A study of the damage caused by oxidation of keratin

Abstract

X-ray diffraction patterns and infra-red absorption spectra were studied as new possible methods of evaluating and following damage done to keratin fibres by action of oxidising agents, as for example, during the bleaching of human hair. No success was achieved with the use of x-ray diffraction patterns. However it was possible to show that characteristic band absorptions at 1040 cms-1 and 1180cms-1 occurred in the spectra of keratin treated with oxidising agents. These bands were found not to be present in the spectra of untreated keratin. The changes in the intensity of the band at 1040cms-1 were related to the duration of oxidation treatment, and to its chemical activity. Hence the band absorption could be used as a means of assessing and determining oxidative damage on keratin fibres. Subsequently, it was used as a parameter in following the effect of oxidative bleaching preparations containing additives intended to minimise this damage.