Skim through
What it does: antioxidant, soothing
Also called: green tea, camellia sinensis leaf extract
The science
Green tea is made from the camellia sinensis plant. The process involves withering, steaming, pan-frying the leaves of the plant and then drying them. Green tea extract is different from green tea. Green tea extract is a supplement derived from the green tea plant. It contains concentrated compounds of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and flavonoids of green tea.
Green tea's key contents include:
- vitamins: vitamin C, vitamin B2, folic acid, beta carotene, vitamin E
- catechins: natural antioxidants and a type of phenolic component very abundant in tea, cocoa, and berries. In green tea, the most common catechins are epicatechin (EC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
- theanine: a type of amino acid.
- caffine: a xanthine derivative that elevates camp levels in cells by inhibiting phosphodiesterases
- saponins: a bioorganic compound
- minerals: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese
- chlorophyll: natural pigment occurring in plants
The active parts in green tea are called polyphenols, or more precisely catechins (EGCG being the most abundant and most active catechin). Green tea is proven to be a great antioxidant, UV protectant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial.
Benefits for your hair
May prevent hair loss
Studies have shown EGCG found in green tea can inhibit the effects of hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone on hair. Both these hormones have shown to decrease hair growth and increase hair loss during the hair's natural growth cycle.
Supports hair growth
EGCG found in green tea appears to increase hair growth by stimulating hair follicles and preventing damage to skin and hair cells
Softens hair and strengthens roots
Vitamin B found in green tea is good for hair health as it helps in controlling split ends, softens the hair and strengthens hair roots (follicle)
TLDR
Green tea extract is packed with anti-inflammatory and hair boosting vitamins and minerals - it's no wonder it's considered one of the world's most powerful superfoods. And although more studies need to be conducted before any final conclusions are made, it’s clear that green tea plays some sort of role with hair growth. All in all, a wonderful ingredient to add to your curl care regime.