The comments reacted to the panic. “Can I unsee this post? I don’t want to face reality,” one noted. Another morosely added, “Why does the internet ruin everything, why can’t we have anything!”

Now wait a second. Is it true? Can this miracle drink actually be the reason behind hairfall, or, is there something more at play?

 Maria Dowling, a leading hair stylist and specialist in Dubai, agrees that matcha’s nutrient profile makes it a scalp-friendly choice. “Matcha contains a tannin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which being an antioxidant is known to support healthy hair by helping to strengthen hair follicles,” she explains. Dr. Amir Firouzjaei, Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wellth, also adds, that it is rich in vitamins, and minerals that may support circulation and reduce oxidative stress, both of which are beneficial for scalp and hair health.

 In fact, chronic inflammation can lead to scalp issues and hair loss,  but matcha may help here too. Matcha’s catechins and polyphenols may help reduce inflammation as the experts point out, which is good news for anyone looking to keep shedding at bay.

 Matcha also contains caffeine, which can play a surprising role in hair health. “Caffeine has been shown in some studies to stimulate hair follicles by counteracting the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness),” says Dowling.

 So why the concern about hair fall? It comes down to matcha’s tannins — compounds that can interfere with iron absorption if consumed in large amounts or too close to meals. “The EGCG tannins found in matcha are a type of polyphenol that can bind iron in the digestive tract, which makes it harder for the body to absorb iron,” Dowling warns.

 Iron deficiency is one of the most common and often overlooked causes of hair thinning, particularly in women. But this doesn’t mean you need to give up your matcha latte. The impact of tannins on iron absorption can be mitigated by dietary adjustments, such as consuming vitamin C-rich foods in tandem with iron-rich meals to increase iron absorption.

 Rehman echoes this point: “Two to three cups a day is safe, and often beneficial. Simply avoid pairing matcha with your main meals — allow a one to two hour gap, especially if you’re relying on plant-based or iron-rich foods. This preserves iron absorption while letting you enjoy matcha’s antioxidant and calming benefits.”

 As they both point out, matcha isn’t the villain in the hair-loss story — but timing and context matter. The real issue often comes down to how and when you drink it, your overall diet, and your iron levels. It is rich in tannins, natural compounds that can block the absorption of non-heme iron, the kind found in plant-based food, if consumed in large amounts or too close to meals. For anyone already running low on iron — and that’s a huge number of people globally, particularly women of reproductive age — this can quietly tip the scales toward deficiency.

 If you’re taking supplements or medication for hair growth, timing matters. “Matcha can reduce iron absorption if consumed with an iron supplement. It’s best to space them at least 2–3 hours apart,” says Dowling.  She also highlights that matcha is high in vitamin K, which “can reduce the effectiveness of certain anticoagulants — and poor circulation can negatively impact hair health.”

 Finally, if you’re already taking supplements with high doses of caffeine or green tea extract, pairing them with multiple cups of matcha could tip the balance. This can increase stress hormones and possibly contribute to shedding in sensitive individuals, explain the experts.

So, should you panic-quit your morning matcha? Not quite. Matcha isn’t secretly plotting against your hair — it’s just a little high-maintenance. The real culprit is timing and excess: downing multiple lattes a day or sipping it with every meal can mess with iron absorption and quietly fuel shedding. But with a little strategy — wo cups a day, between meals, and a balanced diet — matcha stays firmly in your hair-healthy corner. Bottom line: don’t cancel your green tea girl era, just sip smarter.