Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter contains the literature and material related to the study which
will make it easier to understand. This includes related studies on physical
characteristics of pomade and hair; and essential nutrients and vitamins of onion,
lime, coconut milk and sabila for hair growth.

Characteristics and usage of Pomade

Pomade according to (en.wikipedia.org) is a greasy, waxy, or a water-

based substance that is used to style hair. Pomade gives the user's hair a shiny,

slick appearance, and does not dry it out. It lasts longer than most hair care

products, taking up to several washes to remove. The original pomade of the

eighteenth and nineteenth centuries consisted mainly of bear fat or lard. Lanolin,

beeswax, and petroleum jelly have been used extensively in the manufacture of

modern pomades. Stiffening properties of pomades make sculptured hairstyles

such as the pompadour or quiff possible; while long lasting moisturizing

properties make it popular with individuals with Afro-textured hair.

The English word "pomade" is derived from French pommade meaning

"ointment", itself arising from the Latin pomum (fruit, apple) via the Italian pomata

or pomo (meaning "apple"—as the original ointment recipe contained mashed

apples). Modern pomades may contain fragrances, but they are usually not

particularly fruity.

Unlike hair spray and hair gel, pomade does not dry, and can last much

longer. Pomade is used to style hair (including mustaches, side burns, and
beards), giving it a darker, slicker, shinier look, and is often associated with the

slick men's hairstyles of the early to mid-20th century. Because of its greasy or

waxy nature, pomade can last through several washings, although it is easily

removed using de-greasers such as high-detergent shampoos, dishwashing

liquids, or any shampoos designed for oily hair. Applying common olive oil and

rinsing with warm water will also remove pomade. Because of the difficulty of

washing pomade out of the hair, many brands of pomade are now primarily water

based and feature fewer wax substances. These products are more easily

washable but often do not give the same versatility and strength of hold offered

by the traditional petroleum-base products.

Some pomade products, such as mustache wax, are marketed for a

specific use, while products such as Ultra Sheen, are marketed for specific

consumers. Pomade is often used with Afro-textured hair to keep it from drying

out. All these products come in various textures and consistencies, and

essentially achieve the same effect as either hair wax or pomade.

Characteristics of Hair

Hair according to (en.wikipedia.org) is a protein filament that grows from

follicles found in the dermis, or skin. Hair is one of the defining characteristics of

mammals. The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in

follicles which produce thick terminal and fine vellus hair. Most common interest

in hair is focused on hair growth, hair types and hair care, but hair is also an

important biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably keratin. Attitudes

towards different hair, such as hairstyles and hair removal, vary widely across

different cultures and historical periods, but it is often used to indicate a person's

personal beliefs or social position, such as their age, sex, or religion.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Hair Growth

According to the website (Essential vitamins for hair growth; bembu.com

and Vitamins and Minerals for Healthier Hair; www.viviscal.com) Vitamin C helps

strengthen hair and grow it also helps the body produce collagen, a vital protein

for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Additionally, vitamin C is considered an

antioxidant that fights free radicals that damage body tissue. Free radicals have

been known to damage hair, making it weak and brittle. Vitamin B complex, all

eight B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) play a large role in

keeping us healthy. B vitamins affect our energy, metabolism, nerves, muscles,

skin, nails, and hair. As a whole, vitamin B complex promotes cell growth and

division, which is important for healthy hair growth. Biotin one of the most widely

used supplements for faster hair growth, this vitamin helps produce glucose and

break down proteins into amino acids. Since hair itself contains keratin, which is

a form of protein, this supports healthy locks. Niacin is another vitamin that’s in

the B family but deserves its own recognition. This vitamin helps to nourish the

scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. Without adequate amounts of niacin, your

hair stands the chance of becoming brittle, lifeless, and may even fall out.

Vitamin E is one of the most overlooked vitamins, it’s an antioxidant that repairs

and builds tissue, which is essential for healthy hair growth. When you apply
vitamin E to your scalp, it helps reduce inflammation, increases blood circulation,

boosts oxygen supply, and repairs damaged hair follicles. Vitamin A is a vitamin

that is necessary for proper cell growth. Also, it helps to produce sebum (AKA

oils) on the scalp, which prevents hair from drying out and breaking. Zinc, they

say to cover your vitamins from A to Zinc and that is certainly a smart choice if

you’re looking for healthy hair growth. A zinc deficiency can weaken your

immune system, lead to poor digestive health, throw your hormones out of

whack, and play a part in lackluster hair growth. Zinc is also believed to play a

crucial role in DNA and RNA production. This is required for the normal division

of hair follicle cells, leading to healthier hair growth. Iron is an important mineral

that your body needs in order to function properly. One way iron benefits the

body is by strengthening hair and promoting growth. Without iron, doctors say

your hair can become dull, thin, and dry. Magnesium is another mineral needed

by our body in order to function properly. Eating a diet filled with magnesium-rich

foods is one way to make sure you’re giving your scalp what it needs to grow

strong and healthy hair. Protein may not be a vitamin, but it is essential for

healthy hair. That’s because hair is mostly made of protein. If you don’t consume

enough, your body won’t be able to feed your hair follicl es, making hair dry and

brittle

Characteristics and Benefits of Onion

The onion (Allium cepa L., from Latin cepa "onion"), also known as the

bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable and is the most widely cultivated
species of the genus Allium. Onions are cultivated and used around the world. As

a food item, they are usually served cooked, as a vegetable or part of a prepared

savoury dish, but can also be eaten raw or used to make pickles or chutneys.

They are pungent when chopped and contain certain chemical substances which

irritate the eyes (en.wikipedia.org).

Most of the people are unaware of how onions are effective in promoting

hair growth. Onions have rich sulfur content in them. Onion juices when applied

on the scalp alone or in combination with other hair loss remedies can improve

the blood circulation to the scalp. Sulfur also improves the production of collagen

tissues which is necessary for the growth of hair. Hair grows from the hair

follicles in the scalp and increased blood supply to the scalp brings better

nutrients and nourishment to the follicles and promotes hair growth. The sulfur

content in the juice also has anti-bacterial properties and prevents the growth of

fungi and bacteria on the scalp which reduces the chances of losing hair due to

these infections. Onion juice increases the strength of the hair and prevents

thinning and breakage. You can achieve improved volume to your hair by

regularly applying the onion juice on the scalp. (www.myhealthtips.com)

Onions are great for preventing hair loss. Raw onion should be applied

directly on the scalp to foster new hair growth. The onion juice is excellent to

stimulate blood circulation and expedite hair growth; helps prevent premature

graying of hair. You can either eat it orally or apply onion extract on the scalp;

with its rich sulfur content, is an excellent tonic for hair thinning. Regular

application of onion helps thicken hair by improving its volume; is a natural cure
to treat hereditary hair loss and premature hair graying; for hair fall, several

researches conducted on hair fall have established that onions contain great

healing properties. These are effective in treating conditions such as androgenic

alopecia or female pattern baldness; and the antibacterial properties of onion aid

in treating several scalp and hair infections caused by fungi and

yeast.(www.stylecraze.com)

Characteristics and Benefits of Lime

The lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) is any of several species and hybrids of

trees and shrubs in the rue family (Rutaceae). Limes have higher contents of

sugars and acids that’s why it is best used to make limeade and as an ingredient,

typically as sour mix in many cocktails. In cooking, lime is valued both for the

acidity of its juice and the floral aroma of its zest. It is a common ingredient in

authentic Mexican, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Lime soup is a traditional dish

from the Mexican state of Yucatan and it is also used for its pickling properties.

In an article (homeremediesforlife.com) Limes are the nature’s wonderful gift

with versatile uses and benefits. These amazing citrus fruits are filled with

several nutrients including vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and flavonoids making

them great for healthy hair and are richest sources of vitamin C that help in

making hair stronger and longer. Fresh lemon juice stimulates hair growth

besides strengthening the hair follicles. Limonene, a compound found in lemon

juice imparts shine to frizzy and dry hair and the anti-fungal property of lemon

juice combats dandruff causing fungus and also provides relief from other scalp
infection. The acidic property of lime gently cleans away accumulated dust, dead

cells and other unwanted deposits from scalp and hair, besides encouraging

healthy hair growth, the refreshing smell of lime leaves hair smelling fresh and

good.

Characteristics and Benefits Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has several uses, it can be used in cooking and baking in

place of vegetable oil, often added to bath and beauty products for the pleasant

smell as well as hydrating properties. Coconut oil is found within the coconut

milk, which is extracted from the meat of the coconut (coconut; Cocos nucifera ).

A nearly colorless fatty oil or white semisolid fat extracted from fresh coconuts

has a high content of saturated fat with 90% of the fatty acids in it being

saturated according to (www.healthline.com). Coconut oil is a super food with a

powerhouse of uses in cooking, beauty recipes, natural remedies and around the

home it is a popular ingredient used in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Southern

China, the Caribbean and the north of South America. Coconut oil is an excellent

remedy for any problem connected with hair. According to (www.livestrong.com)

Vitamin E and fat present in coconut oil provides good nourishment to hair and

help in increasing hair growth.

Besides being a good anti-balding agent, coconut oil also has many other

properties that make it ideal for hair care. Like coconut oil prevents fatigue in

hair, the swelling and shrinking of hair fibers damages the hair is cause by of

water retention and absorption, boost blood circulation in the scalp, reduces the
loss of protein in hair, conditions hair from within and has an anti-bacterial

properties which is ideal for hair and scalp protection from bacteria, protozoan

and viral infections. Applying it on the hair is excellent to treat dry hair and to

prevent split ends and damaging of hair and if your hair is fully tangled and there

is no way to untangle it, take some coconut milk and apply on your hair. Now

comb your hair. You can easily detangle your hair.

Characteristics and Benefits of Sabila

According to (www.medicalhealthguide.com) Sabila or Aloe vera is an

herb that grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Philippines, India, and

Africa. Sabila or Aloe vera has been used as herbal medicine even in ancient

times with early records of aloe vera use from Egypt as seen in Ebers Papyrus

from 16th century BCE. Sabila or aloe vera is widely used as traditional herbal

medicine in China, Japan, Russia, South Africa, the United States, Jamaica,

Latin America and India. Sabila or Aloe Vera is frequently cited as being used in

herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, regenerative, anti-bacterial and anti-

fungal and properties.

Aloe vera is rich in amino acids and protein, which is good for a healthy

hair. Since hair comprises of protein called keratin, you need more protein to help

in hair growth. It is important that new hair takes place of old hair after it falls off

naturally.

Aloe Vera Promotes Hair Growth according to a University of Hawaii

research, aloe vera has been used since time immemorial. Egyptians have used
aloe vera profusely in the past because aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes

which help to remove all the dead skin cells that block the hair follicles and allow

the hair to grow properly. Sometimes, excess sebum in hair can cause partial

baldness. This condition is also called seborrhea. The keratolic action of aloe

vera helps to break down the sebum and dead skin cells. The alkalizing

properties also maintain the pH balance of the hair and scalp.