ATOMIC-FORCE MICROSCOPY OF HUMAN HAIR CUTICLES - A MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL-EFFECTS ON HAIR MORPHOLOGY

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 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.