6 Herbs & Adaptogens for Hair Growth That Actually Work

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I’ve been pulling more hair out of my brush than I want to admit. At first, I blamed it on the usual stuff—seasonal shedding, too-tight buns, maybe even my shampoo. But after a while, it became clear: something deeper was going on.

Stress? Probably. Hormones? Definitely. Life? Always.

I didn’t want to jump straight into expensive treatments or panic-buy a hundred serums. I wanted to understand what was actually going on—and find something that fit with how I already try to take care of myself. That’s when I stumbled across adaptogens for hair growth.

I was already using them in my moon milk for better sleep, but I had no idea some of them could actually help with hair growth, too. Turns out, when your body’s constantly stressed, your hair kind of…checks out.

In this post, I’m sharing the adaptogens for hair growth that made the biggest difference for me, how they actually work, and easy ways to try them.

What Do Adaptogens Have to Do with Hair Growth?

Okay, so if you’ve been around here for a minute, you already know I’m a fan of adaptogens. I’ve written about them in moon milk. I’ve talked about them for hormone balance, digestion, sleep—you name it. But here’s something I didn’t expect: adaptogens can help with hair growth, too.

Here’s the deal:

When you’re stressed out, running on fumes, or your hormones are doing whatever they feel like, your body shifts into survival mode. Hair growth? Not a priority. That’s how you end up with breakage, thinning, and strands that just won’t grow past your shoulders no matter how many trims you get.

Adaptogens help your body chill out. They support your adrenal system, regulate stress hormones like cortisol, and give your body the signal that it’s safe to start thriving again—instead of just surviving. And when your body feels safe? Hair growth gets bumped back onto the priority list.

So let’s get into the ones that actually work. What to use, why it matters, and how to make it fit into your real life.

The Best Adaptogens for Hair Growth

These are the adaptogens for hair growth that have actual science—or centuries of use—behind them when it comes to helping your hair grow stronger, thicker, and healthier from the inside out.

Ashwagandha

This one’s basically the poster child for stress relief. It helps calm your nervous system, balance cortisol, and get your hormones back in check—all good news for your scalp.

Why it works:

• Reduces cortisol (the stress hormone that pushes your hair into fallout mode)
• Supports thyroid function, which is crucial for hair health
• Helps your body shift out of fight-or-flight so it can focus on growth

How to use it:

• Add to moon milk (here’s my go-to recipe)
• Blend into smoothies

I’ve been using this one—grab it here

Rhodiola Rosea

If your energy is tanked and your hair’s dull and lifeless, Rhodiola might be your new favorite. It’s one of the more energizing adaptogens for hair growth, especially when fatigue is a factor.

Why it works:

• Balances stress hormones
• Boosts oxygenation (aka better scalp blood flow)
• Supports overall resilience

How to use it:

• Take it in the morning—this one can be energizing

I like this brand—try it here

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi is your calming, immune-supporting, anti-inflammation bestie. It’s especially great if your hair struggles are tied to immune issues or general burnout.

Why it works:

• Reduces chronic inflammation
• Supports immune health (especially helpful for autoimmune-related shedding)
• Helps the body adapt to physical and emotional stress

How to use it:

• Powder in warm drinks (moon milk, hot cacao, coffee)

If you’re feeling burnt out, this is the one I use

Powerful Herbal Allies That Support Hair Growth (But Aren’t Adaptogens)

These next herbs are not adaptogens for hair growth. But they’re still incredibly helpful for hair health. Think of them as the supporting cast—working on circulation, hormones, and nutrients so your hair has what it needs to thrive.

Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu)

A classic in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Fo-Ti is often called adaptogenic, but it doesn’t meet the full definition. That said, it’s a powerhouse for hair growth and traditionally used to maintain youthful, dark hair.

Why it works:

• Supports kidney and liver health (linked to hair vitality in TCM)
• Improves circulation
• May help reduce premature graying

How to use it:

• Brew into a tea
• Always get it from a reputable source—this one can be intense on your liver

This is the Fo-Ti I have—check it out here

Nettle Root

Nettle root is more of a nutrient-dense tonic. It’s rich in minerals and great at blocking DHT—a hormone that’s linked to thinning hair, especially around the temples and crown.

Why it works:

• Blocks DHT naturally
• Rich in silica, iron, and magnesium
• Strengthens hair at the root

How to use it:

• Drink as tea or tincture
• Add to a homemade scalp rinse

This is the nettle I use in tea—check it out

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola often gets lumped into the adaptogen category, but it’s technically not. It’s still a killer plant ally, especially for boosting scalp circulation and collagen production.

Why it works:

• Improves blood flow to the scalp
• Supports tissue healing and collagen
• Calms inflammation

How to use it:

• Blend the powder into warm drinks
• Drink as a tea

Here’s the Gotu Kola I use

How to Use These Herbs for Hair Growth

Let’s be honest—between moon milk recipes, grocery runs, and whatever your life looks like right now, the last thing you need is a 12-step herbal hair care routine that costs more than your rent.

Here’s how to keep your adaptogens for hair growth routine simple, effective, and consistent.

Pick One or Two to Start

You don’t need a whole shelf of powders to see benefits. Choose one true adaptogen and one herbal ally that fit your current needs.

Examples:

• Feeling anxious and shedding like crazy? Try Ashwagandha + Nettle Root
• Hair feels flat and your energy’s tanked? Go with Rhodiola + Gotu Kola
• Dealing with inflammation or immune issues? Reishi + Fo-Ti

Stir Into What You’re Already Drinking

This is the easiest entry point.

Ideas:

• Add ashwagandha or reishi to your moon milk (even better if it’s with homemade nut milk)
• Stir gotu kola powder into tea or lattes
• Sip nettle or Fo-Ti as a tea throughout the day

Go Capsule If You’re Not Into the Taste

Ok, so full transparency: some of these herbs taste like damp forest floor. If you’re not into that vibe, capsules are a stress-free alternative.

My go-to in capsule form:

• Rhodiola (best taken in the morning)
• Ashwagandha (especially if you forget to mix powder)
• Reishi (great if your moon milk is already doing a lot)

Pair with a Topical Treatment (Like Fermented Rice Water)

Adaptogens work from the inside out, but it doesn’t hurt to support your scalp from the outside, too. I’ve been using fermented rice water for hair for months now—and it’s one of the few DIYs I’ll actually stick with.

It’s easy to make, basically free, and crazy effective for:

• Strengthening strands
• Reducing breakage
• Supporting scalp health

Stick With It for At Least 8–12 Weeks

Hair growth takes time. You might notice less shedding before you see regrowth—but stay consistent. These herbs are gentle, not overnight miracles. The key is showing up for your body, over time.

FAQs About Adaptogens for Hair Growth