Hair
Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 Review
The Quick Take
Alpecin's whole pitch is that caffeine stimulates hair follicles and reduces hair loss. The science is thin, but as a shampoo it's perfectly decent — and at £6 you're not losing much by trying.
What We Like
- Cleans hair well with a fresh, tingly feel
- Cheap enough to try without commitment
- The 2-minute leave-on routine feels like you're "doing something"
- Widely available in Boots, Superdrug and online
What We Don't
- Evidence for caffeine preventing hair loss is limited at best
- Can dry out hair if used daily without conditioner
- The marketing overpromises — manage your expectations
Who's It For?
Blokes who've noticed their hair thinning and want to try something before going down the finasteride/minoxidil route. It's a low-risk, low-cost starting point. If you're already significantly balding, this alone won't reverse it — see a GP or dermatologist.
The Verdict
As a shampoo, it's fine — cleans well, smells decent, doesn't irritate most scalps. As a hair loss treatment, the jury's still out. The caffeine studies exist but they're mostly in labs, not on actual heads. At £6, you might as well give it a go for a few months and see if you notice anything. Just don't expect miracles.
Where to Buy
Everywhere — Amazon UK, eBay UK, Boots, Superdrug. Often on multipack deals.