If you’re dealing with hair loss, you’ve probably already looked into options to either regrow or retain the hair you have left. But, not all options are for everyone. More and more people are starting to look toward ashwagandha for hair loss. So, is it for you? Let’s dive deeper.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, is an evergreen shrub in the nightshade family that grows commonly in India, Africa, and the Middle East. The potential health benefits of ashwagandha are vast. It is used in health and beauty products for hair loss, hair health, female reproductive health, athletic endurance, stress support, sleep support, immune system support, and more.
Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogenic herb, which means it helps the body combat chronic stress levels and fight free radicals. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for overall wellness. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help in your regular hair care routine.
Can Ashwagandha Regrow Hair?
Ashwagandha supplements are used for a bunch of different reasons, and one of them is to promote hair growth. Ashwagandha promotes an increase in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) production which is one of the hormones that is responsible for hair growth. In fact, one study showed that ashwagandha significantly enhanced hair density, growth, and thickness compared to the Placebo group. Plus, there are other benefits to the supplement!
How to Use Ashwagandha for Hair Growth
One of the reasons ashwagandha is thought to reduce hair loss is because it has been shown to have a calming effect, thus reducing stress, which can trigger hair loss. It’s also a natural inflammation reducer, another saboteur to thick healthy hair.
Ways to use ashwagandha for hair growth:
- Daily supplement (capsule or tablet)
- Powdered supplement to add to food or drink
- Ashwagandha shampoo
- Paste applied directly to the scalp
Ashwagandha and DHEA
As mentioned earlier, Ashwagandha promotes the production of the hormone, DHEA. This hormone plays a crucial role in many areas of your body’s health, including the health of your scalp and hair. DHEA helps improve blood flow to the scalp, which may support the growth of healthy hair follicles. It may also help repair any sun damage to the scalp that may affect healthy hair growth.
How Much Ashwagandha Should I Take for Hair Growth?
One of the easiest ways to test ashwagandha’s effects on hair loss is to apply it directly to the scalp. The most convenient way to do this is to use an ashwagandha shampoo or as a treatment before your normal hair-washing routine. You can purchase hair products with the supplement already added, or you can add it yourself. It’s safe to use as often as you normally wash your hair.
Here are three ways to use ashwagandha during your hair-washing routine:
- Ashwagandha Shampoo: Add ashwagandha powder to your shampoo before using it on your scalp. You can also mix it with a cup of warm water in a separate container. Wash your hair with shampoo first and then apply the mix, let sit and rinse after five minutes.
- Ashwagandha Hair Mask: Mix 2 teaspoons of ashwagandha powder with warm water. The paste should be a bit runny, the consistency of shampoo. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let sit for thirty minutes before washing with your regular shampoo.
- Ashwagandha Hair Oil: Mix 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder with 1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil. Heat the mixture just enough to infuse the powder into the oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp, cover with a shower cap and let sit for 15 minutes before washing your hair with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
It’s important to note that ashwagandha can interact with certain medications that you may be taking. Always talk to your healthcare provider first before adding a new supplement to your daily routine. Questions? Read more about selecting the best ashwagandha supplement.
