Can Ashwagandha Help Treat or Slow Hair Loss?

Ashwagandha might help address hair loss through its effects on stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, but stronger research is required to confirm these potential advantages.

Hair thinning and shedding can stem from genetic factors, a recent illness, or a variety of other triggers. Depending on the root cause, treatment may include medications, lifestyle adjustments, or procedures.

Some people turn to ashwagandha as an alternative approach for hair loss. This adaptogenic herb is commonly used to support better sleep and mood, and it’s believed that those same actions may indirectly benefit hair health.

Below is an overview of ashwagandha’s possible role in treating hair loss, including its prospective benefits and what current studies indicate.

Is ashwagandha effective for hair loss?

At present, there are limited clinical trials that directly endorse ashwagandha as a hair loss therapy. Nonetheless, certain compounds in the herb and its stress-reducing effects might indirectly help prevent hair loss.

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub native to Africa, India, and the Middle East. It contains bioactive compounds called withanolides, which may exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The plant is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it could boost the body’s capacity to cope with environmental, biological, and physical stressors.

While ashwagandha is promoted for various uses, existing evidence most strongly supports its role as a potential option for anxiety, stress, and poor sleep. Some studies also indicate it may support male fertility by raising testosterone levels.

Overall, a 2023 study suggested ashwagandha root extract could help with hair loss through several mechanisms:

• lowering stress
• reducing cortisol
• providing antioxidants that may support healthy hair growth
• offering anti-inflammatory effects to prevent further shedding

Beyond cortisol, a 2022 review emphasized the importance of hormones in hair growth and thickness. The review noted that imbalances in androgens, estrogen, and other hormones can disturb the hair growth cycle.

Additionally, a 2023 review pointed out potential benefits of ashwagandha for endocrine conditions like thyroid disease, which can contribute to hair loss. The authors cautioned that very high doses of ashwagandha may lead to adverse effects.

Side effects and risks of ashwagandha for hair loss

Although widely used, oral ashwagandha carries possible risks. Reported side effects include:

• liver damage
• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

Who should not take ashwagandha for hair loss?

Ashwagandha is not advised for people who:

• are pregnant
• have liver disease
• have an autoimmune condition
• are planning surgery soon
• have thyroid disorders
• have hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

You should also avoid ashwagandha if you take certain medicines because of potential interactions. These include:

• thyroid drugs
• immunosuppressants
• antihypertensive medications
• antiseizure drugs
• diabetes treatments
• sedative medications

Consult your healthcare provider about your medications to determine if ashwagandha is safe for you.

How to take ashwagandha for hair loss

Ashwagandha is most commonly sold as supplements—tablets or powders—but it’s also found in topical preparations like liquid extracts. Depending on the product, formulations may use the shrub’s root or leaves.

Talk with a clinician before trying ashwagandha.

Oral dosing varies by product. Some individuals take it daily, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice for the appropriate dose and duration of use.

A 2022 review and meta-analysis suggested ashwagandha may help with stress at doses of 300 to 600 milligrams per day. More research is necessary to confirm these results.

Established treatments for hair loss

There is no universal cure for hair loss that fits every person and cause. While ashwagandha and other alternative remedies are under study, the following medical options are commonly recommended by clinicians:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Available topically or orally, minoxidil can stimulate new hair growth and help prevent further loss when used in early stages.
• Finasteride (Propecia): An oral, once-daily prescription for male pattern baldness.
• Spironolactone: An oral option often used for female pattern hair loss to reduce shedding and encourage thicker hair.
• Shampoos: Over-the-counter hair-loss shampoos contain various hair-friendly ingredients, such as minoxidil and biotin.
• Laser therapy: Dermatologists may suggest laser treatments if topical therapies don’t yield results.
• Microneedling: Uses many tiny needles on the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Often combined with microneedling, PRP uses components of your own blood for injection-based treatments.
• Corticosteroid injections: May be recommended for alopecia areata to help prevent follicle damage.
• Hair transplant: A more permanent approach to restore areas of thinning or balding.

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Other complementary approaches for hair loss

If blood work shows deficiencies in biotin (vitamin B7), iron, or zinc, a clinician may advise taking a multivitamin to support hair health.

Using a multivitamin is often preferred over taking very large amounts of single nutrients to reduce the risk of toxicity.

Where to buy ashwagandha for hair loss

Ashwagandha is available over the counter at pharmacies, health food stores, and online. Keep in mind that, like other supplements, ashwagandha is not FDA-approved. This means it isn’t tightly regulated and could contain undisclosed ingredients or unsafe concentrations.

Because ashwagandha is an herbal supplement rather than a pharmaceutical, it is typically not covered by standard health insurance or public programs.

Partial coverage for complementary therapies can be possible if a physician prescribes them and they’re known to be safe and effective for the condition, but coverage is uncommon. You can check with your insurer if a healthcare provider recommends ashwagandha as part of your hair-loss plan.

When to seek medical care

Losing about 50 to 100 hairs daily is normal as old hairs shed and new ones grow.

If you notice excessive shedding, consult a dermatologist. Signs include greater-than-usual hair loss in the shower, on your brush, or on your pillow, along with thinning patches, bald spots, or a receding hairline.

A dermatologist can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Using various medications or herbs without knowing the cause of your hair loss may be ineffective.

The earlier a clinician identifies the cause, the more likely treatment and prevention strategies will be successful.

Also seek care if you try ashwagandha without improvement, or if you experience side effects from the supplement.

Frequently asked questions about ashwagandha for hair loss

Before trying ashwagandha for hair loss, consider reviewing these common questions with your healthcare provider:

Does ashwagandha raise or lower DHT?

Ashwagandha may help reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In men with hair loss, inhibiting DHT can support healthy testosterone activity and potentially encourage hair growth.

Can ashwagandha be used as a hair mask?

Ashwagandha is mainly sold for oral use. While you could make a hair mask from powder or liquid extract, topical application may not tackle underlying causes like stress or hormonal imbalance.

How long until ashwagandha affects hair?

There’s no clear timeline for ashwagandha’s effects on hair regrowth, nor a standardized dose for this purpose.

Generally, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes ashwagandha may be safe when used for up to 3 months at a time.

Is ashwagandha beneficial for skin?

A 2023 study found that topical ashwagandha may improve skin health and lessen photoaging signs like dryness, fine lines, and sunspots. Other research indicates a potential role in treating skin ulcers, wounds, and inflammation.

Takeaway

Ashwagandha could potentially support healthy hair growth by modulating stress responses, hormonal balance, and inflammation. However, additional studies are needed to clarify how the herb might treat specific causes of hair loss and the appropriate dosing.

Consult a healthcare provider before using ashwagandha for hair loss. They can help identify the cause of your hair loss and recommend the safest, most effective treatment options.