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 polymers like Guar HPTC and Cassia HPTC. It finds that higher polymer concentrations enhance flexibility and toughness, with Cassia HPTC showing greater stiffness due to its higher molecular weight. Humidity significantly affects mechanical properties, with Cassia HPTC being more susceptible to high humidity. The study highlights the importance of polymer structure and environmental conditions in hair styling product performance, suggesting that naturally-derived polysaccharides like Guar HPTC and Cassia HPTC offer greater stiffness than synthetic counterparts, especially in high humidity conditions.