Matcha has become a staple in many wellness routines — prized for its antioxidants, energy-boosting effects, and calming L-theanine. But as with any trendy health food, new concerns inevitably arise. One question that’s surfaced recently: Can matcha cause hair loss?

‍

The short answer: it’s highly unlikely that matcha directly causes hair loss. In fact, in moderation, it may actually support hair health. But there are a few caveats to be aware of — especially if you’re consuming large amounts or have certain sensitivities.

How matcha could support hair health

Matcha is rich in compounds that can actually nourish your hair from the inside out:

‍

• Antioxidants (EGCG): Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent catechin in green tea, has been shown to promote hair growth by stimulating dermal papilla cells — the same cells that regulate the hair growth cycle.
• Anti-inflammatory benefits: Chronic inflammation contributes to hair loss, particularly in conditions like telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia. Matcha’s anti-inflammatory effects may help create a healthier scalp environment.
• Improved circulation: Some studies suggest that green tea extracts enhance blood flow to the scalp, supporting follicle health and nutrient delivery.

In other words, the right amount of matcha can actually be a friend to your follicles.

When matcha could contribute to hair shedding

While matcha itself isn’t the culprit, certain factors associated with how (and how much) it’s consumed might indirectly impact your hair:

1. Excessive caffeine intake

Matcha contains caffeine — roughly 60–70 mg per teaspoon. Too much caffeine can elevate cortisol (your stress hormone) and interfere with sleep. Chronically high cortisol levels can, over time, contribute to stress-related hair shedding.

‍

Tip: Stick to one to two cups per day, and avoid matcha too late in the day to protect your sleep quality.

2. Iron absorption interference

Like other teas, matcha contains tannins that can reduce iron absorption. Iron deficiency is a major and often overlooked cause of hair loss, especially in women.

‍

Tip: Drink matcha between meals — not with iron-rich foods — and make sure your ferritin (iron storage) levels are optimized through diet or supplements if needed.

‍

Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, liver, seafood like clams and oysters, legumes such as lentils and chickpeas, nuts and seeds, whole grains, leafy greens like spinach and kale, vegetables like broccoli and peas, and dried fruits such as raisins and apricots.

3. Quality and contamination concerns

Lower-quality matcha, particularly inexpensive or non-organic varieties, may contain heavy metals like lead or aluminum from contaminated soil. Chronic exposure can contribute to systemic inflammation and poor hair health.

‍

Tip: Choose ceremonial-grade organic matcha from reputable Japanese sources to minimize toxin exposure.

4. Underlying nutritional imbalance

If you’re using matcha as a meal replacement or skipping breakfast after drinking it, you may unintentionally reduce your protein and calorie intake — both essential for strong hair growth.

‍

Tip: Make sure your first meal includes protein and healthy fats (like avocado or Greek yogurt with chia seeds).

My conclusion on matcha and hair loss concerns

Matcha won’t make your hair fall out — but how you consume it matters. When enjoyed in moderation and sourced carefully, it can actually support thicker, healthier hair thanks to its powerful antioxidants and circulation-boosting properties.

‍

If you’ve noticed hair shedding and suspect your matcha routine could be a factor, take a closer look at:

‍
✅ Your caffeine intake
✅ Iron levels
✅ Matcha quality
✅ Overall nutrition and stress

‍

Your best bet? Keep matcha as part of a balanced, nutrient-rich lifestyle — not a replacement for it.

‍

In summary:

‍

• Moderate matcha = great for scalp and hair health.
• Too much caffeine or poor-quality matcha = possible triggers for shedding.
• Balance and quality are key.