Atomistic Characterization of Healthy and Damaged Hair Surfaces: A Molecular Dynamics Study of Fatty Acids on Protein Layer

June 2024 in “ ChemBioChem ”

Rongrong Li, Jia Min Phang, Souvik Chakraborty, Liling Zhang, Marco Klähn, Anjaiah Nalaparaju, Freda C. H. Lim

18-Methyleicosanoic acid 18-MEA keratin-associated protein 10-4 KAP10-4 fatty acid chains hair surface molecular dynamics simulations water penetration fatty acids

TLDR Replenishing free 18-MEA can help restore damaged hair surfaces.

This study presents an atomistic model of the hair surface using molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on 18-Methyleicosanoic acid (18-MEA) fatty acid chains bonded to keratin-associated protein 10-4 (KAP10-4). The model includes free 18-MEA filling gaps between bound chains, achieving an optimal packing density. The research examines the structural and interaction changes in hair surfaces with varying levels of free and bound 18-MEA, under dry and wet conditions. Findings indicate that depletion of free 18-MEA significantly affects the fatty acid chain properties, while removal of bound 18-MEA impacts water penetration. The study identifies an optimal spacing for replenishing free 18-MEA to restore damaged hair surface properties.

View this study on chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community 18 Months Minoxidil 5% Before & After

in Progress Pictures 508 upvotes 1 month ago

The user used Minoxidil 5% for 18 months, seeing improved hair density but no change in the crown area. They are cautious about using Finasteride again due to past gynecomastia.

community 18-year progress pics. Fin only.

in Progress Pictures 419 upvotes 1 month ago

The user has been using finasteride for 18 years to manage hair loss and is considering starting minoxidil and possibly a hair transplant. Despite some regrowth, they are exploring additional treatments like dutasteride and oral minoxidil due to continued hair thinning.

community 18 months supply of 1mg Finasteride for $23.50

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 10 upvotes 4 months ago

A user shared how they bought an 18-month supply of finasteride for $23.50 in Turkey by purchasing 5mg pills and splitting them. They also mentioned buying other medications like painkillers and antibiotics from local pharmacies.

community 18 month since starting treatment. Minoxidil 5% twice a day and Finasteride 1 mg everyday.

in Progress Pictures 737 upvotes 8 months ago

The conversation is about an 18-month hair loss treatment with Minoxidil 5% used twice daily and Finasteride 1 mg taken every day, showing significant progress. Participants discuss the form of Minoxidil used, side effects like dandruff, the time taken to see results, and encouragement from the visible improvement.

community 18-month results of ~1.5mg fin/day, 0.5mg dut 3x/week, 5% topical minox daily, dermarolling 2x monthly, nizoral 2x weekly, vitamin supplements daily, and a healthier diet. 30 y/o M doctor, couldn't stand the idea of losing my bun. Long time lurker, how'd I do?

in Progress Pictures 160 upvotes 1 year ago

The conclusion of the conversation is that the user, "Hello_Knicks," achieved significant hair growth and density by consistently using a combination of finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, dermarolling, nizoral, vitamin supplements, and a healthier diet. The user, who is a medical doctor, believes that patience, persistence, and medication compliance are key factors in achieving positive results.

community 18 Months progress, age 32 years , 3 x fin per week, 1x min daily, 1-2 times per week vitamin D and once every 2 weeks nizoral shampoo

in Progress Pictures 481 upvotes 1 year ago

The user shared their 18-month hair loss treatment progress, using finasteride three times a week, daily minoxidil, weekly vitamin D, and bi-weekly nizoral shampoo. They experienced initial shedding and greying, but are satisfied with the results.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Application of XANES Profiles to X-Ray Spectromicroscopy for Biomedical Specimens: Part II. Mapping Oxidation State of Cysteine in Human Hair

9 citations, January 2011 in “Journal of X-ray science and technology”

Perming and bleaching damage hair differently, with bleached hair having more cysteic acid in the cuticle.