Investigating the Origins of Nanostructural Variations in Differential Ethnic Hair Types Using X-Ray Scattering Techniques
May 2013
in “
International Journal of Cosmetic Science
”
TLDR Different ethnic hair types have unique nanoscopic and molecular features despite having the same basic keratin structure.
The study investigated nanostructural variations in five different ethnic hair types using X-ray scattering techniques. It found that while the fibrous keratin scaffold was consistent across all hair types, differences were observed in the orientation and intensity of the lipid components. These variations, along with differences in keratin-associated proteins, contributed to the macroscopic differences in hair morphology. The research highlighted that despite a common keratin structure, ethnic hair types exhibited distinct nanoscopic and molecular characteristics.