Fermented Grapeseed Oil Repairs Chemically Damaged Hair Via Enhanced Permeability Mechanisms

July 2025 in “ Scientific Reports ”

Nan Wu, Lei‐lei Zhi, Gaixiang Wang, Y. Liu, Jun Feng, Bing You

Studysummary This study reported that fermented grapeseed oil may enhance hair permeability and improve strength and color retention in chemically treated hair compared to regular grapeseed or silicone oils.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study explores the benefits of fermented grapeseed oil (F-GO) for repairing chemically damaged hair, highlighting its superior penetration and restorative properties compared to non-fermented oils. F-GO enhances hair permeability and mechanical strength by increasing small molecule alcohols during fermentation, which open hair cuticles and facilitate oil penetration. It improves thermal resistance, reduces porosity, and forms a protective layer against UV light and surfactants. F-GO also strengthens hair by forming hydrogen bonds with keratin, increasing break load by 18.73% and total work by 30.77%. These findings suggest F-GO as a promising agent for repairing and protecting hair from bleaching and dyeing damage.

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