Comparing Protective Pre-Treatments for African Hair

The study investigated the effectiveness of protective pre-treatments for African hair, specifically curl type VI, in combination with moderate grooming cycles. It focused on addressing issues such as low manageability and dryness, which lead to less frequent washing and the use of thermal styling. While thermal styling improves hair alignment, it can damage the hair's chemical composition and cuticle. The study explored the use of polymers for better heat distribution and cuticle smoothing, as well as plant-derived oils for their potential to reduce hair swelling and maintain cuticle integrity. The research aimed to find effective methods to mitigate damage from thermal styling and other environmental factors.