Ashwagandha, a herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has been gaining popularity as an alternative hair loss treatment. Initial research is promising, but there are concerns surrounding the lack of product standardisation and robust clinical trials on the herb as a remedy for hair shedding.
There are even reports of ashwagandha having a negative impact on thyroid function, which could potentially lead to hair loss. So is ashwagandha for hair loss worth the hype?
In this article, you’ll learn if ashwagandha can cause hair loss and whether it’s a good option as a hair loss treatment. We’ll explore its risks, potential benefits, and proven alternatives to get your hair thick and healthy again.
Key takeaways
Current research hasn’t found any evidence that ashwagandha directly causes hair loss. However, in rare cases, it may affect thyroid function, which can sometimes lead to temporary hair shedding.
These effects are uncommon and have only been seen in isolated medical reports. Learn more here about how thyroid issues can lead to hair loss.
In one case, a woman’s thyroid levels and symptoms returned to normal after she stopped taking ashwagandha [1]. Another case reported in Japan described a healthy man who developed temporary thyroid overactivity after taking ashwagandha for two months. His symptoms and thyroid levels returned to normal once he stopped using the supplement [2].
However, it’s worth noting that ashwagandha may also have positive effects on thyroid function in certain groups of people. A small study of 50 people found that ashwagandha may help restore slightly low thyroid levels to a healthy range in those with mild hypothyroidism [3].
There is some early research on the use of ashwagandha as a hair loss treatment. Initial findings are positive for topical ashwagandha as a remedy for hair loss, but further research is needed.
While oral ashwagandha may theoretically improve hair growth by reducing stress, there is a lack of quality evidence to support this. Learn more here about how stress can cause hair loss.
There are a limited number of studies on ashwagandha and hair loss. Those which exist are either isolated case reports or studies with small participant numbers. See more details below on the current research on this topic.
There are several ways ashwagandha may help reduce hair loss. While more research is needed to confirm these effects, early clinical studies show promising results.
A 2024 study looked at the effects of topical ashwagandha on hair growth both in the lab and in real people. Both types of research showed positive results on hair growth, and researchers believe this may be due to improved blood flow and nourishment around the hair follicles [8].
Research suggests that taking oral ashwagandha significantly reduces cortisol levels in chronically stressed adults [9]. A 2024 study also indicated that while topical ashwagandha showed direct benefits for hair growth, oral ashwagandha mainly provided antioxidant and stress-reducing effects without clear evidence of boosting hair follicle activity [8].
However, stress has been clearly shown to cause hair loss in some cases [10], so stress-reducing supplements such as ashwagandha may indirectly encourage hair growth by reducing stress.
Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to early hair-follicle ageing and shedding [11]. Ashwagandha’s antioxidant effects have been shown to help the body combat these stresses.
Research suggests that Withaferin A (one of the main active compounds in ashwagandha) activates Nrf2, a transcription factor that turns on the body’s antioxidant defence genes [12]. However, direct evidence of benefits for hair follicles comes only from lab studies, so while the theory is promising, research in humans is still at an early stage.
While ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some studies suggest it could affect liver or thyroid function, and it’s not recommended for men with prostate cancer or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding [13].
A few reports suggest that using ashwagandha may increase the risk of miscarriage, and recent reviews have also raised concerns about possible effects on sex hormones [13]. Because of these potential risks, countries like Denmark and France have advised against its use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in people with hormone-related conditions.
Ashwagandha may also interact with certain medicines, such as those used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, immune conditions, or anxiety and sleep problems [13]. It’s always best to speak with your doctor before taking any new supplement, including ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha supplements differ widely in quality and strength. Traditional products use root extract, which is better studied [13], while some newer formulas include leaf extract with less research.
A 2024 study found that many ashwagandha supplements labelled as “high-strength root extracts” actually contained ordinary powdered root, not a true concentrated extract. Tests showed the active compound levels were far lower than claimed [14].
In the UK and EU, there’s no official safe upper limit for ashwagandha, so product strength and safety can vary. If you decide to try ashwagandha, choose supplements that are third-party tested for purity and strength, and buy from reputable brands that share testing details.
While early studies suggest ashwagandha may have positive effects on hair loss, research on this topic still has a long way to go. Fortunately, there are other treatments for hair loss that are supported by strong research.
Minoxidil is a clinically proven hair loss treatment that has been used for several decades. Research shows it can boost hair growth and reduce hair loss [15]. Minoxidil is available over the counter as topical minoxidil or by prescription as oral minoxidil, and can be used by both men and women under medical guidance.
Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to male pattern baldness [16]. It’s taken as a daily tablet and has been shown to slow hair loss and promote regrowth in many men, though it’s not generally recommended for women.
PRP hair treatment uses a small sample of your own blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles for growth. This treatment can improve hair thickness and regrowth over several sessions, and can lead to better hair transplant results when used during surgery [17].
A hair transplant involves moving healthy hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back or sides of the head) to thinning or bald areas. Techniques such as FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (follicular unit transplantation) offer long-lasting, natural-looking results when performed by skilled surgeons. Learn more here about the differences between FUE and FUT.
Hair transplants often offer the best results when combined with other hair loss treatments. Dr Peter Thomas offers his insights on combining hair transplants with other treatments:
“Finasteride and dutasteride give strength to native hair and offer better preservation than minoxidil, which reduces the risk of shock loss. PRP given intraoperatively or 1 month after a transplant can encourage early regrowth, which may mask some visibility of shock loss.”
The Wimpole Clinic has been awarded best hair transplant clinic for four years running. We’re one of the longest-standing hair clinics in the UK, having performed over 20,000 successful procedures since we opened our doors in 1975.
We work with some of the best hair transplant surgeons in the UK, and our expert trichologists offer in-depth assessments and evidence-based treatment options. These include hair loss medications, lifestyle advice, PRP, low-level laser therapy and natural-looking hair transplants.
If you’re ready to get your hair back on track, book a free consultation at your nearest clinic location. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about hair transplants, other treatment options, and the assessment process.
There’s currently no evidence that ashwagandha directly interacts with finasteride or minoxidil. However, because it may affect hormone or thyroid levels in some people, it’s best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with other treatments for hair loss.
Because ashwagandha supplements vary so much in how they’re made and how strong they are, it’s hard for researchers to say which types or doses are most effective or safest to use [13]. For this reason, evidence-based hair loss treatments are generally recommended instead of ashwagandha while research is still ongoing.
Stress-related hair loss usually appears as a condition called telogen effluvium, characterised by diffuse shedding, a few months after a stressful event. Hormone changes can contribute to several different types of hair loss and are difficult to self-diagnose. If you’re unsure, a hair doctor can assess your scalp and carry out diagnostic trichology tests to identify the cause.
If you notice increased shedding after starting ashwagandha, stop taking it and speak with your GP or a trichologist. Hair loss may be unrelated but it’s best to get it checked out, as ashwagandha has been linked to hormonal shifts that may cause hair loss in rare cases [1-2].
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Talk to a specialist
Paru Shukla is a qualified trichologist from the Institute of Trichologists, London and received the John Mason award for excellence.
She has been in the medical field since 2005 and has worked with quite a few eminent and well-known homeopathic clinics. She is now working as an in-house trichologist for the Wimpole clinic alongside Mr. Michael May (FRCS).
Paru Shukla is now the member of world trichology society and The Institute of trichologists.
Paru Shukla studied at the Institute of Trichologists in London and qualified as a trichologist in 2014. On graduation she was awarded the prestigious John Mason award for Excellence which is only awarded occasionally to candidates of distinction who have achieved the highest standards.
Since 2010 Paru has specialised in hair restoration solutions for Androgenetic Alopecia, more commonly known as male/female pattern baldness.
Passionate about her subject, Paru regularly attends and contributes to seminars and Conferences devoted to Hair Restoration and treatments.
Paru is also a member the World Trichology Society, The Institute of Trichologists and the European Hair Research Society. She started her medical career in 2005 in India where she trained and qualified as a Homeopathic practitioner working and studying in the leading specialist clinics in the region.
It was here she developed her interest in hair conditions, treatments and restoration becoming an active associate of the AHRS in India.
