Metals in Female Scalp Hair Globally and Its Impact on Perceived Hair Health

January 2013 in “ International Journal of Cosmetic Science ”

Simon Godfrey, William Staite, Philip Bowtell, Jennifer Marsh

calcium magnesium copper iron redox active metals UV exposure hair coloring water hardness ions metal binding

TLDR Higher metal levels in hair are linked to poorer perceived hair health.

The study examined the impact of metals in female scalp hair globally, involving over 300 individuals from nine countries. It found that metals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and iron varied widely in levels, even within the same geographic location. These metals, particularly redox-active ones like copper and iron, could affect hair health due to environmental exposure and hair coloring processes. Individuals who perceived their hair health as poor had higher metal levels. The study suggested that controlling metal levels on hair, either by preventing their binding or reducing their damaging effects, could improve perceived hair health.

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