Photo-Protective Effect of Cuttlefish Ink Melanin on Human Hair

The study assessed the photoprotective properties of melanin extracted from cuttlefish ink on human hair. When applied to black hair and exposed to UV radiation, the melanin provided significant protection to the hair cuticle, as shown by microscopic images. Uncoated hair showed visible damage, while melanin-coated hair maintained its structural integrity, with negligible changes in disulfide linkages, sulfhydryl content, water retention, and swelling index. The mechanical strength of melanin-coated hair was also better preserved compared to uncoated hair. The findings suggested that cuttlefish melanin could be a valuable photoprotective agent in hair-care products, utilizing a byproduct from the cephalopod processing industry.