TLDR Hair is hard to dissolve because of its complex proteins, but certain solvents that break specific bonds and hydrate can do it.
The study discussed the solubility of hair, which is composed of proteins, lipids, water, and trace elements. Hair proteins, primarily keratin, are organized into filaments and are notably difficult to digest or solubilize. Common methods for dissolving hair include acidic, alkaline, and enzymatic hydrolysis. Effective solvents for hair typically have small molecular sizes and hydrophobic groups, which can break disulfide bonds between cystine molecules and hydrate the hair shaft, transforming it into a jelly-like mass.
57 citations,
June 1999 in “Dermatologic surgery” Laser hair removal was a significant new method for getting rid of unwanted hair in 1999.
4 citations,
December 2018 in “Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering” A new method accurately measures amino acids in treated hair, showing bleaching reduces amino acids while protein treatments increase them.
5 citations,
February 2022 in “Acta Biomaterialia” Nanomaterials can improve hair care products and treatments, including hair loss and alopecia, by enhancing stability and safety, and allowing controlled release of compounds, but their safety in cosmetics needs more understanding.
8 citations,
May 2020 in “International journal of biological macromolecules” Certain treatments can increase protein binding to natural hair but are less effective on permed hair.
January 2017 in “Clinical approaches and procedures in cosmetic dermatology” Cosmetic procedures can harm hair, but damage can be minimized with knowledge and care; however, once hair is damaged, it cannot be reliably repaired.
1 citations,
January 2017 in “Clinical approaches and procedures in cosmetic dermatology” Hair can't be reliably repaired once damaged; prevention and proper product use are key to maintaining hair health.
