Photodegradation of Human Hair: A Microscopy Study

    January 2001 in “ Comprehensive series in photosciences ”
    S. B. Ruetsch, Y. K. Kamath, H.‐D. Weigmann
    TLDR UV radiation significantly damages hair, especially with humidity, making it more vulnerable to further damage.
    This study investigated the effects of UV radiation on human hair using various microscopy techniques. It found that long-term UV exposure, especially with humidification cycling, caused significant damage to the hair's cuticle, including thinning, fusion, and increased brittleness. Photodegradation also occurred at low humidities, and chemical oxidation further exacerbated the damage. Microfluorometry and UV microspectrophotometry were used to quantify and monitor the damage, revealing that effective UV stabilizers must penetrate the hair fiber uniformly to prevent photodegradation. The research highlighted the importance of understanding UV-induced hair damage for developing better protective hair care products.
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