Ceramide Binding to African-American Hair Fiber Correlates with Resistance to Hair Breakage

February 2002 in “ International Journal of Cosmetic Science ”

Bruno Bernard, A. Franbourg, Agnès François, Brigitte Gautier, P. Hallégot

TLDR Ceramide helps protect African–American hair from breakage.

The study investigated the effects of ceramide, specifically sphinganine-derived ceramide (C18-dhCer), on African–American hair, which is prone to breakage due to frequent relaxing treatments. Researchers found that C18-dhCer binds to the hair and provides protection against chemical weakening. The study utilized radioactivity detection and secondary ion mass spectrometry to demonstrate this binding. The Break'in Brush Technique (BBT®) was employed to assess hair breakage resistance, revealing that a shampoo containing ceramide reduced breakage. This research suggested potential for developing hair care products that enhance protection and care for African–American hair through ceramide binding.

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