Social media has seen claims that drinking matcha (powdered green tea) worsened hair loss. Experts say matcha is rich in tannins and polyphenols that can inhibit iron absorption; low iron can contribute to hair loss. Matcha also contains relatively high caffeine (about 1–2 g matcha can have up to ~80 mg), which may raise stress hormones and temporarily increase shedding. Still, for healthy adults, 1–2 cups a day is generally safe and matcha provides beneficial EGCG, vitamins, and minerals that may support scalp health. People at higher risk—those with anemia, heavy menstrual bleeding, low-iron vegetarian diets, malabsorption issues, or who take concentrated green-tea extracts—should be cautious. To minimize interference with iron, avoid matcha around iron-rich plant meals (spinach, beans, tofu) and pair iron foods with vitamin C (citrus, strawberries, peppers) to improve absorption. Experts recommend checking blood iron levels (blood test) if worried.
