Alternative Protocol for Hair Damage Assessment and Comparison of Hair Care Treatments

The study proposed a new protocol to assess hair damage and compare hair care treatments, involving 30 non-hair oil users and a matched group of 30 coconut oil users. It found that hair breakage is linked to irregularities in hair strands, with the tips having ~100% more root mean square variability (Rq) than the roots. Regular coconut oil users had ~65% lower Rq compared to non-users, and coconut oil-wash cycles reduced Rq by 30%, unlike shampoos and conditioners. A new metric, the hair protection factor, was introduced to quantify the damage control effectiveness of hair products. The study concluded that irregularities in mean diameter along hair length are precursors to hair strength, with internal defects and surface irregularities contributing to breakage.