Can matcha cause hair loss: what the experts say

Against this backdrop, some drinkers are seriously considering whether to give up their second cup of green latte a day. Experts explain: there is indeed a link between matcha, iron and hair condition, but it does not apply to everyone. This is reported by Elle.

The idea that matcha can affect hair resonated after Michelle Ranaavat, the founder of the Ranavat brand, told social networks that regular matcha consumption caused her hair loss to increase and tests showed low iron levels. She attributes this to the fact that matcha can reduce iron absorption - and iron deficiency is thought to be a factor in hair loss.

Experts confirm: a mechanism is possible, but dosage and context are crucial.

How iron is linked to hair growth

For hair to grow normally, hair follicles need oxygen.

"Iron helps to produce haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the scalp," explains Lars Sjött, founder of Hårklinikken.

If iron is lacking, the body can "take" ferritin (spare iron) from the hair follicles, disrupting the hair growth cycle and accelerating hair loss.

However, as functional nutritionist Brianna Diorio reminds us, any teas high in tannins and polyphenols, including matcha, can reduce the absorption of non-heme iron (from plant foods), especially when taken with meals. Tannins bind to such iron and interfere with its normal absorption.

According to trichologist Jay Small, beverages with tannins (coffee, tea) can reduce the absorption of non-heme iron by 80-90% if you drink them with food. If consumed long term and frequently against the background of already low iron levels, this may aggravate the deficiency. Iron of animal origin (heme-iron) suffers less from this effect.

According to Diorio, the "perfect storm" looks like this:

• you drink 4-6 cups of matcha a day,

• you're already iron deficient,

• your diet is mostly plant-based, with a predominance of non-heme iron,

• and you regularly drink matcha with or immediately after meals.

In such a case, matcha may indeed indirectly affect hair loss through exacerbating iron deficiency.

The norm for most people and possible benefits

For a healthy person in a normal situation, the scenario is much milder.

"Even fairly high amounts, like a cup in the morning, before noon and another in the afternoon, are unlikely to cause serious hair loss on their own," notes Lars Schjøt.

What's more, there are potential upsides to the match. BosleyMD brand trichologist Gretchen Friese reminds us that matcha contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), vitamins and minerals that can promote scalp health and indirectly support hair growth through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

How to drink matcha if you're worried about your hair

Experts suggest simple rules of thumb:

• Don't wash down your matcha with a meal. It's optimal to drink it 1-2 hours before or after a meal, especially if you get your iron mainly from plant sources.

• Watch the amount. A couple of cups a day won't be a critical load for most people.

• Support iron absorption. If you're taking iron supplements or trying to increase iron levels through diet, combine them with vitamin C (such as orange juice), which improves absorption of non-heme iron.

If you're noticing increased hair loss, it's worth not only looking at your matcha mug, but also checking your iron and ferritin levels, assessing your diet, stress, hormone levels and other factors that affect your hair growth cycle.

Overall, as experts emphasise, moderate consumption of matcha is unlikely to cause serious hair loss on its own. Much more important is the overall iron deficiency and dietary pattern than a single cup of green latte, according to the author of the material.