January 2024 in “Uttar Pradesh journal of zoology” In this study, researchers found that chemical treatments like bleaching can cause severe damage to the hair cuticle, with previously modified hair showing complete deterioration compared to the partial degradation seen in virgin hair, highlighting the need for mindful cosmetic practices.
75 citations
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November 1965 in “Textile research journal” This study found that papain/bisulfite disintegrates human hair cuticles by dissolving the endocuticle, potentially accelerated by ethanol's removal of cell membrane material.
This study found that hair fibers broke down and lost keratin in extremely basic conditions, revealing the inner medulla and changing the color of the fibers.
30 citations
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April 2009 in “Mycoses” This study found that the fungus Microsporum gypseum enzymatically degrades keratin in human hair, with the sequence of degradation reflecting the keratinization and cystine content of individual hair components in vitro.
23 citations
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August 2019 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” Pollution exposure speeds up hair damage.