Science x Nature

Stimulating Scalp Elixir with Caffeine

In this blog post, we breakdown the key ingredients in our stimulating scalp elixir. Our exotic blend of organic South American oils from the Amazon Rainforest is Infused with Guarana, which contains 2x more caffeine than coffee, as well as Amla, Hibiscus, Horsetail & Nettle. 

 

  1. Caffeine:

Hair loss occurs with age and affects both men and women. Applying caffeine topically to the scalp helps to stop hair loss and promote regrowth. 

Hair loss in men is typically caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which damages hair follicles. Women who have too much DHT can also experience hair loss. Damage to hair follicles occurs gradually, ultimately leading to baldness. However, according to research, caffeine can helps to block the effects of DHT which reduces hair loss and promotes regrowth[1]. 

Caffeine was found to inhibit the effects of DHT in male hair follicles in a 2007 laboratory study [2]. It supports hair shaft elongation, resulting in wider, longer hair roots. It also lengthened the duration of Anagen phase, which is the 'growing' stage of hair growth. Caffeine is a stimulant, improving blood flow to hair follicles. It can aid hair growth and strengthen it, giving it a fuller, thicker appearance.

  1. Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil is applied to the skin; causes a cool, tingling sensation. It can aid in hair growth during the growth (anagen) phase.  One study discovered that using peppermint oil doubled the number of hair follicles and follicle depth and, as a whole, increased hair growth [3]. A 2014 study found that peppermint essential oils hold a lot of promise for hair growth. Researchers noticed that the hair grew faster and thicker and that blood flow to severely malnourished hair follicles increased [4]. The outcomes pave the way for further research into the benefits of peppermint essential oil for human hair growth.

  1. Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary oil is an excellent choice for increasing hair growth and thickness because it improves cellular production. According to one study, rosemary oil was just as effective as Minoxidil, a common hair growth therapy, but with fewer adverse effects like scalp itching [5]. The essential oil of rosemary increases circulation that prevents hair follicles from becoming blood-starved, dying, and shedding hair. Rosemary essential oil can also prevent early greying and dandruff and boost hair growth. It may also assist if your scalp is dry or itchy [6].

  1. Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and cleansing properties. It helps to keep that scalp clean which promotes a healthy environment for hair growth to thrive from.

A 2013 study discovered that a combination of tea tree oil and Minoxidil was more efficient than just Minoxidil alone in enhancing hair growth [7], Which makes Rosemary & Tea Tree a powerful combination.

Tea tree oil can be used for many scalp issues such as dry, itchy scalps and dandruff. Small amounts of diluted tea tree oil applied to the scalp will help prevent the buildup of chemicals and dead skin. It makes your hair healthy and moisturized, allowing it to grow normally and preventing it from falling out [8].

  1. Lavender essential oil

Hair growth can be accelerated with lavender oil. Lavender oil has properties that can stimulate cell growth and reduce stress. Researchers discovered that this oil could stimulate faster hair growth in mice [9]. It is also important to note that the favourable psychological impact of lavender oil can influence hair and scalp health. Stress is one of the major causes of hair loss in both men and women, and it can be addressed with lavender oil aromatherapy [10]. 

Furthermore, immune activation and inflammation are strongly linked to stress and anxiety, leading to poor scalp health and hair loss. The antibacterial qualities of lavender oil have been shown to help wound healing. Lavender oil may be ready to prevent the accumulation of flakes depending on the aetiology of a given case of dandruff. Lavender oil has been shown to encourage new hair growth comparable to Minoxidil.

  1. Hibiscus:

Anecdotal evidence shows that hibiscus may aid in hair regrowth and decrease hair loss. In a 2003 study, hibiscus leaf extract shows a favourable effect on hair length and follicles in lab rats. The leaf extract shows better results than the floral extract [11]. 

Flavonoids and amino acids are abundant in Hibiscus flowers and leaves. Flavonoids improve blood flow to your hair follicles, reactivating dormant follicles and encouraging new hair growth. Amino acids stimulate the formation of keratin in the cells of your hair follicles, which promotes healthy hairs.

Hibiscus plants have a lot of difficult properties that protect your scalp from external pressures. It protects your hair from UVB rays by acting as a sunscreen on your scalp. Hibiscus' cleansing characteristics also assist in regulating your scalp's pH, combat oiliness and dandruff buildup, and stimulate your hair follicles [12].

  1. Nettle:

Nettle has a long history of trying to prevent hair loss and helping make hair shiny and beautiful. Nettle is high in antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, and polyphenols. These compounds aid in neutralizing free radicals, which can harm healthy cells, such as hair cells, and cause thinning. 

Nettle also can dilate and strengthen blood vessels, which means the hair follicles will get more nutrients and oxygen. Your hair has grown stronger and healthier [13]. 

In patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, nettle can greatly decrease DHT (dihydrotestosterone) (BPH). DHT is also a major contributor to male and female baldness. As a result, nettle may be your organic saviour in the fight against hair loss [14].

  1. Horsetail:

Horsetail helps to enhance blood circulation, which leads to strong hair follicles. It contains antioxidants and acts as a detox for both body and hair. When your scalp receives enough blood, it can produce new hair. 

Silica in Horsetail has been found to promote hair growth and thickness. This extract also has a favourable effect on collagen formation, which will improve the health and appearance of your hair. Silica binds with keratin and modifies its structure, strengthening hair [15].

  1. Amla

Amla can give shine and volume to your hair by nourishing, strengthening, and conditioning it. Amla's phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals improve scalp circulation and promote healthy hair development. Collagen protein is produced by amla's vitamin C. This aids in hair development, both in terms of length and volume. Collagens help to regenerate hair follicles by replacing dead cells with new ones. Vitamin C in amla and its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics can help prevent dandruff and the itching that it causes on the scalp [16].

End-point;

Stimulating scalp elixir promotes longer, thicker, and stronger hair growth. It helps reverse testosterone-induced hair loss & alopecia and improves scalp conditions such as dandruff and eczema and more with a science background. It is an exotic blend of organic South American oils from the Amazon Rainforest, Infused with Guarana, containing 2x more caffeine than coffee.

References: 

  1. Bansal, Manish, Kajal Manchanda, and Shyam Sunder Pandey. "Role of caffeine in the management of androgenetic alopecia." Int J Trichology 4.3 (2012): 185-186.
  2. Fischer, T. W., U. C. Hipler, and P. Elsner. "Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro." International journal of dermatology 46.1 (2007): 27-35.
  3. Ahn, Seunghyun, et al. "A Mixture of Tocopherol Acetate and L-Menthol Synergistically Promotes Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice." Pharmaceutics 12.12 (2020): 1234.
  4. Oh, Ji Young, Min Ah Park, and Young Chul Kim. "Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs." Toxicological research 30.4 (2014): 297-304.
  5. Panahi, Yunes, et al. "Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial." Skinmed 13.1 (2015): 15-21.
  6. de Macedo, Lucas Malvezzi, et al. "Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) and its topical applications: a review." Plants 9.5 (2020): 651.
  7. Sakr, Farouk M., et al. "Preparation and evaluation of a multimodal minoxidil microemulsion versus minoxidil alone in the treatment of androgenic alopecia of mixed etiology: a pilot study." Drug Design, Development and Therapy 7 (2013): 413.
  8. Tirabassi, G., et al. "Possible efficacy of Lavender and Tea tree oils in the treatment of young women affected by mild idiopathic hirsutism." Journal of Endocrinological Investigation 36.1 (2013): 50-54.
  9. Lee, Boo Hyeong, Jae Soon Lee, and Young Chul Kim. "Hair growth-promoting effects of lavender oil in C57BL/6 mice." Toxicological research 32.2 (2016): 103-108.
  10. Hale, Gillian. "Lavender-nature'said to strees relief." Retrieved from www. aromatherapy-stress-relief. com (2008).
  11. Adhirajan, N., et al. "In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn." Journal of ethnopharmacology 88.2-3 (2003): 235-239.
  12. Leny, Leny, et al. "Formulation of Hair Tonic from Ethanol Extract of Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tileaceus L.) Leaves in Promoting Hair Growth on Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus)." Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics 12.2 (2022): 1-5.
  13. Khulan, U., et al. "Effect of nettle extracted hair care product into some microelements content and scalp properties of women's human hair." Bulletin of the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology 5 (2018): 71-76.
  14. Nahata, A., and V. K. Dixit. "Ameliorative effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on testosterone‐induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats." Andrologia 44 (2012): 396-409.
  15. David, Penuel P., et al. "Hair regenerative activities of flavonoid-rich extract of Equisetum hyemale L.(Equisetaceae) in chemically-induced alopecia in Sprague Dawley rats." Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research 7.5 (2019): 323-330.
  16. Jang, S. H., et al. "Effects of amla (Phyllanthus embilica L.) extract on hair growth promoting." Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering Journal (2018).