Formulation and evaluation of flaxseed hair gel: a natural hair tamer.

India is known for traditional medicine. Herbs are the traditional form of Indian medicine which was developed by ancient sages whose astute observations led to the development of constitutional medicine. Herbal cosmetics are the preparations used to enhance the human appearance. The aim of the present research was to formulate and evaluate the herbal gel of flaxseed for the purpose of moisturizing and nourishing the hair. Flaxseed (also known as linseed) is full of fatty-acids and antioxidants which help to remove toxins and dead cells from the scalp. Four different types of gel formulations containing carbopol 934 in varying concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2% were prepared and evaluated. The evaluation of all the formulations (F1 to F4) were done on various parameters like physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadibilty, extrudability, homogenity, grittiness and stability. Gels containing 0.5% and 1% of carbopol 934 formed a very thin gel that liquefied within 4 to 5 hours of preparation. With 1.5% carbopol 934 the gel formation was better to some extent but the problem of liquefaction after 24 hours was observed. The gel formulation containing 2% of carbopol 934 formed uniform and smooth gel that did not liquefy even after 24 hrs. Among the four formulation, F4 showed good spreadibilty, consistency, homogeneity, appearance, optimum viscosity, pH and was stable for long period of time. There is further scope to carryout animal studies also.