Does Matcha Cause Hair Loss?

Recent online discussions have raised concerns about matcha's potential impact on hair health, prompting questions about whether this popular beverage deserves its superfood status. If you've been nervous about your morning matcha latte and noticing more hair in your brush, you're not alone in wondering whether your favorite beverage could be the culprit.  

This article separates fact from fiction and explores what science tells us about matcha and hair loss. 

What is matcha, and why the sudden concern? 

The matcha-hair loss conversation isn't really about matcha being inherently harmful, it's about iron. Specifically, it centers on how certain compounds in matcha may interact with your body's ability to absorb this essential trace mineral.  

Many confuse matcha with green tea for a good reason. Both come from specially grown green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) that are shade-grown to protect their natural amino acids and enhance their smooth, umami flavor. Unlike regular green tea where you steep and discard the leaves, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf in powdered form—the leaves are steamed to prevent fermentation, then destemmed, deveined, and stone-ground into a vibrant green powder.  

This shade-growing process and whole-leaf consumption make matcha distinct from traditional green tea, giving it a richer flavor profile and higher concentration of nutrients since you're ingesting the complete leaf rather than just an infusion.

Matcha's nutritional profile

Matcha is rich in polyphenols known as catechins, which are responsible for creating tannins that contribute to matcha's bitter and astringent flavor profile. While catechins are also found in fruits such as apples and grapes, tea contains a significantly higher concentration.  

Recently, research results concerning the effects of catechins have been published worldwide, and beverages containing catechins are widely sold, making it a component that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Catechins have been studied for their powerful antioxidant properties. EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate is one of the most studied and abundant catechins found in matcha and green tea, known for numerous health benefits such as supporting heart, metabolic, and cognitive health while offering anti-inflammatory properties. 

Matcha contains a high concentration of EGCG with approximately 30–70 mg per 1-gram serving, which is roughly 3 times more than standard green tea.

Could matcha contribute to hair loss?

Matcha on its own does not cause hair loss. However, understanding the nuanced relationship between this revered green powder and your body's iron metabolism can help you enjoy matcha while supporting optimal hair health. 

The key lies in matcha's naturally occurring tannins—compounds that contribute to its flavor profile but also influence how your body absorbs non-heme iron from plant-based sources. When consumed in generous quantities or alongside iron-rich meals, these tannins may slightly reduce iron absorption.  

For those already managing lower iron reserves—a surprisingly common concern affecting approximately one billion individuals worldwide, particularly women—the timing and quantity of matcha consumption can be worth considering. 

The connection to hair health is rooted in biology. "Hair follicles really need oxygen, and iron helps produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your scalp," shares Lars Skjøth, our CEO and founder. "If iron is scarce, the body might draw upon ferritin stores from the hair follicles, potentially disrupting their natural growth cycle." 

Iron absorption

While matcha offers numerous health benefits, it's important to understand its interaction with iron absorption.  

A randomized, double-blind study examined this interaction in 30 healthy women with low iron stores, testing doses of 150 mg and 300 mg of EGCG over 8-day periods. The results showed that EGCG reduced non-heme iron absorption by 14% at the 150 mg dose and 27% at the 300 mg dose compared to placebo. However, the study found this inhibitory effect was considerably smaller than previous reports for black tea and similar compounds. 

For context, a typical serving of matcha (1 gram) contains 30–70 mg of EGCG, which is significantly less than the higher dose tested in the study. The researchers concluded that normal matcha consumption is unlikely to cause clinically significant effects on iron absorption in people with healthy iron levels. However, individuals with iron deficiency may want to consume matcha between meals rather than with iron-rich foods, or consult with a healthcare provider about their tea consumption habits.

Milk and iron absorption

What else is in a matcha latte? Usually dairy, or a plant-based milk substitute. The calcium content in dairy and plant-based milks (which are often fortified with calcium, exceeding standard amounts found in cow’s milk) can interfere with iron absorption.  

In fact, a study following 21 healthy female volunteers over the course of 20 daysfound that about 30–50% more iron was absorbed when no milk or cheese was served with lunch or dinner.  

Spacing out your calcium and iron intake would significantly improve iron absorption. When compounded with the EGCG contents in matcha, a matcha latte can prove to slightly inhibit iron absorption.

How much matcha is safe to drink? 

When it comes to daily matcha consumption, moderation and timing are key. A standard serving of matcha (about 2 grams) contains approximately 64mg of caffeine, and the FDA  has determined that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe for most healthy adults. This means you could theoretically enjoy up to six cups of matcha daily from a caffeine perspective alone. However, caffeine tolerance varies from person to person, and it can cause the loss of certain minerals and hinder the absorption of others (depending on dose, timing, and overall diet), so it's wise to pay attention to how your body responds and adjust accordingly. 

For most people enjoying matcha as part of a balanced lifestyle, there's little cause for concern. As Lars notes, "Even fairly high amounts of matcha, like one in the morning, before noon, and in the afternoon would not be enough to cause a serious amount of hair loss." The key is mindful consumption: enjoy your matcha between meals rather than with iron-rich foods, stay aware of your overall caffeine intake, and if you have known iron deficiency or notice unusual hair shedding, consider consulting with a healthcare provider about the optimal timing and quantity for your individual needs. 

Correlation does not mean causation

While matcha can potentially limit absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based sources, it doesn't mean it's directly causing hair loss or an iron deficiency. 

Many people who consume matcha tend to be health-conscious consumers, which often correlates with limiting animal protein intake or following plant-based diets. By default, plant-based non-heme iron is more difficult for the body to absorb and use, requiring more support with the help of vitamin C. If you already have lower iron levels, drinking matcha alongside plant-based meals could correspond with further reduced iron absorption. 

For context, while vegans often consume as much or more iron than meat-eaters, they consume non-heme iron, which is less easily absorbed. Anemia can be avoided by combining iron-rich plant foods (lentils, beans, tofu, spinach) with vitamin C to increase absorption. 

Potential benefits of matcha for hair

Far from being a hair health concern, matcha may actually suppor thealthy hair growth when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Matcha contains EGCG and other nutrients that can help improve scalp health and potentially promote hair growth. As an anti-inflammatory powerhouse, matcha may even help protect against the damaging effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key hormone linked toandrogenetichair loss that binds to hair follicles and can eventually cause shedding, according to a study on dermal papilla cells and EGCG. Additionally, another study has demonstrated that EGCG can directly stimulate hair follicle elongation and enhance the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, which are essential for hair growth. 

Bottom line: matcha does not cause hair loss.

Matcha does not cause hair loss. Even though it may block absorption of non-heme iron, the impact is quite miniscule. If you’ve noticed increased hair loss or shedding, we recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider to identify any nutrient deficiencies or hormonal imbalances you may be experiencing. 

If your doctor finds no underlying health issues, we encourage you to visit us for a personal consultation with a hair specialist. Our expert hair specialists carefully examine your scalp and hair, potential hair thinning patterns, your health history, and hair concerns to help you find the right regimen for your unique hair and scalp biology.  

At the core of our practice, we believe that hair thinning is rarely caused by a single factor. Lars explains, "These pathways often interconnect and compound one another, which is why we developed a comprehensive, 100% customized treatment approach that addresses multiple causative factors simultaneously."