Hair Growth With Coffee Rinse : Benefits & How to Use It

Last updated: June 14, 2025 | 12 min read

I never thought my morning coffee would become my hair's best friend.

Three years ago, I was dealing with postpartum hair loss that left me feeling desperate. My once-thick hair was falling out in handfuls, and expensive treatments weren't helping. That's when my grandmother shared her secret: coffee rinses.

I was skeptical at first. Coffee? On my hair? But after seeing my results (and helping hundreds of women through my blog), I'm convinced this simple remedy deserves a spot in everyone's hair care routine.

Why I Started Using Coffee Rinses (And Why You Should Too)

My hair story probably sounds familiar. After having my daughter, my hair went from being my pride and joy to my biggest insecurity. I tried everything:

• Expensive growth serums ($80 down the drain)

• Prescription treatments that made my scalp itch

• "Miracle" oils that left my hair greasy

Nothing worked until I discovered what coffee could do for hair health.

The turning point came when I learned about caffeine's effect on hair follicles. A 2014 study in the International Journal of Dermatology showed that caffeine can actually extend your hair's growth phase and block DHT - the hormone responsible for hair loss.

But here's what the study didn't capture: the confidence boost that comes from having healthier, shinier hair again.

The Science Made Simple: What Coffee Actually Does to Your Hair

Let me break down the science without the jargon:

Caffeine wakes up your hair follicles just like it wakes you up in the morning. When you apply coffee to your scalp:

• Blood flow increases, bringing nutrients to your hair roots

• DHT (the "bad" hormone for hair) gets blocked

• Your hair's growth phase extends, meaning less shedding

Coffee's natural acidity (around pH 5) is perfect for hair because it:

• Seals your hair cuticles, reducing frizz

• Balances your scalp's oil production

• Creates that enviable shine we all want

The antioxidants in coffee protect your hair from daily damage - pollution, UV rays, and heat styling.

10 Real Benefits I've Experienced (And What to Expect)

After three years of regular coffee rinses, here's what I've noticed:

1. Significantly Less Hair in My Shower Drain

Within 6 weeks, I went from losing handfuls of hair to barely noticing any fallout. My husband even commented on how much cleaner our shower drain stayed.

2. Natural Gray Coverage

At 35, I'm getting a few grays. Coffee doesn't permanently dye your hair, but it gives a subtle tint that blends grays beautifully - no harsh chemicals needed.

3. Shinier, Softer Hair

The pH balance coffee provides smooths your hair cuticles. Think of it like closing the "scales" on your hair shaft - less frizz, more shine.

4. Faster Growth

I measure my hair growth monthly (yes, I'm that person!), and I consistently get an extra half-inch compared to my pre-coffee days.

5. Healthier Scalp

No more flakes or itchiness. Coffee's antibacterial properties keep my scalp balanced and comfortable.

6. More Volume

When your hair is healthier from root to tip, it naturally looks fuller and bouncier.

7. Stronger Hair

Split ends are rare now. The caffeine and nutrients strengthen each strand.

8. Protection from Damage

I still heat style occasionally, but my hair bounces back faster thanks to coffee's protective antioxidants.

9. Better Manageability

Styling takes half the time because my hair cooperates instead of fighting me.

10. Money in My Pocket

I've saved hundreds on salon treatments and expensive products.

My Foolproof Coffee Rinse Method (Perfected Through Trial and Error)

I'll be honest - my first few attempts were disasters. I used hot coffee (burned my scalp), left it on too long (temporary orange tint), and didn't dilute properly (sticky mess).

Here's the method I've perfected:

What You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup strong black coffee, completely cooled

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional but recommended)

• A spray bottle or applicator bottle

• A shower cap or old towel

My Step-by-Step Process:

1. Brew Your Coffee the Night Before I make extra coffee during my morning routine and save it for hair day. Use 2-3 tablespoons of grounds per cup of water for strength.

2. Let It Cool Completely This is crucial! Hot coffee will damage your hair. I leave mine out overnight or add ice cubes if I'm impatient.

3. Strain and Mix Remove all grounds (trust me on this) and add the apple cider vinegar if using.

4. Apply After Shampooing Pour or spray the coffee rinse through your hair, focusing on the scalp and roots.

5. Massage and Wait Massage your scalp for 5 minutes - this feels amazing and boosts circulation. Then let it sit for 15-20 minutes max.

6. Rinse with Cool Water Hot water opens your cuticles again, undoing the smoothing effect.

7. Follow with Conditioner Apply conditioner to your ends as usual.

Frequency: I do this 1-2 times per week. More than that can be drying.

5 Coffee Rinse Variations I Swear By

Once you master the basic rinse, try these targeted treatments:

For Growth: Coffee + Rosemary Oil

Add 5 drops of rosemary essential oil to your coffee rinse. The combination is incredible for stimulating growth.

For Dry Hair: Coffee + Honey

Mix in 1 tablespoon of raw honey for deep moisturizing. Perfect for winter or if you have naturally dry hair.

For Damaged Hair: Coffee + Egg

Whisk one egg into your cooled coffee for protein treatment. This one saved my hair after a bleaching disaster.

For Sensitive Scalps: Coffee + Aloe Vera

Add 2 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel. This is my go-to when my scalp feels irritated.

For Natural Color: Coffee + Henna

Mix coffee with henna powder for natural dyeing. This gives beautiful auburn tones on brown hair.

Real Results from Real People

I've connected with so many women through my blog who've tried coffee rinses. Here are some of their stories:

Sarah (32, new mom): "After 8 weeks of coffee rinses, my postpartum hair loss stopped completely. I actually have baby hairs growing in!"

Maria (45, dealing with thinning): "I was considering hair transplant surgery. Three months of coffee rinses later, my hair looks fuller than it has in years."

Jennifer (28, heat damage): "My hair was fried from daily straightening. Coffee rinses brought it back to life. I actually get compliments on my hair now!"

David (52, early graying): "As a guy, I was hesitant about hair treatments. But coffee rinses are simple and actually work. My gray temples look darker and my hair feels thicker."

Coffee Rinses vs. Other Natural Treatments: What I've Tried

I'm a natural hair treatment enthusiast, so I've tried everything:

Rice Water vs. Coffee

Rice water is great for length retention, but it can cause protein overload. Coffee is gentler and gives more immediate shine benefits.

Apple Cider Vinegar vs. Coffee

ACV is excellent for scalp pH, but the smell lingers forever. Coffee smells amazing and provides growth benefits ACV can't.

Green Tea vs. Coffee

Green tea has similar antioxidants but lacks the caffeine kick. Coffee wins for hair loss prevention.

Onion Juice vs. Coffee

Onion juice works for growth but... the smell. Need I say more? Coffee is much more pleasant to use.

Mistakes I Made (So You Don't Have To)

Using Hot Coffee: I learned this the hard way. Hot coffee damaged my hair cuticles and made everything frizzy.

Leaving It On Too Long: 45 minutes seemed like it would be better than 20. Wrong. I had a subtle orange tint for days.

Not Straining Properly: Coffee grounds in your hair are not fun to remove. Strain twice if needed.

Using Instant Coffee: Fresh brewed coffee works much better than instant. The processing removes beneficial compounds.

Overusing the Treatment: More isn't always better. Stick to 1-2 times per week max.

Applying to Dry Hair: Always apply to clean, damp hair for best absorption.

Your Top Questions Answered (From 3 Years of Reader Comments)

Q: Will coffee stain my blonde hair? If you have very light hair, do a strand test first. Coffee can temporarily tint blonde hair, but it washes out in a few shampoos.

Q: Can I use coffee with milk or sugar? No! Use only black coffee. Milk and sugar can make your hair sticky and attract dirt.

Q: How soon will I see results? Shine and softness - immediately. Reduced hair fall - 4-6 weeks. Growth improvements - 2-3 months.

Q: Can men use coffee rinses? Absolutely! My husband started using them after seeing my results. Great for male pattern baldness prevention.

Q: Is this safe for color-treated hair? Yes, but wait at least 48 hours after chemical coloring. Coffee can actually help seal color.

Q: Can I store leftover coffee rinse? Use fresh coffee each time. Bacteria can grow in stored coffee.

Q: What if I don't drink coffee? You don't need to drink it - just brew it for your hair! Decaf works too.

Q: Can coffee rinses replace my shampoo? No, coffee rinses are a treatment, not a cleanser. Always shampoo first.

The Bottom Line: Why Coffee Rinses Changed My Hair Game

After trying countless products and treatments, coffee rinses remain my holy grail. They're simple, affordable, and actually work.

What I love most: The ritual of it. Taking 30 minutes twice a week to care for my hair has become my self-care time. Plus, my bathroom always smells like a coffee shop!

What surprised me: How quickly I saw results. I expected it to take months, but I noticed less hair fall within weeks.

My biggest tip: Consistency matters more than perfection. Even if you only manage once a week, you'll see benefits.

Ready to Try Coffee Rinses? Start Here

If you're curious about coffee rinses, start with the basic recipe I shared above. Give it 6-8 weeks of consistent use before judging results.

Remember: hair growth takes time, but the shine and softness benefits are immediate. You've got nothing to lose except maybe some hair fall!

Have you tried coffee rinses? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if you're just starting out, let me know how it goes - I read and respond to every comment.

Want more natural hair tips? Check out my guides on [rice water treatments] and [DIY hair masks]. Follow me on social media @naturalhairjourney for weekly tips and reader spotlights.

Pin this post for later, and share it with anyone who could use some natural hair love!

About the Author

I'm a mom, blogger, and natural hair enthusiast who believes healthy hair shouldn't require a chemistry degree or a trust fund. After transforming my own hair with simple, natural treatments, I started this blog to share what actually works. When I'm not writing about hair, you can find me experimenting in my kitchen or chasing my toddler around the park.