Topical green or white tea extract (in an ethanol solution) has been shown to grow hair both in cultured hair follicles and in human scalps.

Studies have shown that the same antioxidants in green tea that help your body fight the free radicals that attack your hair cells when you drink  it also help your scalp when you apply green tea extract. It protects your scalp from infections and gets rid of the impurities.

According to a study conducted at the Seoul University National Hospital, a key ingredient in green tea may have some validity as a topical hair loss treatment.

Most of the research so far has focused on epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, by far the most important antioxidant found in green tea.

The study focused on epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, and its effect on dermal papilla cells and hair growth cycles.

After removing and treating a section of follicular units from research subjects, the scientific team found that the EGCG stimulates hair growth by forcing hair follicles to remain in the expansion, or Anagen phase, and by increasing the active stage of dermal papilla cells (which are robust and lively during the follicular growth phase.

The researchers found specific chemical changes that promoted hair growth in the samples treated with EGCG.

EGCG showed increased hair follicle elongation, increased hair growth, and stronger proliferation of dermal papilla cells.

Ten percent EGCG in ethanol or ethanol vehicle were applied daily to two regions of the occipital scalp of three normal human volunteer for 4 successive days, and then treated areas about 1 x 1.5 cm were excised.

Tissue samples containing hair follicles were cautiously dissected into single hair follicles. Dermal papillae were selectively separated under a stereomicroscope and isolated into single cells for Western blot analysis.

According to the researchers, “it was confirmed that the events initially observed in vitro actually occurred in vivo.” So, the same chemical changes occurred in human scalps treated using 10% ECGC dissolved in ethanol. They concluded below:

In summary, our data suggest that EGCG stimulates human hair growth via its proliferative and antiapoptotic effects on DPCs, and may prolong anagen stage.

My practical advice – Use white tea extract in place of green tea extract

Although some studies have shown that topical green tea can reduce hair loss symptoms, I  would suggest using a white tea extract in the place of green tea extract.

In my opinion, applying topical white tea extract will give you a much better shot at reversing your hair loss problem

White tea is made from buds and young leaves, which are steamed or fired to inactivate polyphenol oxidase, and then dried. Thus, due to minimal oxidation, white tea retains the high concentrations of catechins present in fresh tea leaves.

Practical advice

Buy a white tea extract with as much catechins as possible (95% ECGC was used in the study) and mix it with ethanol.

A highly recommended organic white tea extract product is Organic Wu-long White Tea Extract, available at Amazon.com.

If you are looking for an organic and chemical-free white tea extract to use as a tea or to rub on your scalp, this is the product you want to use. This potent extract is made from Royal Organic Baihao Yinzhen Leaves, Organic Grain alcohol and distilled water with NO other added ingredients. As far as I am aware, this is the only organic white tea extract product currently available.

Click here to order this product from Amazon.com.

Click here to read an in depth report on topical green tea and hair growth.

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