Green Chemistry Method for Hair Strengthening and Setting Using Visible Light-Mediated Protein Crosslinking

Researchers developed an eco-friendly, one-step method for hair strengthening and setting using visible light-mediated protein crosslinking. This method utilizes riboflavin phosphate (RFP), citric acid (CA), and polyols, avoiding harmful substances like thioglycolic acid (TGA). When exposed to blue light, RFP generates singlet oxygen, which induces keratin crosslinking in hair. Compared to traditional TGA treatments, this new method causes less damage to hair and improves its mechanical properties, with tensile stress and Young's modulus values increasing by 1.3 and 2.2 times, respectively. This innovative approach offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative for hair care products.