It seems like the hair loss conversation has boomed over the last year, which is no surprise, since it’s a common issue that many people face. Thinning hair or actual hair loss can happen for a number of reasons: stress, depression, anxiety, breakage due to using hot tools in excess, hormones and postpartum hair loss, poor scalp health because of weakened hair follicles, and product buildup.
Scalp care is the foundation of healthy hair and, ultimately, prosperous hair growth. You wouldn’t put fresh makeup on top of yesterday’s makeup just as you would always apply skincare to a clean face. The same idea applies to our scalps. While there are tons of hero ingredients (like rosemary and castor oil) that promote a healthy scalp and strong strands, one ingredient you might not be thinking about is caffeine.
We love to sip on it in the morning and it does wonders for depuffing our under eyes, but in shampoo and other hair care products, it’s an unsung hero and can take limp and damaged hair to the next level of thick, strong, and healthy hair that shines like never before. Read on for the best caffeine shampoos for healthy hair growth, plus tips from experts on how you can incorporate them into your routine. Long hair awaits you!
Meet the Expert
Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist and brand founder.
Shab Caspara is a trichologist & hair expert based in NYC.
1. Best Clarifying Benefits:
VETA Hair Stimulating Shampoo, $89
“The golden rule of shampoo frequency is to use the correct products based on your washing habits. For those who prefer to shampoo less frequently, it’s imperative to incorporate a clarifying and deeper-cleansing shampoo or scalp exfoliant into their routine to avoid the damaging effects on hair growth from chronically clogged follicle openings on the scalp,” explains Shab Caspara, NYC-based trichologist and hair health expert.
When used overtime, this shampoo from VETA will leave your hair fuller, shinier, and more manageable. It has incredible densifying and thickening ingredients, including caffeine, multi-functional trichogen (which blocks DHT, the hair loss hormone) to strengthen follicles, saw palmetto, and biotin.
2. Best Thickening:
BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Destined for Density Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Shampoo, $32
BRIOGEO HAIR CARE puts out some of the best shampoos that are focused on overall hair health. This one in particular feels lightweight once applied and creates a great lather for a deep clean. At its core, it’s a density-boosting shampoo that encourages blood flow to your scalp and hair roots for fuller, healthier-looking hair. It’s great for all hair types, but especially those struggling with thinning hair who are looking for a targeted treatment.
3. Best for Dry Hair:
ORIBE Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo, $53
If your hair is experiencing excess dryness, it’s probably prone to breakage. Sure, it’s normal to lose around 50 to 100 hairs a day, but if you’re noticing an excess amount, it might be time for a hair care routine overhaul. This shampoo contains a bio-restorative complex that includes plant collagen, caffeine, biotin, and niacinamide. It also has argan oil to help nourish down to the hair cuticle, controlling frizz and increasing shine.
4. Best for Damaged Strands:
KLORANE Strengthening Shampoo with Quinine and Edelweiss, $24
Damaged strands? That means your hair is missing something. Your follicles may need a good cleanse, and you might need to add in extra hydration or cut back on your hair tools. But starting with scalp care is essential to address the problem head on—no pun intended.
“Shampoos that contain caffeine have been proven to stimulate hair follicles, leading to healthy hair growth while also penetrating the scalp, which allows the hair to look shiny and full-bodied,” explains Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and brand founder. This KLORANE shampoo is plant-based and gentle, yet it contains a wealth of strengthening ingredients and essential vitamins and antioxidants your hair might be in need of.
5. Best for Hair Loss:
TEREZ & HONOR Caffeine Hair Loss Shampoo, $35
For hair loss concerns, many trichologists and stylists recommend you use caffeine shampoo or a thickening shampoo. While scalp serums and supplements can help, incorporating a caffeine shampoo is arguably more important, as shampoo is the foundation of your hair care routine.
This TEREZ AND HONOR shampoo primarily uses caffeine as a DHT blocker from the male hormone, which is the cause of hair growth suppression, hair loss, and baldness in most. “You should focus the shampoo on your roots and massage gently in circular motions to truly help remove buildup,” says Caspara. Then work the products through your hair shaft, eventually coating each hair strand before rinsing.
6. Best Exfoliating Shampoo:
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Full Potential Hair Preserving Shampoo, $34
Exfoliating your scalp is the best way to increase blood circulation to your hair follicles. This hair growth shampoo removes product buildup that is clogging your follicles, causing an itchy scalp and possibly even dandruff. It uses calming yet clarifying ingredients like rosemary and peppermint for a cooling feeling after use.
7. Best for Fine Hair:
ANDREW FITZSIMONS Body Volume Shampoo, $16
“If you have fine hair and are looking to thicken and texturize your locks, using a caffeine infused shampoo is definitely best for you,” says Fitzsimons. He notes this formula works to thicken your hair, leaving it bouncier and fuller-bodied while still maintaining softness and shine thanks to the caffeine. It’s lightweight and doesn’t weigh down your strands.
8. Best Budget:
OGX Anti-Hair Fall + Coconut Caffeine Strengthening Shampoo, $11
This is, by far, the best budget shampoo containing caffeine. You can get it at almost any drugstore for only $11. Plus, it’s sulfate and paraben-free so as to not cause product buildup on the scalp.
“Sulfate-free shampoos are free of harsh cleansers such as sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate, which can irritate the scalp and affect hair growth over time. The irritation can cause inflammation at the root of your hair and make it difficult for healthy hair to grow out. It’s the same reason you want to keep your scalp clear of buildup. Continued blockage at the root from irritation or buildup can weaken and thin out hair over-time,” says Caspara.
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