Matcha For Hair Loss: No Supplements Needed

Hair loss is a common concern that affects millions of people and can be caused by several things, including genetics, lifestyle, hormones, and nutritional deficiencies. While there’s no magic cure for improving your hairline, drinking matcha may lower your risk for further hair loss and can even help support better hair growth and scalp health- giving you potentially longer, thicker hair!

Matcha, a type of powdered green tea, is well known for its benefits in providing a jitter-free energy boost, reducing stress, and improving well-being, but it may also play a role in preventing hair loss and promoting growth. From its ability to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and benefit the scalp, matcha can be a helpful addition to your hair care routine.

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss, or alopecia, can be caused by several factors, many of which are, unfortunately, out of our control. However, there are some lifestyle factors, such as diet and stress, that can cause hair loss, which we do have more control over.

Some causes of hair loss are:

Age: Hair loss can be a natural part of getting older for many.

Genetics: One of the biggest predictors of hair loss is genetics.

Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and breastfeeding can all impact hair loss and regrowth. Male pattern baldness can be related to an increase in the male sex hormone, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). An underactive or overactive thyroid can also cause hormonal imbalances, which may lead to hair loss for some.

Medications and supplements: A side effect of certain medications and supplements can be hair loss.

Stress: It can be common to experience hair thinning or hair loss during/after a particularly stressful life event or a trauma.

Hair care: Frequently styling hair in tight styles, using harsh chemicals such as dye or bleach, frequently pulling on hair, and using excessive heat can all damage hair follicles and potentially lead to thinning.

Nutrition: Being deficient in certain key vitamins and minerals can lead to hair loss. Biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and iron are all necessary for hair growth, as is enough protein. Poor diet or crash dieting can lead to nutritional deficiencies, resulting in hair loss or thinning.

Key nutrients in matcha that support hair growth

Matcha is packed with nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins, which can help hair grow longer, stronger, and fuller. Here’s how matcha’s key components can help support hair growth:

Vitamins and minerals

Hair health depends on a number of vitamins and minerals, and a diet lacking these can lead to hair loss. Matcha contains vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis and can improve iron absorption. Both collagen and iron are key for hair strength and growth.

Matcha also contains vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and can reduce oxidative stress. One study found that participants who supplemented with vitamin E had a 34.5% increase in hair count compared to the control group.

Additionally, matcha contains zinc, which is important for hair follicle function and scalp health.

Antioxidants

Matcha green tea is exceptionally high in powerful antioxidants, mainly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). EGCG, a type of catechin, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and, therefore, can help protect the body against free radical damage and oxidative stress. Unchecked oxidative stress can damage hair follicles, increase inflammation, and cause hormonal disorders, all of which can result in hair loss.

EGCG also appears to help block DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone linked to male and female pattern baldness. One study found that EGCG can help stimulate human dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which play a role in hair follicle growth and regeneration. Increased DPC activity can promote healthier, thicker hair. Matcha contains about two to three times more EGCG than regular green tea.

L-theanine

Stress can be a huge contributing factor to hair loss and hair thinning. One study found that stress was a probable cause of hair loss for 30% of participants. Matcha is rich in l-theanine, an amino acid that can help promote relaxation and lower cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt hormone balance, trigger scalp inflation, and interfere with the hair growth cycle by keeping follicles in a prolonged resting state. By reducing cortisol levels, l-theanine may support a healthier scalp and help maintain the natural hair growth cycle.

Matcha and scalp health

A daily cup of matcha has been shown to have significant benefits. But applying it topically can also offer some direct benefits to both the scalp and hair follicles! Matcha is a rich source of antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, making it excellent for reducing scalp irritation, helping with conditions like dandruff, and enhancing blood flow.

Scalp inflammation can lead to redness, swelling, flaking, and itchiness, damaging hair follicles and disrupting hair growth. When applied topically, matcha has been shown to calm redness, itchiness, and irritation.

Good circulation ensures that your scalp and hair follicles receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow strong, healthy hair. One study suggested that the polyphenols in green tea can help improve blood flow, leading to better scalp oxygenation.

Matcha and green tea contain antimicrobial properties, which can help combat dandruff and reduce seborrheic dermatitis. Green tea has also been shown to help improve scalp pH, preventing excessive dryness or oiliness. One study published found that green tea extracts had significant antimicrobial activity against dandruff-causing bacteria.

In addition to drinking matcha, try incorporating matcha into your hair care routine.

Some ways to use matcha to help with scalp health:

Make a scalp mask to help with hydration and remove product buildup.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp matcha powder

2 tbsp aloe vera gel

1 tbsp jojoba oil

2-3 drops tea tree oil

Directions: Mix all ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply to scalp and massage gently in circular motions. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse with warm water and shampoo.

Make a matcha hair rinse to boost shine and restore scalp health.

Ingredients:

1 tsp matcha powder

1 cup cold water

Directions: Mix matcha powder with cold water and whisk well. After shampooing, pour matcha tea over your scalp and hair. Massage and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Make a matcha and apple cider vinegar toner to help with dandruff and flakiness.

Ingredients:

½ tsp matcha powder

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

½ cup cold water

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto scalp after washing hair and massage gently. Let air dry- no need to rinse.

Bottom Line: Give matcha a try for stronger, healthier hair

Hair loss can be frustrating and can take a toll on your self-esteem. While some factors, like genetics, are beyond our control, others—such as stress, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies—can be managed or improved with the right lifestyle choices. Incorporating matcha into your routine as a beverage and topically can help provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that support scalp health, reduce stress-related hair loss, and strengthen hair follicles.

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Resources:

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Yongqi Yu, Bohao Zhao, Jiali Li, Jie Yang, Zhiyuan Bao, Jiawei Cai, Yang Chen, Xinsheng Wu, (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate promotes the dermal papilla cell proliferation and migration through the induction of VEGFA, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research, Volume 1872, Issue 3, 2025, 119902, ISSN 0167-4889, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamcr.2025.119902.

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Keske MA, Ng HL, Premilovac D, Rattigan S, Kim JA, Munir K, Yang P, Quon MJ. Vascular and metabolic actions of the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate. Curr Med Chem. 2015;22(1):59-69. doi: 10.2174/0929867321666141012174553. PMID: 25312214; PMCID: PMC4909506.

Reygaert WC. The antimicrobial possibilities of green tea. Front Microbiol. 2014 Aug 20;5:434. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00434. PMID: 25191312; PMCID: PMC4138486.