Photodegradation of Human Hair: A Microscopy Study
January 2001
in “
Comprehensive series in photosciences
”
UV radiation hair fibers cuticle cells cuticular sheath chemical oxidation melanin granules photochemical oxidation alkaline hydrogen peroxide microfluorometry UV microspectrophotometry UV stabilizers photodegradation UV light hair strands cuticle hair sheath oxidation melanin hydrogen peroxide fluorescence microscopy UV spectroscopy UV protectants
TLDR UV radiation significantly damages hair, especially with humidity, making it more vulnerable to further damage.
This study investigated the effects of UV radiation on human hair using various microscopy techniques. It found that long-term UV exposure, especially with humidification cycling, caused significant damage to the hair's cuticle, including thinning, fusion, and increased brittleness. Photodegradation also occurred at low humidities, and chemical oxidation further exacerbated the damage. Microfluorometry and UV microspectrophotometry were used to quantify and monitor the damage, revealing that effective UV stabilizers must penetrate the hair fiber uniformly to prevent photodegradation. The research highlighted the importance of understanding UV-induced hair damage for developing better protective hair care products.
