SEM/SDD-EDS: An Analytical Tool to Identify Waterborne Micro Minerals Pickup in Human Scalp Hair Cuticle Due to Water Quality

The study used SEM/SDD-EDS to analyze the impact of water quality on the mineral content of human scalp hair cuticles from four male volunteers in India. It found that rural volunteers using untreated groundwater had higher calcium and aluminum levels, leading to hair shaft damage and increased moisture absorption, while urban volunteers using treated water had lower calcium but higher aluminum levels. The application of coconut oil before washing reduced calcium uptake, highlighting its protective effect. The study concluded that SEM/SDD-EDS was effective for identifying and quantifying mineral changes in hair due to water quality and hair care practices, suggesting the need for further research with a larger population.