The Ethnic Differences in Hair Damage and Integral Hair Lipid After Ultraviolet Radiation
January 2013
in “
Annals of Dermatology
”
Studysummary In this study, researchers found that Asian hair contains more integral lipids than European or African hair, which may protect it better from UV-induced damage.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study examined the effects of UV radiation on hair damage and integral hair lipids among Asian, European, and African ethnic groups. It found that Asian hair, which had higher levels of integral hair lipids, particularly free fatty acids, was more resistant to UV-induced damage compared to European and African hair. African hair experienced the most severe surface damage and had the weakest resistance to UV irradiation, while European hair also showed significant damage. The study concluded that integral hair lipids might protect hair from UV light, as demonstrated by the lesser damage in Asian hair with higher lipid content, suggesting a protective role of these lipids against UV damage.
