Green tea may promote hair growth primarily through the action of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which stimulates hair follicles and inhibits hormones that cause hair loss.
Here's a breakdown of the mechanisms:
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EGCG and Hair Follicle Stimulation: The main component linked to hair benefits is EGCG, a catechin (antioxidant) found in green tea. Studies suggest that EGCG can stimulate hair follicles, potentially leading to increased hair growth.
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Inhibition of Hair Loss Hormones: Green tea, specifically EGCG, may combat hair loss by blocking the activity of hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). By reducing DHT's impact on hair follicles, EGCG can help prevent follicle shrinkage and subsequent hair loss.
In Summary: Green tea's potential hair-growth benefits stem from its EGCG content, which helps stimulate hair follicles and inhibit hormones that contribute to hair loss.