Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as congenital hair loss, is characterized by the progressive thinning and subsequent loss of hair on the head. AGA usually occurs around the age of 20; by the age of 50, almost 50% of all men are affected. This widespread dermatological phenomenon affects both men and women and usually has a negative impact on the quality of life of those affected.
Recent studies and investigations have shown positive effects of caffeine on hair growth in people suffering from congenital hair loss. These studies suggest that caffeine counteracts the reduction in hair follicle size caused by DHT (dihydrotestosterone) by inhibiting phosphodiesterase. This process increases the levels of cAMP in the cells and also increases cell proliferation by stimulating their cell metabolism.
The authors analyzed several recent studies on the role of caffeine in the treatment of hereditary hair loss (AGA):
1.
A study conducted by Fischer et al. used the hair organ culture model (HOKM) to investigate the effects of testosterone and caffeine on the stimulation of hair follicle growth. As part of this in vitro study, a biopsy sample was taken from the scalp of men suffering from androgenetic hair loss and exposed to different concentrations of testosterone and caffeine in the HOKM for a period of 120 to 192 hours. This showed that a concentration of 0.001% and 0.006% caffeine counteracted the hair growth-suppressing effects of testosterone. Compared to the control group, after 120 hours there was a greater increase in the length (so-called “elongation”) of the hair shaft under the influence of caffeine. This clearly shows the hair growth-promoting properties of caffeine.
2.
In a double-blind study they conducted with a placebo control group, Brandner et al. showed that the use of caffeine causes a substantial reduction in transepidermal water loss in men (but not in women) and thus improves male skin barrier function.
3.
Hair follicles play an important role in the drug delivery of caffeine and other active ingredients. A study conducted by Otberg et al. investigated the follicular penetration of topically applied caffeine and demonstrated that hair follicles are a rapid drug delivery route for topically applied agents. Caffeine as part of a topical application to promote hair growth is therefore an effective active ingredient.
4.
Another study conducted by Otberg et al. investigated the follicular penetration of topically applied caffeine. The study showed that the active ingredient was absorbed faster and more strongly via hair follicle penetration than via the interfollicular absorption pathway. Furthermore, it was shown that in the first 20 minutes after application, the hair follicles were the only pathway for this faster uptake of the active ingredient caffeine.
The positive effects of topical application of caffeine in cases of hereditary hair loss (AGA) can be attributed to the inhibition of phosphodiesterase, the improvement of the skin’s barrier function, follicle penetration and the stimulation and promotion of hair growth.
Conclusion
Caffeine has proven to be a very suitable active ingredient for treating hereditary hair loss (AGA), as it clearly promotes hair growth.
Underlying study:
Bansal, M. et. al: Role of Caffeine in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia; in: International Journal of Trichology 2012, July-September; 4(3): 185-186.