Effectiveness of Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo in treating hereditary hair loss in men proven
Conducted at the Centre for Cosmetic Research of the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Rome, Italy.
Summary
This study on the effectiveness of Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo against hereditary hair loss in men was conducted at the Centre for Cosmetic Research of the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Rome, Italy. Over six months, either Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo or a caffeine-free shampoo was used, and the effects of the two products were compared.
The results show that hereditary hair loss was reduced and hair strength improved with the use of the caffeine shampoo. The majority of caffeine shampoo users were satisfied with the product.
Background
Most men who suffer from androgenetic alopecia (hair loss caused by male hormones, abbreviated AGA) exhibit hair loss with a specific pattern that can lead to complete baldness. Male-type AGA can occur at any time after puberty, affects nearly 50 % of 50-year-olds, and is usually genetically predisposed.
An important factor in the development of AGA is the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A hypersensitivity of the hair root to this hormone reduces the energy supply to the hair root, causing the growth cycle to be prematurely interrupted. Gradually, the hair follicles can be reduced in size and ultimately destroyed.
The caffeine-containing active ingredient in Alpecin shields the hair roots from the dihydrotestosterone attack and supplies sufficient growth energy. The growth phases become longer again, and baldness is prevented.
Method
A randomised, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study with 66 healthy men affected by androgenetic alopecia was conducted at the Centre for Cosmetic Research at the Catholic University in Rome. The skin tolerability, effectiveness against hair loss, and cosmetic properties of Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 (hereafter referred to as "Verum") were tested against Alpecin Medicinal Shampoo Concentrate for Oily Hair (hereafter referred to as "Control", i.e., a shampoo/product without caffeine) in a 6-month application.
The study participants met the corresponding age (18-55 years), phototype (Fitzpatrick I-IV), hair resistance to traction (minimum 18 hairs), and Hamilton-Norwood type (II-IV) and were selected according to the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were randomly divided into a Verum and a Control group, with 33 participants each.
7 ml of the respective shampoo was applied, left on the hair and scalp for 2 minutes, and then rinsed out. After 3 and 6 months of treatment, product effectiveness was assessed using a participant questionnaire. Skin tolerability was visually inspected and assessed using a dermatological questionnaire at the beginning, as well as after 3 and 6 months of treatment.
Results
Intensity of hair loss
No sensitivity or intolerance reactions were observed during the study. Especially after 6 months of treatment, satisfaction in the Verum group, which used Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1, was significantly higher at 85 % compared to the Control group at 36 %, which used Alpecin Medicinal Shampoo Concentrate for Oily Hair. In the Verum group, a marked improvement in hair loss intensity, a reduced number of hairs in the washbasin, as well as stronger and noticeably thicker hair, were observed.
Progression of baldness
The willingness to continue treatment with the respective product was significantly higher in the Verum group (85 %) compared to the Control group (36 %). According to the study leaders, hair strength and thickness, as well as the extent of hair loss, were significantly improved in the Verum group. Baldness progression was also reduced in the Verum group compared to the Control group. In summary, the Verum reduced premature hair loss in 73 % of the Verum participants, while the Control only reduced premature hair loss in 33 % of the Control participants.
Source
T. Sisto, C. Bussoletti and L. Celleno (2013): Efficacy of a Cosmetic Caffeine Shampoo in Androgenetic Alopecia management. II Note. Journal of Applied Cosmetology. 31, 1/2 (Jun. 2013), 57/66.