title: Atomic force microscopy of human hair cuticles: a microscopic study of environmental effects on hair morphology.
abstract: 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 the 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Komisarek
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Baldeschwieler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006197:Hair / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force