Recent claims about hair loss have sparked concern among matcha enthusiasts. Many are turning to social media to discuss the green tea’s potential downsides, reporting issues like unexpected shedding and extreme thinning. This has led even the most devoted matcha drinkers to question their daily habit. How could something praised for its benefits—such as boosting metabolism, improving brain function, reducing inflammation, and promoting calm and focus—suddenly be linked to hair loss?

Before you decide to throw out your matcha powder, it’s worth considering a few things. If you’re experiencing hair loss while drinking matcha daily, it might actually point to a larger underlying issue.

So, does matcha cause hair loss?
The good news is no—drinking matcha is not a direct cause of sudden hair loss. Experts suggest that unexpected shedding may instead be related to matcha’s effect on iron levels. As explained by Dr. Heather Viola, a primary care physician and assistant professor at Mount Sinai, matcha contains compounds that can bind to iron in the digestive tract, making it harder for your body to absorb this essential mineral. This is especially true for the type of iron found in plant-based foods (non-heme iron). Iron deficiency is a known cause of hair loss.

Dr. Viola notes that while there’s no universal limit for how much matcha one can safely consume, studies show that even one to two cups can reduce non-heme iron absorption by up to 60–70%. This effect is most likely if you drink matcha close to iron-rich meals, and it primarily affects those who are vegan, vegetarian, anemic, or already have low iron levels.

Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist, adds that matcha and green teas are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which are generally considered beneficial for hair health.

Can you keep drinking matcha every day?
Experts agree that daily matcha consumption isn’t inherently harmful—it offers many benefits—but they caution against overdoing it. Dr. Viola lists potential downsides of excessive matcha intake, including:

– Caffeine-related side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and headaches
– Stomach irritation or digestive issues
– Possible lead contamination
– Teeth staining
– Medication interactions
– Liver stress at very high doses

If you love matcha and don’t want to give it up completely, Samantha Dieras, a registered nurse and director of nutrition services, suggests a more balanced approach. You can still enjoy matcha’s benefits by being mindful of when you drink it and what you pair it with. For example, try having matcha one to two hours before iron-rich meals, or include vitamin C with those meals to improve iron absorption. Also, watch what you add to your matcha—sweeteners and milk can introduce unnecessary sugars and unhealthy ingredients.

As for how much is safe, Dr. Viola recommends sticking to 2–3 grams per day (about 2–3 cups). Because matcha is more concentrated than regular tea, regularly consuming 4–5 grams daily is too much. Pay attention to your body: if you experience insomnia, jitters, headaches, acid reflux, or other issues, it may be time to cut back. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, caffeine-sensitive, taking certain medications, iron-deficient, or have liver issues should avoid daily matcha consumption.

Overall, if you’re healthy and moderate your intake, matcha can absolutely be part of a balanced routine.“It can definitely be part of a daily wellness routine,” she says. “Just pay attention to your body’s signals and keep an eye on your iron levels.”

What can you do about hair shedding?

Dr. King explains that hair loss is a complex issue with many possible causes. The most common ones, she notes, are genetics, stress, and hormones. While diet can play a role, deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin B, zinc, and vitamin D, as well as not getting enough protein, can also contribute to hair loss. Your best approach is to consult a dermatologist or your doctor for personalized advice. “It makes sense to reduce your intake if you’re drinking a lot of matcha, but in most cases, hair loss isn’t due to just one dietary factor,” she adds. “See your doctor for a full evaluation.”

Curious about a beauty or wellness trend? Let us know! Email Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the potential link between matcha lattes and hair loss designed to be clear and helpful

Beginner Questions

1 Can drinking matcha lattes actually cause hair loss
It is highly unlikely There is no direct scientific evidence linking moderate matcha consumption to hair loss In fact its nutrients are generally considered beneficial for overall health

2 What is in a matcha latte that could be a problem
The concern isnt usually the matcha itself but what is added to it Many commercial matcha lattes are loaded with sugar A highsugar diet can contribute to inflammation and hormonal imbalances which are known factors in some types of hair loss

3 I love matcha lattes Should I stop drinking them
No you probably dont need to stop entirely The key is moderation and being mindful of the ingredients Opt for versions with little to no added sugar

4 Isnt matcha supposed to be good for you
Yes absolutely Highquality matcha is rich in antioxidants vitamins and minerals These compounds can support overall wellness which includes promoting a healthy environment for hair growth

5 If its not the matcha why am I losing hair
Hair loss is complex and rarely has a single cause Common factors include genetics stress hormonal changes nutritional deficiencies certain medications and underlying health conditions

Advanced Practical Questions

6 Could the caffeine in matcha cause hair loss
Extremely high caffeine intake might contribute to increased stress hormone levels but the amount in a typical matcha latte is not enough to cause this The caffeine content is much lower than in coffee

7 Are there any ingredients in a matcha latte that could help my hair
Yes Matcha contains antioxidants that fight oxidative stress a factor that can damage hair follicles If you make your latte with milk the protein calcium and vitamins can also support hair health

8 How can I make a hairfriendly matcha latte at home
Use highquality ceremonial or culinary grade matcha