Can topical ashwagandha help with hair loss? Original paper

In this randomized controlled trial, topical application of ashwagandha extract was beneficial for head hair growth in participants with mild-to-moderate hair loss.

The effect of topical ashwagandha on hair loss.

The outcomes included changes in hair density (number of hairs per unit of scalp area), hair diameter, speed of hair growth, and hair shedding.

68 participants (average age of 32; 62 men and 16 women) with mild-to-moderate hair loss who were not taking medication for hair loss.

With the exception of androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss), participants were excluded if their hair loss was the result of a scalp disorder (e.g., alopecia areata, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, infection).

In this 75-day randomized controlled trial, the participants were assigned to use a topical ashwagandha formulation or a topical placebo. The topical ashwagandha formulation contained a water-based extract of ashwagandha root known as KSM-66. The participants in both groups were advised to apply 1 to 2 drops of their formulation to their scalps daily.

Compared to the placebo group, the ashwagandha group experienced an increase in hair density, speed of hair growth, and hair thickness, as well as a decrease in the number of hairs shed during the 60-second hair comb test.

Hair shedding was assessed using a 60-second hair comb test. In this test, the participants used a comb or brush on their hair, moving from the top of the head to the front of the scalp for 60 seconds, and measured the number of hairs that were shed.

Trichoscan analysis — a widely used method for measuring hair growth — was used to measure hair density, hair diameter, and speed of hair growth. With trichoscan analysis, a specific segment of the scalp is photographed under a microscope, and the image is added to a computer program that analyzes the image and calculates the metrics of interest.