11 Best Caffeine Shampoos for Strong And Healthy Hair

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 09, 2024
Caffeine Shampoos for Strong And Healthy Hair
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With the best caffeine shampoo in your hair care routine, thicker, stronger, and healthier hair is no longer a far-fetched dream. Caffeine shampoos have gained quite a popularity off late, thanks to their efficacy and promising results. They are believed not just to reduce hair loss or hair thinning but are also known to promote healthy hair growth and boost hair thickness. Derived from the same stimulant found in coffee or tea, caffeine is believed to offer more than just an energy boost when applied topically to the hair and scalp.

This key ingredient in these hair growth shampoos aims to reduce hair loss, stimulate hair follicles, and improve the overall condition of the hair and scalp. Caffeine is also known to block DHT - dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes hair loss, thus making it a go-to for most hair loss shampoos(1). It is also believed to lessen hair thinning and weakening of hair caused by alopecia (patterned baldness). With consistent use, caffeine is believed to elongate the life cycle of hair follicles which helps in getting healthy hair. apart from this, shampoo with caffeine helps in nourishing your hair to boost shine effectively and keep your scalp well-hydrated. Thus, shampoos with caffeine have garnered a lot of attention due to their ability to invigorate hair growth and promote healthier, thicker locks. While there are numerous options available in the market, we listed our top picks for you.

How Does Caffeine Shampoo Help?

The best caffeine shampoo helps in stimulating blood circulation which helps in promoting hair follicle health and encourages hair growth. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing scalp inflammation and irritation. Caffeine is also known to block DHT - dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes hair loss, alopecia (patterned baldness), and weakening of hair. Shampoo with caffeine also helps in thickening hair texture, improving hair quality, and adding shine to dry and damaged hair.

11 Best Caffeine Shampoo

The Hair Surge Shampoo by ULTRAX LABs caters to hair thickening and strengthening. Formulated with advanced CaffinoPlex that contains natural caffeine and saw palmetto. The caffeine in this formula helps in blocking DHT (dihydrotestosterone) to reduce hair breakage. It also promotes hair thickening and stimulates natural hair growth.

While the saw palmetto helps in formula energizing and detoxing the scalp to strengthen hair follicles at the root. It ensures that your hair and scalp are left squeaky clean with no greasiness or residue. This caffeine shampoo is further powered by the potent blend of niacin, peppermint oil, and mango butter. These ingredients work in coherence to nourish hair follicles, add volume, and clean your hair without stripping natural oils.

Pros
  • Adds shine
  • Lathers richly
  • Lathers richly
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Reduces hair breakage
  • Works on all hair types
  • Suitable for everyday use
  • Ideal for both men and women
Cons
  • Highly expensive
  • Might cause tangles for curly hair
  • Best for Boosting Shine

    Watermans Grow Me Shampoo

    Watermans Grow Me Shampoo
  • Transform your hair with the WATERMANS Grow Me Shampoo. Just as the name suggests, this is one of the best caffeine shampoos that help you unlock the secret to thick and lustrous hair growth. Along with caffeine, this formula is enriched with a powerful blend of ingredients such as biotin, rosemary, niacinamide, argan oil, allantoin, and lupin protein. This blend is specifically designed to maximize your hair's full potential and promote healthy hair growth. It has revitalizing and onbringing properties that help clean the scalp, strengthen hair density, and promote healthy and stronger hair growth. The formula lathers richly to eradicate dull and lifeless hair and leaves it feeling well-nourished and shiny with each wash.

    Pros
    • Works on all hair types
    • Paraben and sulfate-free
    • Promotes healthier scalp
    • Improves moisture balance
    • Strengthens hair from root to tip
    • Suitable for wigs and extensions
    • Enriched with natural ingredients
    Cons
    • Not suitable for fine hair
  • Most Affordable

    Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo

    Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Shampoo
  • Give your long hair the goodness and care with the anti-breakage formula from Marc Anthony’s Grow Long Shampoo. This potent formula has caffeine that speeds up and strengthens hair growth, ginseng that prevents hair loss by promoting blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, and vitamin E which strengthens hair to prevent hair breakage. This shampoo with caffeine also helps in removing build-up from your scalp and hair while preventing moisture loss and strengthening hair to cut down on hair breakage. It is gentle on the hair and scalp and leaves your hair feeling smooth, soft, and shiny. Our team discovered through using this product that with consistent use, you will notice longer and healthier-looking hair.

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Phthalate-free
    • Gently cleanses hair
    • Anti-breakage formula
    • Eradicates scalp buildup
    Cons
    • Not suitable for color-treated hair
  • Best for Fine Hair

    Alpecin C1 Caffeine Shampoo

    Alpecin C1 Caffeine Shampoo
  • Try out the Alpecin caffeine shampoo for ladies to achieve stronger and more manageable hair. Designed for fine hair, this shampoo helps in preventing hair loss and stimulating hair growth with each wash. It is enriched with caffeine, zinc, and niacin that work in coherence to energize thin, fine, and dull-looking strands. The formula aids in improving the hair structure with a stronger grip for ease of styling without breakage. It leaves your scalp feeling super clean with no buildup, and your thin hair feeling stronger, thicker, and fuller. We have found from using this product that it promotes natural hair growth with noticeably thicker-looking hair.

    Pros
    • Lathers richly
    • Removes scalp buildup
    • Prevents hair breakage
    • Ideal for both men and women
    • Noticeably thicker-looking hair
    • Helps promote natural hair growth
    • Energizes and strengthens hair strands
    Cons
    • Has an overpowering fragrance
  • Best for Damaged Hair

    KLORANE Strenghtening Shampoo

    KLORANE Strenghtening Shampoo
  • The KLORANE shampoo is designed to tackle both chronic hereditary or reactional (sudden and temporary) hair loss and hair thinning. The formula is infused with quinine that aids in strengthening and stimulating hair to curb hair loss and breakage. The organic edelweiss in this formula has antioxidant properties that are proven to enhance hair growth when even hair is put through extreme conditions. It is further enriched with caffeine which energizes the hair and helps quinine anchor hair at the root to prevent hair fall. While the vitamin B complex fortifies hair and scalp for healthy-looking hair. Packed with potent ingredients, this caffeine shampoo helps in strengthening, stimulating, and cleansing your hair and scalp for healthier hair.

    Pros
    • Toxin-free
    • Plant-based formula
    • Prevents hair thinning
    • Restores strength and vitality
    • Ideal for both men and women
    • Loaded with antioxidant properties
    • Works well for post-partum hair loss
    Cons
    • Slightly pricey
  • Best for Moisturizing Properties

    OGX Anti-hairfall + Coconut Caffeine Shampoo

    OGX Anti-hairfall + Coconut Caffeine Shampoo
  • The OGX Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo comes with the goodness of coconut and caffeine in one potent formula. This coconut caffeine shampoo is one of the most budget-friendly formulas with efficient results. It targets hair loss and makes sure to curb it with its blend of potent ingredients such as caffeine to promote hair growth, coconut oil works with white tea extract to boost moisture and nourishment to hair and scalp, while coffee extract promotes softer and shinier hair. This rich formula aids in nourishing each strand to curb hair breakage and hair fall. It is a scalp-loving formula that leaves it feeling well-nourished, and free of buildup. The shampoo leaves your hair smelling divine for long hours, and yes, we did actually test the product!

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Budget-friendly
    • Smells amazing
    • Prevents hair breakage
    • Boosts and promotes hair growth
    • Packed with hydrating ingredients
    Cons
    • Not suitable for oily hair type
  • Best for Menopausal Hair Loss

    Plantur 39 Phyto Caffeine Shampoo

     Plantur 39 Phyto Caffeine Shampoo
  • The Plantur 39 Phyto Caffeine Shampoo is specifically designed for women who are over 40 and are going through menopausal hair loss. This formula is enriched with caffeine for hair strengthening along with white tea extract that nourishes thin, brittle, and dehydrated hair strands. This is one of the best caffeine shampoos that are perfect for everyday use to achieve thicker and fuller-looking hair. It contains a Phyto-Caffeine Complex which is a blend of caffeine, niacin, and zinc that seeps into the hair strands and strengthens them from within. Our analysis of this product revealed that this formula is made for thin, fine, and breakage-prone hair that is caused due to menopause.

    Pros
    • Boosts volume
    • Maintains healthy hair
    • Suitable for everyday use
    • Makes hair easy to manage
    • Adds a boost of nourishment
    • Designed for menopausal hair fall
    Cons
    • Some might find it drying
  • Best Plant-Based Formula

    TruePURE Caffeine Shampoo

     TruePURE Caffeine Shampoo
  • The truePURE Caffeine Shampoo is perfect for those with dry and brittle hair that is prone to easy breakage. This formula is powered by caffeine to stimulate your scalp and boost healthy hair growth. It adds shine and luster to your hair while the red clover and saw palmetto in this formula help in improving hair elasticity. These potent ingredients also work as DHT blockers to accelerate hair growth, prevent hair loss and promote healthier hair. The formula also contains jojoba oil and argan oil which help in eliminating excess sebum, while aloe vera soothes the dry scalp to invigorate follicles from roots to tips. Made with plant-based ingredients, this shampoo is perfect for both men and women.

    Pros
    • Non-GMO
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Soothes dry scalp
    • Artificial fragrance-free
    • Safe for color-treated hair
    • Enhances hair growth and vibrancy
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
    • Has an overpowering citrusy fragrance
  • Best for Restorative Properties

    Botanical Green Care Hair Loss Therapy Thickening Shampoo

    Botanical Green Care Hair Loss Therapy Thickening Shampoo
  • Specifically developed to stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss, the Botanical Green Care Hair Loss Therapy Thickening Shampoo is certainly one of the best caffeine shampoos. The formula is enriched with caffeine, taurine, and guarana extract which cater to extending the life cycle of hair follicles for healthy hair growth. It contains saw palmetto that helps in reducing DHT levels to energize and detox the scalp to strengthen hair follicles.

    While niacin along with apple stem cells and argan stem cells helps in boosting hair growth, prevents hair thinning, and rejuvenates the scalp to prevent effects on real dermal stem cells. The formula also contains antioxidant properties from apple extract that promotes cell renewal for healthier and thicker hair growth. While rosemary essential oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that reduce hair thinning caused due to hormonal imbalance, stress, and post-partum.

    Pros
    • Pleasant fragrance
    • Enhances hair texture
    • Antioxidant properties
    • Suitable for everyday use
    • Strengthens hair from roots
    • Packed with natural ingredients
    • Boosts healthy and strong hair growth
    Cons
    • Highly expensive
  • Best for Dry Scalp

    Mancave Caffeine Shampoo

    Mancave Caffeine Shampoo
  • This caffeine shampoo by MANCAVE is a deep cleansing formula that helps encourage healthy hair growth. Packed with the antioxidant properties of caffeine, the formula helps in stimulating your scalp for healthy hair growth. With shea butter, your scalp is soothed and your hair is left thoroughly conditioned and moisturized. L'Arginine moisturizes the scalp and conditions the hair while Vitamin E caters to maintaining steady hair growth. The soothing effects of panthenol soothe the dry scalp and leave it feeling itch-free. We determined through our tests that using this shampoo consistently will help in encouraging the elongation of the hair shaft to promote and supporting strong, healthy hair growth.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Sulfate-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Lathers richly
    • Soothes dry scalp
    • Naturally derived ingredients
    • Hydrating and moisturizing properties
    Cons
    • May cause dryness
    • Not suitable for chemically treated hair
  • HUX Caffeine Shampoo

    HUX Caffeine Shampoo
  • The HUX shampoo with caffeine is all set to recharge and boost your hair for healthy and well-nourished hair growth. The formula is packed with a unique hydrating blend of invigorating caffeine, along with the soothing properties of aloe vera. It has a refreshing and stimulating fragrance of patchouli essential oil that lingers on for hours after your wash your hair to keep you in best of the spirits. The formula is gentle on your scalp, lathers richly, and leaves your hair feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Suitable for both men and women, this formula softens, cleanses, and strengthens your hair for a healthy growth.

    Pros
    • Lathers richly
    • Pocket-friendly
    • Easy to rinse formula
    • Stimulating properties
    • Cruelty-free and vegan
    • Refreshes hair and scalp
    • Suitable for both men and women
    Cons
    • Has a strong and overpowering patchouli scent

    Picking a shampoo with caffeine based on pros and cons from the list of recommendations might seem like an easy task. However, there are a few more key factors you need to consider to make sure you are picking nothing but the best product.

    How to Choose the Best Caffeine Shampoo?

    When looking for the best caffeine shampoo, you must make sure it checks all the boxes of important factors listed below. This helps you in investing in a shampoo that is going to make every penny worth it and will promise you desired results.

    • Hair type

    The first step while picking any hair care product is to make sure it is formulated for your hair type. While the active ingredient in a caffeine shampoo has to be caffeine, you must look for supporting ingredients that help cater to your major hair concerns. For those with dry hair, consider a shampoo with natural moisture and hydration-inducing ingredients. While those with oily hair must focus on picking a product that has exfoliating properties to get rid of excess sebum and build-up.

    • Caffeine concentration

    It is important to check the caffeine concentration in your shampoo to make sure it benefits you in the best way possible. While it is best to pick a shampoo with caffeine that has a higher concentration of caffeine for its potent effect, but it is also necessary to check the usage instructions to avoid any potential side effects.

    • Hair concerns

    While the best caffeine shampoo is known to boost hair growth and a healthy scalp, it is also necessary to pick a formula that also caters to other hair concerns. Determine a shampoo that promotes hair strengthening, and thickening, boosts volume, reduces hair breakage, adds shine, and improves hair texture. In case you have dandruff or a sensitive scalp, the formula must cater to the same in the gentlest manner and address these specific needs.

    • Brand reputation

    With umpteen number of brands claiming to have the best caffeine shampoo, we understand that picking one could be a daunting task. However, rely on a reputed brand that has been in the market for quite some time and is known for producing high-quality hair care products. It should have good and positive customer reviews and must use only chemical-free and high-quality ingredients.

    • Price

    It is a common myth that the higher the price - the better the product. But this isn’t always true! Before picking any haircare product, it is necessary to consider the ingredients, the quality of these ingredients, and the brand’s reputation. Cheap ingredients can make your hair prone to a lot of damage. So, rather than the price tag, focus on the formulation and determine if it aligns with your expectation, caters to the hair concerns, and fits your budget.

    What Ingredients to Look for And Avoid in Caffeine Shampoos?

    No matter which haircare product you pick, it is necessary to read the fine print to check what goes into the formulation. When picking the best caffeine shampoo, there are a few components apart from the key ingredient - caffeine that one must pick, and some components that are a strict NO!

    Ingredients to look for:

    1. Biotin:  A form of vitamin B7, biotin is one of the essential factors to consider while picking a shampoo with caffeine. Biotin and caffeine shampoo work in coherence to support and promote hair growth while strengthening hair strands to prevent hair breakage.

    2. Niacin: Niacin is also popularly known as vitamin B3. It helps in boosting blood circulation in the scalp to promote healthy hair growth and enhance hair quality.

    3. Panthenol: Derived from vitamin B5, panthenol helps in inducing moisture in your hair, and locks it in to improve its texture and shine.

    4. Supporting ingredients: Apart from the actives, you must pick a shampoo that is formulated with natural ingredients or is plant-based. Look for supporting natural extracts such as saw palmetto, aloe vera, white tea extract, green tea extract, mango butter, shea butter, argan oil, or ginseng. These have their prominent set of additional benefits that help in nourishing your hair and scalp. Also, pick a formula that has essential oils like tea tree, lavender, peppermint, or rosemary as they have antimicrobial, soothing properties, and leave an invigorating effect on the scalp.

    Ingredients to avoid:

    There are some components that should never make their way to your hair in order to avoid long-lasting damage. These toxins include silicone, alcohol, or sulfates as they can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness, parabens, and formaldehyde that may lead to scalp irritation. Also, it is best to avoid a formula that contains synthetic fragrances and artificial colorants as they can trigger allergies and irritate the scalp.

    How to Use Caffeine Shampoo?

    To make sure you get the most out of your caffeine shampoo, it is important to follow these steps for washing your hair correctly with the formula -

    Step 1: Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water and ensure it is fully saturated.

    Step 2: Apply an appropriate amount of caffeine shampoo as per your hair length. Start applying it to your scalp and work your way through to the mid-length of your hair. Gently massage the shampoo to your roots in a circular motion.

    Step 3: After massaging, allow the shampoo to sit on your scalp for two to three minutes. This allows the caffeine and other hair beneficial ingredients to work their magic.

    Step 4: Rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly with warm water. Make sure there is no shampoo residue left behind. Repeat the rinsing process if necessary.

    Step 5 (optional): If you use a conditioner usually, you can go ahead and apply it after rinsing out the caffeine shampoo. Make sure you apply the conditioner on to the lengths and ends of your hair and avoid the scalp. Rinse it thoroughly after letting it sit for a few minutes. 

    Tip: The sitting time for the shampoo could differ from brand to brand or even the formulation, so it is best to follow the instructions mentioned on the bottle to make sure you get the most out of the shampoo.

    Also, through our trial and error, we discovered that one might not see instant results with one wash. So, give it a couple of washes as results may vary from person to person, or even the hair type. It is best to stay patient and trust the process and be consistent with it.

    Benefits of Caffeine Shampoo

    From scrolling through the best caffeine shampoos to knowing how to pick one, you read it all. Now, it is time to dive deep and understand the wonders a caffeine shampoo could do to your hair. Caffeine shampoos have tons of potential benefits not just for hair, but also for the scalp, and some are mentioned below -

    1. Hair Growth Stimulation: Caffeine is known to stimulate blood circulation to your scalp which helps in promoting hair follicle health and encourages healthy hair growth (2).

    2. Blocks DHT: It helps in blocking and counteracting the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that leads to partial baldness or hair loss (1).

    3. Reduces Hair Loss: Shampoo with caffeine is often touted as a potential remedy for reducing hair loss as it promotes promoting blood flow that delivers nutrients to the hair follicles. Thus, helping in strengthening hair strands and minimizing hair shedding (3).

    4. Improves Scalp Health: Possessing anti-inflammatory properties, caffeine helps in reducing scalp inflammation and irritation. It helps in maintaining a healthy scalp environment to prevent scalp itchiness and even dandruff (1).

    5. Enhances Hair Thickness And Strength: With fortifying properties, a caffeine shampoo not only strengthens but also thickens the hair strands to make them appear fuller and healthier (1).

    6. Antioxidant Properties: Caffeine is loaded with antioxidant properties. These help in protecting hair and scalp from damage caused by free radicals. This helps in promoting hair’s overall health and vitality (4)

    Caffeine in shampoos is the key to combatting hair loss in the shower. They have gained an immense popularity for their benefits like reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth. The market is filled with numerous brands that claim to have the best caffeine shampoo, however, not everything that seems to be the best might work for your hair. Make sure the shampoo is suitable for your hair type, caters to your hair concerns, and is made with high-quality ingredients. The list of shampoo recommendations has some of the best ones in the market that have amazing results and have proven their efficacy. Make sure to avoid any formula that contains toxins or has ingredients that can possibly lead to allergies or irritation. We hope that the benefits, and steps of using the shampoo accurately help you to make the most of it. Through our trial and error, we discovered that with consistent use, you are bound to notice shinier, healthier, thicker, and stronger tresses!

    FAQ's

    Do caffeine shampoos really work?
    Indeed, caffeine shampoos work to reduce hair thinning, control hair breakage, and help in promoting healthy hair growth.
    Why is caffeine shampoo good for your hair?
    The best caffeine shampoo caters to improving your hair and scalp health by boosting blood circulation to promote hair growth.
    Does caffeine shampoo thicken your hair?
    Yes, to some extent. Shampoo with caffeine is known to have a counterfeit effect on DHT thus helping in reducing hair fall and promoting thicker hair.
    How often should I use caffeine shampoo?
    It is ideal to use a caffeine shampoo twice or thrice a week depending on your scalp and hair type.
    Is caffeine shampoo good for your hair?
    Yes, caffeine shampoos work wonders on your hair as they suit all hair types and help them appear healthier and shinier.
    How often should I wash my hair with Plantur 39?
    Plantur 39 shampoo is suitable and gentle enough to be used every day.
    Is caffeine shampoo good for hair growth?
    Yes, caffeine shampoos have antioxidant properties that encourage healthy and stronger hair growth.
    Can we use caffeine shampoo every day?
    Yes, it is absolutely okay to use caffeine shampoos every day. However, for those with a sensitive scalp, it is best to ask your dermatologist in advance to avoid any unforeseen irritation.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira, the author of this article, carefully curates structured content to help our readers gain all the knowledge they require. Her expertise lies in the field of haircare and styling, and she’s passionate about researching the best products available across online platforms. Here, she has suggested some of the best caffeine shampoos to help you manage and maintain your tresses better.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Role of Caffeine in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3500065/

    2. Caffeine and Its Pharmacological Benefits in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

    https://karger.com/spp/article/33/3/153/296017/Caffeine-and-Its-Pharmacological-Benefits-in-the 

    3. Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03119.x

    4. Caffeine and Its Antioxidant Properties—It Is All about Dose and Source

    https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/21/13074

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More