Mechanical Behaviour of Scalp Hair in Premature and Full-Term Neonates
January 1997
in “
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology
”
TLDR Premature infants have less elastic hair than full-term infants.
The study analyzed the mechanical properties of scalp hair in 37 neonates, comparing premature (28-29 weeks gestational age) and full-term (39-40 weeks) infants. It found a significant decrease in the modulus of elasticity in the hair of premature neonates, suggesting fewer disulphide bonds or disordered microfibril arrangement. However, other parameters like the postyield slope and viscous parameter did not differ significantly between the groups. The findings indicated a need for further research to explore the mechanical properties of neonatal hair in relation to fetal maturation.
