tout coffee oil as an effective means to increase blood circulation in the scalp and stimulate the roots of the hair. It is rich in phytosterols, which promotes moisture retention and absorption. No wonder it is used in cosmetics and sunscreens as well!

Here’s how you can make your own DIY coffee oil:

Take 2 cups of your favourite hair oil (coconut/sweet almond/extra virgin olive oil) in a small saucepan. Add 1/4^th cup of roasted dark whole coffee beans. Put the lid on and let them blend and cook over low heat for about 6 to 8 hours. Stir and check on the mixture every one hour to ensure that it isn’t burning. Turn off the heat and use a strainer to strain the oil 3 to 5 times to remove the beans completely.

If you like using essential oils or herbs that aid hair growth, you can add those to the coffee oil as well. Ingredients can include lavender, cinnamon, peppermint, vanilla, sweet basil, rosemary, or nettle. Ensure that you mix them well with the oil.

Store the coffee oil in a clean glass container in the refrigerator or a cool dark place.

Depending on that works best for your mane, the coffee oil can be:

• Applied directly to the scalp
• Mixed with a carrier oil
• Added to shampoo, conditioner and/or shea butter
• Used for a final rinse with water

Side Effects of Using Coffee on Your Hair

If you have light-colored hair such as platinum blonde, light red or light brunette, you will need to exercise caution when applying coffee oils and rinses to your tresses as they can darken them. Similarly, for those with dark brunette as well as gray hair, coffee can help darken them further and, in some cases, lend them a slight orange-ish hue, which may or may not be desirable.

While coffee may be good for your hair and overall health, it is important that you do not get carried away and consume copious amounts of it in a bid to achieve quick results. It is best to consider its pros as well as cons and use it in moderation. It has always proven to be a great beverage, and is now being recognized for its health properties. Do make sure to incorporate it into your lifestyle and reap the maximum benefits.

Are you a coffee drinker? Are you concerned about thinning hair? Would these tips make you change your habits?