Seeking Solutions For Hair Loss? Here Are the Top 10 Ashwagandha Benefits For Hair Health

Ashwagandha, scientifically termed Withania somnifera, is a potent adaptogenic herb that has been utilised in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 3,000 years. Recognised for its ability to alleviate stress, ashwagandha has gained a standing for enhancing wellness.

The herb's adaptogenic properties allow it to help the body manage stress, which is particularly relevant for hair health since stress is a common trigger for hair loss and poor hair quality. Lately, its advantages for hair wellness have received considerable focus. 

This detailed guide examines the science behind Ashwagandha, the ashwagandha powder benefits for hair, and practical applications for attaining healthy, vibrant hair. 

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Ashwagandha?

2. 10 Ashwagandha Benefits For Hair

3. How To Use Ashwagandha For Hair Growth?

4. Does Ashwagandha Make Your Hair Grow?

5. Which Herb Is Best For Hair Growth?

6. Can Ashwagandha Reduce Grey Hair?

7. Dietitian's Recommendation

8. The Final Say

9. FAQs

10. References

What Is Ashwagandha? Understanding Its Functions

Is it a magic potion for my hair?

The little plant known as ashwagandha is native to parts of Africa, the Middle East, and India. Its roots and berries create extracts and powders packed with bioactive compounds like anolides, alkaloids, and flavonoids. These substances provide several health advantages, including strengthening the immune system, lowering inflammation, and enhancing mental clarity.

Healthy hair begins with a healthy body. Several factors, including diet, lifestyle, hormones, and stress levels, directly impact the condition of your hair. Stress, in particular, is a leading cause of hair loss, thinning, and premature greying. By addressing underlying issues like stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, ashwagandha can help restore hair health such as:

1. Reduces Stress 

Prolonged stress raises cortisol levels, which can cause alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, two disorders that cause hair loss. Using ashwagandha for stress reduction is very effective as it is a natural adaptogen that reduces cortisol levels, thereby minimising stress-induced hair loss.

2. Provides Hormonal Balance

Hormonal imbalances, especially in testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), can reduce hair follicle size and impede hair growth. Ashwagandha regulates hormone levels, particularly in conditions like androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in men and women.

3. Improves Scalp Health

Ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated scalps and reduce conditions like dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. It boosts blood circulation, ensuring the scalp receives adequate nutrients and oxygen for healthy hair growth.

4. Increases Collagen Production

Ashwagandha helps with collagen production for hair by reducing stress, which is a key factor that can inhibit collagen synthesis. Ashwagandha contains adaptogenic properties that balance cortisol levels, minimising stress-related damage to the skin and hair. Lower stress levels promote better circulation and nutrient delivery to hair follicles, supporting collagen production. Collagen is essential for maintaining hair strength, elasticity, and growth.

Additionally, ashwagandha’s antioxidant properties protect hair from oxidative damage, contributing to healthier and stronger hair overall. Regular use may help in enhancing both hair texture and growth by supporting collagen levels.

Also Read: Men, Are You Missing Out On Collagen? Here Are 7 Benefits Of Collagen, Types, And Sources!

5. Provides Antioxidant Protection

Ashwagandha is a powerful food high in antioxidants that combats oxidative stress in hair. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals damage hair follicles and scalp cells, leading to hair thinning and premature ageing. Ashwagandha contains compounds like withanolides that help neutralise free radicals, protecting hair from oxidative damage.

By reducing oxidative stress, ashwagandha promotes healthier, stronger hair and may even support hair growth. Its adaptogenic properties also help regulate stress, which is another factor that contributes to oxidative damage, ensuring that the scalp and hair follicles remain in optimal condition.

10 Ashwagandha Benefits For Hair

Need ashwagandha magic for my hair!

Here are the ashwagandha benefits for hair:

1. Promotes Hair Growth

Ashwagandha is one of the best food supplements for hair growth. It stimulates hair follicles and improves blood circulation to the scalp. Better circulation ensures a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen to the roots, promoting stronger and thicker hair. Additionally, it prolongs the hair cycle's anagen (growth) phase, allowing for longer-lasting hair growth.

2. Reduces Hair Loss

Ashwagandha combats stress-induced hair shedding by lowering cortisol levels. It also regulates hormonal imbalances, such as DHT, which can shrink follicles and cause hair thinning. This holistic action effectively minimises excessive hair loss.

3. Prevents Premature Greying

Ashwagandha’s antioxidants neutralise free radicals that cause oxidative stress, a key factor in premature greying. It promotes melanin production, the pigment responsible for natural hair colour, thereby slowing the onset of grey hair.

4. Strengthens Hair

Packed with vital nutrients, ashwagandha strengthens the hair shaft, enhancing its resistance to breakage. It minimises the likelihood of split ends and breakage, enabling hair to grow stronger and longer. 

5. Improves Scalp Health

Ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties soothe irritated scalps and fight dandruff or infections. It boosts collagen production, ensuring a nourished, hydrated scalp conducive to healthy hair growth.

Also Read: Say Farewell To Flakes: 19 Best Home Remedies For Dandruff And Itchy Scalp! 

6. Balances Hormones

Ashwagandha regulates hormonal levels by modulating cortisol secretion from the adrenal glands. The active compounds in ashwagandha, particularly withanolides, interact with glucocorticoid receptors to inhibit excessive cortisol production, thereby creating a more favorable hormonal environment for hair growth. 

Additionally, it may influence the synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor hormone that can counteract the effects of androgens on hair follicles.

7. Combats Stress-Induced Hair Problems

Being an adaptogen, ashwagandha increases the resistance of the body against stress. It reduces the level of cortisol, which can otherwise damage follicles and lead to hair loss. Ashwagandha protects hair follicles from damage due to free radicals by reducing oxidative stress through its antioxidant property. 

This is achieved through the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, which help mitigate oxidative damage at the cellular level.

8. Protects Hair From Damage

Ashwagandha’s antioxidants shield hair from environmental damage, such as pollution and UV rays. This protection prevents dryness, dullness, and breakage, keeping hair healthy and shiny.

9. Enhances Hair Texture

Ashwagandha enhances hair elasticity and texture by promoting the creation of natural oils and collagen. This results in hair that is smoother, softer, and easier to manage. 

10. Boosts Nutrient Absorption

By enhancing blood flow and nutrient absorption, ashwagandha ensures hair follicles get the necessary vitamins and minerals to grow. This enhances hair health and promotes sustained growth over time.

Also Read: Struggling With Hair Fall And Looking For Solutions For Hair Care In Winter? Look Out For 12 Helpful Ways To Fix It

How To Use Ashwagandha For Hair Growth?

Make Ashwagandha your hair’s bestie!

Here is how you can use ashwagandha for hair growth:

1. Ashwagandha Hair Mask For Growth

Ashwagandha reduces stress, which can hinder hair growth, while also nourishing and strengthening hair follicles. Coconut oil deeply moisturises the hair, reduces breakage, and improves scalp health, while aloe vera gel soothes the scalp, promotes circulation, and provides essential hydration.

Ingredients:

• Ashwagandha powder - 2 tbsp
• Aloe vera gel - 2 tbsp
• Coconut oil - 1 tbsp

How To Use:

• Combine ashwagandha powder and aloe vera gel to create a smooth paste. 
• Incorporate coconut oil and mix well. 
• Pay close attention to the roots as you slowly massage the mixture into your hair and scalp. 
• Keep it on for 30 to 40 minutes. 
• Wash with warm water and a gentle shampoo. 

2. Ashwagandha Hair Oil For Strength

Ashwagandha contains antioxidants that protect hair from damage, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the scalp. It also improves blood circulation, encouraging healthier hair growth and enhancing hair follicles' strength.

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil or almond oil - 1 cup
• Ashwagandha powder - 2 tbsp

How To Use:

• Warm the oil on low heat and incorporate ashwagandha powder. 
• Simmer the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
• Filter the oil to eliminate any remnants and let it cool down. 
• Massage the oil into your scalp and leave it overnight or for 1-2 hours.
• Wash with shampoo.

3. Ashwagandha Hair Rinse For Shine

An ashwagandha hair rinse can help boost shine by nourishing the scalp and hair follicles. Ashwagandha's adaptogenic properties reduce stress, which can improve overall hair health, while its antioxidants protect the hair from oxidative damage, helping it appear shinier and healthier.

Ingredients:

• Ashwagandha powder - 2 tbsp
• Water - 2 cups
• Apple cider vinegar (optional) - 1 tbsp

How To Use:

• Boil water and add ashwagandha powder.
• Let it simmer for 10 minutes, then cool and strain the liquid.
• Mix with apple cider vinegar for extra benefits.
• Use as a final rinse after shampooing.

You can also take ToneOp Care’s ACV Effervescent Tablets for your convenience once daily with water to enhance your hair health.

4. Ashwagandha And Fenugreek Hair Pack For Thick Hair

An ashwagandha, yoghurt, and fenugreek hair pack is a potent blend for promoting thick, healthy hair. It thickens hair, fights dandruff and promotes healthy growth.

Ingredients:

• Ashwagandha powder - 2 tbsp
• Fenugreek powder - 2 tbsp
• Yoghurt - 1 cup

How To Use:

• Mix ashwagandha and fenugreek powders in a bowl.
• Add yoghurt to form a thick paste.
• Apply to your scalp and hair, covering from root to tip.
• Leave for 45 minutes, then rinse with water and shampoo.

Also Read: Best Hair Care Routine Essentials With 7-Day Plan And Supplements!

Does Ashwagandha Make Your Hair Grow?

Hair growth ab life growth se zyada important lagne laga hai!

Yes, ashwagandha can promote hair growth. This herb works by addressing the root causes that slow down or stop hair growth, such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and poor scalp health. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol are one of the main causes of hair loss. Elevated cortisol can push hair follicles into a resting phase, causing hair to fall out prematurely. Being an adaptogen, ashwagandha lessens the negative effects of stress on the body and helps lower cortisol levels.

Ashwagandha also regulates hormones like DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is linked to androgenic alopecia, a common type of hair loss in men and women. Furthermore, it enhances blood flow to the scalp, supplying nutrients and oxygen to support hair follicles. This supports the growth of thicker and healthier hair.

Also Read: Know All About The Best Biotin Tablets For Hair Growth

Which Herb Is Best For Hair Growth?

Hair growth the herb-y way!

Ashwagandha is particularly effective if stress or hormonal imbalances are contributing to hair loss. It reduces cortisol levels, balances hormones, and improves scalp health.

Another popular herb is bhringraj, known as the "King of Hair" in Ayurveda. Rich in nutrients, bhringraj oil fortifies hair strands, nourishes hair follicles, and stops hair loss. Additionally, it delays greying and helps keep hair in its original colour.

Amla (Indian gooseberry) is another powerful herb for hair growth. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, it improves scalp circulation, fortifies hair, and delays the onset of greying. Amla additionally encourages the synthesis of collagen, a crucial protein for the structure of hair. 

Fenugreek seeds are widely used for hair growth because they are rich in protein and nicotinic acid, which repair damaged hair and encourage growth.

Also Read: Level Up Your Health With These 10 Benefits Of Drinking Amla Juice On An Empty Stomach

Can Ashwagandha Reduce Grey Hair?

Age se pehle toh kam se kam buddhi na lagu bass yehi dua hai!

Yes, ashwagandha can help reduce grey hair or delay its onset. Grey hair occurs due to the depletion of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour. This process is often accelerated by oxidative stress, which damages hair follicles, and by hormonal imbalances that disrupt melanin production. Antioxidants, which are abundant in ashwagandha, counteract free radicals and shield hair follicles from oxidative stress. This helps slow down the greying process.

Ashwagandha also supports melanin production by balancing hormones and improving overall scalp health. It works particularly well in cases where premature greying is triggered by stress. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with melanin production, but ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties help reduce cortisol, promoting the natural maintenance of hair colour. Additionally, ashwagandha contains amino acids and bioactive compounds that nourish hair and strengthen its structure.

ToneOp Care’s Skin & Hair Care Combo can help you achieve bright, glowing skin and reduce hair fall, breakage, and split ends.

Also Read: From Your Plate To Luscious Lengths: Here Are 17 Biotin-Rich Foods For Hair Growth And Its Wonderful Benefits

Dietitian's Recommendation

Ashwagandha is a potent herb that can greatly improve hair health, particularly when paired with a nutritious diet. As a dietitian, I suggest adding powdered ashwagandha or supplements to your routine to alleviate stress, which is frequently a significant factor in hair loss. 

It may likewise aid hormonal equilibrium and enhance blood flow to the scalp, fostering hair growth. For the best results, combine ashwagandha with a diet high in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins, to support your hair health from the inside. 

                                                                             Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

So that was all about ashwagandha's benefits for hair. This herb not only reduces stress but it’s also a strong supporter of attaining healthy, lively hair. By tackling underlying issues such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and oxidative damage, ashwagandha supports hair growth, diminishes hair loss, and improves overall hair quality. Whether used internally or externally, this adaptogenic herb can significantly enhance your hair care regimen. 

FAQs

1. How does ashwagandha hair oil benefit you?

Ashwagandha hair oil nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair follicles, promoting healthy growth. It reduces hair fall by balancing hormones and lowering stress levels, which are key factors in hair loss. The oil's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties improve scalp health, reducing dandruff and irritation. 

Regular use of ashwagandha hair oil helps increase hair thickness, prevent breakage, and enhance shine for healthier, more resilient hair.

2. Are there side effects of ashwagandha for hair?

Ashwagandha can have side effects related to hair, particularly due to its potential to increase testosterone levels, which may convert to DHT, leading to hair loss in people predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Excessive use can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and upset stomach and may not be suitable for those with thyroid issues or pregnant women.

3. Does ashwagandha prevent premature greying?

Ashwagandha supports melanin production and combats oxidative stress, which helps slow down premature greying. However, it is more effective at preventing rather than reversing grey hair.

4. Can ashwagandha stop hair loss?

Yes, ashwagandha addresses stress-induced hair loss by reducing cortisol. It also regulates DHT levels, a hormone that contributes to hair thinning, making it effective for reducing shedding.

References

• https://www.forestessentialsindia.com/blog/10-benefits-of-ashwagandha-for-skin-and-hair.html?srsltid=AfmBOoof-uY_eDphkaSUZdwT_66Ypx9XBf38iL2Ps1q7S-bnShMk6rkd
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/ashwagandha-for-hair-loss-how-to-use-it/articleshow/114474388.cms
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/ashwahttps://juicychemistry.com/blogs/hair-care/amazing-benefits-of-ashwagandha-for-hair?srsltid=AfmBOor1xkazDZcQC1J0OS2WSLWkkS9bKhCz5mQESASaJ9Po3G00pt16andha-for-hair-loss-how-to-use-it/articleshow/114474388.cms
• https://zanducare.com/blogs/exploring-ayurveda/ashwagandha-benefits-for-hair?srsltid=AfmBOooqDZzWWzLhwaFJOKb666qiniRsy-Hp-kfdO_YRuwyNUo6ndyfq
• https://freesoul.com/blogs/blog/ashwagandha-benefits-for-hair?srsltid=AfmBOopDTVnK2uNrdu6EvuuzKS2eZ9Da7vu8utDefv8o47JlH4QCm3jr
• https://www.vedikroots.com/blogs/health-and-wellness/ashwagandha-benefits-for-hair?srsltid=AfmBOopCcfxOa4IlMChXqxnSE9lcgWuwikil4IgNuQfwLLRikEX0jhx-

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