Steeping Wellness: Green Tea for Great Hair

February 2024

Drinking green tea and incorporating hair care products infused with it could potentially reduce the likelihood of hair loss and stimulate the growth of new hair strands.

For centuries, green tea has delighted palates worldwide, ranking among the most beloved beverages globally. With its reputation as a go-to ingredient, numerous companies now infuse green tea into their products, particularly those promising enhanced hair vitality.

Yet, you might question the actual impact of green tea on your hair. This article delves into the essence of green tea and its potential advantages for maintaining vibrant hair.

What is Green Tea?

Tea leaves originate from the Camellia sinensis plant. Through various processing methods, these leaves yield different types of tea, including green, black, white, and oolong. Green tea emerges from fresh leaves that undergo drying and exposure to sunlight to prevent oxidation and fermentation, giving it its characteristic flavor. Some varieties of green tea, like matcha, undergo specialized processing, such as pre-harvest shading, resulting in a more robust flavor profile and higher antioxidant levels.

Green tea is renowned for its antioxidant properties, primarily attributed to flavonols, that are associated with reduced risks of heart disease and certain cancers.*1 Leveraging its antioxidant richness, green tea and its extracts are increasingly explored for diverse applications, including combating hair loss and enhancing overall hair health.

3 Hair benefits of Green Tea

Many hair care products incorporate green tea for its believed advantages. Below are several possible positive effects of green tea on hair.

1. Green Tea May Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss affects millions of men and women worldwide. Various causes trigger hair loss such as stress, diet, autoimmune diseases, and hormonal changes. In fact, 50% of men and 25% of women over 50 years old will experience some degree of hormone-related hair loss during their lifetime.*2, 3

In the process of hair loss, the natural growth cycle of hair undergoes alterations. This cycle comprises three stages: androgen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (shedding phase).*4 Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, two hormones, can shorten the hair growth phase and promote hair loss. Certain studies suggest that green tea may counteract the impact of these hormones on hair, potentially slowing down hair loss.*5 In fact, one study found that after 24 weeks of taking a supplement with green tea 80% of the participants had significant improvements in hair regrowth.*6 Another study showed that mice treated topically with green tea experienced notably reduced hair loss compared to those without the treatment.*7

2. Green Tea Supports Hair Growth

Green tea could potentially promote healthy hair growth and regrowth.

In a small study, researchers applied topical green tea extract to the scalps of three participants with alopecia. After just four days, there was a notable increase in hair growth activity observed among the participants.*8 The green tea extract seems to enhance hair growth by stimulating hair follicles and shielding skin and hair cells from damage.*9

Additionally, in a study on hair loss in mice, researchers discovered that 33% of the animals that consumed green tea extract showed hair regrowth after 6 months, whereas none of the mice in the control group exhibited any improvements.*10 Although these studies are promising overall, it currently remains unclear about the speed or effectiveness of green tea hair treatments in promoting hair growth in humans, particularly among those without hormone-related hair loss.

3. Green Tea Improves Nutrient Delivery

Hair is a component of the integumentary system, a broader system that encompasses nails, skin, hair, and related structures. Your hair grows directly from your skin, receiving blood flow and nutrients during its growth phase.*11 A study revealed that taking supplements with green tea extract for 12 weeks boosted skin blood flow and oxygen delivery by 29% compared to the control group.*12 Another group in same study consumed 4 cups of green tea daily for 12 weeks and, compared to the control group, the green tea drinkers demonstrated notable enhancements in skin hydration.

The growth of hair is heavily influenced by the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Inadequate blood circulation can contribute to hair loss. Hence, consuming green tea might enhance the supply of these nutrients to your scalp, potentially fostering improved hair growth.*13

In short, Green Tea has many health benefits including for your hair. If you’d rather stick to drinking green tea than using a tea infused shampoo or some other product, you can safely enjoy up to 3 to 4 cups per day. Enjoy!

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