GAUAVA LEAVES (PSIDIUM GUAVA) AND PAPAYA SEED OIL AS A HAIR SLEEK STICK

Abstract

Hair care is an essential aspect of personal grooming, with an increasing preference for natural and affordable alternatives to commercial products. This study aims to develop a natural hair sleek stick using guava leaf oil and papaya seed oil as primary ingredients. Both oils are known for their conditioning properties and ability to enhance hair shine. By harnessing these natural components, the research seeks to create a sustainable, accessible, and cost-effective solution that addresses the growing demand for safe and eco-friendly hair care products. This study employed a quantitative-descriptive research design using purposive sampling to select participants with relevant expertise. A structured survey questionnaire was utilized as the primary research instrument to assess the level of acceptability of the proposed hair sleek stick innovation. The evaluation focused on five key criteria: ingredients and preparation, procedural methodology, product consistency and texture, shelf life, and presentation.  To analyze the data, a percentage was used to describe the demographic composition of the two respondent groups: chemists and dermatologists. The weighted mean was applied to determine the overall acceptability ratings, allowing for the calculation of average scores while accounting for the relative importance of each item. Furthermore, an independent samples t-test was conducted to assess whether there was a statistically significant difference between the evaluations of the two groups, each composed of five (5) chemists and five (5) dermatologists. The analysis showed that the proposed hair sleek stick was rated as "highly acceptable" by both groups of respondents across all evaluated criteria: ingredients and preparation, procedural methodology, product consistency and texture, shelf life, and presentation. The chemists recorded an overall mean score of 3.30, while the dermatologists obtained a mean of 3.25, both falling under the “highly acceptable” interpretation.  The variance of responses was 0.174 for chemists and 0.158 for dermatologists, indicating consistent evaluations within each group. The t-computed value of 0.217 was lower than the t-critical value of 2.145 at a 0.01 significance level with 15 degrees of freedom, suggesting that there is no significant difference between the assessments of the two groups. To enhance the overall quality and appeal of the product, respondents offered several valuable recommendations. They suggested reducing the proportion of beeswax in the formulation to prevent cracking and improve product integrity. Additionally, the use of a low-speed mixer was recommended to achieve a more uniform and consistent texture. For packaging, respondents emphasized the importance of using airtight containers to prevent oxidation and potential contamination, thereby extending shelf life. In terms of visual presentation, they proposed modifying the font style and refining the color palette to create a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design that better reflects the product’s natural and innovative qualities.