INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
Page 1794
www.rsisinternational.org
Extraction and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Hair Dye from
Agricultural Waste: A Study on Coconut Husk
Miss. Vaishnavi Vitthal Mogal
Karmveer Ganpat Dada More Arts, Commerce and Science College, Niphad, dist. Nashik,
Maharashtra, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800161
Received: 31 July 2025; Accepted: 18 Aug 2025; Published: 16 September2025
ABSTRACT
The increasing awareness of health hazards and environmental impact caused by synthetic hair dyes has
sparked interest in natural alternatives. This study explores the potential of coconut husk—an underutilized
agricultural byproduct—as a source of eco-friendly hair dye. Pigments were extracted from coconut husk using
various solvents (water, ethanol, and alkaline solutions) and characterized using UV-Vis and FTIR
spectroscopy. The extract was applied to human hair samples to evaluate dyeing potential, retention, and
fastness. Results indicated that coconut husk contains tannins and phenolic compounds capable of imparting
brown to reddish hues to hair. The study supports the development of a sustainable, cost-effective, and non-
toxic hair dye formulation from agricultural waste.
Key words: coconut husk, natural dyeing, Eco-friendly Dye.
INTRODUCTION
The cosmetics industry is undergoing a significant shift toward sustainability, driven by increasing consumer
awareness of the adverse effects of synthetic ingredients. Hair dyes are no exception; conventional
formulations often contain ammonia, PPD (p-Phenylenediamine), and other harmful chemicals that may cause
allergic reactions, hair damage, and environmental pollution. Coconut husk, the fibrous outer shell of the
coconut (Cocos nucifera), is typically discarded as waste in large quantities, especially in tropical regions. Rich
in tannins, lignin, and polyphenolic compounds, coconut husk presents an opportunity for conversion into a
natural dye. This study aims to develop and characterize an eco-friendly hair dye derived from coconut husk,
contributing to both waste valorization and green cosmetic development [1].
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Raw Material Collection
Coconut husks were collected from local coconut processing units. The husks were washed, sun-dried, and
ground into a coarse powder.
Dye Extraction
Two methods were explored
Aqueous Extraction: 50g of powdered husk was boiled in 500 ml of distilled water for 2 hours.
Ethanolic Extraction: 50g of powdered husk was soaked in 70% ethanol for 48 hours, followed by filtration.
pH and Phytochemical Screening
The extract’s pH was tested using a digital pH meter. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was conducted to
detect the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and phenols.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
Page 1795
www.rsisinternational.org
Characterization Techniques
UV-Vis Spectroscopy: Used to determine the absorption maxima of the dye extract.
FTIR Analysis: To identify functional groups in the extract responsible for dyeing properties.
Application on Hair Samples
Virgin human hair strands were washed and treated with the dye extracts at 60°C for 30 minutes. The samples
were then dried and stored under ambient conditions. Observations were made over a 14-day period for:
I) Color intensity
II) Fade resistance
III) Texture change
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Extraction Yield
Aqueous extraction yielded 12.5% dye solution by weight.
Ethanolic extraction yielded 15.8%, indicating better solubility of active compounds in ethanol.
Phytochemical Analysis
Tests confirmed the presence of:
I) Tannins (high concentration)
II) Flavonoids
III) Polyphenols
These are known to bind well with keratin in hair, aiding in color retention.
UV-Vis and FTIR Results
UV-Vis: Major absorption peak at 320 nm, consistent with tannin presence.
FTIR: Peaks at ~3400 cm⁻¹ (OH stretching), 1600 cm⁻¹ (aromatic ring vibrations), indicating phenolic
compounds.
Figure 01: Raw husk
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
Page 1796
www.rsisinternational.org
Figure 02: Husk prepared for dye
A B
Figure 03: A. Before the application of dye. B. After application of dye
Hair Dyeing Results
Hair treated with ethanolic extract exhibited a darker brown tone compared to aqueous extract.
I) Moderate dye retention observed up to 10 washes.
II) No significant change in hair texture or brittleness.
III) No irritation or reaction reported in patch tests on 5 volunteers.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that coconut husk, an agricultural waste, can be effectively utilized to extract natural
dye suitable for hair coloring. The presence of tannins and other polyphenolics in the extract offers good
dyeing potential with acceptable retention and no adverse effects. Further work is required to enhance the
longevity of the dye and explore formulation with mordants or fixatives. The valorization of coconut husk for
natural dyes supports circular economy goals and promotes green innovation in cosmetics.
REFERENCE
1. Chandran, P. (2016). Natural Dyes: Sources, Chemistry, Application and Sustainability Issues.
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(2020.) Coconut Development Board; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Kerala, India,
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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3. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2021) FAOSTAT—Food and Agriculture
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