Search Results (69)

Applying physico-analytical methods to whole hair fibers enables investigation of hair dye performance. Light microscopy, SEM imaging and EDX mapping of intact hair fibers, as well as TEM imaging of microtome cuts, provided insights into the distribution, size, shape and growth patterns of the dyeing species and particles, thus demonstrating the correlation between silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and dye impression. Yak hair fibers were treated with a polyphenol-containing Reseda luteola L. extract (RE), which had been acidified using either hydrochloric acid (HCl) or citric acid (CA), and subsequently exposed to silver nitrate (AgNO₃), resulting in the formation of quasi-spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that were depicted several microns deep inside the hair fiber, regardless of the additive used. The particles appeared to aggregate preferentially in sulfur-rich domains within the hair fiber, probably due to the affinity of silver ions on the NP’s surface towards sulfur. The additives significantly affected the size and aggregation behavior of the particles. Using HCl, larger, aggregated particles were formed, whereas the application of CA yielded smaller, more uniform particles and a higher penetration depth. Despite different particle sizes, the dye outcome was comparable. In strands treated with HCl, washing brought the particles deeper into the hair cortex and resulted in further aggregation. Thus, HCl promoted the formation of larger particles whereas CA yielded more uniformly sized particles. These findings open a new route for metal nanoparticle-based hair dyes with excellent wash fastness. Full article

This study focuses on the stabilization of a natural hair dye derived from Lawsonia inermis L. (henna) and Indigofera suffruticosa (indigo). Although various formulations already exist, they are designed for immediate use and cannot be stored. Lawsonia, a primary component of the dye, tends to degrade after release. To ensure its stability, freeze-drying was implemented as a protective measure. Colorimetric analysis confirmed the dye’s ability to maintain an intense, uniform coloration even after multiple washing cycles. Stability tests demonstrate that freeze-drying effectively enhances the dye’s stability and capacity to retain its physical properties and color under various environmental conditions, demonstrating its potential for long-term use. The dye’s pH (5.05) aligns with the natural pH of hair, promoting cuticle sealing and improving hair health. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed the dye’s safety, showing no harmful effects. Gray hair exhibited a total color difference (ΔE) of 64.06 after the initial application, using natural gray hair as a reference. By the third application, ΔE increased to 69.86 and gradually decreased to 68.20 after 15 washing cycles, highlighting its long-term durability. Gray hair exposed to 720 h of UV radiation showed a ΔE of 17.34, whereas dyed gray hair exhibited a ΔE of 2.96 compared to non-UV-exposed samples. This indicates superior resistance to color degradation in dyed hair. Also, SEM imaging revealed the dye’s restorative effects, progressively improving hair cuticle structure with each application. Full article

Background/Objectives: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia with an unclear aetiology, primarily affecting postmenopausal women. This study aims to identify potential risk factors contributing to FFA development and progression, as well as provide a clinical profile to aid in the differential diagnosis. Methods: The study included 19 women diagnosed with FFA. The participants completed a 20-question survey based on a literature review of potential risk factors. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the associations between patient characteristics and FFA. Results: All patients were female and their mean age was 60.58 years (SD = 12.81). In 63.1% of the cases, FFA onset occurred postmenopause, with a mean latency of 8.17 years. In the majority of cases, the diagnostic delay exceeded five years. The average menarche age was 13.68 years (SD = 2.06), whereas late menarche (≥15 years) was found in two subjects. A history of reproductive organ or breast malignancy was reported by 42.1% of the patients, which frequently required surgery. Most subjects did not receive hormone replacement therapy, or hormonal contraception. The most prevalent comorbidity was hypothyroidism (89.47%). Although smoking was rare among the subjects, hair colouring was quite common, yet no participant underwent scalp aesthetic procedures. In 47.4% of cases, scalp itching or pain was present. Sunscreens were frequently used, mostly on a daily or seasonal basis. Conclusions: FFA predominantly affects women in their early 60s, often following the menopause. In our study, a tendency toward an early menopause and an above-average menarche age of the subjects was observed. In the analysed group, only reproductive and breast cancers were reported, which requires further investigation. Frequent β-blocker use, second only to levothyroxine, may suggest that they play a role in FFA pathogenesis. Itching and pain of the scalp may contribute to the correct diagnosis, although these symptoms are not universal. Moreover, sunscreens were indicated as a potential trigger, yet avoiding them should not be routinely recommended due to the risk of carcinogenesis. The variability in the diagnostic delay emphasises the need for increasing clinician awareness and conducting further research. Full article

Lawsonia inermis L. is renowned for its hair dyeing properties, with henna quality and safety often regulated by restrictions on the lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) content. In henna leaves, lawsone exists as glycosylated precursors, hennosides A, B, and C. Aqueous maceration revealed the sensitivity of enzymatic lawsone release, while ethanol extraction inhibited β-glucosidase activity, enabling controlled hennoside extraction. Hennoside A was isolated via RP-column chromatography and characterized using ESI-TOF, ¹H-/¹³C-NMR, COSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC. The purified compound proved suitable as an HPLC reference standard. The acidic hydrolysis of hennoside-rich extracts highlighted the limitations of lawsone-based analysis, underscoring glycosylated precursors as more reliable quality markers. Lawsone quantification via enzymatic or acid catalysis demonstrated varying accuracy in quality control. A hennoside-based approach ensures consistency by estimating the maximum releasable lawsone without inducing its formation, providing a more robust metric for a henna quality assessment. Full article

As far as history tells, people have set efforts both to improve the conditions and to change the visual outfit of the skin, nails, and hair. The first information on nail cosmetics is found in ancient China and Egypt, where various nature-derived compositions were used for changing the colour of the nails. Nowadays more mechanically and chemically durable systems for nail polishes are elaborated. This review focuses on the latest achievements in the field of UV-curable nail polishes. Herein, the polymerization mechanisms of various systems (acrylates, as well as epoxides and thiols) occurring in nail polishes are described. Besides plausible side reactions of the polymerization process are characterized. Thus, the main drawbacks for forming a uniform, perfect layer are illuminated. For effective curing, the choice of photoinitiators may be crucial; thus, various types of photoinitiators as well as their main advantages and disadvantages are characterized. Ensuring effective adhesion between the substrate (human nail) and the polymer film is one of the challenges for the nail polish industry—thus the plausible interactions between the adhesion promoters and the keratin are described. Regarding the film-forming agents, a comprehensive overview of the composition of the traditional UV-curing nail polishes is provided, but the main emphasis is devoted to alternative, nature-derived film-forming agents that could introduce renewable resources into nail cosmetics. Additionally, this review gives short insight into the latest innovations in UV-curing nail cosmetics, like (1) nail polishes with improved pealability, (2) covalently polymer-bonded dyes and photoinitiators, thus reducing the release of the low-molecular compounds or their degradation products, and (3) UV-curing nail polishes as delivery systems for nail treatment medicine. Full article

This study aimed to develop a sustainable and safe alternative to chemical hair dyes by exploring the functional performance and safety evaluation of herbal mixtures. Natural dyes were extracted from Lawsonia inermis leaves, Clitoria ternatea flowers, and Indigofera tinctoria leaves using an eco-friendly extraction method with deionized water and ultrasonication. The ratios of these natural dyes were optimized using statistical tools, specifically Minitab, to determine the most effective formulation. The safety profiles and dyeing performance of individual dyes and their combinations were evaluated with a focus on color intensity, stability, and resistance to washing and light exposure. The optimal herbal mixture, with a ratio of 2:2:1:1 (L. inermis/C. ternatea/I. tinctoria/water), demonstrated the highest absorbance and lowest lightness, indicating the darkest color profile. When applied for 30 min, this herbal combination yielded a long-lasting and intense dark color. Further testing using the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test confirmed the favorable safety profile, and examination under a scanning electron microscope showed no damage to the hair cuticle, indicating that the herbal formulation is safer than chemical hair dyes. Therefore, this herbal mixture showed promise as an alternative to synthetic dyes, and further formulation development was suggested. Full article

The inner ear and/or lateral line are responsible for hearing and balance of vertebrate. The otic sensory hair cells (HCs) employ cilium organelles, namely stereocilia and/or kinocilia, to mediate mechanical stimuli to electrical signal transition. Tektins (Tekts) are known as the cilium microtubule stabilizer and inner-space filler, and four Tekt(1-4)-encoding genes are identified in zebrafish HCs, but the subcellular location of Tekts in HCs remains unknown. In the present study, we first found that tekt3 is expressed in the inner ear and lateral line neuromast. Antibody staining revealed that Tekt3 is present in neuromast and utricular HCs. It is absent in the saccule, the authentic hearing end-organ of zebrafish and the crista of semi-circular canals. Furthermore, Tekt3 were enriched at the apical side of neuromast and utricular HCs, mainly in the cytosol. Similar subcellular distribution of Tekt3 was also evident in the outer HCs of mature mouse cochlea, which are not directly linked to the hearing sense. However, only neuromast HCs exerted morphological defect of kinocilia in tekt3 mutant. The disrupted or distorted HC kinocilia of mutant neuromast ultimately resulted in slower vital dye intake, delayed HC regeneration after neomycin treatment, and reduced startle response to vibration stimulation. All functional defects of tekt3 mutant were largely rescued by wild-type tekt3 mRNA. Our study thus suggests that zebrafish Tekt3 maintains the integrity and function of neuromast kinocilia to against surrounding and persistent low-frequency noises, perhaps via the intracellular distribution of Tekt3. Nevertheless, TEKT3/Tekt3 could be used to clarify HC sub-types in both zebrafish and mice, to highlight the non-hearing HCs. Full article

Hair care products that have oxidative hair dye ingredients have been widely used to permanently change hair color for the characteristic and younger appearance of people and/or their companion animals. In the European Union and the Republic of Korea, these ingredients have been carefully used or prohibited for cosmetic products according to their genotoxic potential. There is a growing demand for reliable quantification methods to monitor oxidative hair dye ingredients in hair care products. However, accurately quantifying oxidative dyes in cosmetic samples is challenging due to their high reactivity and chemical instability under both basic and ambient conditions. For this reason, for the quantification methods, elaborate sample preparation procedures should be accompanied by chemical derivatization to avoid chemical reactions between hair dye ingredients, before instrumental analysis. Therefore, this study utilized a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method combined with in situ chemical derivatization to quantify 26 oxidative hair dye ingredients in hair care products. In situ derivatization using acetic anhydride provided the characteristic [M-CH₂CO]⁺ ions at m/z (M-42), produced by the loss of a ketene from the hair dye ingredient derivatives. These characteristic ions can be used to establish a selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode of GC-MS. The established method was successfully applied to hair dye products (n = 13) and hair coloring shampoos (n = 12). Most products contained unintended hair dye ingredients including catechol without labeling. It was cautiously speculated that these unintended hair dye ingredients might be caused by biodegradation due to various enzymes in natural product extracts. This study presents a reliable GC-MS method with in situ derivatization to quantify 26 oxidative hair dye ingredients in hair care products, addressing challenges related to their chemical instability. This method is crucial for public health and regulatory compliance. Full article

This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the botanical, phytochemical, and dermatological properties of Juglans regia (J. regia). The entire tree contains a wealth of chemical compounds, including phenols, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, reducing sugars, and amino acids, which contribute to its significant nutritional and pharmacological value. Extracts and oils from all parts of J. regia have been studied for their effects on various skin conditions, demonstrating antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, UV-protective, and chemoprotective properties. Additionally, these substances have shown potential in promoting wound healing, anti-aging, skin hydration, anti-tyrosinase activity, and hair dyeing. These benefits have been evaluated in various in vitro and in vivo studies. The therapeutic potential of J. regia suggests that its components could be integrated into treatment protocols and skincare routines. However, to optimize effectiveness and safety, future research should focus on in vivo studies in human subjects to determine the ideal concentrations and formulations of J. regia active compounds for specific skin conditions. Full article

Despite widespread use of hair products globally, little is known about the prevalence and patterns of use in populations outside the United States. As some hair products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and EDCs have been linked to breast cancer, which is increasing globally, in this study, we addressed key knowledge gaps about hair product use and practices, and perceptions of use among women in two counties in Kenya. Using community-engaged approaches in Embu and Nakuru, Kenya, we recruited women aged 15–50 years to complete a questionnaire that ascertained hair product use in the last 7–14 days, ever using hair dyes and chemical relaxers, and participants’ perceptions or harm around hair product use. In multivariable-adjusted regression models, we evaluated associations between participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions of hair product use in relation to if they have ever used hair dyes and relaxers. In our sample of 746 women (mean age, 30.4 ± 8.1 years), approximately one-third of participants reported ever using permanent and/or semi-permanent hair dyes, with approximately one-fifth reporting current use. Almost 60% reported ever using chemical relaxers, with a little over one-third reporting current use. Increasing age and having an occupation in the sales and service industry were statistically significant predictors of hair dye use (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.06 and OR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.38–3.03, respectively) and relaxer use (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06 and OR 1.93, 95% CI: 1.30–2.87). On average, participants reported moderate-to-high levels of concern about exposures and general health effects from using hair products, and relatively high levels of perceived risk of breast cancer related to hair product use. However, in contrast to our hypotheses, we observed mixed evidence regarding whether higher levels of perceived risk were associated with lower odds of ever using hair dyes and relaxers. These findings add new knowledge to the extant literature on hair product use among women in Kenya, where breast cancer incidence rates are increasing. Improving the understanding of patterns of use of specific products and their chemical ingredients—which may be hormone disruptors or carcinogens—and exploring the role of environmental health literacy are critical for developing interventions to reduce potentially harmful exposures found in these products. Full article

Human hair is characterized by significant diversity, which is dictated by the individual genetic makeup. It is estimated that up to 70% of the world’s population has textured hair, with a significant proportion also living in areas with high exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). This highlights the unique requirements for textured hair care products that can protect hair shafts from the harmful effects of the environment whilst enhancing the natural features of the fibre. In this study, we investigated the UV-protective effects of hair conditioner formulated from active ingredients, mangiferin, ferulic acid and naringin. The analysis of UV-irradiated straight and textured hair was performed by measurements of hair thickness and darkness, the uptake of the fluorescent dye, spectral absorbance of keratin extracts, ATR-FTIR and SEM. We found that textured hair was more sensitive to UVR-induced changes than straight hair, with the primary molecular targets represented by chemical groups in keratins. Pre-treatment of the hair with conditioner had protective effects against structural damage and oxidative stress caused by UVR. These data indicate the importance of the personalized approach to hair research and the formulation of hair care products tailored to the individual demands of textured hair types. Full article

Hair dyeing is widely performed around the world. Chemical and thermal burns can result from the components present in brightening and coloring products, as well as the application process. We present a case of a chemical burn after applying hair dye and review the literature on similar cases, the composition of hair dyes, their mechanism of action, and the process of burns. The patient was a 17-year-old girl, who presented to the Dermatology Clinic with a 13 × 10 cm ulcer on the scalp after hair dyeing in a hairdressing salon. General and local treatment was applied, with particular emphasis on specialized dressings. The ulcer site was replaced by an area of scarring after 11 months of treatment. Based on the presented case and the review of the literature, we conclude that hair dye treatments warrant careful attention for potential scalp complications. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach demands a multidisciplinary effort, with ongoing patient–doctor cooperation throughout the treatment, which may complicate and span several months. Full article

The chemical 4-amino-3-nitrophenol (4A3NP) is classified as an amino nitrophenol and is primarily utilized as an ingredient in hair dye colorants. In Korea and Europe, it is exclusively used in non-oxidative or oxidative hair dye formulations, with maximum allowable concentrations of 1% and 1.5%, respectively. Despite this widespread use, risk assessment of 4A3NP has not been completed due to the lack of proper dermal absorption data. Therefore, in this study, both the analytical method validation and in vitro dermal absorption study of 4A3NP were conducted following the guidelines provided by the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Before proceeding with the dermal absorption study, analytical methods were developed for the quantitation of 4A3NP through multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in various matrices, including swab wash (WASH), stratum corneum (SC), skin (SKIN, comprising the dermis and epidermis), and receptor fluid (RF). These developed methods demonstrated excellent linearity (R² = 0.9962–0.9993), accuracy (93.5–111.73%), and precision (1.7–14.46%) in accordance with the validation guidelines.The dermal absorption of 4A3NP was determined using Franz diffusion cells with mini-pig skin as the barrier. Under both non-oxidative and oxidative (6% hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂): water, 1:1) hair dye conditions, 1% and 1.5% concentrations of 4A3NP were applied to the skin at a rate of 10 μL/cm², respectively. The total dermal absorption rates of 4A3NP under non-oxidative (1%) and oxidative (1.5%) conditions were determined to be 5.62 ± 2.19% (5.62 ± 2.19 μg/cm²) and 2.83 ± 1.48% (4.24 ± 2.21 μg/cm²), respectively. Full article

The application of augmented reality (AR) in the beauty and hairdressing industry provides customers with a rich experience, especially in terms of virtual hair styling. Through virtual hair color tests, customers can quickly decide on the most suitable hair dye for them. Teenagers use multimedia communication channels to distinctively express their enjoyment of and aesthetic experiences with the interactive, emotional, and spatial aspects of AR. They can also preview diverse hair dyes and hairstyles in a virtual environment and, ultimately, select the option that suits them the most. This study applied the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S–O–R) theoretical framework and collected 337 valid samples through a SmartPLS-4-supported questionnaire survey for analysis. The results revealed that spatiality significantly influenced behavioral intention in the context of aesthetic experiences, whereas interactivity significantly influenced behavioral intention in the context of entertainment experiences. Overall, the hair dye consumption behavior of Taiwanese teenagers was positively influenced by spatiality and interactivity, and the overall model was well structured. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for businesses to develop innovative technology products that enhance consumer marketing experiences and can contribute to the future development of the hair dye segment of the fashion industry. Full article

Cosmetic products are chemical substances or mixtures used on the skin, hair, nails, teeth, and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, whose use is intended to clean, protect, correct body odor, perfume, keep in good condition, or change appearance. The analysis of cosmetic ingredients is often challenging because of their huge complexity and their adulteration. Among various analytical tools, mass spectrometry (MS) has been largely used for compound detection, ingredient screening, quality control, detection of product authenticity, and health risk evaluation. This work is focused on the MS applications in detecting and quantification of some common cosmetic ingredients, i.e., preservatives, dyes, heavy metals, allergens, and bioconjugates in various matrices (leave-on or rinse-off cosmetic products). As a global view, MS-based analysis of bioconjugates is a narrow field, and LC- and GC/GC×GC-MS are widely used for the investigation of preservatives, dyes, and fragrances, while inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS is ideal for comprehensive analysis of heavy metals. Ambient ionization approaches and advanced separation methods (i.e., convergence chromatography (UPC²)) coupled to MS have been proven to be an excellent choice for the analysis of scented allergens. At the same time, the current paper explores the challenges of MS-based analysis for cosmetic safety studies. Full article