Formulation of Novel Herbal Shampoo Based on Human Prakriti: Perception of First BAMS Professionals

Abstract

Strong, long, and healthy hair significantly enhances one's personality. Studies have shown that chemical-based shampoos, which contain surfactants, strip natural oils from hair and scalp, leaving them dry and dull. Long-term use of surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate can even disrupt hormones. Individuals with vata prakriti typically have dry and thin hair prone to breakage, while pitta prakriti leads to early greying, though with somewhat smoother hair. Kapha prakriti is characterized by thicker hair. Hair color and other attributes are also influenced by prakriti. Parameters such as Roma kupa sankhya, keshothpathi, kesha poshana, and kesha are used for various clinical assessments. Classical texts, or samhithas, emphasize the importance of hair care, including trimming and maintenance. This study aimed to formulate a completely herbal shampoo that matches the effectiveness of synthetic shampoos available on the market. We used traditional plant parts and extracts known for their hair cleansing properties across Asia and now globally. The ingredients are safer than silicones and polyquaterniums. Our effort resulted in a completely natural, herbal, and prakriti-based shampoo, free from sulfates and parabens, tailored to the individual’s prakriti, an inherent nature according to Ayurvedic science that remains unchanged throughout one's lifetime.

Keywords: Hair, Natural, Prakriti, Shampoo