FAQ Shampoos & LiquidsFAQ Shampoos & Liquids: Frequently Asked Questions About Our Products

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.

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.

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.

If you have a genetic predisposition, you should start using it as early as possible, namely after puberty. From this point on, male testosterone, in the case of a genetic predisposition, exerts its negative effect on the energy supply of the hair roots, causing a shortening of the growth phases until premature hair loss occurs. Hereditary hair loss is therefore not a question of age.

The regular energy supply from the Caffeine complex extends the growth phases of individual hairs, making hair growth possible even into old age.

If the treatment is interrupted, the phases shorten again, and the hair falls out prematurely. Therefore, successful prevention of hereditary hair loss must be started early, carried out regularly, and maintained continuously. Daily and consistent use is highly recommended.

Clinical studies have shown that after approximately three months of daily use of a Caffeine product, a reduction in hair loss can be noticed. Over a longer period, it becomes apparent that the hair is more manageable, stronger, and more resilient.

There are initial indications that hair loss may be a late or long-term consequence of a COVID-19 infection*. This may be a form of hair loss that occurs due to a weakening of the organism by an illness with SARS-CoV-2. The exact relationship between the illness and hair loss is still the subject of scientific research.

Caffeine-containing products like those from Alpecin or Plantur have been developed and tested with regard to hereditary or menopausal hair loss. In 2019, caffeine was highlighted by independent British hair researchers as the best-researched plant-based substance against hair loss. The fact that caffeine-containing hair care products can prevent hereditary hair loss and positively influence the energy metabolism of the hair root has been confirmed in numerous scientific studies. So far, no studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of caffeine hair care (e.g., shampoo, liquid) on hair loss due to a COVID-19 infection.

Source:

S. Lopez-Leon et al: More than 50 Long-term effects of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis | medRxiv, 2021

The caffeine from coffee is not capable of penetrating the scalp or the hair follicle. A special carrier base (galenic formulation) is necessary to transport the active ingredients to the location where they can exert their effect.

Does Alpecin really help against hair loss?

The specially developed galenic formulation of Alpecin products by Dr. Wolff Research transports the caffeine to the hair follicles, where it has been proven to stimulate the hair root. The effectiveness has been demonstrated in the following studies.

Already after 3 months of regular use, clinical studies have shown a significant reduction in hereditary hair loss.

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.

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.

No, what's important is the daily dose of Caffeine DMG. The serum is ideal for days when you don't wash your hair or when you use a shampoo without the active ingredient DMG.

As a scientifically oriented company, Dr. Wolff places the highest value on sound research and evidence-based statements. We are currently a pioneer in the field of topical application of N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG). To generate valid and objective data, we rely on a high-quality study design. Our investigations – for example into the Alpecin Caffeine-DMG products – were therefore conducted in a placebo-controlled, randomised, and double-blind manner. A brief explanation of these terms:

• Placebo-controlled: One group receives the active ingredient formulation, another receives a placebo. This allows the actual effectiveness to be assessed objectively.
• Randomised: Allocation to the groups is made at random in order to avoid systematic bias.
• Double-blind: Neither the study participants nor the technical staff know who is receiving which treatment, ensuring unbiased results.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, simply wait approximately 3 minutes after massaging in Alpecin Caffeine Liquid to allow it to absorb, and then use your preferred styling product, such as hair gel, wax, or hairspray.

Yes, Alpecin Caffeine Liquid can be applied to dry hair. Use the dosing tip to apply it directly to the scalp and massage it in. Since the liquid penetrates the scalp quickly, you can style your hair as usual afterward. Avoid contact with the eyes, as the alcohol may cause a slight burning sensation that will subside quickly.

The Caffeine complex quickly penetrates to the hair roots and forms an active ingredient depot there that lasts for up to 24 hours. Daily use is absolutely essential to constantly supply the hair roots with sufficient growth energy and to protect against the negative effects of testosterone. This has been proven by studies.

In rare cases, increased hair loss may occur temporarily ("shedding").

Hair loss due to head massage?

The intensive head massage can cause hair that is in the resting phase to be increasingly massaged out of the follicle. After a short time, however, this increased hair loss recedes and the hair growth cycles can regenerate.

The effectiveness of all products is subject to the individual metabolism of each individual. Even medicines have no guaranteed effect. The reason for this is that every person reacts differently. Some effects are also not perceived immediately, e.g. severe hair loss may have reduced but still be slightly increased.

The easiest way to dose is to apply Caffeine Liquid with the dosing tip directly to the scalp, parting by parting, so that it can be massaged into the entire scalp. Particularly vulnerable areas on the forehead and the back of the head should be treated well; however, do not neglect areas with full hair growth.

Alpecin Caffeine Liquid is a cosmetic product for increasing the productivity of your hair roots, which is of course subject to the provisions of the European Cosmetics Regulation. This means that cosmetics must be free from side effects, and of course Alpecin Caffeine Liquid is no exception.

No, alcohol is not harmful and does not have any negative effects on the hair. In fact, the alcohol in Alpecin ensures quick absorption and helps deliver the active ingredients even through oily skin layers. This is particularly beneficial if you want to use Alpecin daily without washing your hair every day. Water alone cannot achieve this, as it tends to roll off the skin.

Apply Alpecin Caffeine Liquid in the morning and after each hair wash. Use the dosing tip to apply it directly to the towel-dried scalp, then massage it in. Do not rinse it out! Allow the liquid to dry briefly before combing through your hair and styling as usual.

Yes, allow the hair to dry briefly after application or blow-dry and then style as usual.

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.

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.

The Caffeine can be detected at the hair root for 24 hours. Daily use is therefore ideal for strengthening hair growth in the long term.

The alcohol in the Hair Booster ensures quick absorption, helping to deliver the Caffeine complex directly to the hair roots. This is especially important if you have not washed your hair beforehand.

The Caffeine Hair Booster can be used in combination with any shampoo. For the ideal Caffeine supply, we recommend a shampoo from Alpecin, e.g. the Alpecin C1 Black Edition.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The colour intensity and Caffeine absorption increase with the exposure time. Leave the Tuning Shampoo on the scalp for 2 to 5 minutes - from application to rinsing. The colour effect only becomes apparent with regular use and is gradually washed out again with normal shampoo.

The hair effect

The Caffeine complex also prevents hereditary hair loss. A daily hair wash with the Tuning Shampoo supplies the hair roots with the activating Alpecin Caffeine. It can be detected after just 2 minutes of application.

No, this is not possible because the tuning process is very gentle. Alpecin Tuning Shampoo is not a colouring agent or permanent hair dye, so it can be used without concern for discolouration. Neither the scalp nor the hands will become discoloured during hair washing.

To prevent discolouration of surfaces or textiles, ensure that shampoo residues are rinsed off thoroughly.

By starting to use Alpecin Tuning Shampoo early, you can delay the appearance of your first grey hairs. During daily shampooing, powerful colour pigments are deposited on the hair, allowing dark hair to stay dark and concealing the first grey hairs with regular use.

If you already have more noticeable grey hairs, such as on the temples or throughout the main hair, Alpecin Grey Attack Shampoo is a better option. Unlike Alpecin Tuning Shampoo, Grey Attack does not just temporarily cover grey hairs—it gradually darkens them over time for a longer-lasting effect.

Apply the shampoo and leave it on for 2–5 minutes before rinsing. The colour effect intensifies the longer you leave it on. With daily use, the first results are typically visible after approximately 4–5 applications, depending on your natural hair colour.

Alpecin Tuning Shampoo is designed to keep dark hair darker for longer. It is ideal for men who have not yet developed grey hair or have just started noticing a few grey strands and want to conceal them. The colour effect intensifies with each application but washes out with a normal shampoo, as the colour pigments attach only to the surface of the hair.

Alpecin Grey Attack, on the other hand, contains the active ingredient DHI, which reacts with oxygen to allow the colour pigments to penetrate the hair. This Caffeine & Color Shampoo is suitable for men who already have more noticeable grey hair and want to darken it gradually without creating a dyed appearance.