Health experts have thrown in their two cents after a wave of people on social media claimed that their matcha habit is causing them to lose their hair.
For those who haven't jumped on the hype, matcha is a green, fine powder made from ground, shade-grown green tea leaves. Traditionally, it's used in Japanese tea ceremonies but its sudden boom in popularity has seen it become a staple in people's morning routines across the world.
You can get it caffeinated or decaffeinated to suit your needs, and you can also get it as a flavoured tea, latte, or an iced beverage.
It has become increasingly popular among Gen Z and Millennials, who have been raving about the drink’s health benefits.
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People are so obsessed with the green beverage that it even led to a temporary shortage of the powder in Japan in 2024, with companies having to impose strict purchase limits on consumers.
However, some matcha fanatics have been reporting worrying side effects that they have put down to the drink.
Namely, losing their locks.
On Instagram, LA-based skincare brand founder Michelle Ranavat shared how she believes her hair began falling out after she started drinking ‘too much matcha’.
Soon, the comments became flooded with people who also believe the same thing, and it has led to experts coming out and setting the record straight.
Can matcha cause hair loss?
Eva Proudman FIT IAT, a consultant trichologist at UK Hair Consultants, explained to Refinery29 that matcha is an anti-inflammatory drink that may benefit hair and also support a reduction in dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is a key hormone linked to hair loss, and if minimised, hair will fall out less often.
“[Matcha] can help to slow down the enzyme that causes DHT,” she told the outlet, adding that the high levels of antioxidants in matcha and green teas are generally a good thing for hair growth.
“Matcha is not a standalone hair loss treatment,” Proudman continued. “But [it] does have beneficial properties that are supportive to hair and scalp health.”
However, while beneficial, Jessica Shand, a naturopathic nutritionist said the reports of hair loss could come down to your iron levels.
“Matcha contains tannins,” Shand explained. “Which are natural compounds that can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron (the type found in plant-based foods) when consumed in large amounts (more than two to three cups) or too close to meals.”
If you’re low on iron, and drinking too many matchas, you can deplete your iron further, leading to health complications and hair loss too.
However, Proudman says the association between matcha, and hair loss isn’t something to worry about.
“I do think that the connection is overblown and the ‘theories’ circulating on social media shouldn’t be taken too seriously at all.
“Matcha [consumed] normally and not to excess is actually beneficial. As with anything, too much can sometimes cause an issue, but normal usage — absolutely not!”
What else could be causing hair loss?
Hair loss can be caused by a number of things, like diet, stress, and hormone fluctuations.
If you're losing hair, it's best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Topics: Health, Food and Drink, Social Media
Britt Jones