Abstract

Urwashi Tiwari*, Rutuja Ashok Arekar

ABSTRACT

Hair colouring is a widely practiced cosmetic procedure used to enhance appearance and cover grey hair. Most commercially available hair dyes contain synthetic chemicals such as para-phenylenediamine, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide which may cause scalp irritation, allergic reactions, and hair damage. Growing concern regarding the safety of chemical dyes has increased interest in herbal alternatives. Natural hair dyes prepared from medicinal plants provide colouring effects along with additional benefits such as hair nourishment and scalp protection. Plants such as Lawsonia inermis (henna), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus), Acacia concinna (shikakai), Phyllanthus emblica (amla), and Indigofera tinctoria (indigo) have traditionally been used in hair care preparations. These plants contain bioactive compounds such as lawsone, anthocyanins, tannins, flavonoids, vitamin C, and indigotin which contribute to natural colouring and hair conditioning properties. The present review summarizes the development and evaluation of herbal hair dye formulations prepared from these plant materials and discusses their phytochemical constituents, formulation techniques, and evaluation parameters. Herbal hair dyes represent a safe, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternative to synthetic hair colourants. physicochemical, and preliminary phytochemical screening to assess their suitability as natural hair dyes and their potential as safer alternatives to synthetic colorants. The dye exhibited favorable sensory characteristics, standard pH, moisture, and ash content. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, tannins, anthraquinones, and mucilage, validating the use of herbal constituents. This research suggests that this herbal hair dye presents a potential alternative to synthetic hair colorants, potentially minimizing adverse side effects.