Degradation of Hair Surface: Importance of 18-MEA and Epicuticle

    May 2019 in “ Cosmetics ”
    Shinichi Tokunaga, Hiroto Tanamachi, Kazutaka Ishikawa
    TLDR 18-MEA and cationic surfactants can restore and maintain hair's hydrophobic nature, improving its beauty and feel.
    The study highlighted the critical role of 18-methyleicosanoic acid (18-MEA) in maintaining hair's hydrophobicity and reducing friction, which are essential for hair's sensory properties. It involved hair samples from 97 female volunteers of different ethnicities. The removal of 18-MEA, often due to chemical treatments, led to increased hydrophilicity and friction, negatively impacting hair. However, regenerating the hydrophobic layer using 18-MEA could restore these properties. The study emphasized the importance of 18-MEA in hair care formulations and its role in protecting hair from chemical and environmental damage.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community 18 months of finasteride and 3 months of minoxidil, 34 years old.

      in Is this regrowth?  384 upvotes 5 days ago
      A 34-year-old has been using finasteride for 18 months and minoxidil for 3 months, along with ketoconazole shampoo, supplements, and microneedling, to address hair loss. They report stabilized hair loss, thicker hair in previously miniaturized areas, and new hair growth along the hairline.

      community 18 Months of Treatment – My Honest Journey. Before & After.

      in Progress Pictures  292 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The user shared their 18-month hair treatment journey using oral finasteride and minoxidil foam, noting significant improvement in hair density and texture after initially experiencing shedding. They found oral finasteride more effective than topical solutions and emphasized the importance of consistency and patience in achieving results.

      community 18 months finasteride. 26M, started at 24

      in Progress Pictures  189 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      A 26-year-old has seen hair improvement after 18 months on finasteride, with no side effects, and is considering switching to dutasteride despite difficulty obtaining a prescription. They also use dermastamping and are hesitant to try minoxidil, preferring to explore dutasteride first.

      community 18/19 male, started balding when I was 16, diffuse thinning

      in Chat  12 upvotes 2 months ago
      An 18/19-year-old male started balding at 16 and initially saw hair growth with minoxidil, but results diminished over time. He switched dermatologists and is now using a regimen of topical finasteride, minoxidil, vitamin D, and supplements, hoping for better results.

      community 18-month update: 39M, Dut, Min, Saw Palmetto, Biotin, Red Light, Microneedling

      in Progress Pictures  140 upvotes 3 months ago
      A 39-year-old man shared his 18-month hair regrowth progress using oral dutasteride, oral minoxidil, saw palmetto, biotin, red light therapy, and microneedling. He experienced significant improvement after switching from finasteride to dutasteride and adding oral minoxidil, with plans to possibly consider a hair transplant in the future.

      community 18 months of oral Minoxidil, 5 months of Finasteride.

      in Progress Pictures  1159 upvotes 4 months ago
      The user experienced significant hair regrowth using oral Minoxidil (5mg daily) for 18 months and Finasteride (1mg daily) for 5 months, with minimal side effects. The combination stopped hair loss and improved hair thickness, although a hair transplant is still considered for a receded hairline.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results