Ashwagandha Hair Loss: Benefits Explained

Ashwagandha is a popular wellness supplement said to help with everything from stress to inflammation. But can you use ashwagandha for hair loss?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb commonly used in Ayurveda — an ancient Indian system of medicine. Adaptogenic herbs are thought to improve the body’s response to stress.

Ashwagandha is used to help reduce inflammation, stress, and anxiety — all of which can contribute to hair loss.  

Read on to learn about ashwagandha hair benefits, whether ashwagandha can cause hair loss, ashwagandha dosage to remedy hair loss, as well as other treatment options for hair loss.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a shrub indigenous to Africa, India, and the Middle East. It’s also known as “Indian ginseng.” 

It contains withanolides, a group of naturally-occurring steroids found in plants that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.  

While it’s not accurate to say that ashwagandha directly treats hair loss or improves hair health, it’s possible that its anti-inflammatory properties might help you better cope with stress — a common trigger for hair loss.

So if you’re wondering whether an ashwagandha hair loss remedy could actually help your hairline, the answer is, unfortunately, not clear cut.  

How Does Ashwagandha Benefit Hair?

Ashwagandha hair benefits have to do with the supplement’s potential effects on stress.

Research links chronic stress to hair loss. Studies have found that long-term stress can prevent new hair from growing and keep hair in the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle.

Evidence also suggests that high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can impact hair follicles, even causing scalp irritation.

Generally, this type of stress-induced hair loss isn’t permanent. Reducing stress can often help promote new growth and limit excess shedding.

According to the National Institutes of Health, some research suggests ashwagandha can reduce stress levels. 

A 2023 placebo-controlled study found that topical ashwagandha root extract improved hair growth. 

The authors suggested the ingredient might help hair growth by:

• Decreasing stress levels

• Reducing cortisol levels

• Helping with hormonal imbalances

• Having anti-inflammatory effects

• Containing antioxidants, which can help reduce the damaging effects of free radicals

Additionally, a 2023 review noted the possible positive effects of ashwagandha in endocrine disorders like thyroid disease, which can also cause hair loss. However, the authors noted that excessive amounts of ashwagandha could cause side effects (more on this soon).

Since ashwagandha may help reduce stress levels, it could benefit you if you’re dealing with stress-related hair loss.

So, if stress is causing your hair loss, and taking ashwagandha helps you feel better, it might (indirectly) help support healthy hair growth.

There is no evidence linking the use of ashwagandha with hair loss. 

It’s true that some medications can trigger hair loss. For example, certain medications prescribed to treat depression and anxiety may increase your risk of hair loss.

Blood thinners and certain medications for high blood pressure, like beta blockers, are also sometimes associated with telogen effluvium, a type of temporary excess shedding that can lead to balding or hair thinning. 

If you’re concerned that your medication is causing hair loss, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional. Don’t suddenly stop taking prescription medication without their supervision. 

As mentioned, ashwagandha isn’t a direct treatment for hair loss, but it might help with stress-related hair loss. 

A 2022 meta-analysis found that ashwagandha seems to be effective for stress with a dose of 300 to 600 milligrams per day. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before trying a new supplement. They can advise you on the safest dosage for your unique needs. 

As with any supplement or medication, it’s possible to experience side effects when taking ashwagandha supplements, whether that’s an ashwagandha powder or oral supplement.

Possible negative effects of ashwagandha include:

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Upset stomach

Before taking something new, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.

Even though ashwagandha has known benefits and is commonly used as a medicinal plant, it may not be safe for everyone.

Speak with your healthcare professional before using ashwagandha. It could negatively interact with other medications or supplements you’re taking, aggravate existing health conditions, or cause an allergic reaction.

Experts recommend that people with thyroid issues and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding stay avoid taking ashwagandha for hair regrowth or any other reason.

Curious about other herbs for hair loss? Check out our article about triphala and our guide to the best herbs for hair growth.

You can buy ashwagandha online, at pharmacies, and even at natural health stores. You don’t need a prescription to purchase it. 

If you decide to try ashwagandha, get it from a reputable manufacturer. The FDA doesn’t regulate ashwagandha or other supplements, which means that the government doesn’t test it before it can be sold.

Ashwagandha might help with stress-induced hair loss, but it’s not a first-line treatment for excess shedding.

Let’s go over some of the most effective, science-backed treatments for premature hair thinning and hair loss.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil, or Rogaine^®, is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, also known as genetic hair loss or male pattern baldness. Topical minoxidil doesn’t require a prescription and is available as a 2% liquid solution or 5% foam.

Minoxidil stimulates blood circulation in your scalp, which allows more nutrients and oxygen to get to your hair follicles. This can boost scalp health and encourage the hair growth cycle.

Finasteride

Finasteride, or Propecia^®, is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment that blocks the production of androgens, like DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), that can trigger hair loss.

It’s available as an oral tablet or topical solution. Some find finasteride and minoxidil work best together, as with our two-in-one topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

You can read more about the link between ashwagandha and testosterone in our guide to ashwagandha and testosterone. 

Hair Loss Shampoo and Conditioner

Some hair care products contain DHT-blocking ingredients, like saw palmetto. This can reduce the effects of DHT on your scalp, which might slow down male pattern hair loss.

Our thickening shampoo contains saw palmetto, while our thickening conditioner contains niacinamide and other nourishing ingredients. 

Biotin and Other Nutrients

Nutritional deficiencies can sometimes lead to hair loss. While biotin — a B vitamin — is often included in hair growth supplements, other nutrients are critical, too. Important vitamins and minerals for hair growth include:

• Vitamin A

• Vitamins B12 and B9

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin D

• Iron 

• Zinc

• Protein 

You can usually get enough of the above nutrients by eating a varied, balanced diet. But if you have a deficiency, you might want to consider a hair growth supplement, like our biotin gummy.  

Good Hair Care Habits

A quality hair care routine won’t necessarily stop hair loss, but it’ll help you maintain healthier hair. 

Try the following tips:

• Avoid overly tight hairstyles, which can pull on your scalp and cause a form of hair loss called traction alopecia.

• Use hair conditioner after every wash to avoid breakage, which can make it look like you’re losing hair. 

• If your hair is dry, use hydrating products like a hair mask or leave-in conditioner. 

• Practice good scalp care by keeping your scalp clean and moisturized.  

• Avoid excessive heat styling or harsh chemical treatments, as this can dry your hair out and cause breakage.

Lastly, if you have any persistent hair or scalp issues — like dandruff, psoriasis, or hair thinning — consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can help you explore your treatment options.

Popular in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that is said to reduce inflammation, help with stress, and support your overall well-being. But can you use ashwagandha for hair loss?

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Ashwagandha may help you cope with stress. Since stress can trigger hair loss, ashwagandha might indirectly help promote healthier hair. 

• But it needs to be studied further. There isn’t enough research to suggest ashwagandha actually boosts hair growth or reduces hair loss.

• If you want to use ashwagandha, it’s a good idea to clear it with a healthcare professional first. 

Ultimately, more research (including human studies) needs to be done to confirm the health benefits of ashwagandha. For now, it’s a good idea to stick to a proven hair loss treatment that works for your needs.

Our online consultations make it quick and easy to get to the root of your hair problems.