How to Do a Coffee Hair Treatment

Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: December 2, 2024 Fact Checked

Coffee can do more than just perk you up in the morning--research shows that coffee can stimulate hair growth while increasing shine and adding depth to dark hair. But you won't see these effects just sipping on a cup of joe--you’ll need to apply the coffee directly to your hair.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Treating Your Hair with a Coffee Rinse

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Brew a strong pot of coffee. A regular cup of coffee uses 2 tablespoons (7-9 g, or 2 scoops of a coffee measurer) of grounds per cup, which uses about 6 oz (178 ml) of water.^{[1]
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Research source} To make the coffee stronger, add another 1-2 tablespoons of grounds. For a pot equivalent to 8 cups of coffee, use 48 oz (1.5 L) of water and 18-20 tablespoons (80g) of grounds.
- Note that the stronger the coffee, the darker the brew. Soaking your hair with coffee will darken your color, which can be great for brunettes or people with gray hair, as it can add depth and darken your hair color.^{[2]
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- If you are blonde or have light red hair, or have dyed your hair a light color, you may may want to try a different method of treating your hair. Otherwise, you may end up with dingy or dirty looking hair.^{[3]
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- If you don't have coffee, you can use a ground espresso instead.^{[4]
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EXPERT TIP

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist

Did You Know? A coffee hair treatment stimulates blood flow to the scalp. This rejuvenates hair follicles and can help to increase your rate of hair growth!
Shampoo your hair as normal, rinsing well. Make sure you have completely rinsed out the shampoo. Use your hands to gently squeeze out any excess water from your hair--it doesn't need to dry completely, but it shouldn't be dripping wet.^{[5]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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Standing in the bathtub, pour cold coffee through your hair, starting at the roots. For a thorough treatment, use a bucket or large bowl to catch the coffee drippings as you pour it through your hair. Then pour the drippings back through your hair a second time.^{[6]
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- If you want more control over the application, transfer the cooled coffee into a spray bottle and spray it into your hair.^{[7]
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- If you are worried about the coffee staining your bathtub or shower floor, pour the coffee through your hair while leaning over a bucket, so it catches the drippings.
- Rinse any coffee out of your bathtub immediately to prevent staining.
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Gather your hair under a shower cap and let it sit for 20-60 minutes.^{[8]
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Research source} If you don't have an old shower cap, wrap your hair in an old towel you don't mind ruining. Remember that coffee will stain fabrics and some porous surfaces, so don't let your hair drip onto carpeting or furniture, and don't wear any nice or light-colored clothing.^{[9]
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- If any coffee got on your face or ran down your neck, clean it off with soap and water so it doesn't stain your skin.^{[10]
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- The longer you leave the coffee in, the darker your hair may become.
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Rinse your hair with warm water and allow your hair to air dry. Repeating this treatment will make your hair darker, shinier, and will increase hair growth while minimizing shedding.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- If you want to make the most of the coloring properties of coffee, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar, as this will help the color to set.
Combine coffee and oils for luxurious hair. "I always just dumped leftover morning coffee into my hair masks without thinking much about it. But after reading this article, I realized brewing a super strong batch specifically for my hair makes a way bigger difference! Now, before my shower, I'll brew up a crazy strong pot, almost like sludge, and mix it with my favorite hair oils. My hair is noticeably smoother and shinier; even my friends ask me what I'm doing differently!" - Dahlia S.

Simplify coffee hair techniques. "I'm not going to lie; some of those fancy hair mask recipes seem way too complicated for me. This article spells everything out nice and easy — I don't have to know any wild chemistry terms or buy weird specialty ingredients. Now I can whip up a simple coffee mixture with stuff from my kitchen, pop it on my hair, and get shampoo commercial-worthy locks! Even my split ends look better. These easy steps make me feel like I'm pampering myself at a salon." - Frank L.

See visible improvements from a coffee treatment. "I'll be honest: when I first read about using coffee on hair, I was skeptical. But as a total coffee fiend, I had to give it a try! After doing the rinse method just one time, I was flat-out amazed. My hair looked noticeably shinier, almost like I got highlights! Even my husband commented that my hair seemed thicker and healthier. Now, a weekly coffee treatment is as essential to me as my morning cold brew. Who knew something I love drinking could also transform my limp locks?" - Simantini D.

Alleviate worries over coffee staining. "If I'm being real, I was worried about dumping coffee on my hair because of staining disasters I've had in the past (RIP white t-shirt). But this article clearly explains how to avoid ruining my clothes or bathroom during the process. It was super helpful to know I should stand over a bucket and use an old towel. Now, I don't stress about potential spills or stains. I can just relax and treat myself to a mood-and-mane-boosting coffee session!" - Anuli C.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Treating Your Hair with Coffee Grounds

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1
Brew a pot of coffee using about 8 tablespoons (or 30-35 g) of coffee grounds. You only need about a handful of grounds, so this should give you enough to work with. Feel free to add more or less, depending on what you think you'll need.^{[12]
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- Coffee grounds will darken your hair, so if you have light-colored hair, you may want to find another method to make your hair glow.^{[13]
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You don't want the coffee grounds to go down the drain--they can mess with your plumbing and should be disposed of in the trash rather than down the drain. A filter will catch the grounds before they get into your pipes, and when you are finished with your treatment you can toss them in the trash.^{[14]
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Massage a handful of cooled coffee grounds into wet hair. Work the grounds into your hair, rubbing it into your scalp and scrunching it into your longer locks.^{[15]
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Research source} The rough grounds will exfoliate your scalp, which stimulates your hair follicles and can kick-start hair growth.^{[16]
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- If you want to make the coffee scrub part of your regular grooming routine, dry out the grounds and then add them to your shampoo, conditioner, or hair oil.^{[17]
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Rinse your hair, making sure you wash out all the coffee grounds. The coffee grounds should have removed any buildup from your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and healthy. Dispose of the coffee grounds you caught in the drain by throwing the filter into the garbage or compost.
- With regular use, you may notice your hair is growing faster, too. The caffeine in coffee blocks a hormone that causes hair loss and allows your hair to remain in its growth cycle longer than normal. Try using coffee grounds once or twice a week.
- Dry your hair with an old towel, and remember if your wet hair drips on your clothes the coffee may ruin them. Wear a towel around your shoulders or an old T-shirt until your hair is dry.

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Question

Is caffeine good for your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Caffeine is good for your scalp and your hair follicles. It helps hair growth but has no effect, good or bad, on your hair strands.

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Question

Are coffee grounds good for your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, coffee's slightly acidic pH helps to smooth the hair's cuticles, adding shine. The oils in the beans smooth and moisturize hair.

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Question

What effect will this mask have on naturally jet black curly hair?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Since your hair is already jet black, the coffee shouldn't make it any darker. However, it will still provide shine and stimulate hair growth.

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Warnings

Do not use coffee treatment on very light or bleached hair. Coffee will stain porous or light hair.

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Be sure the coffee is not at all hot. Your scalp is more sensitive to temperature than your hands, so if it feels hot to the touch it will feel hotter on your head.

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Coffee can stain your towels and other equipment; keep this in mind when you set up your treatment area.

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