Secondary ion mass spectrometric investigation of penetration of coconut and mineral oils into human hair fibers: relevance to hair damage.

The study conducted in 2001 investigated the penetrability of coconut oil and mineral oil into human hair fibers, using secondary ion mass spectrometry. The results showed that coconut oil was able to penetrate the hair shaft, while mineral oil did not. This difference was attributed to the polarity of coconut oil and the nonpolar nature of mineral oil, as well as the affinity of the penetrant to the protein in hair. The study also found that the presence of oil limited the swelling of hair, which is a cause of hair damage. Therefore, coconut oil, being a better penetrant than mineral oil, may provide better protection from hair damage caused by hygral fatigue.