Herbal Hair Serum

Abstract

Cosmetics have gained significant popularity in the daily lives of many individuals, who often use a variety of products to enhance their beauty and elegance, with the aim of achieving a youthful and charming appearance. It is safe to say that cosmetics play a crucial role in human life. In recent times, herbal cosmetics have become increasingly popular due to the perception that they offer fewer side effects and are a safer option. [1] Hair is a fundamental aspect of an individual’s identity, and as such, it is crucial to maintain it through the use of various beauty products. In this regard, it is worth nothing that herbal formulations have demonstrated superior efficacy compared to synthetic ones while exhibiting minimal or no side effects. As such, herbal remedies represent a valuable alternative in hair care, especially for individuals with a proclivity for adverse reactions to conventional hair care products. [2] Promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss is a crucial aspect of hair care. Herbal dyes have been a popular choice among individuals, thanks to their minimal side effects and impeccable safety record. Recently, a study was conducted to develop an herbal hair serum using a variety of sauces for general hair treatment. The resultant oil was subjected to a thorough analysis, including assessments of its organoleptic properties, acid value, saponification value, viscosity, pH, and other parameters. The findings indicated that all criteria were met and fell within the accepted guidelines. [1, 2]

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

The anatomical structure of hair encompasses a complex framework that manifests distinct physical and chemical properties.[3] It is a thin, flexible thread made of keratin, which has exceptional strength and elasticity.[4] Hair is an epithelial structure that is formed as a result of the keratinization of germinative cells. The growth of hair occurs through follicles that are present on the surface of the skin. This process plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of hair, as the follicles provide the necessary nutrients and support for the growth and maintenance of the hair shaft. The keratinization process involves the transformation of the germinative cells into a hard, durable material known as keratin, which forms the structural foundation of the hair. [5] The scalp is a crucial factor in hair growth, as it is the layer of soft tissue covering the head and cranium where hair develops. Comprised of numerous hair follicles and sebaceous glands, the scalp maintains a pH level of 5.5, while the hair shaft has a pH of 3.67. [5] Cosmetics have a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Initially, they were used in hunting, war, religion, and magic, and later became associated with medicine.  Herbal cosmetics refer to beauty products that incorporate natural compounds originating from plants, herbs, and other approved cosmetic ingredients. These compounds have shown promising potential in the development of drugs that could aid in combating challenging illnesses like cancer. Irrespective of one’s age, serums, concentrates, and other natural ingredients can effectively enhance the skin’s health and aesthetics. Serum is a cosmetic product that is renowned for its high concentration of active ingredients. These ingredients are designed to penetrate the deeper skin layers, thus providing intensive nutrition to the skin. The non-greasy finish of serum makes it a suitable product for all skin types. This cosmetic product is widely used in the beauty industry due to its ability to deliver excellent results.[6] The hair care industry has provided individuals with a diverse range of methods to fortify, revamp, and maintain the health of their hair. Hair care products have the added benefits of augmenting hair quality, facilitating upkeep, and repairing damage. [7]

A. Key Features Of Hair Serum

1. Hair serum is a specialized liquid hair care product that goes beyond styling, as it’s also used to address a variety of hair concerns such as dryness, dullness, and unruliness.
2. Unlike water, hair serum has a thicker consistency and is available in different types to cater to various hair goals.
3. Depending on the specific formula, a hair serum can help reduce frizz, add shine, or even straighten hair.
4. Typically, hair serum contains silicone and is designed to leave hair coated with added shine, smoothness, hydration, and protection against humidity and pollution.
5. It’s best applied on wet hair for optimal results.[1]

B. Hair Serums Are Suitable For Certain Hair Types

1. Straight
2. Wavy
3. Curly
4. Coily[8]

C. Benefits Of Hair Serum

1. Hair serum is an effective hair care product that can smoothen, soften, and make your hair silky.
2. It provides protection to your hair against environmental aggressors.
3. It can be used both as a pre-styling treatment and a finishing product.
4. You can apply it before or after using heat styling tools.
5. Hair serum can control frizz, which is a common problem for weak and damaged hair.
6. Additionally, it can boost the smoothness of your hair.
7. The anti-frizz effect of hair serum also helps to improve the overall smoothness of your hair.
8. Hair serum reduces tangles, promotes shine, and protects against damage while enhancing straightness and curls.[8,9]

D. Some Potential Negative Outcomes Of Using Hair Serum

1. Consistent use or excessive application can result in hair damage and eventual dryness.
2. Using the serum on the scalp may cause inflammation.
3. Long-term exposure to silicones found in the serum can be detrimental to hair health.
4. It’s best to steer clear of applying the serum directly to the scalp to avoid oiliness and the potential for inflammation.[10]

III. FORMULATION

The following are the steps to formulate an herbal hair serum that contains hibiscus, fenugreek seeds, almond oil, vitamin E capsule, and rosemary oilZ

1. Preparation Of Ingredients

a. Hibiscus: obtain dried hibiscus flowers or powder.

b. Fenugreek seeds: acquire fenugreek seeds and grind them into a fine powder.

c. Almond oil: use cold-pressed almond oil.

d. Vitamin E capsule: extract the oil from vitamin E capsules

e. Rosemary oil: use pure rosemary essential oil.

2. Infusion Of Hibiscus And Fenugreek

a. Combine hibiscus powder, fenugreek powder, and almond oil in a clean glass jar.

b. Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks to allow the herbs to infuse into the oil.

c. Shake the jar occasionally.

3. Straining The Infusion

After the infusion period, strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the herbal particles.

4. Addition Of Vitamin E And Rosemary Oil

a. Pierce the vitamin E capsules and squeeze the oil into the strained herbal oil mixture.

b. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil for its hair-nourishing properties. Stir well to combine.

5. Bottling And Storage

a. Transfer the herbal hair serum into an airtight glass bottle or can using a funnel.

b. To preserve the quality of the serum, it is recommended to store it in a cool and dark area, away from direct sunlight.

6. Labeling

Label the bottle with the name of the product, date of formulation, and a list of ingredients.

7. Usage

a. Apply a small amount of the herbal hair serum to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the scalp.

b. Gently massage and style as usual.

This herbal hair serum formulation combines the nourishing properties of hibiscus, fenugreek, almond oil, vitamin E, and rosemary oil to promote healthy hair growth, strengthen hair strands, and add shine. A patch test should be performed before using the serum to check for any allergic reactions. 

IV. EVALUATION

The following criteria will be used to assess the effectiveness of the herbal hair serum that has been prepared:

1. Physical Appearance: The physical appearance of the formulated cosmetic serum was assessed through the observation of its texture, color, and odor.
2. pH: To determine the pH of a serum formulation, a Digital pH meter will be used. The meter will be dipped into a sample of the formulation and the pH value will be recorded. It’s important for the formulation to have an acidic pH, as the skin’s natural pH is around 4-6.[22]
3. Homogeneity Test: To conduct the homogeneity test, a sterile and pristine object glass was utilized. The glass was subsequently coated with the hair serum, and a cover glass was securely affixed. The visual appearance was then scrutinized under an illuminating light to identify any coarse particles or inconsistencies. The herbal hair serum underwent a meticulous examination to detect any clumps, flocculates, or aggregates.[23]
4. Viscosity: To test the viscosity of the serum formulation, a Brookfield Viscometer is utilized with a spindle type model S6 and 4.5ml of serum at a speed of 100rpm. The spindle is submerged in a sizable container containing the serum for 5 minutes prior to taking the measurement.[24]
5. Spreadability: The spreadability of the formulation was evaluated via interposition between two slides and the application of a suitable weight on top of the plate. Subsequently, the extent of the formulation’s spread was measured and recorded for further analysis.
6. Safety: It is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of a product, particularly with respect to its suitability for use without causing any adverse reactions, such as scalp irritation or allergies.
7. Packaging: It is essential to verify whether the packaging of the herbal serum is capable of preserving the potency of its constituent ingredients, while ensuring ease of use.

V. DISCUSSION

The review provided a comprehensive summary of the formulation technique for herbal hair serum. It included different types of herbs and herbal extracts and excipients, their role in enhancing stability and bioavailability of the active ingredients. It also included the evaluation methods used to access the effectiveness of herbal hair serum.

VI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the successful completion of this project report. First and foremost, I extend my deepest appreciation to our Principal, Dr. Yuvraj Girbhane, at Shri Sai Institute of Pharmacy And Research for their unwavering support, guidance, and valuable insights throughout the entire project.

I also want to thank my team members for their dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit in making this project a success. I am grateful to Mr. Ganesh Wani, Assistant Professor at Shri Sai Institute of Pharmacy and Research for providing valuable feedback and suggestions that have helped refine the contents of this report.

I would like to express my gratitude to Shri Sai Institute of Pharmacy and Research for their support, cooperation, resources and facilities which have greatly contributed to the success of this project.

Lastly, I want to express my deep appreciation to my family and friends for their understanding, encouragement, and patience throughout this project journey. Their support has helped to keep me going, and I am grateful for it.

The contributions of each of these individuals have played a crucial role in shaping this report and enhancing my learning experience. I am truly grateful for their support.

Conclusion

The review summarizes the formulation techniques and evaluation methods used to access the effectiveness of herbal hair serum.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Harshratna H. Tupe, Lisha M. Moon, Kapil A. Vasave, Mr. Ganesh Wani, Dr. Yuvraj Girbhane. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.