Baldness is the state where there is loss or absence of hair, especially on the head. The most common form of baldness is called androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, which occurs in adult human males and is a progressive disease. The amount and pattern of baldness can vary greatly amongst people and the disease itself could lead to other forms of baldness such alopecia areata (complete loss of hair on the head) and alopecia totalis (total loss of all body hair).

The incidence of baldness varies from population to population and depends mainly on genetic factors, lifestyle and hormonal levels (androgenic hormones). A large-scale study in Maryborough, Australia, showed that the loss of hair in front part of the head affects approximately 73.5% of men and 57% of women (aged 80 or more). Approximately 25 percent of men begin to show the first symptoms of hair loss from the age of 20, while two-thirds of men begin to have such a condition from the age of 60.

Here are some of the herbs that help in controlling the hormones related to Hair loss.

Rosemary - One of the most widely used herbs in herbal shampoos, hair conditioners and creams, this herb can help in the treatment of dandruff, primary baldness, graying hair and thinning hair. This is also useful for the prevention of hair loss attributed to side effects caused by medicines.

Aloe vera – The gel from the leaves of Aloe vera improves scalp condition. Egyptian researchers have shown that aloe vera gel not only helps fight dandruff, but also helps to regenerate hair in people with seborrheic alopecia (seborrhea). This type of baldness is caused by the formation of scales on an oily scalp. Aloe vera also protects the scalp from the adverse effects of the sun and wind.

Centella asiatica – Centella is widely used in cosmetics for its regenerative properties and for combating hair loss.

Gingko biloba - Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba in restoring the functioning of the circulatory system and improving blood flow – the two most important factors contributing to hair loss.

Saw Palmetto – In the United States, saw palmetto has been used for many years to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Many men using saw palmetto for the treatment of BPH have noticed that the herb promotes hair growth and also thickens hair strands. Recently it was found that Saw Palmetto may be helpful in treating hair loss by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, thus possibly causing the follicles to resume their normal functioning. This reverses the hair loss process and promotes hair growth.