Hair Weathering And Hair Capacitance Mapping: A Pilot Study

September 2012 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

C Piérard-Franchimont, Gérald Pierard

hair capacitance mapping hair surface damage hair hydration SkinChip moisture gradient weathered hair intact hair HCM SkinChip device

Studysummary This study introduced hair capacitance mapping as a promising technique for assessing hair surface moisture dynamics, revealing that weathered hair loses moisture more quickly than intact hair.

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

The study introduced a new method called hair capacitance mapping (HCM) to assess hair surface damage and hydration. Conducted on both intact and weathered hair locks, the research involved soaking samples in 10% solutions of regular shampoos or tap water. The HCM method, utilizing the SkinChip® device, revealed that hair surface moisture increased for less than 30 minutes after soaking. It also detected a moisture gradient from the base to the tip of hair shafts, with weathered hairs losing moisture more rapidly than intact ones. The study concluded that HCM was a promising technique for evaluating the dynamics of hair surface moisture.

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