By Hiroshima University Department of Public Relations
A new technique allowed researchers to observe in greater detail how heat alters keratin proteins, helping in their search for ingredients that can prevent heat-damaged hair.
A synchrotron radiation-based experimental technique developed at the Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center (HiSOR) helped scientists get useful structural information on keratin proteins during heat treatments. (Pixabay)
Researchers have observed in greater detail how heat changes keratin proteins that result in hair damage.
Curling wands and flat irons could fry the keratin proteins that make up about 85% of our hair, turning it dry and brittle over time.
When heated, keratin proteins aggregate and suspend in a solution, much like the hardening of raw eggs when boiled. Circular dichroism spectroscopy used in experiments to observe keratin structure allows light to pass through the solution for measurement. But it can only work when keratin is solubil