Analysis of Lipids in the Medulla of Japanese Hair and Their Function

The study analyzed the lipid content in the medulla of Japanese hair, revealing that it contained unsaturated lipids, which decreased from the root to the tip. This reduction correlated with decreased hair glossiness, suggesting that these lipids contribute to glossiness. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry (micro-ATR FTIR) identified squalene and oleic acid as key components of the medulla. The presence of these lipids was linked to the maintenance of the medulla, highlighting their importance in hair structure and appearance.