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Blue transparent bottle of "Alpecin Caffeine DMG Shampoo Anti-Dandruff" centred against a white, wavy background with an orange "NEW" label in the top left.Blue transparent bottle of "Alpecin Caffeine DMG Shampoo Anti-Dandruff" centred against a white, wavy background with an orange "NEW" label in the top left.

Our most powerful formula against hair loss* and dandruff

Caffeine DMG Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Patented active formula against hair loss* with Caffeine + DMG (Dimethylglycine)

  • Effectively reduces hair loss* and dandruff
  • May boost hair growth**
  • Removes dandruff from the first application
  • Important: Use daily and leave on for 2 minutes
  • Only available in the Alpecin Shop
€24.99200 ml (€124.95 / l) • including VAT, plus shipping

Delivery options

available

Delivery time: 2-4 working days

Free shipping on orders over €35

Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Laureth-2, Citric Acid, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Caffeine, Sodium Dimethylglycinate, Panthenol, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Chloride, Piroctone Olamine, Sodium Citrate, Propylene Glycol, Menthol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Zinc PCA, Niacinamide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Linalyl Acetate, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, CI 42090, CI 60730.

  • Use daily
  • Leave on for 2 minutes
  • Use continuously
Black-and-white close-up of a scalp with lots of hair stubble; scattered flakes of dandruff are visible between the hairs.

Mode of action: Piroctone Olamine tackles the root cause of dandruff

Piroctone Olamine works antimicrobially directly on the scalp. The active ingredient inhibits the growth of germs, fungi, and yeasts that are responsible for the formation of dandruff. Existing dandruff is thoroughly loosened and removed, whilst regular use effectively prevents new dandruff from forming.

Black-and-white close-up of a scalp with hair stubble; a red frame and arrow highlight white dandruff deposits around a strand of hair.

Dandruff-free scalp: the ideal condition for the patented active formula

Dandruff build-up and an unbalanced scalp can hinder the absorption of active ingredients at the hair root. Targeting and eliminating dandruff whilst restoring a healthy scalp creates the ideal environment for Caffeine and DMG to work effectively.

Microscopic image of the smallest blood vessels surrounding the left part of a hair root, as a visual representation of the effect of DMG on the micro-circulation of the scalp and its action against hereditary hair loss in men.

Patented formula: DMG + Caffeine

DMG activates the growth cells of the hair root and promotes micro-circulation of the scalp, which improves hair growth.

Microscopic image of the tiniest blood vessels surrounding the right part of a hair root, symbolising the effect of DMG on the micro-circulation of the scalp and its impact against hereditary hair loss in men.

Micro-blood-circulation: The foundation for healthy hair growth

In areas affected by hair loss, this is reduced to below 40 %.

This is where DMG comes in:
Its mode of action, comparable to Minoxidil, ensures improved micro-blood-circulation and the hair roots are once again supplied with nutrients.

Microscopic image of a hair root in brown and blue, intended to symbolise the effect of the Alpecin Caffeine Complex.

Additionally, caffeine stimulates the hair root

Caffeine has been known for over 20 years for its growth-stimulating effect on hair roots. It inhibits the breakdown of the intracellular messenger cAMP. As a result, more energy is available to the cells and cell growth is stimulated.

Caffeine is thus the most researched active ingredient of plant origin against hereditary hair loss.

Part two of a tripartite depiction showing a microscopic view of a hair root.

Caffeine + DMG: Even more effective when combined

Individually, caffeine and DMG are already highly potent active ingredients. In Alpecin's unique, patented active complex, they are now even more powerful.

The result: Hereditary hair loss is now effectively reduced and hair growth** can be increased.

Micro-Circulation of the Scalp

A circular heatmap of a head, predominantly in blue with a small central yellow and red area, shows intensity variations of micro-circulation against a dark blue background.

BEFORE application:

A circular heatmap of a head with vibrant red, yellow, and blue tones shows intensity variations of micro-circulation against a dark blue background.

AFTER application:

Measurement of micro-circulation before and after using Alpecin Caffeine DMG Shampoo (Vertical head shot with a special laser camera for measuring blood flow).

Bird's-eye view of a man's head with a grid displayed on it, illustrating the point that a large portion of the hair was examined in the study participants.

Measurement method: First-time evaluation of more than 10,000 individual hairs

Focus on a screen showing a close-up of hair to highlight that Dr. Wolff, together with the Fraunhofer Institute, has developed a new method to analyse hereditary hair loss in men.

In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute, Dr. Wolff Research has now taken a systemic approach to hair loss* and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the human scalp.

Whereas previous studies examined areas with only around 300 hairs, our new method, which evaluates more than 10,000 hairs per head, provides precise results:

The combination of caffeine and DMG can effectively reduce hair loss*. And in some cases, new hair growth** was even observed.

Clinical Study: Reduction in hair loss* demonstrated in 92% of participants

The graph shows the results of the hair pull test over time, comparing "Caffeine + DMG" with "Placebo." The test group decreases, while the control group increases. The X-axis marks the days, and the Y-axis shows the mean values with confidence intervals.

Double-blind, randomised, and placebo-controlled study:

The clinical study was conducted on 154 men with hereditary hair loss. These men used either the new Caffeine DMG Shampoo (verum) or a placebo shampoo over a period of 6 months.

Hair growth** can be increased

Three close-up shots of skin show hair growth at intervals: "Day 0," "Day 84," and "Day 168." Each image displays different hair density on a similar skin surface.
Phototrichogram: Clinical tests conducted at Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care Italy.

The analysis of the study subgroup showed a significant increase in hair growth**:

Effectiveness depends on individual metabolism. 74% of study participants noticed thicker, denser, and fuller-looking hair after 6 months of use.
ESzW

Dr. Erik Schulze zur Wiesche

Head of Research & Development

  • Apply daily

  • Leave on for 2 minutes

  • Use continuously

  • Tip for your daily dose of Caffeine DMG
    Use the Caffeine DMG Serum on no-wash days!

Video: The Alpecin Story

The OMR Original takes a look behind the scenes at Alpecin and shows how a chance discovery in the lab, the courage to make radical decisions, ambitious goals, and unconventional marketing paved the way for Alpecin to become the leading – and often copied – manufacturer of products against hair loss*.

FAQ: Answers to your questions

Anti-Dandruff Effect: From the very first use, the shampoo works effectively against dandruff, leaving the scalp feeling noticeably clean and well-cared for after just a short time. For the best and longest-lasting results, we recommend regular use in line with the product description.

Hair Loss* Reduction: From the first application, the active ingredients get into the skin and reach the hair roots. Further studies have shown that the hair roots are stimulated and microcirculation — which is essential for supplying nutrients — is boosted. In clinical trials using our Caffeine DMG products, a reduction in hair loss was measured in over 80% of participants within 3–6 months. However, as a user, it can often be tricky to assess the anti-hair loss effect objectively. In theory, the rate of hair loss would need to be compared before starting and after 3–6 months of daily use.

To get the best possible results, daily use is essential. The recommended contact time of 2 minutes should not be cut short. Whether tackling hereditary hair loss or dandruff — only those who stick with it and use the shampoo consistently can achieve the best long-term results.

All Dr. Kurt Wolff cosmetic products are safe for the user when used as intended and in a foreseeable manner. Cosmetic products in Europe are subject to the strict requirements of the Cosmetics Regulation. This regulation sets out all the necessary measures to ensure a high level of safety and health protection for the user. Accordingly, products may only be placed on the market once their safety for health has been confirmed.

As a research-driven company, Dr. Wolff places the greatest importance on solid research and evidence-based claims. We are pioneers in the field of the topical application of N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG), which has been confirmed through numerous patents granted to us. In order to generate valid and objective data, we rely on a high-quality study design. Our investigations — such as those into the Alpecin Caffeine DMG products — were therefore carried out in a placebo-controlled, randomised, and double-blind manner. To explain these terms:

  • Placebo-controlled: One group receives the active ingredient formulation, whilst another receives an active ingredient-free placebo formula. This allows the actual effectiveness to be assessed objectively.
  • Randomised: Participants are assigned to groups 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 the results remain unbiased.
To the general FAQs

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* hereditary hair loss
** in vivo study, subgroup analysis, placebo-controlled, n=30 participants with hereditary hair loss