Matcha, the viral Japanese brew, is going viral one more time, but not for reasons you would think. Currently touted as a wellness drink, matcha rose to prominence as an alternative to coffee. And the unique green colour and foam was an aesthetic plus point that helped its virality. But now, matcha is going viral again for a new reason—triggering hair loss.
In a reel posted by LA-based skincare brand founder Michelle Ranavat, she mentions how she believes that drinking matcha might be linked to her recent hair loss and hair thinning.
Speaking to Maria Dowling, hair expert and founder of her namesake salon in Dubai, we look to see if there is any truth to the claims. “Matcha contains a tannin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a type of polyphenol that can bind iron in the digestive tract, making it harder for the body to absorb iron.” AKA matcha can block iron absorption in the body, which is particularly bad because iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, especially for women.
So, what can we do? Go bald or go back to coffee? For the matcha-lovers reading, there are ways you can have your matcha and drink it too. “Avoid matcha with your meals, instead wait for at least one hour before you have it,” says Maria. Adjusting your diet accordingly can also help. According to Maria, “The impact of tannins on iron absorption can be mitigated by dietary adjustments, so have vitamin C-rich foods as well as iron-rich meals to increase iron absorption.”
And finally, the best way to have matcha without worrying about losing your hair is by having it in moderation. While there is no scientific evidence on what excessive matcha use can do, it is better to be safe than sorry. So have your drink, but remember not to mix it with meals and definitely remember not to go overboard!
