Development of a Three-Point Cantilever Bending Technique to Study the Mechanical Properties of Hair Styling Ingredients

The study introduces a three-point cantilever bending technique to evaluate the mechanical properties of hair treated with styling ingredients, focusing on polysaccharide-based ingredients like guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride and cassia hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Conducted in a controlled environment, the research examines how concentration, molecular weight, and chemistry affect hair's stiffness, flexibility, elasticity, and plasticity. The study also compares naturally-derived polymers with synthetic ones, providing a user-friendly method to assess styling products' efficacy. Indices such as E1, F1, and toughness were developed to characterize the mechanical behavior of treated hair.