Streaming Potential Analysis of Hair Variation: Ethnicities and Environmental Exposures

October 2025 in “ International Journal of Cosmetic Science ”

Huijun Phoebe Tham, Kah Yuen Yip, Thomas L. Dawson

hair morphology hair growth rates mechanical properties streaming potential ζ-potential pH surface charge oxidative damage weathering electrokinetic analysis hair health hair care products

Studysummary This study observed that hair properties vary by ethnicity, influenced by genetic, environmental, and cultural factors, and noted that ethnicity-dependent differences in surface charge and other properties warrant further investigation.

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

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

13 / 13 results

research Influence of Particle Parameters on Deposition onto Healthy and Damaged Human Hair

5 citations , August 2024 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

This study found that particle affinity was stronger on healthy hair compared to damaged hair, with the deposition influenced predominantly by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction, while larger particles had poorer deposition.

research High-Throughput Phenotyping Methods for Quantifying Hair Fiber Morphology

4 citations , June 2021 in “Scientific Reports”

This study found that examining hair morphology provides deeper insights than classification, suggesting a potential population stratification artefact between hair curvature and cross-sectional shapes in the examined admixed African-European sample.

research Variation in Human Hair Ultrastructure Among Three Biogeographic Populations

28 citations , November 2018 in “Journal of structural biology”

This study found statistically significant patterns in hair morphology and ultrastructure linked to biogeographic ancestry among European, African, and East Asian populations.

research Quantifying Hair Shape and Hair Damage Induced During Reshaping of Hair

11 citations , May 2016 in “PubMed”

This article reviews various methods and introduces new imaging technologies to assess the effects of hair shaping treatments on hair chemistry and structural integrity, without reporting clinical results.

research Quantifying Variation in Human Scalp Hair Fiber Shape and Pigmentation

32 citations , March 2016 in “American Journal of Physical Anthropology”

This study suggests that chemical methods can reveal subtle differences in scalp hair color variability across populations and emphasizes the need for enhanced understanding of hair fiber curvature.

research Hair Care Practices and Structural Evaluation of Scalp and Hair Shaft Parameters in African American and Caucasian Women

25 citations , August 2015 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

This study observed significant differences in hair care practices and biologic hair parameters between Caucasian and African American women, which may contribute to varying hair fragility and growth.

research Keratins and Lipids in Ethnic Hair

55 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

In this study, researchers found that higher concentrations of internal lipids in African hair may influence its keratin structure, as observed through various analytical methods.

research The Ethnic Differences in Hair Damage and Integral Hair Lipid After Ultraviolet Radiation

59 citations , January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

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.

What Women Want: Quantifying the Perception of Hair Amount - An Analysis of Hair Diameter and Density Changes with Age in Caucasian Women

research What Women Want: Quantifying the Perception of Hair Amount - An Analysis of Hair Diameter and Density Changes with Age in Caucasian Women

61 citations , April 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study analyzed changes in hair diameter and density with age in Caucasian women, highlighting variations in perception of hair amount over time.

research Photoaggravation of Hair Aging

24 citations , January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This review discusses the mechanisms by which sunlight exposure aggravates hair aging and highlights the role of hair pigments in providing photochemical protection, reporting no new results.

Effect of Ethnicity and Treatments on In Situ Tensile Response and Morphological Changes of Human Hair Characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy

research Effect of Ethnicity and Treatments on In Situ Tensile Response and Morphological Changes of Human Hair Characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy

42 citations , April 2008 in “Acta materialia”

This study investigated the tensile response and morphological changes of different ethnic hair types using AFM, showing variations between virgin, chemically damaged, and conditioner-treated Caucasian hair under different conditions.

research Hair Cuticle Differences Between Asian And Caucasian Females

21 citations , October 2006 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Asian hair is stronger and more damage-resistant than Caucasian hair due to a thicker cuticle layer.

research Diversity of Hair Growth Profiles

115 citations , September 2005 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Different ethnic groups have unique hair growth patterns, with African hair growing slower and less dense, Asian hair growing fast but sparse, and Caucasian hair being densest; men are more likely to experience hair loss than women.