The Benefits of Green Tea for Hair Growth: Does it Really Work?
If you seek natural remedies for hair growth, green tea is definitely one of your best choices. Not only does green tea offer endless health benefits, but its unique properties and active compounds also help make hair healthy and strong. Science recognizes it.
So in today’s article, we will break down all the benefits of green tea for hair growth and how to use it to maximize the results.
What is green tea?
Green tea is a minimally processed tea that is made from the leaves of the tea plant. Most of the benefits of green tea are attributed to its high content of polyphenols, including flavonoids and catechins, which make up 30% of all green tea ingredients. Among the catechins in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate ( EGCG ) is one of the most studied and most abundant. In addition, green tea contains vitamins (C, B2, and E), amino acids, and minerals. [1]
Benefits of green tea for hair growth
Green tea polyphenols, especially EGCG, are known to have multiple benefits that support the hair growth process.
It inhibits DHT
One of the benefits of green tea for hair growth is the reduction in levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – an androgen that often attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Studies have repeatedly shown that due to the presence of EGCG, green tea protects hair follicles from DHT, thereby reducing hair loss. [2][3] More specifically, EGCG was found to inhibit 5α-reductase activity, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.
Stimulation of hair follicles
Topical green tea also stimulates the activity of dermal papilla cells, a group of fibroblasts within the hair follicle that regulate hair growth. [4] This suggests that green tea may help support hair growth not only during the normal hair cycle, but also in some cases of hair loss.
Promotes blood flow and nutrient delivery
Another benefit of green tea for hair growth is its ability to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the scalp. In one study, a significant increase in blood flow was observed after 12 weeks of drinking green tea beverages, which was largely attributed to the polyphenol content of green tea. [5] When blood flow is stimulated, the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles is also stimulated. Similarly, poor blood flow leads to a decrease in nutrient delivery to the hair follicle, which is usually associated with premature hair loss.
It is a rich source of antioxidants
Green tea is known to be rich in polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are molecules that protect hair cells from the damaging effects of oxidative stress.
Studies have pointed out that oxidative stress is a common cause of premature hair follicle aging and reduced hair production, which leads to androgenetic alopecia. [6] Therefore, green tea may reduce hair loss by preventing cellular damage to hair follicles caused by oxidative stress.
It has anti-inflammatory properties
A final mechanism by which green tea stimulates hair growth is its anti-inflammatory effect. In a study published in 2016, green tea and its main compound, EGCG, have been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. [7] Thus, green tea can reduce inflammation in hair follicles. By targeting inflammation, green tea can slow hair loss and support better hair quality.
How to use green tea for hair loss
Whether taken orally or applied topically, green tea can promote hair growth, but it is not clear which method is more effective. The following are three ways to use green tea to treat hair loss:
Shampoo or conditioner: Use a hair growth shampoo or conditioner that contains green tea extract.
Hair Mask: Apply a green tea hair mask and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
Supplements/Drinking: You can also drink 1-2 cups of green tea daily or supplement with green tea.
Verdict
According to current scientific data, green tea promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss by inhibiting DHT conversion, stimulating hair follicles, promoting blood flow and nutrient delivery, and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.