Frequently Asked Questions About Our Products
Hair Care with Caffeine
Caffeine against hair loss: What does the complex consist of?
The Caffeine complex consists of Caffeine, zinc and niacin. Caffeine stimulates the hair roots, prolongs the growth phase, and improves hair growth. Niacin and zinc are important growth factors for healthy hair roots.
The combination of active ingredients containing Caffeine cancels out the inherited and undesirable effect of testosterone – the growth phases are extended to their natural length again and continued hair growth well into old age becomes possible.
Does Alpecin work the same for every man?
The effectiveness of Alpecin always depends on regular use and the individual condition of the scalp. Additionally, other factors such as physical strain, unhealthy diet (e.g., too much fast food), environmental toxins, psychosomatics, stress, vitamin deficiency, and occupational stress (e.g., wearing a helmet) can accelerate hair loss.
Male pattern baldness
Every second man is affected by hair loss. In 80% of all cases, it is male pattern baldness, known as "androgenetic alopecia," that concerns men. Hereditary hair loss is not a disease but a predisposition. Therefore, it cannot be permanently cured but must be treated continuously. Alpecin prevents hereditary hair loss. This effectiveness has been proven in the following studies.
Are Alpecin's Caffeine-containing products also suitable for women?
Alpecin products are specifically developed to meet the needs of the male scalp, which is also reflected in their scent and very masculine packaging.
However, the Caffeine active ingredient complex is effective regardless of gender, so Alpecin products can also be used by women who suffer from hereditary hair loss.
Hair Loss in Women
Additionally, Dr. Wolff has developed Plantur 21 and Plantur 39, caffeine hair care products specifically tailored to the needs of the female scalp.
Caffeine DMG Shampoo
How long does it take for an effect to occur?
Already after 3 months of regular use, clinical studies have shown a significant reduction in hereditary hair loss.
How often should the shampoo be used?
For a successful anti-hair loss routine, daily and consistent use is highly recommended. Please note the required exposure time of 2 minutes.
Are there any side effects?
Unlike medicinal products, no undesirable side effects are to be expected with regular use. None were found in studies or reported by consumers so far.
Caffeine DMG Serum
How long does it take for an effect to occur?
Already after 3 months of regular use, clinical studies have shown a significant reduction in hereditary hair loss.
How often should the serum be used?
For a successful treatment of hereditary hair loss, it's essential to apply Caffeine DMG to the scalp daily. Important: Do not rinse out the serum.
Are there any side effects?
Unlike medicinal products, no undesirable side effects are to be expected with regular use. None were found in studies or reported by consumers so far.
Caffeine Shampoo C1
My scalp is sensitive. How long should I leave the Caffeine shampoo on?
In principle, the Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 is well tolerated. Nevertheless, the longer you leave the shampoo on the scalp, the more intensive the effect of the Caffeine. This, however, may increase the risk of scalp redness especially for sensitive scalps. Therefore, you should pay close attention to how your scalp reacts when you leave the product on longer. Normally, 2 minutes should be enough to stimulate the hair roots.
Alternatively, you can use an Alpecin Shampoo for sensitive scalps and prevent hereditary hair loss in combination with daily use of the Alpecin Caffeine Liquid.
Does the Caffeine shampoo effect increase if I leave it on for longer than 2 minutes?
The efficacy of a Caffeine-containing shampoo to treat hereditary hair loss was demonstrated in scientific studies [in vivo] after being left on for just two minutes – from application to rinsing out. The presence of stimulating Caffeine was confirmed after just 120 seconds which means there is no need to leave the product in for longer. A study has, however, shown that absorption of the active ingredient increases for a period of up to 30 minutes. After that, penetration via the skin surrounding the follicles increases to such an extent that an additional Caffeine supply is ensured for up to about eight hours.
If the product is left on the scalp for longer than 2 minutes, check your scalp type and scalp condition. Depending on the scalp's sensitivity, leaving the product on excessively long can result in temporary redness. To achieve a particularly intensive protective effect, we therefore recommend the combined use of Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 and Alpecin Caffeine Liquid.
Why should I leave Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 on for at least 2 minutes?
Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 must be left on the scalp for at least 2 minutes so that sufficient Caffeine can penetrate to the hair roots and prevent hereditary hair loss.
Caffeine Liquid
After 3 weeks of use, I still haven't noticed any improvement in my hair loss.
In humans, the hair cycle is individual for each hair. Some of your hairs are actively in the growth phase (anagen), while others have entered the resting phase (telogen) at the same time. Hair roots are usually in a growth phase for around 8 years before entering a resting phase of around 5 to 8 months. The hair then falls out. A new growth cycle then begins, which can be repeated 8 to 20 times.
After using the caffeine liquid, it may take some time for the hair roots to recover and transition from the resting phase to a renewed growth phase. Normally, the increased hair loss should decrease noticeably after a period of approx. 3 to 4 months.
After a year of use, my hair has not grown back. Does it not work at all?
The effect of Alpecin Caffeine Liquid targets hair roots that are still alive. The Caffeine complex strengthens existing but already weakened hair and hair roots. However, it is not a hair restoration product.
Is it possible to overdose on Alpecin by applying the liquid multiple times in a single day?
No, the Caffeine in Alpecin Caffeine Liquid is absorbed through the hair canal and scalp in just the right amount, making it completely safe even for individuals sensitive to Caffeine. Additionally, since the active ingredient is applied directly to the scalp, the amount that enters the rest of the body is minimal and negligible.
Caffeine Shampoo C1 Black Edition
Does Caffeine penetrate even though the shampoo is rinsed out?
Yes, a study by the Charité University Hospital shows that the Caffeine in a shampoo formulation is able to penetrate the skin and hair follicles, where it is available for up to 24 hours through a depot.
What do competitive athletes need to consider when using Caffeine shampoo?
Caffeine can be detected in the hair follicle. Until 2004, the substance was on the World Anti Doping Agency's (WADA) doping list. It is still in the monitoring programme today.
Do coffee or energy drinks work to prevent hair loss?
No. The Caffeine must reach the hair root directly without any detours. The carrier base and the unique galenics make this possible with Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo.
Caffeine Hair Booster
Can I style my hair as normal after application?
Yes, allow the hair to dry briefly after application or blow-dry and then style as usual.
How much of the Caffeine Hair Booster do I need for one application?
The Caffeine Hair Booster should be applied to the entire scalp to supply the hair roots with the Caffeine complex. The easiest way is to apply directly to the parting using the dosing tip.
How do I know if it's working?
From the very first application, you may notice a slight tingling sensation on your scalp, accompanied by a refreshing feeling. After just a few uses, your hair should feel stronger and have more grip.
Double Effect Caffeine Shampoo
Do I have to use the double effect caffeine shampoo permanently?
In principle, yes. Thanks to the double effect, i.e. the simultaneous action against dandruff and hair loss, the shampoo prevents hereditary hair loss and gets rid of annoying dandruff. Both causes are permanent, i.e. the hereditary predisposition and the risk of skin irritation and dandruff caused by microorganisms and sebum persist throughout life.
What are the benefits of a scalp massage with the Alpecin Double Effect for hair loss?
By massaging the head with Alpecin Double Effect Caffeine Shampoo, the active ingredients are better absorbed by the skin and the hair roots and a supply of active ingredients (depot) is created. In addition, the gentle pressure removes the top cuticle layer more effectively.
Grey Attack MAX Caffeine & Color Shampoo
When should I use Grey Attack MAX?
Grey Attack MAX is ideal for men who have their first or already slightly more gray hair and want a quick colour result. It is best suited for light brown to black hair as a natural hair color. WARNING: Can cause violet discolouration on white hair.
Is the shampoo suitable for daily use?
Yes, Alpecin Grey Attack MAX is suitable for daily hair washing. It reliably removes sebum and dirt from the hair and scalp. No other shampoo needs to be used in addition to cleansing the hair. Important: Leave Grey Attack MAX on for 2-5 minutes – from application to rinsing.
When can visible colour results be expected?
The result depends on the condition and the amount of grey hair. The colour effect develops gradually and can become visible after just 2 weeks of daily use. Important: Leave Grey Attack MAX on for 2-5 minutes – from application to rinsing. The intensity of the colour effect can be increased by the length of the exposure time.
Grey Attack Caffeine & Color Shampoo
When should I use Alpecin Grey Attack Shampoo?
Grey Attack is ideal for men with their first signs of grey hair or slightly grey hair who want a quick colour result. It is best suited for natural hair ranging from light brown to black.
Warning: May cause violet discolouration on white hair.
Is Grey Attack Shampoo suitable for daily shampooing?
Yes, Alpecin Grey Attack Shampoo is suitable for daily hair washing. It effectively removes sebum and dirt from the hair and scalp, eliminating the need for an additional shampoo. For best results, leave Grey Attack on for 2–5 minutes from application to rinsing.
How long do I have to use Grey Attack and when will the first results be visible?
The result depends on the condition and amount of grey hair. The colour effect develops gradually and becomes noticeable after 3 weeks of daily use. For optimal results, leave Alpecin Grey Attack Shampoo on the scalp for 2–5 minutes, from application to rinsing. Both the colour effect and Caffeine absorption improve with longer exposure time.
Tuning-Shampoo
When should I use the Alpecin Tuning Shampoo?
Alpecin Tuning Shampoo is suitable for dark blonde to black hair. Its intensive pigments help maintain the hair's dark colour while the Caffeine complex strengthens the hair roots.
The dark shade is preserved by the shampoo's pigments, leaving the hair looking darker and fuller. When used early, it can delay the appearance of the first grey hairs. The colour effect is subtle and becomes more pronounced with regular use, but it gradually washes out when a regular shampoo is used. For optimal results, use daily and leave it on for 2–5 minutes before rinsing.
What happens if I use the shampoo on light, completely grey or white hair?
Tuning Shampoo is designed to conceal the first grey hairs or to maintain dark hair's natural colour. However, on lighter-coloured hair, the results may appear less natural. If you want to better conceal grey hair, we recommend using our Grey Attack Shampoo. Unlike Tuning Shampoo, its active ingredient penetrates the hair and does not wash out.
Is the Tuning Shampoo suitable for daily hair washing?
Yes, Tuning Shampoo is suitable for daily use on dark blonde to black hair. With each application, the colour pigments accumulate, creating a more intense colour effect over time. This effect gradually washes out when a regular shampoo is used. Additionally, the Caffeine complex activates the hair roots, with its effects detectable after just 2 minutes of application.
Hybrid Sensitive Caffeine Shampoo
"Hybrid technology" in shampoo?
The Hybrid Sensitive Caffeine Shampoo combines a particularly gentle and moisturising cleansing of the scalp and hair with the powerful effect of Alpecin Caffeine for the hair roots. It has been specially developed for dry and sensitive scalps. Thanks to its moisturising effect, Alpecin Hybrid Sensitive Caffeine Shampoo is particularly suitable for dry scalps that are prone to small, fine flakes. Scalp itching is reduced.
The Caffeine complex also prevents hereditary hair loss.
What to do if your scalp itches?
More than one in four men experiences a sensitive scalp. Symptoms such as itching, dryness, redness, or a feeling of tightness can occur, depending on individual predisposition. These issues are often linked to dry, sensitive scalps, which may result from underproduction of the sebaceous glands, disrupting the scalp's natural balance.
In such cases, it is crucial to use a shampoo that does not further dry out the scalp. Alpecin Hybrid Sensitive Caffeine Shampoo gently cleanses the hair while moisturizing and soothing the scalp. It helps reduce scalp itching and, thanks to its Caffeine complex, strengthens the hair roots and prevents hereditary hair loss.
I notice an increase in dandruff. Which shampoo is right for me?
Many people don’t realize that not all dandruff is the same. To effectively cleanse the scalp and hair and address the issue, it’s important to distinguish between 'dry dandruff' and 'oily dandruff.'
Dry Dandruff
Dry dandruff occurs when the scalp produces too little sebum, causing it to lose its natural balance. This results in small, fine flakes and often an itchy scalp. In such cases, the scalp is dry and flaky.
For a dry scalp, gentle and moisturizing cleansing is recommended. Alpecin Hybrid Sensitive Caffeine Shampoo is particularly suitable, thanks to its gentle formulation. It moisturizes the scalp and promotes its regeneration.
Oily Dandruff
Oily dandruff tends to be larger, plaque-like flakes and is associated with an oily scalp. For this type of dandruff, Alpecin Double-Effect Caffeine Shampoo is ideal. In the first step, it dissolves encrusted horny cells and thoroughly removes dandruff from the scalp. The effective anti-dandruff ingredients, salicylic acid and piroctone olamine, prevent the formation of new dandruff. In the second step, the Caffeine complex penetrates the hair roots. This prevents hereditary hair loss.