Coffee is a wondrous product with several untapped benefits. While the utility of drinking coffee as a beverage was established centuries ago, the benefits of coffee for hair are slowly emerging into popular culture after several studies. If you want to avoid the application of several different products laden with harsh chemicals on your hair and instead invest in one item that can solve several hair woes, then coffee is your go-to magic bean!
Keep reading below to understand how coffee on hair benefits the health of your tresses.
Coffee Benefits for Hair
How is coffee good for hair? As of now, there is ongoing research in support of the benefits of coffee for hair growth. However, with the help of this limited research, it has been found that the caffeine present in coffee may be able to improve the quality and appearance of hair in many ways. So, the benefits of applying coffee on hair are the following:
1. May Help Reduce Grey Hair Naturally
When you look for ways to cover your gray hair, the instinctive approach is to purchase hair color products. Hair colors tend to contain a lot of harsh chemicals like ammonia which can irreparably damage the hair texture and make it brittle and dry. Coffee is a safer alternative because it can temporarily reduce your gray hair with regular usage. A coffee rinse is a natural fix for your locks because it has a dark pigmentation that leaves a stain on the hair strands.
Additionally, coffee contains caffeic acid which is an antioxidant. It can boost collagen and lower the premature aging of the skin cells. Whether you have brown or black hair, using a coffee rinse twice weekly can darken the hair color and improve texture. For visible results, experts recommend using strong coffee grounds such as an espresso.
2. Exfoliates the Scalp
Regular exfoliation is a very necessary grooming step in order to remove the build-up of dead skin cells and dirt. With consistent exfoliation, you can improve the follicle quality and give rise to shinier and healthier hair. Exfoliation also manages the development of dandruff and provides nourishment to hair so that it can grow in a healthy manner.
Substantial research has found coffee powder works effectively as an exfoliator. Coffee grounds do not dissolve easily in water which makes them ideal for scrubbing away dust, grime and hard dead build-up on the scalp. You can make a natural coffee mask or scrub at home to cleanse your scalp weekly which can also help to maintain the correct oil balance. This is a cost-effective option than purchasing expensive hair exfoliators which can contain harsh chemicals and therefore, bring about an imbalance in the pH level of the scalp.
3. May Help Stimulate Hair Growth
When coffee is applied to the scalp, it stimulates hair follicles and matrix cells to boost hair growth. The matrix cells are part of the follicles, the site responsible for pigmentation and hair growth. Damaged hair follicles are one of the major causes of hair loss and baldness both in men and women.
Hair follicle damage can occur when there is too much of the sex hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Studies revealed that caffeine blocked the damaging effects of DHT and instead stimulated the elongation of the hair shaft. Coffee could also prolong the anagen duration (hair growth stage) giving rise to fuller and thicker hair.
Massaging coffee into your scalp improves blood circulation which increases nutrient reach to the scalp more quickly. Furthermore, antioxidants present in coffee lower epidermal water loss and help to hold onto hair moisture. All these factors combined promote the production of healthy hair cells and result in faster hair growth while lowering hair loss.
4. Manages Hair Frizz
If you are someone who is troubled by hair frizz, then coffee is the perfect solution for you. Using a coffee rinse can promote the regeneration of smoother and shinier hair. Coffee helps to retain the natural moisture of the hair, making it look less brittle, dry and damaged. Coffee increases blood circulation to the scalp and adds a natural sheen. Using coffee for hair can help to reduce hair frizziness, making the hair look and feel shinier and softer.
How to Use a Coffee Rinse/Mask/Scrub at Home?
The best way to harness the coffee benefits of hair is to apply it topically. Doing so helps to cope with hair loss more efficiently and increases the rate of hair regrowth. Below is mentioned how you can make a coffee rinse at home so that you can enjoy the benefits of applying coffee on hair and get better hair growth.
Coffee Rinse
- Brew 2 to 4 cups of coffee and cool it completely
- Pour it into an applicator or spray bottle
- Wash your hair with regular shampoo and conditioner
- While the hair is wet, spray or apply the coffee brew on the scalp and hair strands
- Massage for a few minutes and leave the coffee rinse on the hair for about 20 minutes. For effective results, use a shower cap
- After 20 minutes, wash your hair with lukewarm or cold water
Coffee Scrub
- Take powdered sugar and coffee ground beans in a bowl
- Apply this on the wet scalp and massage well for 15 minutes
- After the exfoliation is complete, leave it further on the hair for another 30 minutes
- Wash off with a mild cleanser and water
Coffee Mask
- In a bowl take two teaspoons of coffee powder, olive or coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, and some drops of essential oil (if you have any)
- Apply it on the hair and scalp and let it remain for about 20 minutes
- Wash your hair with water
Conclusion
Coffee can not just energize you physically, but it can also reinvigorate your hair health. Coffee is good for hair in more ways than just one. It can function as a natural dye thereby, reducing the need for applying harsh chemicals on hair. It can control hair loss and promote the regeneration of soft and silky hair. So, to enjoy the benefits of applying coffee on hair, be sure to apply it regularly.
Frequently asked question
Q1. Can I apply coffee to hair daily?
Ans: Applying a coffee rinse once or twice a week is sufficient to improve the texture and health of your hair.
Q2. Are there any side effects of using coffee for hair?
Ans: Using coffee on hair in excess can damage the natural growth cycle. Using it once or twice a week is recommended by hair experts.
Q3. Can I leave the coffee on hair at night?
Ans: Leaving coffee on your hair for far too long can block the hair follicles affecting growth production.
