Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part H (2025)

Herbal cosmetics are the substances used for improving the appearance of a person. Herbs, fruits, flowers, seeds, and essential oils are the natural elements that are used in the preparation of herbal cosmetics. As herbal cosmetics contain vitamins, antioxidants, natural bioactive components, and other nutrients, they nourish the skin and hair and provide therapeutic benefits rather than just improving their appearance. These are the semi-solid formulations. Herbal hair gels emphasize the increasing popularity of such natural, chemical-free hair gels by providing various advantages like hair growth, reduced falling of hair, dandruff control along with styling. Hair loss, hair thinning, dandruff has became the most common problems faced by both men and women today, this occurs mainly due to the increasing exposure to pollution and the widespread use of chemical-based products such as shampoos, hair gels, and other hair care formulations. Herbal hair gels are effective in minimizing and repairing the damage caused by these chemical agents found in various commercial hair care products.

This review gives an overview of the preparation, importance, and advantages of a botanical hair mask gel made from flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and rice water (Oryza sativa). Each ingredient contributes some unique properties that are beneficial for scalp health and hair regeneration. The flaxseed is one of the oldest crops and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, proteins, and vitamin E; it fortifies hair follicles, reduces inflammation, and increases elasticity and luster. Fenugreek seeds are mainly composed of oleic and linoleic acids, vitamins A, B, and C, iron, and lecithin, which all together nourish hair, prevent dandruff, minimize damage to follicles, and retard graying of hair. Rice water is a classic Asian beauty ingredient and comprises amino acids, inositol, vitamins B, C, and E, and various minerals that improve hair texture, elasticity, and smoothness and maintain scalp pH and hydration.

These natural ingredients interact with a synergistic effect on the constitution of a semi-solid, nutritional gel, which exerts cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. It helps clean the scalp, strengthens the roots, repairs broken strands, and enhances the cosmetic look and volume of the hair. The various parameters evaluated herein, like pH, viscosity, spreadability, and skin irritation tests, establish the safety and efficacy of the gel for topical applications. The herbal hair gel mask provides an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to hair care by eschewing synthetic additives and harsh chemicals that have detrimental long-term effects.