A doctor has suggested adding a teaspoon of ground coffee to your shampoo to help hair grow thicker and faster, a method that costs as little as £1. The advice comes from Dr Janine Bowring, who shared the tip on TikTok, highlighting caffeine's proven benefits for hair growth.
Understanding Hair Loss and the Coffee Remedy
Dr Bowring explained that androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss affecting both men and women. "In men, it's referred to as male pattern baldness, and in women, it's female pattern hair loss," she said. She noted that in men, hair loss "typically starts with the temple area," and over time the hairline recedes to form a characteristic 'M' shape, with thinning on top of the head. In women, hair loss generally appears "at the top of the head," where hair becomes progressively "more and more sparse."
"So, caffeine has been proven to assist with that hair growth," Dr Bowring stated, referencing a study shown on screen. Her recommendation: "Add just a teaspoon of ground coffee into your shampoo when you're washing your hair, and then rinse it out." She added that the coffee "will darken the hair slightly," making it "best for dark hair."
Practical Tips and User Responses
A jar of instant coffee costs approximately £1 at most supermarkets, though premium brands may cost more. When asked by a user whether to put the coffee inside the shampoo bottle or mix it in the hand, Dr Bowring responded: "You can put it in your hand with the shampoo."
One commenter shared their experience: "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 Stimulate Hair Growth
Hair growth starts from within, fueled by a nutrient-dense diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin D, which supply building blocks for keratin production. Checking blood levels for deficiencies like ferritin can resolve underlying shedding. Maintaining a clean, stimulated scalp keeps follicles active, and daily scalp massage improves local microcirculation. Proven topicals like rosemary oil or over-the-counter minoxidil help prolong the growth phase. Protecting the hair shaft from breakage by avoiding high-tension hairstyles, limiting heat tools, and using wide-tooth combs or silk pillowcases preserves length. Regulating stress and prioritizing consistent sleep keep cortisol and androgen levels stable, supporting an uninterrupted growth cycle.
