Hair-dyeing by using Pomegranate Hull Extract

The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of pomegranate hull colorant as a natural hair coloring dye. The extract of pomegranate hull was concentrated and freeze-dried to get colorant powder. Effect of dyeing condition and mordanting on the dye uptake of hair by using Al, Fe, Cu, Cr, Sn compounds, color change and colorfastness were explored. In addition, tensile strength was measured and the surface of the hair was observed. Dye uptake of hair measured by K/S value (400 nm) indicated that ionic bonding seems to be involved in the sorption of pomegranate colorant to hair. Maximum sorption was obtained at pH 3.5 and the concentration of 50% (on the weight of hair, o.w.h.). Acidic dyeing condition (pH ) showed yellow color however alkaline dyeing condition (pH ) gave reddish yellow color. Pomegranate hull colorant produced greyish brown color on hair and the hair mordanted with Fe showed dark brown color. Mordants except Fe did not increase dye uptake significantly. Mordants except Cu increased light fastness and mordants except Cr increased washing fastness level slightly. According to SEM observation and the tensile strength retention measurement, the mordant dyed hair gave more damage to hair by ultraviolet light and washing than the hair dyed without mordanting. Experimental results of K/S value and colorfastness(light and washing) supported that pomegranate hull colorant without mordanting can be used as a semi-permanent natural hair coloring dye.