Alignment Control and Softness Creation in Hair with Glycylglycine

The study investigated the effects of glycylglycine (GG) on hair softness, particularly in thick and coarse hair common among the Japanese population. It was found that GG treatment significantly improved hair alignment and reduced the modulus of the hair fiber, leading to a tangible increase in hair softness. The research also revealed, using atomic force microscopy, that GG could modify the properties of the cell membrane complex in the hair cortex, contributing to the internal changes that enhance softness. This approach addressed the limitations of existing hair softening technologies, which often left hair feeling overconditioned or sticky.