Case report
UV Damage of the Hair
Klaudija Šebetić
Ines Sjerobabski Masnec
Vlatka Čavka
Darko Biljan
Ivan Krolo
Abstract
Hair is a very important for our self-confidence as well as a very important part of appearance and self-concept. It reflects
our personality and hair loss or hair damages are considered aesthetic imperfections and social handicap. Outward
part of the hair is a »hair shaft« keratin fiber structure sensible to external effects whether they are mechanical,
physical or chemical. Excessive sun exposition is the most frequent cause of hair shaft’s structural impairment. Photochemical
impairment of the hair includes degradation and loss of hair proteins as well as degradation of hair pigment.
Hair protein degradation is induced by wavelengths of 254–400 nm. UVB radiation is responsible for hair protein loss
and UVA radiation is responsible for color changes. Absorption of radiation in photosensitive amino acids of the hair
and their photochemical degradation is producing free radicals. They have adverse impact on hair proteins, especially
keratin. Melanin can partially immobilize free radicals and block their entrance in keratin matrix. It also absorbs and
filters adverse UV radiations. Therefore melanin is important for direct and indirect protection of hair proteins. Protecting
the cuticle is very important for keeping hair shaft’s integrity. One can achieve that by avoiding noxious impacts
or by implementation of hair care products with UV filters. Nowadays major studies and researches are conducted in order
to create hair care products that prevent hair damage.
Keywords
hair; UV radiations; free radicals; hair care products
Hrčak ID:
34645
URI
Publication date:
1.10.2008.
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