Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum

Janhavi U. Thakur*, Sagar S. Trivedi, Mr. K. M. Yeole

DCS’s ARA College of Pharmacy, Nagaon: 442001, Maharashtra, India.

*Correspondence: janhavithakur1303@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4417    

INTRODUCTION

The cost increase in worldwide living standard has created a rise in demand for cosmetic products. The importance of cosmetics has increased as many people want to stay young and attractive. Cosmeceuticals refers to the combination of the cosmetics industry with the pharmaceutical industry. Cosmetics companies produce cosmetics and pharmaceutical ones produce medicines. Cosmeceuticals are skincare products that combine cosmetics and medicines. Serum is one of the cosmetic products with very high concentration of active ingredient in their formula for providing intensive nutrition to the deeper skin layer and non-greasy finish product which suitable for skin.

BENEFITS OF HERBAL HAIR SERUM

Herbal hair serums offer a natural alternative to chemical based hair products. These serums are gaining popularity due to their effectiveness and minimal side effects. Here are some key benefits of using herbal hair serums.

a. Promotes Hair Growth

Herbal serums are often enriched with ingredient like wheatgrass extract which stimulate the hair follicles and encourage healthy hair growth.

b. Reduces Hair Fall

Natural antioxidants and nutrients present in herbs strengthen the roots, reduce breakage, and help control excessive hair fall.

c. Adds Shine and Smoothness

Ingredients like Aloevera gel and flaxseeds provide a natural shine and leave the hair silky and manageable without making it greasy.

d. Repairs Damaged Hair

Herbal serums help in repairing damage caused by heat styling, pollution, or chemical treatments. Their nourishing properties restore hair health from root to tip.

e. Prevents Dandruff and Scalp Issues

With antibacterial and antifungal properties, herbs like fenugreek in these serums help combat dandruff and maintain a healthy scalp.

f. Free from Harmful Chemicals

Unlike synthetic products, herbal hair serums are generally free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, making them safe for use long-term.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MATERIALS

  
    Wheatgrass

Synonym: Agropyron cristatum,

Biological Source: It is the derived from the immature shoots of the common Wheat Plant, Triticum aestivum

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Liliopsida

Order: Poales

Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)

Tribe: Triticeae

Genus: Triticum

Uses: Wheatgrass powder for promotes hair growth, removed the dead cells from the scalp and skin. Wheatgrass contains Vit. A, Vit.E and Vit.C which are essesntial for maintaining healthy skin and hair.

 AloeVera

Synonym : Aloe, Musabbar and Kumari.

Biological Source : It is the various species of aloevera-aloe barbedensis, aloe perryi, aloe spicata, aloe African.

Kingdom : Plantae

Order : Asparagales

Family : Liliaceae

Genus : Aloe L,- aloes

Chemical Constituents : Aloe Vera are measure source of anthraquinone glycoside. Aloe vera contain aloin, barbaloin, aloe-emodin.

Uses : To make stronger hair, it provide anti-oxidant properties and also act as emollient, improve texture of hair, repair dead skin on the scalp, aloe vera gel is slightly viscous and clear liquid having good moisturizing properties.

 Flaxseeds

Synonym : Linseed, flaxseed

Botanical name: Linum usitatissimum

Biological Source : It consists of the dried fully ripe seeds of linum usitatissimum Linn. Omega 3-fatty acid, Lignans, etc.

Family : Linaceae

Uses : Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hair growth stimulator.

    Fenugreek

Synonym : Methi, Methika, Alholva, Chandrika.

Botanical Name : Trigonella Foenum- graceum

Biological Source : It is obtained from the dried seeds to Trigonella Foenum-graceum.

Family : Leguminous

Chemical Constituents : Vitamin B, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponin, etc.

Uses : Hair growth stimulant, antibacterial.

Rosewater

Synonym : Rosa

Biological Source : The plant genus rosa encompases various species, all of which are sources of roses.

Family : Rosaceae

Chemical Constituents : Flavonoid, tannins, Phenolic acids.

Uses : It is used as an natural perfuming agent and which can help improve hair texture, manageability and scalp health.

METHODOLOGY:

Extraction of Aloevera:

Fresh and healthy aloe vera leaves were collected from the two year old plant of about 50 to 60 cm in length.

The collected leaves were then washed with the distilled water and dried in the hot air oven.

After complete drying the outer part of aloe vera leaf was removed longitudinally using a sterile knife.

Afterwards the Colourless aloe vera gel was removed by sterile knife

Then impurities were removed by filtration by using filter product which is clear aloe vera gel was used in the formulation

Extraction of wheatgrass:

The powder obtained after drying wheatgrass is subjected for aqueous, alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extraction. The hydroalcoholic extraction of wheatgrass done with ethanol and water in the ratio of 30:70 respectively using Soxhlet apparatus. Whereas aqueous extract and alcoholic extraction done by using water and ethanol respectively.      

Simple distillation can be used to separate ethanol from a wheatgrass solution due to the significant difference in their boiling points. Ethanol (78°C) boils at a lower temperature than water (100°C), allowing for its selective evaporation and subsequent condensation during distillation. This process concentrates ethanthe distillate.

Extraction of Flaxseeds:

In a beaker, add 5gm flaxseeds in 50ml distilled water and apply heat. Continue heating untill clear, slight viscous gel is formed. Filter the gel using muslin cloth. To the obtained gel. Mixed the solution using magnetic stirrer for 30 minutes.

Extraction of Fenugreek:

In a beaker, add 1gm of dried fenugreek seeds in 20ml of distilled water and boil the solution for 5 min. Filter the solution.

Formulation of Herbal Hair Serum

Table No 1: Formulation of herbal hair serum:

Preparation of Herbal Hair Serum

Step 1.

In a beaker, add 5gm flaxseeds in 50ml distilled water and apply heat. Continue heating until clear, slight viscous gel formed. Filter the gel using muslin cloth. To the obtained gel. Mixed the solution using magnetic stirrer for 30 minutes.

Step 2.

In a beaker, add 1gm of dried fenugreek seeds in 20 ml distilled water and boil the solution for 5 minutes. Filter the solution and add about 5gm of Aloevera gel and keep the mixture at room temperature.

Additionally add distilled water to the solution in order to make a solution free from any lumps.

Step 3.

In a beaker, add solution 1 and solution 2 with continuous stirring with stirrer. Then, add the alternate wheatgrass extract continuous stirring with a glass rod. To this solution, add about 0.02 gm sodium benzoate that acts as a preservative. Added 1 ml of rose oil which acts as a perfuming agent. Mixed the solution by using magnetic stirrer for 15 minutes. Store serum in well closed container.

Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum

Physical Appearance: The Set herbal hair serum is visually evaluate for appearance, colour and texture.

Homogenicity Test: The hair serum was applied to dry, clean object glass, and then a cover glass was bonded over it. Investigated was the appearance in the presence of some coarse particles over homogeneity. Herbal hair serum was visually inspected for homogeneity and the presence of lumps, flocculates or aggregate.

Viscosity Test: The Oswald Viscometer a liquid viscosity timing how long it takes for the liquid to flow through a capillary tube under the influencing gravity. It’s a U-shape tube a narrow capillary, and the time it takes for the liquid to flow between two marks is directly related to its viscosity.

Methodology:

Filling and Sucking: The viscometer is filled with liquid to be measure, and them suction is applied to draw the liquid into the upper bulb.

Flow measurement: The liquid is then allowed to flow by gravity through the capillary tube into the lower bulb.

Timing: To marks are etched on the viscometer, one above and one below the upper bulb, indicating a known volume. The time it takes for the liquid level to the pass between this marks is measure.

Viscosity Calculation: The measure time, along with the viscometer geometry and the liquid density, is used to calculate viscosity.

pH : The pH meter was calibrated using pH 5 to 6.5 buffer solution. Then the electrode was soaked in the hair serum and left until the pH normalized after a few minutes.

    Skin Irritation Test : After applying the serum to the skin, It is checked for any redness or itching after two hours.

Sensitivity Test : The procedures involves putting the serum to the skin, exposing to the sunlight for 10 minutes, and checking for rashes or itching.

    Spreadability : Spreadability was measured using parallel plate method that is used to asses and measures the spreadability. Small amount of serum was pressed between two horizontal plates of dimension 20 x 20cm. the spread diameter was measured after 1 minute. Spreadability was calculated using following formula –     S = M x L / T

                        Where,  S = spreadability

 M = weight in the pan (tied to the upper slide) L = Length moved by the glass slide

 T = Time (in secs.) taken to separate the slides completely.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Physical Appearance:

The physical appearance, odour and texture of the prepared herbal hair serum are visually tested.

  pH, Homogeneity and Spreadability Test:

  The pH scale is used to specify and the acidity basicity of a product in order to ensure that it is safe to    use.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to other beauty products that are overly available in the market, natural cosmetics are both safe and effective to use. Fits all types of hair.

According to findings, herbal hair serum offers a variety of vital nutrients required to maintain the sebaceous glands' normal function and promote the development of natural hair. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used to treat hair disorders due to their lower risk of side effects and hypersensitivity reactions. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used to treat hair disorders due to their lower risk of side effects and hypersensitivity reactions. Many herbal medications are recommended by India's traditional medical system to stimulate hair growth. The best part is that herbal extracts will give hair adequate nourishment and microprotein supplements, resulting in safe hair. Because they don't contain parabens or sulphates, herbal cosmetics are becoming more and more popular in the personal care sector and are in high demand in daily life. Trial and error led to the successful formulation and evaluation of the herbal hair serum. The study's findings indicate that it has natural ingredients that support the growth and upkeep of hair. Flaxseed and fennugreek antioxidant qualities, along with other ingredients like amino acids, help to stimulate hair growth and prevent premature hair greying. Plant extract from Wheatgrass is nutrient-rich and can help nourish the scalp while shielding it from dandruff and irritation. In addition to relieving scalp irritation, Wheatgrass promotes hair growth. Both hair loss and new hair growth are decreased by it. Their safety and lack of danger make them an excellent alternative to synthetic chemicals.

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