The Self-Recovery Phenomenon of Oxidized Hair

September 2013

Franz Wortmann, Erik Schulze zur Wiesche, S Freye, D Oberkobusch

oxidized hair keratin intermediate filaments amorphous matrix Differential Scanning Calorimetry oxidative treatments microfibrils denaturation temperature tensile modulus DSC

TLDR Oxidized hair can naturally regain strength and stability over six months.

The study investigated the structural changes in oxidized hair, focusing on the mechanical and thermal stability of hair fibers composed of keratin intermediate filaments (IFs) and an amorphous matrix. Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), it was found that moderate oxidative treatments decreased the integrity of the matrix and matrix-IF interface, while intensive oxidative treatments affected the crystalline regions of the microfibrils. Over six months, oxidized hair exhibited a "self-recovery phenomenon," where it regained thermal and mechanical stability, indicated by a rising denaturation temperature and increasing tensile modulus, suggesting a reorganization of the matrix and reinforced interactions between matrix and microfibrils.

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