Hair-Hair Contact Dynamics and Interactions Studied with Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

Abstract With the advent of methods like atomic force microscopy, it has been possible to have access to new ways to measure properties on hair and skin that go beyond the simple observation of its structure or composition but can access the way their surfaces interact with the external environment or dermatological or cosmetic treatments. This chapter describes a particular application that explores the interaction between single hair fibers and demonstrates the versatility of this technique to evaluate the surface forces as a function ofthe hair’s chem- istry but also its resistance, friction when later- ally sliding. Access to this information helps understand and detect the effect of chemical modifications on the nature of the fiber. These changes we foresee can also be a new way to objectivize the diagnosis of hair’s pathologies coming from internal or external causes. Finally this method allows for a determination of the contact parameters that control the dynamic of the whole hair ensemble. Just recently the movement of the hair is starting to