Ashwagandha may be useful in treating hair loss due to its effects on stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, but more research is needed to support these potential benefits.
Hair loss can be caused by genetics, recent illness, or several other causes. Depending on the underlying cause, it may be treatable with medications, lifestyle changes, or treatments.
Ashwagandha is a type of alternative treatment that some people use to self-treat hair loss. Known as an adaptogenic herb, it is primarily used to support healthy sleep and mood. It is thought that some of these same mechanisms may help with subsequent hair loss.
Learn more about ashwagandha’s potential role in hair loss treatment, including its possible benefits and what current scientific research says about this treatment.
To date, there are not many clinical studies supporting ashwagandha as a direct treatment for hair loss. However, some of its ingredients and positive effects on stress may indirectly help prevent hair loss.
Ashwagandha is a type of evergreen shrub native to Africa, India, and the Middle East. It contains a group of bioactive substances called withanolides, which are thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This herb is also known as an adaptogen. This means it can potentially increase the body’s ability to fight environmental, biological and physical stressors.
Ashwagandha may be touted for a variety of uses, but current research supports its use as an alternative treatment for anxiety, stress, and poor sleep quality. Additionally, some studies suggest that this herb may support male fertility by increasing testosterone levels.
Overall, a 2023 study found that ashwagandha root extract most likely helps with hair loss by:
Reduced stress levels Reduced cortisol levels Antioxidants that may promote healthy hair growth Anti-inflammatory effects that may prevent further hair loss
Apart from cortisol, a 2022 review states that hormones have a major impact on hair growth and thickness. The authors suggested that androgen, estrogen, and other hormonal imbalances can negatively impact the hair growth cycle.
Additionally, a 2023 review points to ashwagandha’s possible positive effects on endocrine disorders such as thyroid disorders, which can also cause hair loss. However, the authors noted that excessive amounts of ashwagandha can cause side effects.
Despite its widespread use, ashwagandha has some risks to consider when taken orally. These include:
Liver damageDrowsinessNauseaNauseaVomitingDiarrhea
Also, do not take ashwagandha if you are taking certain medications due to possible interactions. These include:
Thyroid medicines Immunosuppressants High blood pressure medicines Anti-seizure medicines Diabetes medicines Sedatives
To find out if it’s safe to try ashwagandha, talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking.
Ashwagandha is primarily available in supplement form such as tablets and powder. It is also available in topical products such as liquid extracts. Some products may be made from the leaves or roots of shrubs.
Consult a medical professional before trying ashwagandha.
The exact dosage of oral ashwagandha may vary depending on the product. Although some people take supplements daily, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for the exact dosage and duration that you can safely take ashwagandha.
A 2022 review and meta-analysis suggests that consuming 300 to 600 milligrams of ashwagandha per day may have benefits for stress. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
There is no single treatment for hair loss that works for everyone and all underlying causes. Although ashwagandha and other alternative hair loss treatments are still being researched, the following treatments are generally recommended by medical professionals:
Minoxidil (Rogaine): Available as a topical or oral treatment, minoxidil can help combat hair loss in its early stages by stimulating new hair growth and preventing further hair loss. Finasteride (Propecia): Finasteride is a once-daily oral medication prescribed to help with treatment. Male pattern baldness. Spironolactone: Prescribed for female pattern hair loss, this oral medication can help prevent hair loss and thicken hair at the same time. Shampoo: There are hair loss shampoos available in the market that contain various ingredients suitable for hair growth. Laser therapy: If Rogaine and other medications have not worked, your dermatologist may recommend laser therapy for hair loss. Microneedling: Microneedling uses hundreds of tiny needles in the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): PRP, sometimes used in conjunction with microneedling, uses plasma drawn from your own blood to create hair removal injections. Corticosteroid injections: If you are diagnosed with alopecia areata, your doctor may recommend these injections to prevent damage to your hair follicles. Hair Transplant: A permanent solution, hair transplant can potentially treat thinning hair and bald spots.
Multivitamins may be preferable to taking large amounts of nutrients individually to prevent toxicity.
Ashwagandha is available over-the-counter at pharmacies, natural health stores, and online retailers. It’s important to know that ashwagandha, like other types of supplements, is not approved by the FDA. This means they are not closely monitored by the government and may contain extra or unsafe amounts of ingredients that are not listed.
Because ashwagandha is an herb rather than a drug, this supplement is typically not covered by traditional medical insurance or government programs.
You may receive partial coverage for alternative treatments, but only if they are prescribed by your doctor and known to safely help the condition you are treating.
For these reasons, ashwagandha is unlikely to be covered, but you may want to check with your insurance company to see if your health care provider recommends this supplement as part of your hair loss treatment plan.
It is considered normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, as your body continues to shed old hair and grow new hair.
However, if you are experiencing excessive hair loss, consider seeing a dermatologist. Signs may include more hair than normal falling out during the shower, on your comb, or on your pillow. Thinning hair, baldness, and receding hairlines may also occur.
Your dermatologist may be able to identify the underlying cause and provide treatment advice. If you try different drugs and herbs without understanding the cause of hair loss, the treatment may be ineffective.
The sooner a doctor diagnoses the cause of hair loss, the more effective treatment and preventive measures can be taken.
Also, if you try ashwagandha and don’t see any results, or if you experience potential side effects from this supplement, consider seeing your doctor.
Before using ashwagandha as a potential hair loss treatment, consider asking your health care professional about the following frequently asked questions:
Does ashwagandha increase or decrease DHT?
Ashwagandha may reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT). For men experiencing hair loss, blocking DHT may promote healthy testosterone levels and subsequent hair growth.
Can ashwagandha be used as a hair mask?
Ashwagandha is primarily available in the form of oral supplements. In theory, you can make a hair mask using powder or liquid extracts. However, applying ashwagandha topically may not address the underlying causes of hair loss, such as stress or hormonal imbalance.
How long does it take for ashwagandha to start working on my hair?
It is unclear how long it takes for ashwagandha to become effective for hair growth, and there is no set dosage for such purposes.
As a general rule of thumb, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that ashwagandha may be safe when taken for up to three months at a time.
Is ashwagandha good for your skin?
Results from a 2023 study suggest that topical ashwagandha may promote overall skin health and reduce signs of photoaging such as dryness, fine lines, and sunspots. Other research suggests that ashwagandha may help treat skin ulcers, wounds, and overall inflammation.
Ashwagandha may promote healthy hair growth due to its effects on stress response, hormonal balance, and inflammation. Still, more research is needed to determine how this herb treats the specific conditions that cause hair loss, and at what doses.
Consult your doctor before taking ashwagandha for hair loss. These will help determine the root cause of your hair loss and the safest and most effective treatment.
