Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis of Reconstructive Hair Fibers.

Abstract

Background:Reconstructive hair fibers are an innovative tool in cosmetic dermatology based on electrostatic adherent powder which bonds to the hair shaft and can disguise hair loss in men and women.Aim:This study aims to analyze and compare five different brands of organic hair fibers.Materials and Methods:A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to obtain amplified images of samples to study their shape and morphological structure. X-ray microanalysis was performed to study the chemical composition of reconstructive hair fibers. The five samples were tested in patients attending a trichology unit of a tertiary hospital.Results:The main component in hair fibers products 1 (Blum Secret™) and 3 (Keratin™) was cotton (cellulose of vegetal origin), while product 2 (Viviscal™) was made of a vegetal keratin. All three samples appeared as parallel-arranged fibres on the scanning electron microscope. The X-ray microanalysis showed an organic polymer mainly composed of C, O, and Si. Hair fibers 4 (Toppik™) and 5 (Nanogen™) were similar. Sample 4 derived from a keratin organic fiber and sample 5 from pure, positively charged keratin. In both cases, SEM revealed microfibers covered by a fine squamous. The X-ray microanalysis in both cases revealed a high presence of S.Conclusion:There was no discrepancy among the cosmetic results of the five samples, providing a successful esthetic effect in all of our patients despite the chemical differences found in the X-ray microanalysis.