Some people can blame their genetics for the fact that they have thinner, more brittle hair than others, but the truth is that there are plenty of things you can do to help support stronger, healthier hair and prevent issues like hair loss and thinning. Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, has been shown to promote healthier skin and hair in numerous clinical studies. But does ashwagandha help with hair growth specifically? We think so. Here’s how Ashwagandha works and why it can help with hair growth.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to promote a healthy immune system, help treat inflammation and stress, and relieve anxiety. It’s also one of many herbs that may have potential uses in promoting stronger and healthier hair. 

In addition to being used by itself, Ashwagandha can be combined with other essential oils and natural ingredients to create shampoo products designed to prevent hair loss or grow thicker, fuller hair.

One study suggests that Ashwagandha could even be effective at slowing down male pattern baldness (balding). But does it really work? Below, you will know about using Ashwagandha for hair growth.

What Makes Ashwagandha Good for Your Hair?

Ashwagandha is one of those herbs that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine, so it’s no surprise that it’s now being researched as a potential treatment for alopecia areata. Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum) is thought to fight inflammation, which plays a role in many health conditions. 

It also appears to strengthen capillaries, which may make it beneficial for people who have problems growing new hair follicles or have shedding issues due to poor circulation or significant hair loss. 

People who use Ashwagandha say that their locks appear stronger and healthier; however, there hasn’t been much scientific evidence to back up these claims yet. If you want to try Ashwagandha for your hair, talk to your doctor first. The effects of Ashwagandha aren’t fully understood, and it might interact with other medications you take.

How Much Ashwagandha Should You Take to Grow Your Hair Out Faster?

While there’s no clear consensus on how much Ashwagandha you should take to make your hair grow faster, most experts agree that it’s likely best to take between 250mg and 500mg twice a day. Remember: Ashwagandha is typically taken in pill form, not as a juice or tea. The herb also has anti-anxiety properties and may negatively interact with pharmaceutical drugs, so it’s important to speak with your doctor before incorporating Ashwagandha into your health routine. 

A final tip: Some experts recommend taking Ashwagandha together with other herbs and nutrients such as zinc, biotin, vitamin D3 and essential fatty acids such as omega-3s or fish oil. These all play an important role in healthy hair growth.

4 Ways Ashwagandha Can Help You Grow Your Hair Faster 

Here are four ways Ashwagandha can help you grow your hair longer, stronger and healthier-but remember, if you want to speed up your results, even more, use it alongside these tips from women who grew their hair long naturally.

1. Add Herbs to Your Diet by Eating Foods Rich in Vitamins C and E, and Selenium

This is another great way to improve both skin and hair health. Studies have shown that eating a diet high in vitamin C-rich foods such as bell peppers, broccoli, and citrus fruits can help reduce dandruff. A healthy diet is also key for preventing hair loss caused by malnutrition or anemia.

2. Get Enough Sleep 

Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy locks, so make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of shut-eye each night. Studies show that people who get fewer than six hours of sleep per night are significantly more likely to experience hair loss than those who get a full eight hours of rest every night. 

3. Use Natural Shampoos and Conditioners

It’s also important to wash your hair regularly (at least once a week), but not too often! Excessive washing strips away natural oils and nutrients, leaving your hair dry and brittle. If you do choose to shampoo daily, opt for sulfate-free products that don’t contain harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). 

Sulfates strip away essential oils that keep your scalp moisturized and may cause frizziness. Instead, look for natural ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil to keep your tresses hydrated while still removing any excess buildup from styling products. 

4. Be Sure to Condition After Shampooing

After all, conditioning is just as important as shampooing when it comes to keeping your hair soft and shiny-try applying a few drops of oil before rinsing out conditioner for extra shine and softness.

Will Ashwagandha Really Make My Hair Grow Longer and Thicker?

Ashwagandha is a herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years for direct or indirect hair growth. It has a wide range of uses, from treating anxiety to strengthening muscles, and more recently it’s becoming popular for its effects on hair health. Ashwagandha is even included in some shampoos and conditioners sold today for its reputed ability to increase new hair growth as well as thicken existing strands. However, there isn’t strong evidence yet to support these claims. 

In fact, studies show that while Ashwagandha may have positive benefits for hair health overall, it doesn’t appear to affect things like length or thickness. That said, if you want your hair to look healthier overall-which is likely what you mean when you say grow longer and thicker-then Ashwagandha could be worth trying out.

How Long Does It Take for Ashwagandha to Work on Your Hair?

It takes anywhere from 4-6 months of daily use for people to notice a difference in their hair. The sooner you start, however, the better results you’ll see. Many people report feeling fuller and thicker hair within 2-3 months of consistent use. You should also expect that your scalp will be less itchy if you are using Ashwagandha consistently for several months. 

When used over long periods of time, one user says his scalp completely stopped itching altogether. This is due to Ashwagandha’s ability to balance out oil production in your scalp and control bacteria levels so that flaking, itching and inflammation are kept under control.

Do I Have to Stop Taking Other Vitamins When I Add Ashwagandha to My Routine?

Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, meaning it’s an herb that helps balance body systems in times of stress or strain. It won’t necessarily negate other vitamins or supplements you take, but it may interact with them. If you see side effects after adding Ashwagandha to your routine, back off on your dosage and contact a doctor immediately.

How Else Can I Support My Hair While Taking Ashwagandha Supplements Daily?

While using Ashwagandha, here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

• Consider eating foods that contain B-complex vitamins, which stimulate hair follicles. Foods like eggs, mushrooms, and leafy greens are rich in B vitamins. 
• You should also drink plenty of water to hydrate your scalp and promote healthy circulation throughout your body. Water flushes out toxins that may interfere with healthy skin cell production. 
• If you’re still struggling to grow thick strands, use a multivitamin or supplement containing iron and zinc.

Final Thoughts

As we have learned, Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that has been shown to promote hair health and even growth. This natural supplement can promote healthy hair, reduce dandruff, and get rid of split ends. If you want to improve your health as well as your looks, give Ashwagandha a try.