What Makes Caffeine in Divi’s Products Special?

You may already know that the foods and beverages you consume can significantly impact your scalp and hair health, as can topical applications of certain ingredients. What might surprise you is the power of caffeine. Clinical evidence shows caffeine can promote hair and skin health, so this natural substance was a given when we formulated our Scalp Serum.

At Divi, we understand how the interaction of caffeine with the body can result in thicker, healthier hair, which is why Divi’s Scalp Serum features this ingredient in its proprietary formula. This article explains caffeine's benefits for your hair and scalp.

Caffeine and Its Effect on the Human Body

Caffeine is a white, bitter-tasting crystalline and the organic compound methylxanthine alkaloid. The compound exists naturally in the seeds and leaves of plants, and its function is to protect plants against insects.

This water-soluble stimulant is also the psychoactive drug with the highest worldwide consumption. Just imagine how many cups of tea, coffee, sodas and energy drinks people consume daily across the globe! You may even be sipping a latte as you read this article.

The tea leaf and coffee bean are the most familiar botanical caffeine sources.

Other caffeine-rich sources include cacao beans, kola nuts, guarana berries and yerba mate, while synthetic caffeine anhydrous ingredients are in many products.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a moderate daily caffeine intake doesn't pose a health risk. However, the overconsumption of caffeine in beverages or other products can cause insomnia, headaches, anxiety and other effects, including seizures and cardiovascular complications.

Beyond consuming caffeine orally, most of us never consider the topical application of caffeine to our skin. Yet, recent studies show the compound has tremendous benefits to the human body, from inhibiting cataract formation to stimulating hair growth and preventing sun damage that can lead to skin cancer.

The Benefits of Caffeine for Your Hair and Scalp

The topical, transdermal application of caffeine is the most effective way to derive hair and scalp benefits from caffeine. Hair follicles can absorb caffeine directly, which is why Divi‘s Scalp Serum contains this compound.

Various studies indicate caffeine can promote scalp and hair follicle function and health. However, you won't see these benefits from drinking coffee, so make sure you try the transdermal route if hair growth is the goal.

When applying caffeine topically to human skin using Divi’ Scalp Serum, you may experience several clinically proven effects. The compound with its potent antioxidant properties also:

Protects skin cells from UV rays
Slows down your skin's photoaging
Increases the blood's microcirculation throughout your skin
Stimulates hair growth (this is the one we'll focus on!)

Does Caffeine Block DHT in the Scalp?

Androgenic alopecia, or AGA, is a common type of hair loss in men and women. This condition causes the hairline to recede in men's characteristic "M" pattern. Women with this condition experience hair thinning all over their heads.

Hormones play a prominent role in androgenic alopecia. These hormones include dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone.

DHT is an androgen derived from testosterone and contributes to various changes during puberty, such as voice deepening and how the body stores fat. DHT also promotes sexual health and the development of muscle mass.

While DHT does serve many functions in development, one of its side effects may be the thinning of hair.

Caffeine blocks the miniaturization effect of DHT by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase. This enzyme's function is to break the bonds that allow cell signaling. These signals include the ones the hair follicles receive to encourage cell proliferation and growth.

When caffeine inhibits phosphodiesterase, keratinocytes and other cells can multiply. This cell proliferation causes the hair bulb to thicken and the anagen (the active phase of your hair's growth cycle) to extend – resulting in healthy, thicker hair growth.

The Effect of Caffeine Treatments on Follicle Health

A University of Lübeck in-vitro study shows patients who have androgenic alopecia provide evidence that caffeine promotes scalp and hair health.

The study's investigators biopsied the hair follicles of 14 male patients between the ages of 20 and 45 who experienced hair loss to some degree. Then, the samples underwent cultivations with varying concentrations of testosterone and caffeine for periods ranging from 120-192 hours.

The first testosterone treatments stunted the follicles' hair growth. Then, these same hair follicles underwent caffeine treatments at varying levels against a control group.

The study found that the caffeine treatment countered the negative effect of the testosterone treatment on hair growth. Additionally, the caffeine treatment of follicles that didn't undergo testosterone treatment showed a significant improvement in hair growth.

According to the study results, the positive effect of caffeine on hair growth is three-fold:

Caffeine enhances hair shaft elongation and increases the size of the hair root.
Caffeine prolongs anagen duration, increasing the hair growth stage.
Caffeine stimulates hair matrix keratinocyte reproduction, an increase in keratin (a critical structural component of hair).

The study found that the effects of caffeine on hair growth are long-lasting. The follicles that received the caffeine treatments continued to exhibit an increase in growth for several days following the study.

Caffeine treatments have varying efficacies among healthy adults. Female hair follicles tend to be more receptive to caffeine treatments, which is likely because of the lower DHT levels in women. Caffeine treatments appear to be particularly effective in prolonging anagen duration and shaft elongation in women.

Whether you’re male or female, you can expect regular caffeine applications to your scalp to promote thicker and longer hair growth.

How to Apply Caffeine to Your Scalp and Hair Using Divi's Scalp Serum

After applying Divi's Scalp Serum topically, your hair follicles can take up to 20 minutes to absorb the caffeine. However, some products contain ingredients that might speed up the absorption process.

Divi’s Scalp Serum formula features ingredients to support thicker hair growth, promote scalp health, and remove product buildup. These ingredients include caffeine, peptides and amino acids. Applying this product is a relatively straightforward process; you only need a topical application once daily.

The topical application of caffeine is safe, provided you apply high concentrations only once daily.

The Side Effects of Caffeine – When to Seek Medical Help

You don't need to combine this product with a higher caffeine intake to see results. You can have peace of mind that a daily topical application is sufficient to relieve the symptoms of androgenic alopecia, even if you don't drink coffee. Remember that very high doses of caffeine can be unsafe, so moderate your oral caffeine intake.

Seek emergency medical care if you experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat or seizures. You should also seek medical help if a high caffeine intake interacts with other medications, such as valproate and phenytoin (Dilantin).

Other Divi Ingredients That Work With Caffeine to Promote Scalp Health

A caffeine treatment might be sufficient to prevent hair thinning. However, you should use this compound in combination with other ingredients to help:

Stimulate blood flow to the scalp
Improve your hair's growth cycle
Improve your hair's structure
Give your hair a smooth and silky appearance with a healthy shine

Divi’s Scalp Serum's proprietary blend of ingredients can help you achieve these goals by working synergistically. Consider the formula carefully when shopping for hair care products, such as hair and scalp serum.

Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)

Peptides are amino acids that support the natural production of elastin and collagen. These connective tissues contribute to firmer and smoother skin. Recent studies suggest that copper peptides improve blood circulation in the skin, which helps to maintain blood vessel tissues.

Consequently, copper tripeptide-1 might also stimulate hair follicles by supplying oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood, promoting new hair growth.

The body uses copper, a micronutrient, to produce melanin, which is the compound that gives your hair its color. Applying a serum containing copper tripeptide-1 might maintain your hair color for longer.

According to a 2007 study, the tripeptide copper complex can extend your hair's growth cycle. As a result, this ingredient can reduce hair loss from androgenic alopecia. Products featuring a combination of caffeine and copper tripeptide-1 can effectively prevent hair thinning and hair loss.

Rosemary Leaf Extract

Rosemary oil is a lipid from the rosemary plant with prominent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This ingredient is often present in skin and hair care products because it can promote cellular generation.

One study indicates rosemary oil is as effective as minoxidil, a popular hair growth product known by the brand name Rogaine. However, unlike minoxidil, rosemary oil is less likely to cause adverse side effects, such as dryness and itchiness.

Rosemary oil appears to be effective in combination with caffeine and peptides. Leaving the oil in for 10 minutes or longer may increase its effectiveness in promoting hair growth.

Divi’s Scalp Serum for Optimal Scalp Health

Studies show topically applied caffeine may help stop hair loss due to androgen alopecia. Divi’s Scalp Serum combines caffeine with its proprietary blend of ingredients, including copper tripeptide-1, peppermint oil, and rosemary leaf extract. It cultivates a healthy environment for hair growth, promoting thicker, fuller, and healthier hair. So you can feel good about using Divi's Scalp Serum knowing it's backed by science, effective, and dermatologically tested.