Three-Dimensional Imaging and Analysis of the Surface of Hair Fibers Using Scanning Electron Microscopy

This study focused on developing a method for analyzing the surface of hair fibers using 3D imaging from 2D scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The researchers aimed to quantify the cuticle scale structure of hair fibers quickly and accurately. They validated their novel technique by calibrating the SEM and 3D software and comparing results with atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. The findings indicated that this method provided a quick, accurate, and viable way to determine scale height in keratin fibers. Additionally, a 3D-SEM analysis method was developed to monitor individual scales and quantify cuticular scale height after repeated smoothing treatments.