ABSTRACT
Hair is primarily composed of keratin proteins and it is well established that peptides and proteins bestow desirable effects on the hair, for example improving moisturization and softness. In the present work we describe how keratin actives with unique properties convey a range of beneficial properties to a variety of hair types. It has been observed that these functional keratins protect hair from damage associated with chemical treatments such as perming and relaxation, help to restore the mechanical strength of damaged fibers and decrease fading of colored hair.
Subject(s)
Hair Preparations/chemistry , Hair/chemistry , Keratins/chemistry , Color , Hair/ultrastructure , Humans , Keratins/isolation & purification , Microscopy, Electron, ScanningABSTRACT
Fluorescence spectroscopic measurement of the amino acid tryptophan on the hair fibre surface was extended to include in situ fibre irradiation and a novel cyclical wash off, reapplication protocol. When applied to the investigation of a new damage prevention active, it was shown that the active was preferentially degraded in a sacrificial manner and that the underlying fibre surface was maintained in good condition. In addition, tensile strength measurements were performed to assess the mechanical properties of the treated and untreated fibres following UV and sunlight exposure and the results demonstrate the damage prevention effectiveness of the active.
