INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
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Exploration of Cosmetic Haircare Practices among Indigenous
Women of Nandurbar District
Dhanashri S. Chaudhari
1
* , Madhukar B. Patil
2
Jijamata Education Society’s Arts, Science and Commerce College, Nandurbar-425412
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.10100000158
Received: 06 November 2025; Accepted: 13 November 2025; Published: 18 November 2025
ABSTRACT
Haircare is a fundamental aspect of personal grooming and hygiene, deeply rooted in cultural and traditional
practices. This study explores indigenous haircare knowledge among tribal women in Nandurbar District,
Maharashtra, India. Through ethnobotanical field surveys and structured interviews with 58 informants (48
women and 10 men), 25 plant species belonging to 19 families were recorded. The most frequently used plant
parts were fruits (48%) and leaves (40%), while infusion (60%) and paste (60%) were the predominant
preparation methods. Recent research underscores the biochemical significance of traditional haircare botanicals
in maintaining scalp microbiota and stimulating hair growth (Singh & Kaur, 2021; Sharma et al., 2023). The
findings highlight the ecological and cultural value of indigenous cosmetic knowledge for sustainable personal
care innovation (Ahmad & Alqahtani, 2022; Rahman & Alqahtani, 2023).
Keywords: Ethnobotany, Haircare, Indigenous knowledge, Tribal women, Nandurbar, Maharashtra
INTRODUCTION
Haircare represents an essential element of both hygiene and aesthetics, particularly among women. It reflects
cultural identity and social values (Madnani & Khan, 2013). Tribal women of Nandurbar rely on locally available
plants for scalp health, dandruff prevention, and hair nourishment. Such traditional practices parallel global
ethnobotanical trends where natural alternatives are preferred to synthetic cosmetics (Basmatekar et al., 2011;
Shaheen et al., 2014). Recent studies have drawn attention to the rising interest in green cosmeceuticals—
herbalbased cosmetic formulations valued for sustainability and minimal toxicity (Ahmad & Alqahtani, 2022;
Rahman & Alqahtani, 2023). Documenting this local knowledge is vital for biodiversity conservation and future
natural product development (Kumar et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2023).
Study Area
Nandurbar District is situated in northern Maharashtra between 21°00′–21°32′ N latitude and 73°34′–74°31′ E
longitude, covering approximately 5,034 km². It lies within the Satpuda ranges and experiences an average
annual rainfall of 75 cm. The district’s forests, spanning over 2,194 km², harbor teak (Tectona grandis), palash
(Butea monosperma), and neem (Azadirachta indica), indicating high floristic diversity (Patil, 2003). Tribal
communities such as the Bhils, Pawaras, and Tadavis form the dominant population, relying on forest-based
livelihoods. However, increasing land-use pressure and deforestation threaten these ethnobotanical resources (Li
& Zhao, 2021).
METHODOLOGY
Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted between September 2022 and February 2023 in tribal villages across
Nandurbar District. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and
participatory observations (Jain & Rao, 1977). Fifty-eight respondents (82.75% women, 17.25% men) aged 20–
80 years provided information on plant species, parts used, preparation methods, and specific applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
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Species identification followed standard herbarium techniques (Patil, 2003). The methodology adhered to
international ethnobotanical research guidelines ensuring ethical consent and data validation (Albuquerque et
al., 2020; Martin, 2021).
Table 1: Systematic Enumeration of Ethnocosmetic Plants
Sr.
No.
Botanical
Name
Common
Name
Family
Mode of
Administration
1
Aloe barbadensis
Korfad
Asphodelaceae
Aloe pulp or mixed with
coconut oil
2
Melia azedarach
Bakam
Meliaceae
Boiled leaves/flowers
applied as paste
3
Butea
monosperma
Palash
Fabaceae
Boiled leaves used as rinse
4
Nyctanthes
arbor-tristis
Parijatak
Oleaceae
Decoction of seeds/leaves
5
Ocimum
gratissimum
Ran Tulsi
Lamiaceae
Leaf decoction used for
washing
6
Helianthus
annuus
Suryful
Asteraceae
Sunflower oil applied to
scalp
7
Syzygium cumini
Jambhul
Myrtaceae
Fruit pulp with aloe
applied to scalp
8
Eucalyptus
maculata
Nilgiri
Myrtaceae
Nilgiri oil massage
9
Acorus calamus
Vekhand
Acoraceae
Paste of rhizome powder
applied
10
Asparagus
racemosus
Shatavari
Liliaceae
Powder paste
applied with Amla
11
Murraya koenigii
Kadi
Patta
Rutaceae
Boiled in coconut oil
12
Phyllanthus
emblica
Amla
Phyllanthaceae
Fruit juice/powder
applied with neem
13
Citrus limon
Limbu
Rutaceae
Lemon juice or peel
powder used
14
Oryza sativa
Tandul
Poaceae
Fermented rice water rinse
15
Cicer arietinum
Chana
Fabaceae
Chickpea flour mix applied
16
Allium cepa
Kanda
Liliaceae
Onion juice applied
directly
17
Musa
paradisiaca
Keli
Musaceae
Banana-honeycurd mask
18
Ficus
benghalensis
Vad
Moraceae
Aerial roots boiled in
coconut oil
19
Brassica juncea
Mohari
Brassicaceae
Mustard oil massage
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
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20
Hibiscus rosa-
sinensis
Jaswand
Malvaceae
Leaf and flower paste
applied
21
Acacia concinna
Shikekai
Mimosaceae
Powder paste with Amla
and Reetha
22
Sapindus
emarginatus
Ritha
Sapindaceae
Boiled fruits used as
shampoo
23
Terminalia
bellirica
Behda
Combretaceae
Powder mixed with
coconut oil
24
Terminalia
chebula
Hirda
Combretaceae
Powder paste applied to
scalp
25
Eclipta prostrata
Bhringraj
Asteraceae
Leaf extract boiled in
coconut oil
Note. Table 1 presents selected ethnobotanical plant species used for haircare, showing their traditional functions
and preparation methods.
RESULTS
A total of 25 species across 19 families were identified. Trees were the dominant growth form (48%), followed
by herbs (28%), shrubs (20%), and creepers (4%). Fruits and leaves were the most frequently utilized parts (48%
and 40%, respectively). Preparation primarily involved infusions and pastes. These results correspond with
similar ethnobotanical studies in Rajasthan and Kashmir (Shaheen et al., 2014; Pareek, 2017). Recent
phytochemical research confirms the presence of bioactive compounds in these species responsible for antifungal
and hair-conditioning effects (Patra et al., 2022; Meena & Gupta, 2020).
Table 2: Characteristics of Respondents
Category
Number
Percentage (%)
Female
48
82.75
Male
10
17.25
Age 20–35
20
34.48
Age 36–50
15
25.86
Age 51–65
20
34.48
Age 66–80
3
5.17
Note. Table 2 shows demographic data of respondents indicating the predominance of female participants.
Table 3: Growth Form of Documented Plant Species
Plant Type
No. of Species
Frequency (%)
Tree
12
48
Shrub
5
20
Herb
7
28
Creeper
1
4
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
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Note. Table 3 presents the structural distribution of plant species recorded in the survey.
Table 4: Preparation Methods and Frequency of Use
Preparation Method
No. of Plants
Frequency (%)
Infusion
15
60
Paste
15
60
Raw
10
40
Crushing
7
28
Fermentation
1
4
Decoction
8
32
Note. Table 4 summarizes traditional preparation techniques showing preference for infusion and paste methods.
DISCUSSION
The findings affirm that indigenous haircare practices of Nandurbar’s tribal women are grounded in ecological
awareness and resource sustainability. Species such as Aloe barbadensis and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis provide
natural alternatives to synthetic haircare due to their bioactive constituents (Basmatekar et al., 2011; Bonduc &
Shapiro, 2001). Global trends support the resurgence of natural cosmetics, merging traditional wisdom with
modern biotechnology (Ahmad & Alqahtani, 2022; Patra et al., 2022). Preserving ethnobotanical heritage
ensures both cultural continuity and opportunities for sustainable economic development (Dhyani & Singh,
2024; Wang et al., 2023).
CONCLUSION
This study documents 25 plant species used for haircare among indigenous women of Nandurbar, highlighting
deep-rooted cultural reliance on local biodiversity. These practices align with India’s broader ethnocosmetic
heritage and contribute valuable insights for herbal-based product innovation. Sustainable management and
validation of traditional knowledge will ensure equitable benefit-sharing and biodiversity conservation (Rahman
& Alqahtani, 2023; Sharma et al., 2023).
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