Key Locations of Oxidative Damage in Human Hair Keratins After Heat and Ultraviolet Light Exposure

September 2025 in “ International Journal of Cosmetic Science ”

Jeffrey E. Plowman, Anita J. Grosvenor, Santanu Deb‐Choudhury, Fraser I. Bell, Julie Roberts, Stefan Clerens

oxidative damage human hair keratins heat exposure ultraviolet light exposure Type I K31 Type II K85 cysteine modifications disulphide bonds cysteic acid dehydroalanine LC-MS/MS amorphous regions structured regions secondary structural interactions UV exposure UV light hair damage hair keratin damage

TLDR Heat and UV exposure damage hair structure by altering keratins.

This study examined the effects of heat and UV exposure on human hair keratins, specifically Type I K31 and Type II K85, focusing on cysteine modifications that disrupt disulphide bonds. Human hair was subjected to treatments simulating one year of styling and environmental exposure. The research identified disulphide bond-disrupting modifications, such as cysteic acid and dehydroalanine, in both the amorphous and structured regions of the keratins. These modifications are crucial for secondary structural interactions, and their disruption can lead to a loss of structural integrity in hair, highlighting the potential damage from repeated styling and prolonged sun exposure.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research The Susceptibility of Disulfide Bonds to Modification in Keratin Fibers Undergoing Tensile Stress

11 citations , April 2022 in “Biophysical Journal”

Disulfide bonds in keratin fibers break more easily under stress, especially when wet, affecting fiber strength.

research The Physical and Chemical Disruption of Human Hair After Bleaching – Studies by Transmission Electron Microscopy and Redox Proteomics

30 citations , September 2018 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

Bleaching hair causes severe structural and chemical damage, including protein loss and oxidation.

research Keratin Network Modifications Lead to the Mechanical Stiffening of the Hair Follicle Fiber

40 citations , May 2016 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”

Changes in keratin make hair follicles stiffer.

research Bidirectional Binding Property of High Glycine–Tyrosine Keratin-Associated Protein Contributes to the Mechanical Strength and Shape of Hair

46 citations , June 2013 in “Journal of structural biology”

High glycine–tyrosine keratin-associated proteins help make hair strong and maintain its shape.

research Keratin 71 Mutations: From Water Dogs to Woolly Hair

11 citations , September 2012 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

A mutation in the KRT71 gene causes a hair disorder by disrupting hair follicle structure and texture.

research Structure and Mechanical Properties of Human Trichocyte Keratin Intermediate Filament Protein

51 citations , September 2012 in “Biomacromolecules”

Disulfide bonds make keratin in hair stronger and tougher.

research Mutations in the Keratin 85 (KRT85/hHb5) Gene Underlie Pure Hair and Nail Ectodermal Dysplasia

42 citations , October 2009 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Mutations in the KRT85 gene cause hair and nail problems.

research Chapter 4: Cytomechanics of Hair

19 citations , January 2009 in “International review of cell and molecular biology”

Hair's strength and flexibility come from its protein structure and molecular interactions.

research In Vitro Assembly and Structure of Trichocyte Keratin Intermediate Filaments

91 citations , December 2000 in “The journal of cell biology/The Journal of cell biology”

Scientists successfully created mouse hair proteins in the lab, which are stable and similar to natural hair.

research The Catalog of Human Hair Keratins

235 citations , July 1999 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry”

Human hair is made up of different keratins, some strong and some weak, with specific types appearing at various stages of hair growth.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 105 results

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community PP405 Won't Work Long Term: Hair Follicle Damage Due to Abuse of the ISR System

in Research/Science 59 upvotes 3 weeks ago

PP405 may damage hair follicles if used long-term, suggesting cycling might be necessary. Combining it with finasteride could help maintain hair growth.

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community NMN Promotes Cell Proliferation and Hair Growth by Reducing Oxidative Stress

in Research/Science 14 upvotes 1 year ago

NMN shows promise in promoting hair growth by reducing oxidative stress and weakening androgens. It may be a beneficial addition to hair loss treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride.

community Age-linked hair loss caused by disappearing collagen, researchers say

55 upvotes 5 years ago

Age-linked hair loss is linked to disappearing collagen. Treatments discussed include minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, tretinoin, microneedling, and collagen supplements.

community Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens.

in Research/Science 2 upvotes 10 months ago

A method for treating androgenic alopecia using minoxidil, antiandrogens, exercise, and cold exposure to promote hair growth. Environmental factors and lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, can improve treatment effectiveness.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Proteomic Characterization of Damaged Single Hairs Recovered After an Explosion for Protein-Based Human Identification

10 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of proteome research”

Explosions don't stop hair proteins from being used to identify people.

research Keratinocytes of the Upper Epidermis and Isthmus of Hair Follicles Express Hemoglobin mRNA and Protein

November 2023 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Skin cells and certain hair follicle areas produce hemoglobin, which may help protect against oxidative stress like UV damage.

research Exogenous Factors in Hair Disorders

11 citations , January 2004 in “Exogenous dermatology”

Outside factors like grooming, chemicals, and the environment can damage hair and cause disorders.

research Protein Carbonylation As A Reliable Read-Out Of Urban Pollution Damage/Protection Of Hair Fibers

September 2022 in “Cosmetics”

research Hair Biology and Nutritional Influences

January 2011 in “Springer eBooks”

Eating a balanced diet with the right vitamins and minerals is important for healthy hair, but too many supplements can be harmful.