Scanning electron microscopy study of hair shaft damage secondary to cosmetic treatments of the hair

Abstract

Introduction and Background:Cosmetic procedures for hair, such as bleaching, dyeing, and straightening, are commonly used around the world. It has been suggested that excessive use of such procedures can cause damage to the hair shaft. We aimed to assess hair shaft changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in female volunteers who frequently use hair treatment procedures such as bleaching, dyeing, or straightening.Methods:A cross-sectional, controlled study in a sample of 25 female volunteers (19 study group and 6 controls) in the age group of 18–45 years. The study group was composed of volunteers who regularly used different cosmetic hair treatment procedures such as bleaching, dyeing, and straightening (any one of these or a combination). The control group had never used any specific hair treatment procedure. The hair shaft damage as seen on SEM was assessed using a standardized scoring system and compared among the two groups statistically. The hair shafts were also examined clinically and with light microscopy.Results:No significant differences were seen between the test and control groups with regard to normal clinical examination and light microscopy findings. A higher degree of hair shaft damage was evident under SEM in the study group as compared to the control group. This difference was statistically significant.Conclusions:Regular use of procedures such as bleaching, dyeing, or straightening can lead to subtle changes in the hair shaft which can be detected early by SEM.

Studies on the Proteome of Human Hair - Identification of Histones and Deamidated Keratins

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A novel method for non-destructive determination of hair photo-induced damage based on multispectral imaging technology

“…SEM is an intuitive method to observe the hair surface morphology, which has been widely used over many years for claim substantiation of various toiletry treatments on the architecture of the hair’s surface 34 35 36 . The extent of photodamage of hair surface would be straightforward enough to observe by SEM image.…”

Scanning electron microscopes/silicon drift detector-energy dispersive spectroscopy: An analytical tool to identify waterborne microminerals pickup in human scalp hair cuticle due to water quality

“…[ 25 ] SEM morphological studies on the hair shaft of female volunteers show that styling conditions using cosmetics, dyeing or bleaching, and grooming styles could lead to hair shaft damage, but control group practicing using oil either pre- or post-application of hair wash show no damage. [ 26 ] It is not clear whether this control group used treated or untreated water for routine hair washing. Coconut oil, but not sunflower or mineral oil, can penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss.…”