Effects of Witch Hazel Oil on Damaged Hair

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of applying witch hazel oil on damaged hair.Methods: Adding 2, 4, and 6 g of witch hazel oil, applied to a sample of hairs bleached at level eight, produced formulations intended to enhance hair quality. This sample was compared with a cohort of damaged hair. Lightness (L*) value was measured using a color meter to identify changes in the brightness of the hair sample. In addition, tensile strength, absorbance using methylene blue, and glossiness were measured to verify improvement in damaged hair.Results: The mean L* values of the hairs in the sample were higher when compared with those of healthy hair. However, this effect declined with increased oil dosage. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was observed between damaged hair and the sample. After applying the oil, the mean values for tensile strength in the sample increased in comparison with those of the hair in the damaged hair cohort. However, significant differences were noted for hairs 8L(2), 8L(4), and 8L(6) from the sample. The mean values for absorbance decreased in all the hairs sampled, with significant differences noted for hairs 8L(2), 8L(4), and 8L(6) from the sample. Another measure is glossiness, the mean values of which increased for hairs 8L(2), 8L(4), and 8L(6) from the sample with significant differences.Conclusion: Significant differences in the mean values for tensile strength, absorbance, and glossiness were observed in hairs from the sample treated with varying doses of witch hazel oil, which indicates that the oil can improve the quality of damaged hair. However, we recommend that further studies be conducted to determine improvements in damaged hair using a variety of oils and natural extracts.