Development of herbal hair wax stick with scalp nourishing extract

Hair styling products are commonly used to improve appearance, but long-term use of synthetic products may cause scalp irritation and hair damage. This study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal hair wax stick containing natural ingredients that provide both styling and hair care benefits. Ethanolic extracts of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), and Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata) were incorporated into a wax base prepared using beeswax, cetostearyl alcohol, soft paraffin, and natural oils. Three formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were prepared and evaluated for physical properties such as color, odor, pH, spreadability, washability, and stability. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of beneficial compounds like flavonoids and phenolics. The formulations were also tested for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. Among them, F3 showed the best overall performance with suitable pH, good spreadability, and higher antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The study concludes that the herbal hair wax stick is safe, stable, and effective, and can be a natural alternative to synthetic hair styling products.