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. Using LC-MS/MS, researchers identified modifications like cysteic acid and dehydroalanine in both the amorphous and structured regions of the keratins after simulated styling and environmental exposure. These modifications compromise the structural integrity of hair by affecting secondary structural interactions, highlighting the potential damage from repeated styling and prolonged sun exposure.

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