CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLGY

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

NAME: TADIWANASHE PAMELA MOYO

REG. No: C21144814I
PROGRAM: BSBIO5
LEVEL: 3.1
Proposal Title: Hair oil production.
Research problem
Dandruff can cause a person to scratch their scalp so hard that they injure it. Repeated
inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage and scaring, slowing or stopping hair
growth. This can also lead to weak or thin hair. Dandruff also damages the scalp’s natural
moisture barrier. When the scalp is unable to retain moisture, the hair it produces is also less
moisturized, and dry hair is much more prone to breakage and frizz.
Hair can stop growing or grow slowly for a variety of reasons including age, genetics,
hormones, or stress. Hair may stop growing in one spot or seem to be growing slowly on one
side showing stunted hair growth.
When the scalp’s natural moisture balance is disturbed, an itchy, dry scalp can be the result.
A dry and itchy scalp can be associated with ageing or skin conditions such as Atopic
Dermatitis or Psoriasis, and its symptoms can range from mild to extreme.
Premature greying of hair may be caused by any deficiencies of vitamin B-6, B-12, biotin,
vitamin D or vitamin E.
Heat damage is one of the major causes of split ends and fly-aways because, when too high, it
breaks the chemical bonds, which normally provide strength to the hair fibre. Split ends
happen when the ends of hair become dry, brittle, and frayed.
Introduction
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean. It is a good source of iron,
calcium, and vitamin B-6. Rosemary was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain,
improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system and promote hair growth.
The aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty medicinal
and skin care properties. The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh”
meaning “shining bitter substance” while “vera” in Latin means “true”. In the Greco-Roman
era, illustrious physicians such as Aristole, Hippocrates and Dioscorides, among others,
already emphasized the valuable properties of aloe vera to prevent hair loss.
Avocado oil has been a staple of the beauty and hair industry for centuries. It was first used in
ancient Chinese and Egyptian cultures to promote healthy growth, strength, and overall
vitality in the hair. It is known for its healing properties due to the high levels of vitamins A,
D, E, and B6, which nourish the scalp and repair damaged strands. As we mentioned, it is
packed with essential fatty acids; these hydrate dry hair, reduce frizz and split ends, and
improve elasticity (Glooming Playbook, 2023).
Literature review
According to Simpson, Avocado oil is a potent dynamo of omega rich oils and antioxidants
for healthy hair. It is mainly composed of monounsaturated fatty acids, which seal hair
strands, lock in moisture, and smooth breakage. In addition to the lipids, avocado oil contains
fat-soluble antioxidants and bioactive phytochemicals, including vitamin E tocopherols,
vitamin D, and carotenoids (lutein and beta carotene) that defend hair from UV damage,
environmental aggressors, and pollutants that can make hair feel dry and look brittle (Montes,
2022).
Cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline, founder of KKT Consultants states that Avocado oil is
suitable for all hair types. It is relatively lightweight and does not feel heavy or greasy, so all
hair types can enjoy it. The oil penetrates into the hair shaft for maximum benefits (Rud,
2023).
A 2016 study found out that rosemary affected blood circulation and skin health rats. Recent
research does show that it may help with hair regrowth due to certain causes of hair loss.
According to Dr Khetarpal, rosemary can as effective at encouraging hair regrowth as
minoxidil (Villines, 2023).
Rendering to celebrity hair stylist Sally Hershberger, Aloe vera gel is a great natural
conditioner that can penetrate into the hair and scalp to hydrate strands and moisturize the
scalp, helping to alleviate inflammation, itching, or irritation (Colameo, 2022). Kerrie Urban,
an L.A based celebrity hairstylist states that Aloe has long been a remedy for sunburnt skin
because of its cooling and hydrating properties, and have seen benefits of using it on hair and
scalp. Aloe contains vitamins, antiodants, and amino and fatty acids that moisturize hair and
scalp and reduce breakage (Colameo, 2022).
Justification
The hair oil is a combination of aloe vera gel, avocado oil and rosemary which can nourish
hair, making it healthier and improving its texture. Aloe vera gel contains Vitamin B-12 and
folic acid which can help prevent splitting and breakage of hair, improving its appearance
overtime. Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C and E which contribute to cell turnover,
promoting healthy cell growth and shiny hair. Aloe’s antiviral properties may help prevent
and reduce dandruff while its proteolytic enzymes may help remove dead skin cells on the
scalp. This helps stimulate dormant follicles and frees up the follicles for more efficient
growth. Aloe vera gel may also help clean excess oils from the hair and scalp, removing
sebum which could be blocking hair follicles. It helps hair grow more efficiently.
Rosemary is a source of anti-inflammatory properties which stimulates blood circulation in
the scalp, invigorating hair follicles and encouraging them to produce new growth. It also
boasts antimicrobial properties which can help maintain a healthy scalp environment. A
clean, balanced scalp is essential for optimal hair growth, as it allows hair follicles to function
without obstruction. Laboratory studies have shown rosemary to be rich in neutralizing
harmful particles called free radicals (Nordqvist, 2023).
The oil can help reduce dandruff and prevent breakage. Oleic acid in avovado oil is known
for penetrating the hair shaft and nourishing the hair, resulting in healthier, glossier locks. It
is also thought to lock moisture into each strand, which can help strengthen hair, smooth split
ends and help to prevent further damage.
Aim: To produce a hair oil
Objectives:
 To extract avocado oil.
 To collect rosemary.
  To prepare aloe vera gel.
Methodology
1. Collect 3 aloe vera leaves with a thick gel.
2.Remove the sharp spines on the sides of the aloe vera leaves.
3. Wash the aloe vera leaves and cut into small cubes. Place the aloe vera cubes in a glass jar.
4. Cut 3 stems of fresh rosemary and remove the leaves from the stems. Add 3 tablespoons of
rosemary leaves to the jar.
5. Collect 5 avocados, mash/blend into a puree and dry in a tray in the sun for 2 days.
Squeeze the dried avocado in a fine cotton cloth to release the oil. Collect the oil in a bottle.
6. Add avocado oil in the jar, enough to cover the aloe vera gel and rosemary.
7.Using the double boiler method, put water in a pot to boil. Place the glass jar with the
contents in the hot water and leave to boil for 2 hours on medium heat.
8. Leave the mixture to cool down.
9. Once cool, strain the oil and store in a bottle