DEVELOPMENT OF A DEEP‑MOISTURIZING HERBAL SHAMPOO FOR DRY AND FRIZZY HAIR USING OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS) MUCILAGE: A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO SYNTHETIC SHAMPOOS

This research paper develops and evaluates a herbal, deep‑moisturizing shampoo tailored for dry and frizzy hair, using okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) mucilage as the primary green conditioning agent. Okra mucilage was extracted aqueously and combined with traditional Ayurvedic surfactants and conditioners like soap nut (reetha), shikakai, amla, aloe vera, and, in one formula, the mild nonionic surfactant decyl glucoside. The formulations were tested via standard shampoo quality tests (pH, total residue , viscosity, surface tension reduction, foam stability, cleansing, wetting time) and a user perception survey. The okra‑based shampoos showed effective cleansing, stable foam, desirable viscosity, and desirable surface‑tension reduction. Users claimed high to moderate improvements in softness, manageability, and frizz reduction. The data support okra mucilage as a promising, sustainable alternative to synthetic conditioning systems for textured, dry, and frizzy hair, with further work recommended on preservation, stability, and instrumental performance standardization.