TLDR Repeated digital perming with sodium thioglycolate lotion significantly damages hair protein and structure.
The study investigated the effects of two types of permanent waving (digital perm and croquignole winding perm) and two waving lotions (cysteamine-HCl and sodium thioglycolate) on human hair. It was found that permanent waving treatments generally decreased protein content, with the most significant reduction (58%) occurring in hair treated with digital perm using sodium thioglycolate. Physical properties such as tensile strength, diameter, swelling, and elongation were negatively affected, particularly with repeated treatments and the use of sodium thioglycolate. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that more severe surface damage occurred with sodium thioglycolate, especially after multiple treatments, although no surface changes were observed after a single treatment.
45 citations
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December 2006 in “Biopolymers” Permanent waving weakens hair by altering its protein structure.
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August 2016 in “Journal of microencapsulation” The hair lotion with methyl myristate in niosomes treats grey hair faster and better than the free form.
May 2009 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Permanent waving damages hair protein and weakens hair, especially with repeated treatments using sodium thioglycolate.
