A teaspoon of ground coffee stirred into your shampoo could give hair growth a significant boost, according to Dr Janine Bowring. The simple trick costs as little as £1 and may help hair grow back faster and thicker, particularly for those experiencing androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss in both men and women.
How Coffee in Shampoo Works
Dr Bowring explained that caffeine has been proven to assist with hair growth. Her advice is to add just a teaspoon of ground coffee into shampoo when washing the hair and then rinse it out. She noted that the coffee will darken the hair slightly, making it best suited for dark hair.
In men, AGA is referred to as male pattern baldness, and in women as female pattern hair loss. Dr Bowring said it typically starts with the temple area in men, and over time the hairline recedes to form a characteristic 'M' shape, with hair also thinning on top of the head. In women, hair loss tends to occur at the top of the head, gradually becoming more and more sparse.
Practical Tips and User Feedback
A jar of instant coffee can be picked up for as little as £1 at most supermarkets, though branded varieties may cost more. When asked whether to put the coffee inside the shampoo bottle or on the hand with the shampoo, Dr Bowring responded: "You can put it in your hand with the shampoo."
One follower commented: "I put rosemary essential oil in my shampoo, and my hair is coming back. I'll have to try the coffee too. Thank you!"
Other Ways to Support Hair Growth
Hair growth starts from within, fuelled by a nutrient-dense diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin D, all of which supply the essential building blocks for keratin production. Checking blood levels for common deficiencies like ferritin can quickly resolve underlying shedding.
Maintaining a clean, stimulated scalp keeps follicles active and clear of pore-clogging sebum and buildup. Daily scalp massage improves local microcirculation, while proven topicals like rosemary oil or over-the-counter minoxidil help prolong the growth phase. Protecting the hair shaft from breakage preserves the length you gain, so avoid high-tension hairstyles, limit heat tools and harsh chemical treatments, and use wide-tooth combs or silk pillowcases to minimise mechanical damage.
Regulating stress and prioritising consistent sleep keep cortisol and androgen levels stable, as elevated stress can push active follicles prematurely into the resting phase, directly supporting an uninterrupted growth cycle.
