Use of Red Dragon Fruit Peel Extract (Hylocereus costaricensis (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose) in Hair Dye Formulation

The study explored the use of red dragon fruit peel extract, rich in anthocyanin, as a natural hair dye alternative to synthetic dyes. Anthocyanin, known for its red coloring properties, was extracted and used in formulations to dye gray hair. The research found that increasing the concentration of adjuvants resulted in darker hair colors. Specifically, a 0.5% concentration of adjuvants produced a brownish-black color, while a 1% concentration resulted in a dark black color. A formulation containing 2.5% dragon fruit peel extract and 1% adjuvant successfully dyed gray hair a deep black, with additional substances like pyrogallol, copper (II) sulfate, and xanthan gum used to enhance the color change.