Can Tongkat Ali Help with Hair Loss? What to Know

Is Tongkat Ali the answer to thinning hair? Learn how this popular root may support hormonal balance and influence hair health naturally.

Disclaimer: This content is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Table of Contents

• What Is Tongkat Ali?

• What Causes Hair Loss?

• How Hormones Affect Your Hair

• Can Tongkat Ali Help?

• Other Benefits of Tongkat Ali

• How to Use It Safely

• Lifestyle Tips for Hair Wellness

• Conclusion

• References and Resources

What Is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a medicinal root native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia. Sometimes called "Malaysian ginseng," it’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its energy-boosting and adaptogenic properties.

In the modern supplement world, Tongkat Ali is best known for its ability to support hormonal health—especially testosterone levels. It’s widely available in capsule, powder, and liquid extract forms. Because of its natural origin and well-rounded benefits, Tongkat Ali has earned its place in the wellness routines of many people looking to optimize performance, stress response, and vitality.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be frustrating—and it often feels like there’s no clear reason why it’s happening. But hair thinning or shedding is usually linked to several contributing factors:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Androgens like DHT can impact hair follicle size and growth cycle

• Chronic Stress: Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Low iron, zinc, protein, or B vitamins can affect hair structure and strength

• Aging and Genetics: Natural aging and family history are strong predictors of hair loss patterns

Hair health starts from within. Understanding the root cause (pun intended!) is key to finding an effective solution.

How Hormones Affect Your Hair

One of the main hormones tied to hair loss is DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is derived from testosterone. While DHT is important for certain body functions, too much of it can bind to receptors in scalp hair follicles—especially in people who are genetically sensitive—and lead to miniaturization of the follicle. This results in thinner strands and shorter growth cycles.

Hormone-related hair loss tends to be gradual and progressive. In men, this often presents as receding hairlines or bald spots; in women, it might appear as overall thinning, especially along the part line.

Supporting balanced hormone levels can be an important part of the strategy for maintaining healthy hair.

Can Tongkat Ali Help?

Tongkat Ali isn’t a direct hair-growth product, but it may be helpful in creating a better environment for healthy hair by targeting upstream factors:

• Supports Natural Testosterone Levels: Tongkat Ali may help restore testosterone to optimal levels when they’re low, which can contribute to overall hormonal harmony. It doesn't force hormones but supports the body’s own regulation.

• Reduces Cortisol (Stress Hormone): As an adaptogen, Tongkat Ali may help reduce perceived stress, which in turn supports hair growth cycles.

• Promotes Energy and Circulation: Improved blood flow supports nutrient delivery to the scalp and follicles.

• Enhances Mood and Vitality: Feeling better overall encourages consistency in other wellness habits that impact hair health—like exercise, nutrition, and sleep.

While there’s no magic herb that will regrow hair overnight, Tongkat Ali’s hormonal and adaptogenic properties make it a solid addition to a wellness stack aimed at reducing hair loss.

Other Benefits of Tongkat Ali

In addition to its possible role in hair support, Tongkat Ali may offer a few more reasons to consider it:

• Boosts libido and reproductive health

• Supports athletic performance and muscle tone

• Promotes a more balanced mood

• May enhance sleep quality

These whole-body benefits can be particularly helpful if hair loss is just one piece of the puzzle you’re trying to solve.

How to Use It Safely

Here’s how to add Tongkat Ali to your supplement routine wisely:

• Start Low: Begin with 200–300 mg daily and assess how your body reacts.

• Cycle On and Off: Many people follow a 5-days-on, 2-days-off approach or use it for 8 weeks followed by a break.

• Use Reputable Brands: Look for supplements that are standardized to contain eurycomanone (the active compound).

• Pair Wisely: Combine with other nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, or biotin for more targeted hair support.

Always check with your healthcare provider if you’re taking medication or managing a health condition.

Lifestyle Tips for Hair Wellness

Tongkat Ali can support your hair journey—but your daily habits matter too. Combine it with a hair-friendly lifestyle:

• Eat a nutrient-rich diet with protein, iron, and B vitamins

• Manage stress through meditation, journaling, or breathwork

• Get enough sleep—your body restores and repairs overnight

• Avoid over-styling and harsh chemical treatments

• Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate circulation

Quick Tip: Try pairing Tongkat Ali with a relaxing bedtime routine to reduce cortisol and support overnight recovery.

Conclusion

Tongkat Ali may not be a hair growth miracle, but it’s a helpful tool in a wellness strategy focused on hormone balance and stress support—two big factors in hair loss.

If your hair concerns stem from chronic stress, low energy, or hormonal shifts, adding Tongkat Ali could be a gentle way to support your body’s balance from the inside out.

Explore more natural hormone-balancing formulas in our wellness shop and keep showing up for your healthiest self—hair included.

References and Resources

• Richards, L. (2024, October 15). What are the benefits and side effects of Tongkat ali? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tongkat-ali

• Ld, L. S. M. R. (2025, January 29). What to know about Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) supplements. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tongkat-ali-longjack-review

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024, October 18). Tongkat Ali. LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK609015/