Study untangles friction and surface chemistry in chemically damaged hair
Researchers develop system that can be used to screen the tribological performance of hair care formulations
An investigation into hair surface friction has extended chemical understanding surrounding bleached hair. It confirmed that surface chemistry modifications, rather than roughness changes or subsurface damage is responsible for increased friction at the nanoscale level in bleached or chemically damaged hair. Erik Weiand, who co-led the work at Imperial College London, UK, says the methodology they developed for the study could also be used to assess new haircare formulations that reduce friction in hair.