Hair loss treatment: Caffeine shown to stimulate male hair follicles by blocking mechanism

Fighting hair loss is like a lone soldier charging against an invading army: opposition is futile against the forces bearing down. There are many factors, both environmental and genetic, that conspire to cause hair loss. However, research has found certain ingredients block the mechanisms that cause hair loss. Perhaps most surprising of all is caffeine.

The study also tested the effects of caffeine on female hair follicles and found that it had a growth promoting effect on hair follicles in females, too.

Since caffeine is a stimulant, it also increases blood circulation to hair follicles.

This too can help hair grow faster and become stronger, giving the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.

Conventional treatments

There are other things you can try if your hair loss is causing you distress.

Some wigs are available on the NHS, but you may have to pay unless you qualify for financial help.

Other hair loss treatments include:

• Steroid injection – injections given into bald patches
• Steroid creams – cream applied to bald patches
• Immunotherapy – chemical applied to bald patches
• Light treatment – shining ultraviolet light on bald patches
• Tattooing – tattoo used to look like short hair and eyebrows
• Hair transplant – hair cells are moved to thinning patches
• Scalp reduction surgery – sections of scalp with hair are stretched and stitched together
• Artificial hair transplant – surgery to implant artificial hairs.

Some of the above treatments may not be available on the NHS.

You may also benefit from joining a support group, or speaking to other people in the same situation on online forums.

Try these online support groups: