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

This review explores the growing significance of natural or herbal hair gels as safer and multifunctional alternatives to synthetic gels in cosmetic science. These gels use natural gelling agents and bioactive herbal extracts like Aloe vera, hibiscus, and amla, which provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and scalp-conditioning benefits. The review synthesizes recent studies and includes an experimental evaluation of a polyherbal gel made from locally available botanicals, assessing parameters such as pH, viscosity, and antimicrobial activity. The findings highlight the potential of herbal gels to enhance hair health while maintaining cosmetic performance. The review also addresses safety, market trends, and innovations like nano-delivery systems, suggesting future research should focus on standardization, clinical validation, and eco-friendly production to develop sustainable hair-care products.