Efficacy of a Cosmetic Caffeine Shampoo in Androgenetic Alopecia management. II Note

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common, progressive, patterned loss of visible scalp hair. The severity and frequency are greater in men. It causes psychological distress and negative effects on the quality of life and thus the prospect of treating AGA is mandatory. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is responsible for hair loss in AGA. At present only two medical treatments, minoxidil and finasteride, are licensed for the treatment of male balding. Caffeine was identified as a stimulator of human hair growth. We report the results of a randomised, controlled, double-blind, parallel group study to assess, in a panel of healthy men suffering from AGA, the skin compatibility of a shampoo containing caffeine and to assess its anti hair loss efficacy and its cosmetic qualities, after application for 6 consecutive months versus placebo. Our data support the beneficial effects of topical application of caffeine in AGA, suggesting it as a cosmetic growth-stimulating agent suitable for AGA treatment.