Topical Dimethylglycine Sodium Salt and Caffeine Shampoo Promising for Treating Male Pattern Baldness: Study
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men, affecting self-esteem and quality of life. Conventional treatments like minoxidil and finasteride have well-known efficacy but can cause side effects or be poorly tolerated by some patients. In search of safer alternatives, a new study evaluated a topical shampoo containing dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG-Na) and caffeine for hair regrowth in individuals with male pattern baldness.
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adult male participants were assigned to wash with either the DMG-Na plus caffeine shampoo or a placebo shampoo twice daily for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in hair density, measured via standardized trichoscopy. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported scalp coverage, satisfaction, and safety.
Results showed that the DMG-Na/caffeine shampoo produced a significant increase in hair density compared to placebo, with mean hair counts rising by approximately 15% by week 16 (p<0.01). Participants also reported improved scalp coverage, with higher satisfaction scores and visible hair fullness. No serious adverse events occurred, and the shampoo was well tolerated, with only minor reports of mild scalp irritation in a few subjects.
The authors suggest that the combination works through two complementary mechanisms: caffeine is thought to stimulate hair follicle metabolic activity and prolong the anagen phase, while DMG-Na may support cellular energy metabolism and hair follicle resilience. Together, they may create a favorable environment for hair growth without systemic absorption or hormonal interference.
Although these findings are encouraging, the authors caution that longer studies and comparisons with existing therapies are required. Additionally, real-world effectiveness and results across diverse populations need validation. Still, the appeal of a safe, topical, non-hormonal treatment makes this shampoo a promising candidate in the therapeutic arsenal for male pattern baldness.
Reference:
Smith, A. J., Liu, Y., & Patel, R. (2025). Efficacy and safety of a shampoo with dimethylglycine sodium salt and caffeine in male pattern baldness: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70390
