Penetration of Oils into Hair

June 2024 in “ International Journal of Cosmetic Science ”

Jennifer Marsh, Shane Whitaker, Tim Felts, Chris Cowans, Shikhar Gupta, Srdan Masirevic, Rui Fang, Monique S. J. Simmonds, Gu Chen, Haibo Jiang

triglyceride plant oils coconut oil Camellia oleifera oil safflower seed oil LC–MS NanoSIMS triglycerides lipid-rich cell membrane complex CMC fatty acids fatigue strength hair breakage Camellia oil safflower oil hair strength

Studysummary This study found that various plant oils can penetrate the lipid-rich cell membrane complex of hair, improving its fatigue strength by preventing flaw propagation, with greater penetration observed for oils containing shorter chain lengths and unsaturated fatty acids.

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The study aimed to understand how triglyceride plant oils, such as coconut oil, Camellia oleifera oil, and safflower seed oil, deliver strength and softness benefits to hair through their penetration. Using LC–MS and NanoSIMS, the researchers confirmed that triglycerides of varying chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation can penetrate the lipid-rich cell membrane complex (CMC) of hair. Shorter chain lengths and unsaturated fatty acids showed higher penetration efficacy. The oils were found to improve fatigue strength by preventing the formation and propagation of flaws in the CMC network, leading to reduced hair breakage.

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Research cited in this study

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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”

In this study, researchers observed that cosmetic peroxide bleaching causes oxidative damage and protein loss in human hair, not only affecting the cuticle but also deeper cortical structures, correlating with bleaching severity.

Analysis of Lipids in the Medulla of Japanese Hair and Their Function

research Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometric Investigation of Penetration of Coconut and Mineral Oils into Human Hair Fibers: Relevance to Hair Damage

11 citations , June 2001 in “PubMed”

Coconut oil can penetrate hair better than mineral oil, potentially protecting against damage.

Penetration of Oils into Hair

Research cited in this study

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

research Analysis of Lipids in the Medulla of Japanese Hair and Their Function

research Distribution Analysis of Triglyceride Having Repair Effect on Damaged Human Hair by TOF-SIMS

research Investigation of Penetration Abilities of Various Oils into Human Hair Fibers

research Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometric Investigation of Penetration of Coconut and Mineral Oils into Human Hair Fibers: Relevance to Hair Damage