1. INTRODUCTION:

Cosmetics are substances that are applied to the body in order to enhance its appearance or odor. Cosmetic includes any article intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed on, or introduced into, or otherwise applied to, the human body or any part for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.¹ 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. Hair serum is the styling product that coats the surface of hair. Serum is intended to be used on wet or dry hair, serums can act as both a pre-styling treatment and a finishing product stylist-free days.²

Herbal hair serums have emerged as promising solutions, offering a blend of botanical extracts and potent nutrients to nourish and rejuvenate hair from root to tip. Unlike conventional hair products laden with synthetic chemicals, herbal hair serums harness the power of nature's bounty, incorporating ingredients renowned for their therapeutic properties. From revitalizing scalp health to promoting hair growth and restoring shine, these serums embody a holistic approach to hair care, aligning with the growing demand for clean, eco-friendly beauty solutions.

This review endeavours to delve into the efficacy, safety, and user experience of various herbal hair serums available in the market today. By analyzing ingredient compositions, exploring scientific research, and aggregating consumer feedback, we aim to provide readers with an informed perspective on the potential benefits and limitations of incorporating herbal hair serums into their beauty regimen. Throughout this exploration, we will assess key factors such as formulation transparency, sustainability practices, and tangible results to empower readers in making well-informed choices for their hair care needs. As the demand for natural beauty solutions continues to soar, understanding the nuances of herbal hair serums becomes paramount in navigating the vast landscape of hair care products.

Fig.1: Anatomy and physiology of hair

2. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF HAIR:

Hair is simple structure made from root and shaft. Root enclosed in hair follicle submerged into skin, hair shaft is port of hair present above the skin. Hair is made up of tough protein called as keratin. Keratin is large molecule made up of smaller unit called amino acid.³ Hair follicle is point from which hairs grows. At the end of Follicle network of blood vessels supply nutrition to hair help to grow called papillae. The most important Sebaceous gland that secret oil help to keep hair condition. The hair bulb has special calls known as melanocytes, which produce pigment called as melanin. Melanin gives color to hair. The part of hair seen above the skin called have shaft. Hair Shaft made up of dead cells, keratin cells. keratin makes hair both strong and flexible. These helices are Connected by strong bonds between amino acids. The bonds make hairs strong.³

· Medulla: - Deepest layer of hair shaft seen in large and thick hair. Honeycomb like keratin structure.

· cortex: Middle layers of hair shaft provide Strength, color and texture of hair fiber. Made thin layer of keratin. Hair cortex Contain melanin. Made from specialized cells called as melanocytes melanin.

^·Cuticle: Outer layer of hair shaft. Thin and colorless protect the cortex. Made up of 6–11-layer Keratin cells. Take importance care of hair shaft and follicle.⁴

Fig.2: Hair cycle

· Phases of hair growth:

a) Anagen Phase.

b) Kenogen phase.

c) Catagen Phase.

d) Telogen phase.

e) Exogen phase.

1) Anagen phase: First stage of hair growth cycle and approximately 1,000 days. It begins in papilla and can last from. two - six years. Eighty to ninety percent of all human in anagen stage. period of growth when cell around the Follicle rapidly dividing of depositing materials within the hair. The hair being able to grow 1 meter. The hair growth determined by genetics. The cells in papilla divide to produce new hair Fibers and Follicle buries itself into dermal layer of Skin to nourish the strand.⁵

2) Catagens phase: At the end of anagen phase, hair enters catagen phase. short transitional phase, lasts approximately 10 days. first sign of Catagen is cessation of melanin production in hair bulb and apoptosis of follicular melanocytes. Also known as transitional phase follicle renew itself Two weeks hair follicle shrinks. Due to disintegration and papilla detaches and rest Cutting hair strand off from its nourishing blood Supply. Hair not grows during this phase length of terminal fiber increases follicle pushes them upward.⁵

3) Telogen phases: The final stage of hair growth. During phase hair follicle is dormant/ resting and hair easily lost 10-18% hair in telogen phase. follicle then remain inactive for 3 months. The epidermal Cells lining follicle Channel Continue to grow and accumulate around base of hair. The follicle will begin to grow phase Within two weeks the new hair shaft will begin to emerge once the telogen phase is complete. The process results in normal hair loss known as shedding.⁶

4) Exogen phase: For long hair shedding function has been assumed to be part of telogen phase, but now it has been shedding actually occurs as distinct phase termed as exogen phase. The shedding of hair fiber highly controlled active process. The process different from quiescence normally found during hair follicle cycling. The process of has two steps: After telogen the follicle base cells receive signal initiate exogen. Turn on effectors of shedding.⁶

5) Kenogen phase: The empty hair follicle noticed after shedding of hair fiber. kenogen means hair follicle remains empty after telogen and before new anagen hair reappears. Hair loss, hair thinning and problems with hair growth occur when growth cycle is disrupted.⁸

3. PROBLEMS OF HAIR:

Hair is an important part of human body. The problem associated with it includes hair loss, lack of hair volume, conditioning, immature graying, dandruff, thinning of hair, dullness etc. Hairs can in shape, length, diameter, texture and color.

All mammals have hair. Its main purpose is to regulate body temperature. It also wants to decrease friction to guard against sunlight. For the scalp, hairs were known as protective covering in ancient times.⁹

There are many hair problems given below:

1) Dandruff:

Dandruff is little white pieces of dead skin in someone’s hair, or fallen someone’s hair. It’s apparently caused by a fungus called Malassezia restricta and Globose, formerly called Pittosporum may be a yeast causing infection of skin and scalp. It’s caused by not brushing hair, allergy, not showering enough etc.¹⁰

2) Hair loss:

Although historically as a haul among men, hair loss is additionally common among women. Female hair loss is typically caused by stress, medication, changing hormones and even menopos. many hair styling product can contribute to hair loss.

3) Split ends:

Over brushing hair, excessive perming, too much heat and lack of a good conditioner cause split ends. Exposure to extreme weather conditions, and hair care techniques such as blow drying, straightening, and curling may cause split ends.

4) Gray hair:

Changes in hair colour typically occur naturally as people age, eventually turning the hair grey and then white. To many, gray hair is a badge of honor. But others would prefer to get rid of it because gray hair can be brittle and more unruly than other strands.

5) Dry hair:

Shampooing too often cause dry hairs. Although squeaky clean hair may be a good thing, many overdo it by washing once, sometimes twice or per day which strip away all of the hair’s natural oils. Washing hair too often Using harsh shampoos, conditioners, or styling products Dying or chemically treating your hair.Regular hair blow-drying using electric curling irons, straighteners, or curlers.

6) Dull hair:

Dullness develops when the hair does not receive or retain enough moisture. The symptoms of dull hair include dryness, fizziness, and a rough texture. Such as using the wrong hair care products, deficiency of nutrients in diet, the excessive use of harsh chemicals, heat-styling damage, and environmental soils.

7) Oily/greasy hair:

Oily hair is caused scalp produces an excessive amount of natural oil called sebum. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands, which leading to excessive amounts of oil.

8) Heat damaged hair:

Heat damaged hair occurs when you blow dry, flat iron, or curl your hair at the highest temperature settings over an extended period of time. Some signs of heat-damaged hair include:

· Split ends or ends that easily break

· White nodules at the end of the hair shaft

· Overly dry hair

· Rough or stringy hair texture

· Difficulty in styling

· hair that tangles and knots easily.

· Hair breakage.

4. HERBAL HAIR SERUM:

Hair loss is a universal distress condition which include the emotional, social, spiritual, physical, genetic, nutritional, medical, and environmental factor. Hairs are the important part of body in mammals it protects the body form extreme temperature and play an important role in self-defiance. Hair loss is a quite natural and common but it causes the. Serums provide the intensive nutrition to the scalp and hair roots .Hair serums are the liquid preparation which have the slightly thicker consistency than the water. Hair serums are used for various hair related problems like the frizzy hairs, dry hairs, damaged hairs etc. Various types of hair serum are available in market which have the various properties like some serums provide the shine, reduce the dry ness, reduce the frizz, straighten the hairs. Hair serums are directed as used on wet hairs.

HIGHLIGHT OF HERBAL SERUM:

1) Frizz control: Hair serum helps to tame frizz and flyaways, providing a smoother and sleeker look.

2) Shine enhancement: It adds a glossy finish to the hair, boosting its natural shine and luster.

3) Heat protection: Many serums contain ingredients that protect hair from the damage caused by heat styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners.

4) Moisture retention: Hair serum seals in moisture, keeping hair hydrated and preventing dryness and brittleness.

5) Detangling: It helps to detangle hair strands, making it easier to comb through and style.

6) Split end prevention: Regular use of hair serum can help to reduce the occurrence of split ends, keeping hair looking healthier.

7) UV protection: Some serums offer protection against UV rays, shielding hair from sun damage and color fading.

8) Lightweight formula: Hair serums are typically lightweight and non-greasy, ensuring that they do not weigh down the hair or leave a residue.

9) Improved manageability: By smoothing the hair cuticle, hair serum makes hair more manageable and easier to style.

10) Overall hair health: Hair serum can nourish and strengthen hair, promoting overall hair health and vitality.

Suitable types of hairs for using hair serum:

1. Straight

2. Wavy

3. Curly

4. Coily

ADVANTAGE OF HAIR SERUM:

1) It protects the hairs from the environmental factors.

2) Hair’s serums are smooths, soften, and make the hairs shiny, and silky.

3) Hair serum act or use as the cosmetics which managing frizz and dryness.

4) It controls the frizz dry hair related problems.

5) They provide the anti- frizz effect which may provide to improve the smoothness of hairs.

6) They protect the hair from the damage.

SIDE EFFECT OF USING THE HAIR SERUM:

1) Regular application of hair serum is making the hair dry or unhealthy.

2) Regular or frequent application of hair serum cause the inflammation the skin.

3) Silicon presents in hair serum cause the bad effect on growth of the hair and longs hairs.

BENEFITS OF HAIR SERUM:

1) PROTECT HAIR:

It against the heat, sun damage, dirt, dust, pollution When hair serum applied on hair it forms the thin layer on hair It protects the hair from the hair damage.¹¹

2) GIVES SHINE TO THE HAIR:

Hair serum form the thin layer which reflects the light. The serum provides the shiny appearance to the hair. Hair serum contained the amino acids which protect colored and chemically treaded hair.⁷

3) MULTI PURPOSE:

Hair serum are used to treat the various hair related problems. Few drops of hair serum make your hair shiny and silky it turns your bad day into the good day. It is one remedy to multiple hair issue.⁷

4) NOURISHED HAIRS:

Hair serum fills the follicular cracks and act on damaged hairs. Hair serum make hair manageable which make them lustrous and easy to carry.⁶

5) BEST FOR HAIR DRY:

Most commonly hair serums are used for the damaged, dry, and frizz hairs. Hair serum lock and provide the moisture to the hair and make them smooth and shiny.¹¹

6) PREVENT HAIR FALL FROM BREKAGE:

When our hair becomes frizz, damaged, messy, tangled in further conditions we loss lot of hair follicles. Hair serums act as the lubricant in such cases and make them detangled easily It may cause the stop the hair fall problems.¹¹

5. DRUG PROFILE:

HIBISCUS POWDER:

· SYNONYMES: Rose mallow, Hibiscus

· BIOLOGICAL SOURCE: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

· KINGDOME: plantae

· ORDER: malvales

· FAMILY: Malavaceae

· SUB FAMAILY: malvoideae

· TRIBE: Hibisceae

· GENUS: hibiscus

· USES:

A. Add volumes of hair and thicken hairs.

B. Treat the problems related to dandruff.

C. It stops the hair loss and make healthy hai.r

D. Use as emollient trap moisture in hair and prevent dry hair freezing.¹²

CITRUS OIL:

· SYNOYMES: bitter orange peel, Seville orange

· BIOLOGICAL SOURCE: pericarp of citrus aurantium Linn

· KINGDOM: plantae

· ORDER: spanidales

· FAMILY: Rutaceae

· SUB FAMILY: aurantioideae

· GENUS: citrous

· CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS citrus 2.5% volatile oil, hesperidin, isohesperidin, neohesperidin, vitamin C and pectin. Bitter substances, Aurantia Marin and Aurantiamaric acid. 90% limonine, citronella.¹²

· USES:

A. It is use for long and stronger hair

B. Protect the hair from UV rays

C. Help to reduce dandruff and relive from itchy scale

D. Bitter orange peels are used as stomachic, aromatic and carminative. Pharmaceutically, used as a flavoring’s agent for several oral liquid preparations and also for the extraction of pectin. Now-a-days, terpene less orange oil is preferred commercially as a flavoring’s agent, as it has stronger flavors and is more readily soluble than natural oil. It has about 25 times stronger flavors as compared to the natural orange oil.¹³

AMALA POWDER:

· SYNONYME: amla, Indian goose berry

· BIOLOGICAL SOURCE: it is dried and fleshy fruits of Phyllanthus emblica Linn

· KINGDOME: plantae

· ORDER: malpighiales

· FAMILY: phyllanthaceae

· GENUS: Phyllanthus

· SPECIES: P. emblica

· Chemical constituents: Ascorbic acid, vitamin ellagitannins, emblicanin A, punigluconin, phyllanemblinin

· Amla fruits are also rich in mineral matters like phosphorus, iron and calcium. It contains appreciable amount of pectin. Amla fruits are also rich in mineral matters like phosphorus, iron and calcium. It contains appreciable amount of pectin.¹²

· USES:

A. It used for nourishing the scalp.

B. Strengthens hair and root.

C. It is used as hair growth remedy Amla fruits are largely used in Indian medicines. It is used as an acrid, diuretic, refrigerant and laxative. Dried fruits are given in diarrhea and dysentery. They are also administered in jaundice dyspepsia and anemia along with iron compound. Fruits are also used in preparation of inks, ha oils and shampoo. It is reported that fixed oil from fruits possesses the property of promoting hair growth. Seeds of the fruits are given in treatment of asthma and bronchitis.

D. The leaves are used as fodder. Alcoholic extract of the fruit is anti-viral. It is a popular ingredient of Triphala" and "Chyawanprash". Amla, being a rich source of vitamin C, is considered important var slow the ageing process. It improves skin health.¹³

ALOEVERA:

· SYNONYME: aloe, Musab bar, GhrutKumari

· BIOLOGICAL SOURCE: It is the leaves of various species of aloe-vera- 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. The drug also contains aloetic acid l, homometallic aloesone, chrysophanic acid, chryasemminic acid, galacturonic acid, cholinesaponile, glucosamine, hexuronic acid.¹²

· USES:

A. To make stronger hair.

B. It provides antioxidant properties and also act an emollient.

C. Improve texture of hair.

D. Repair dead skin on the scalp.

E. Aloe vera gel is slightly viscous and clear liquid having good moisturizing properties.

F. Used as an anti-inflammatory agent and anti-wrinkle properties.

G. Used in treatment of pain and itching.¹³

VITAMIN E:

· Vitamin E is rich oil help replace the protective layer and bring back shine.

· Support to healthy scalp and maintain hair growth.

· Protect the hair from damage.

· Gives nourishment to hair.¹²

METHYLPARABEN:

· Methyl parabean is used as a preservative.

· To prevent the growth of pathogens and stop undesirable chemical changes from occurring.

· Use as excipient in formulation.¹⁴

6. INGRIDIENTS AND THEIR PROPERTIES:

Table.1: Ingridients and properties

INGREDIENTS	PART OF PLANT	PROPERTIES
HIBISCUS	FLOWER	HUMECTANT
ORANGE	PEEL OF THE FRUIT	ANTIDANDRUFF AGENT
AMLA	FRUIT	DEAD SCALP REPAIRED
ALOE VERA	LEAF	NOURISHING AGENT
VITAMIN-E	-	ANTIOXIDANT
METHYPARABEN	-	PRESERVATIVE
DISTILLED WATER	-	QS

7. FORMULATION OF HERBAL HAIR SERUM:

· Wash the all glassware’s and dry it.

· All ingredients are wighed accurately (amla, hibiscus powder, orange oil or citrous oil, aloe vera, vitamin E).

· Take amla and hibiscus powder in beaker with sufficient amount of water and heat the mixture in water bath with continuous stirring till both the powders are miscible.

· Cool the mixture.

· Add the aloe vera and vitamin E in given mixture and stir the mixture continuously.

· Then rest the mixture for five minutes.

· Then add the citrous oil and methyl paraben in given mixture.

· The serum is made up to 25 ml with distilled water.

· Filter the serum.

· Then transfer serum into the spray bottle.

8. EVALUATION OF HERBAL HAIR SERUM:

1) APPEARANCE:

· Physical appearance was evaluated by observation.

· It includes the texture, colure, and smell, consistency, are studied of herbal serum.¹⁵

2) PH TEST:

· The PH test is studied using various buffer solutions.

· The tests are performed by using the digital PH meter.

· The electrode of digital PH meter was dipped in the herbal hair serum formulation and the PH value is detected.

· It should have the acidic PH because the PH of skin is acidic about the 4-6.¹⁵

3) HOMOGENECITY TEST:

· A clean and dry Petri dish was smeared with the hair serum and it covers with the glass seal.

· The appearance of herbal hair serum was observed under the light.

· Check the homogeneity of particles present in the herbal serum.

· Herbal hair serum tested by visual examination for homogeneity and tested for some lumps and flocculates.⁴

4) VISCOSITY:

· The viscosity measurement was performed with spindle number 64 on a Brookfield viscometer at 100rpm.

· The serum was placed in viscometer for 5-10 min before the measurement.

5) SPREADABILITY TEST:

· Spread ability was measured by a sandwiched between the parallel plate process this method is used for semisolid preparations.

· 2gm herbal serum will press in between the two horizontal plates of dimensions of 20 x 20cm.

· The spreader diameter was measured after the 1 min.

· The spread ability was calculated by using the formula.¹⁵

S= M x L /T

Where the,

S = Spread ability

M = Weight in the pan

L = Length moved by the glass slide

T = Time taken to separate the slide completely

6) STABILITY TEST:

· The herbal serum was kept in various temperature for specific period of time.

· The test is used for the determine the stability of chemical constituents of product.

· The results are then compared with the original PH and viscosity which are determined after the three months.⁴

7) TEST THE SENSITIVITY OF THE EYE (DRAIZE EYE TEST):

· Eye sensitivity test was tested on the rabbits for getting the average result of sensitivity

· One drop of the hair serum was injected in the left eye of the rabbit in physiological NACL and then observed for 30min, 60min, 120min, 240min, 1day, 2day, 3day, 4days.

· The score of the cornea, iris, and conjunctiva were determined.⁷

9. CONCLUSION:

Natural cosmetics are safe to use and effective as well as in comparison with other beauty product flooded in market Suitable for all hair types and individual with the hair of any types can use the never worry about degrading hair condition Less or no side effects Product made from botanicals or, plants that are used to treat disease or maintain health are called herbal product. The natural content in botanicals have less or not any side effects on human body instead enrich the body nutrients and other useful minerals. Most of cosmetic products are firstly tested on animals to ensure the safety and efficacy for the use for the human. However natural cosmetic not need to be tested on animal. These natural formulations are tested by ayurvedic experts in laboratories. using state of equipment with no animal involved Herbal cosmetics are not expensive so that they are available at low cost.

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Received on 21.02.2025 Revised on 15.03.2025

Accepted on 03.04.2025 Published on 30.10.2025

Available online from November 08, 2025

Research J. Topical and Cosmetic Sci. 2025; 16(2):117-123.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5844.2025.00019

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.