The Binding of Small Molecules and Polymers to Keratin and Their Effects on the Physicochemical and Surface Properties of Hair Fibers

Abstract

The physicochemical and mechanical properties of the hair shaft can be discussed on a molecular level by means of a model which regards the hair as a partially crystalline, organized, polymeric network capable of interacting with a wide variety of materials. Interactions of water, of nonelectrolytes and of electrolytes with hair keratin considerably affect the physical and mechanical properties of hair by altering the balance between the various types of non covalent bonds. The spreading and wicking of sebum, the cleaning of hair, and the comb ability and feel of hair, all depend on the surface properties of the fibers, which can be altered by the adsorption of suitable small and polymeric molecules.