Our sense of life and vitality revolves around, how we look. and how we feel. Our outer appear becomes sometimes more important than our inner appearance, because, it is what society has created the sense of the image of beauty that we all must become to be validated among our peers and social ranks. . One of the most important symbols of beauty is our Hair. Our hair undergoes numerous challenges that can compromise its health and appearance. One important element affecting the well-being of our locks is the delicate balance between protein and moisture. In this article, we will talk about the medical intricacies of how protein-moisture imbalance affects hair structure, exploring its impact on health, texture, and appearance.
Protein-Moisture Imbalance and Hair Health
Our hair is comprised of protein keratin, which relies on the balance between protein and moisture for optimal function. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to many issues, including increased susceptibility to breakage, brittleness, and lackluster appearance. Scientifically speaking, the disruption of protein-moisture balance compromises the structural integrity of the hair shaft, making it more prone to damage.
How can you tell, if your hair is unbalanced? Well, by doing a simple test. firstly, washing your hair, drying, and styling. Secondly, if your hair bounces back to its original length, your hair is healthy and balanced. If you notice a lot of breakages, hair loss or your hair seems thin at the ends, this means your hair is not balanced, either you have too much protein or not enough. If you notice that your hair feels limp and//or has difficulty in taking shape, for example, you cannot straighten it or it does not take curls, you may have too much moisture in your hair. This imbalance directly impacts the hair’s ability to maintain elasticity, resilience, and a healthy sheen.
Scientific Outlook on Hair Care Product Formulation
Formulating effective hair care products requires a deep understanding of the molecular interactions between ingredients and hair. Proteins like keratin are often incorporated to strengthen the hair shaft, while humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid are employed to retain moisture. Silicones create a protective layer, preventing moisture loss, but their overuse may lead to build-up issues.
According to the National Library of Health, hair fragility is based on our DNA structures, in other words, our genes. Hispanic patients also have curly or very curly hair that may clinically behave as sensitive as African hair when exposed to hair care procedures. Although scientific data is lacking to prove whether Hispanic hair is as sensitive, it is common to see Hispanic women with chemically straightened hair, suffering from hair breakage and asking for a dermatologist’s help and advice to overcome the problem. So, each person’s hair balance is different, some will need more moisture, while others may need more protein within their hair.
According to Dawber R., author of the book entitled Hair: Its Structure and Response to cosmetic preparations. Clin Dermatol, Damage occurs when we stretch the hair, for instance straightening our hair or as a result of styling, When wet, virgin hair can be stretched by 30% of its original length without damage; however, irreversible changes occur when hair is stretched between 30% and 70%. Stretching to 80% causes fracture.
Hair is like a sponge, and when it’s damaged, it absorbs a lot of water. This makes the hair shaft swell. Excessive or repeated chemical treatment, grooming habits, and environmental exposure produce changes in hair texture and if extreme can result in hair breakage. When you look at the hair closely, these changes are called “weathering,” and they can cause the hair to tangle and get frizzy.
Hair weathering happens gradually when the hair breaks down from the root to the tip. Normal weathering occurs because of regular grooming habits. When the hair is highly weathered and treated with chemicals, it can cause scaling of the cuticle layers and removal of the 18-MEA (a protective layer) and cuticle crack. If the cuticle is removed, the inner part of the hair (cortex) becomes exposed, and more damage to the cortex can result in the hair breaking. Using hair products can sometimes, help repair damaged cuticles and prevent hair breakage by reducing friction and water absorption. It will depend on the quality and content of the hair product you choose.
How Ingredients Impact Protein and Moisture Levels
To comprehend the impact of ingredients on protein and moisture levels, it’s essential to examine specific components commonly found in hair care products. Recent scientific studies, such as those published in the research gate, highlight the role of hydrolyzed proteins in penetrating the hair shaft and strengthening it from within. Furthermore, Science.gov, emphasizes the importance of a balanced incorporation of hydrophilic and lipophilic ingredients to maintain optimal moisture levels.
According to Science.gov, a study was conducted to examine the relationship between hydrophilic and lipophilic. The goal of this study was to create a healing cream with Indian basil oil using a special method called the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance approach. To figure out the right balance for the basil oil, they made mixtures using water, Tween 80, and Span 80. They checked these mixtures for how they settled (creaming), the size of the tiny droplets in them, and how cloudy they were. They also did the same tests for another substance, light liquid paraffin, to make sure the method was correct.
Once They found the right balance for basil oil, they made creams using two combinations of surfactants (GMS:Tween 80 and SLS:GMS) and tested them for their ability to fight bacteria and fungi, and how they felt on the skin and their thickness. The basil oil’s balance was 13.36, and light liquid paraffin’s was 11.5. The cream stayed consistent for over 90 days, and it showed good results in stopping the growth of bacteria and fungi. The creams were also found to be safe and not irritating to the skin. In conclusion, they successfully created stable, reliable, non-irritating, and effective antiseptic creams with basil oil using the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance approach.
Role of Diet in Maintaining Protein Levels and Moisture Balance
Beyond external care, maintaining a balanced diet is paramount for healthy hair. Proteins from sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based alternatives contribute to the body’s keratin production, supporting the structural integrity of hair. A well-hydrated body ensures that hair follicles receive adequate moisture, reflecting positively on hair health.
According to the National Institute of Health, Newly conducted research on the Protein level and moisture balance shows alternative methods can be used. This research suggests using ultrasound technology to add tiny capsules of nutrients to food before drying. They looked at both water-friendly (hydrophilic) and oil-friendly (lipophilic) nutrients. For iron, they used capsules made with maltodextrin by spray drying, and for carotenoids, they used capsules made with hydrogenated palm oil by hot emulsification and solidification. The ultrasound treatment was done in water and ethanol, where the capsules were spread, and food samples were soaked. Pumpkin and apple were chosen for adding iron and carotenoids, respectively.
The ultrasound made the iron mix more evenly with the pumpkin, and the iron amount increased by more than 1000% in treated samples compared to the control. Similarly, the carotenoid amount increased by about 430% with ultrasound. After drying, the carotenoid amount decreased by 65% in control samples, but the ultrasound-treated samples retained more carotenoids. These results show that using ultrasound before drying can put more nutrients into food and help keep them preserved. However, more studies are needed to understand how well our bodies can absorb and use these nutrients.
Various Ingredients in Hair Care Products and Their Contributions
Understanding how ingredients contribute to the protein-moisture balance in hair care products is crucial for informed choices. Hydrolyzed proteins, such as silk or wheat protein, effectively strengthen the hair shaft. Natural oils, including argan oil and coconut oil, provide moisture without weighing down the hair. It’s essential to choose products that complement the specific needs of your hair type and address any existing protein-moisture imbalances.
In conclusion, the intricate interplay between protein and moisture significantly influences the health, texture, and appearance of our hair. By gaining insights into the medical aspects of protein-moisture imbalance and adopting a scientific perspective on hair care product formulation, we can make informed decisions to maintain the optimal balance. With a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet and carefully chosen hair care products, we can work towards achieving and preserving healthy, vibrant locks.
