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Nanometre‐scale investigations by atomic force microscopy into the effect of different treatments on the surface structure of hair
Author(s) -
Durkan C.,
Wang N.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of cosmetic science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1468-2494
pISSN - 0142-5463
DOI - 10.1111/ics.12161
Subject(s) - shampoo , nanometre , atomic force microscopy , hair care , nanotechnology , hair growth , hair shaft , surface roughness , materials science , surface finish , chemistry , mineralogy , composite material , polymer science , biology , physiology , organic chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , hair follicle
Synopsis Objective To investigate the effect of different washing regimes on the surface of human hair at the nanometre scale – comparable to the size of typical deposits left behind by commercial products. Methods Atomic force microscopy ( AFM ) and related techniques. Results It can be directly seen that washing hair using commercial hair care products removes deposits that naturally form on the shaft, revealing the underlying structure of the hair, whereas in many cases leaving new deposits behind. The spatial distribution of these deposits is explored and quantified. The spatial distribution of the surface charge of pristine hair is mapped, and the electrical screening effect of deposits is directly observed. We also show that the roughness of the treated hair depends directly on the type of product used, with a marked difference between shampoo and conditioner. Some products leave isolated deposits behind, whereas others leave layers of material behind which wet the hair surface. Conclusion Atomic force microscopy and the related techniques we have employed in a forensic approach is able to distinguish between different hair care products on the basis of the deposits they leave behind. This opens up the capability of further analysis tools to complement already existing techniques.