Does Caffeine Cause Baldness?
According to the â€œAmerican Hair Loss Associationâ€, more than 80% of men above the age of 50 face thinning hair or baldness. Hair loss is becoming one of the major causes of concern that can affect both men and women equally. Androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness is one common form of baldness, which affects nearly 1/3 of both males and females. There are many factors that can contribute to baldness. And surprisingly, many people think that caffeine is associated with this baldness condition. Does caffeine cause baldness is a question of many people today, so let’s see whether caffeine causes baldness or not.
Baldness: Androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness is a permanent hair loss condition, which occurs over a long period of time. It is usually linked to heredity and so it can occur as early as in the 20s. Balding and receding hairlines usually seen in men, while female pattern baldness usually causes thinning hair all over the scalp. Apart from genetic factors, there are many factors that can cause baldness such as hormonal changes, thyroid problems, fungal infections on the scalp, hairstyles like cornrows and certain medications and health conditions like diabetes and lupus.
Diet and Baldness: Your diet definitely plays an important role in the health of your hair. Iron and zinc deficiency, insufficient amount of fatty acids, protein, calories and vitamin D in your body can all contribute to loss of hair. However caffeine, the bitter substance contained in coffee, tea, kola nuts and chocolate, is not associated with baldness. In fact, studies have revealed that caffeine can in fact aid in controlling the process that leads to androgenetic alopecia.
Baldness and DHT: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone that causes androgenetic alopecia. Genetically sensitive hair follicles shrink and restrict the natural hair growth process when exposed to dihydrotestosterone for long enough. Studies have discovered that caffeine stimulates hair growth by blocking DHT, a hormone that is responsible for hair loss or male pattern baldness.
The Bottom Line: There is no proof that caffeine causes baldness or hair loss, but in fact it can encourage hair growth and help to prevent hair loss. You can use caffeine in many different ways to promote hair growth, either orally or by using caffeine based hair care products. Although, there is no permanent and immediate cure for baldness, there are certain medications and treatment options to control and prevent baldness. Consult your doctor to get the right treatment.