Styling Nature: A Comprehensive Review and Experimental Evaluation of Polyherbal Hair Gels in Cosmetic Science

This review highlights the growing importance of natural or herbal hair gels as safer and multifunctional alternatives to synthetic gels in cosmetic science. It examines the use of natural gelling agents and bioactive herbal extracts like Aloe vera and hibiscus, which provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and scalp-conditioning effects. An experimental evaluation of a polyherbal gel formulation using local botanicals showed promising results in terms of pH, viscosity, spreadability, stability, and antimicrobial activity, supporting the potential of herbal gels to promote hair health. The review also discusses safety, market trends, and innovations such as nano-delivery systems, emphasizing the need for future research on standardization, clinical validation, and eco-friendly production strategies.