Investigation of the Changes in the Hair Cuticle Due to Chemical Degradation
Kaavya S. Hassan *
Department of Zoology, SVKM’s Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science and Amrutben Jivanlal College and Economics (Autonomous), Vile Parle -West Mumbai 400 056, Maharashtra. India.
Hrisheka R. Sharma
Department of Zoology, SVKM’s Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science and Amrutben Jivanlal College and Economics (Autonomous), Vile Parle -West Mumbai 400 056, Maharashtra. India.
Rachel A. Prakash
Department of Zoology, SVKM’s Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science and Amrutben Jivanlal College and Economics (Autonomous), Vile Parle -West Mumbai 400 056, Maharashtra. India.
M. B. Talpade
Department of Zoology, SVKM’s Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science and Amrutben Jivanlal College and Economics (Autonomous), Vile Parle -West Mumbai 400 056, Maharashtra. India.
Hitesh U. Shingadia
Department of Zoology, SVKM’s Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science and Amrutben Jivanlal College and Economics (Autonomous), Vile Parle -West Mumbai 400 056, Maharashtra. India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Various cosmetic alterations done to the hair for aesthetic purposes have a profound damaging impact on its morphology. This study delves into the complex dynamics of hair structure by analysing the changes in the cuticle induced by chemical degradation. Advanced microscopic techniques like Microtopography and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate the grade of damage on treated hair as compared with virgin hair. On treatment with bleach, it could be observed that the cuticle structure in virgin hair exhibited deteriorating effects like partial degradation whereas the impact on treated hair samples strands that had previously undergone modifications exhibited much more intensifying consequences like complete deterioration exposing holes and gaps. The findings from the current exploration shed light on the nuanced relationships within the hair structure, providing valuable insights into the consequences of chemical degradation. Thus, laying a foundation for suggestive recommendations that include the impact of environment, lifestyle and genetics in the fields of trichology and cosmetology.
Keywords: Hair, cuticle, hair damage, bleach, SEM