Twelve-Point Scale Grading System of Scanning Electron Microscopic Examination to Investigate Subtle Changes in Damaged Hair Surface

January 2016 in “ Skin research and technology ”

S. Y. Lee, Amanda Choi, Ji-Young Baek, H. O. Kim, Min Kyung Shin, Jung Hee Koh

scanning electron microscopy SEM hair surface condition 12-point scale damaged cuticle layers chemical stress heat stress UV stress luster combing load hair care products hair shaft microscopy hair damage hair condition hair care hair products

Studysummary This study found that a new 12-point scale provided a more precise measurement system for evaluating hair damage and improvement after hair care product use compared to a 5-point scale.

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The study aimed to establish an objective classification system for assessing hair surface condition using a 12-point scale, addressing the limitations of the subjective SEM technique. Hair samples from 500 female subjects and 180 Asian hair bunches were damaged using chemical, heat, and UV stress. The new 12-point scale provided improved discrimination of damaged cuticle layers compared to a 5-point scale. Hair surface-related parameters, such as luster and combing load, showed significant improvement after using hair care products, validating the efficacy of the new grading system. The 12-point scale was demonstrated to be a more precise and appropriate method for evaluating subtle changes in the hair shaft.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Ethnic Differences in Hair Damage and Integral Hair Lipid After Ultraviolet Radiation

59 citations , January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

In this study, researchers found that Asian hair contains more integral lipids than European or African hair, which may protect it better from UV-induced damage.

research Hair Shaft Damage from Heat and Drying Time of Hair Dryer

34 citations , January 2011 in “Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology”

This study found that using a hair dryer at 15 cm with continuous motion causes less surface damage to hair compared to natural drying, although higher temperatures increased overall surface damage.

research Development of a Classification System for Extrinsic Hair Damage: Standard Grading of Electron Microscopic Findings of Damaged Hairs

26 citations , April 2010 in “The American journal of dermatopathology/American journal of dermatopathology”

This study developed an objective standard grading system for evaluating hair damage using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.