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Atomic Force Microscopy of Human Hair Cuticles: A Microscopic Study of Environmental Effects on Hair Morphology

1995; Elsevier BV; Volume: 105; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/1523-1747.ep12313377

1523-1747

Stephen D. O’Connor, Kimberly L. Komisarek, John D. Baldeschwieler,

Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques

We have used an atomic force microscope to provide quantitative real-time analysis of human hair morphologic changes under ambient conditions. This form of microscopy combines the lateral resolution of an electron microscope and the flexibility of a light microscope. Three experiments were performed: a study of hair morphology in air versus water, a kinetic study of hair hydration, and a determination of how pH changes affect hair morphology. The overlapping keratinized cells that form the hair cuticle spread out between 50 and 150% when hydrated, compared to a total shaft diameter change of 10%. This hydration reaches a saturation point within the first few minutes after immersion. Also, hair swells much more at higher pH.