Does Black Tea Promote Hair Growth?

The oxidized leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are used to make black tea, which is a popular beverage.

Black tea is utilized as a hair care treatment, in addition to its nutritional advantages. Many proponents claim that it aids in hair growth, color enhancement, and shine enhancement.

Black tea rinses, which administer black tea straight to the hair, have been used as a beauty cure for ages. However, you might ask if any scientific research back up these assertions.

This article covers the benefits of black tea for hair health and how to make a black tea rinse.

Potential advantages of black tea for hair health

It has the potential to improve the color of your hair

Tannins, a kind of polyphenol antioxidant that neutralizes cell-damaging chemicals called free radicals, are abundant in black tea.

Black tea, in particular, includes theaflavins and thearubigins, which give it its dark color.

Black tea rinses may offer naturally dark hair a brief boost of color and help decrease the appearance of grey hairs due to its dark pigment. However, after a few washes, this temporary fix will no longer work.

Furthermore, blonde, red, white, light brown, or other lighter hair colors do not respond well to this therapy.

May aid hair growth

Hair rinses containing black tea are commonly used to encourage hair development since the tea's strong antioxidant and caffeine content is thought to support a healthy scalp and hair.

Black tea's caffeine, according to proponents, can reach hair follicles and prevent dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated to hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia.

DHT levels beyond a certain threshold have been demonstrated to decrease hair follicles and reduce the hair development cycle, resulting in brittle, weaker hair that comes out more readily.

The topical administration of caffeine and testosterone to human skin samples increased keratin synthesis and lengthened the anagen (hair-producing) phase of hair development, according to a test-tube research.

Using a topical 0.2 percent liquid caffeine solution, another test-tube investigation found comparable outcomes. The company, on the other hand, paid for this research.

Aside from these trials, no further study has been done to see if black tea can help with hair growth. Furthermore, it's unclear how much black tea and caffeine are required, as well as how long you should leave this solution on your scalp to see effects.

As a result, more human research is required.

Finally, hunger, stress, hormones, genetics, and hair damage are all factors that contribute to hair loss. Rather of depending on black tea to cure your hair loss problems, see a dermatologist who can help you figure out what's causing your hair loss.

May aid shiny hair

Hair that is moisturized and in good condition shines. Damaged hair reflects light poorly, giving it a lifeless appearance.

Black tea rinses may increase shine by boosting hair color and promoting the growth of new, healthy hair. Despite anecdotal evidence, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory.

In fact, if left on for too long, the caffeine in black tea can dry up hair strands, especially in those who have low porosity hair, which does not retain moisture well. After rinsing off the black tea, use a conditioner.

Steps on how to rinse your hair with black tea

• In 2 cups (475 mL) of boiling water, steep 3–4 black tea bags. Steep for at least 1 hour, or until the water has reached room temperature.
• Fill a clean spray bottle halfway with black tea.
• When you're ready to use the hair rinse, start by shampooing your hair thoroughly. Before you apply the black tea, make sure your scalp is clean.
• Separate your hair into tiny parts and spritz a fair amount of tea into your scalp while it's still moist. Gently massage it in.
• Place a swimming hat over your hair and wait 30–60 minutes after you've covered your complete head.
• Rinse your hair with cold or lukewarm water and lock in the moisture with a deep conditioner.

To summarize 

Black tea is not only a delicious drink but also a popular hair care treatment.

Yet, only limited evidence suggests that applying black tea to your hair and scalp may improve hair color, shine, and hair growth, so more research is needed. It may work best on dark hair.

Though not a proven cure, black tea rinses are easy, affordable, and harmless to try.