Raman Spectroscopy and Electronic Microscopy Structural Studies of Caucasian and Afro Human Hair

May 2019 in “ Heliyon ”

Jordana Dias dos Santos, Howell G. M. Edwards, Luiz Fernando Cappa de Oliveira

Studysummary This study found that excessive heat caused the most significant structural changes in hair from Caucasian and Afro samples, especially when combined with other treatments like bleaching and straightening.

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The study analyzed structural changes in Caucasian and Afro hair after thermal, bleaching, and straightening treatments using Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It found that treatments altered important molecular bonds (S-S, C-S, C-C, S-O) and protein structures. Excessive heat caused the most significant changes in Raman spectral band intensity. Multiple treatments on the same hair led to more pronounced structural changes. Morphological analysis revealed distinct deformation patterns for each treatment. Differences between the two ethnic groups' hair were minimal for each treatment.

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