TLDR Scientists created a non-toxic, sugar-based hair product that can style hair without damage.
The study introduces a non-toxic hair straightening method using sucrose tetraaldehyde (STA) as a keratin crosslinker, which is created by oxidizing sucrose with sodium periodate. Tested on Brazilian curly hair, STA treatment effectively straightened hair with less damage compared to traditional methods and maintained straightness after high humidity exposure and multiple washes. STA-treated hair showed higher straightening efficiency (87%) over 45 days and preserved tensile strength, unlike flat ironed hair, which reverted to its original state and showed significant efficiency loss (8%) after washing. SEM images confirmed no surface damage, highlighting STA as a durable and safer alternative for hair styling.
4 citations
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January 2021 in “Skin appendage disorders” Hair straightening can damage hair and pose health risks, including exposure to carcinogens and hair loss.
19 citations
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July 2018 in “ACS biomaterials science & engineering” Bleaching and combing damage hair's surface and mechanical properties.
32 citations
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February 2018 in “Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy” Cosmetic residues on individual hairs can be identified and differentiated using ATR FT-IR microspectroscopy.
47 citations
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January 2017 in “RSC Advances” Keratin peptides can change hair shape gently without harsh chemicals.
28 citations
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January 2016 in “RSC Advances” A non-toxic formula using polycarboxylic acids strengthens and improves hair.
73 citations
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October 2013 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Chemical hair straightening can damage hair and health, needing safer alternatives and stricter regulations.
55 citations
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March 2007 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology” Afro-ethnic hair can be straightened using chemical and heat methods.
