There is growing interest in the effectiveness of green tea (Camellia sinensis) stopping hair loss. This natural hair loss–fighting treatment is found in increasingly popular drinks and is packed with antioxidants to fight harmful free radicals, provide cancer-fighting flavonoids and disrupt the production of bacteria. These same antioxidants also benefit the hair and scalp in several ways. Integration of green tea in your diet can help control or prevent hair loss. One of the most powerful antioxidants in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
Studies conducted by the Saitama Cancer Center Research Institute in Japan and Seoul National University College of Medicine both evidence that EGCG stimulates hair growth. The Saitama study reports that green tea inhibits the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a molecule that is linked to cancer, arthritis and alopecia or hair loss. With the study in Seoul, hair follicles were treated with EGCG in a lab environment. Test cultures showed increased hair growth and hair follicle elongation compared with control cultures.
A green tea of 10 percent EGCG was also applied to the scalp of human volunteers, same results were obtained. A high intake of green tea leads to higher levels of six hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to testosterone. When free testosterones travel through the bloodstream and come in contact with 5-alpha reductase enzymes, the testosterones are converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes pattern hair loss. But testosterone that is bound to SHBG cannot be converted into DHT. Research also suggests that green tea can help with scalp conditions like dandruff and psoriasis by soothing skin and reducing inflammation.
Using a hair loss shampoo that contains green tea is very beneficial for the hair and serves as a great treatment for alopecia or for hair loss. Using green tea or green tea rinse after washing can help reduce scalp irritation. Green tea contains vitamin C, vitamin E and panthenol, which are all common ingredients in a conditioner. Vitamin E restores dry or damaged hair, while vitamin C protects against damage by UV radiation. Panthenol, a provitamin, softens and strengthens hair and prevents split ends.
