Effects Of Chemical Treatments On The Hair Shaft And Scalp – A Clinico Epidemological Study

Abstract

Background: The medulla, cortex, and cuticle are the three keratin-containing layers that make up the hair shaft. Cysteine residues are abundant in keratin proteins. Tightly bound disulphide bridges and other connections like Van der Waals, hydrogen, and salt bonds allow adjacent keratin chains to link.
Progressive or permanent chemical straightening, hair perming, or colouring can alter the shape and form of the hair shaft. In general, hair straightening affects the cuticles, hydrogen bonding, and the cortical amino acid tyrosine. It straightens hair by changing the shape of the disulphide bridges and creating a polymerised structure in the hair shaft, rather than breaking them.
The substances used in oxidative (permanent) and non-oxidative (semi-permanent and temporary) hair colourants differ greatly. As a result, different hair dyes have distinct ways of being manipulated. While permanent hair perming transforms straight hair into curly hair by breaking and reconstructing the hair disulphide bond, permanent hair dyes bleach and add a new colour to hair by penetrating tiny dye precursors into the cortex and then oxidising them.

Methodology: A Clinico-epidemiological study conducted to determine the efficacy of chemical treatments like hair straightening, colouring and perming of hair on the hair shaft and scalp on a total 114 subjects. They were evaluated based on detailed history and examination, including the type of chemical treatment, duration of the treatment and any adverse effects present over the hair scalp and shaft during or post the chemical treatment. The hair scalp and shaft was examined both clinically and dermoscopically. The side effects noted, clinical photographs were taken using Iphone 14 Pro max.
Statistical analysis- by co-guide software.
Results: In our study total of 116 participants, the most common chemical treatment undergone was hair colouring which was about 48.7% followed by hair straightening ( 39.8%) and perming in 12.4%. Females were more prevalent in our study constituting about 58.6%. All the chemical treatments had their own side effects, but dryness and hair fall were prevalent among all three groups. Dermoscopy changes like perifollicular scaling and black dots were most commonly seen in patients who had undergone hair straightening, whereas pigment deposition was seen more in patients who had coloured their hair and red dots were more seen in patients who permed their hair.
Conclusions: This analysis underscores the complex interactions between chemical hair treatments and their effects on the hair shaft and scalp. While these treatments offer aesthetic benefits, they can significantly impact hair integrity and scalp health, emphasizing the need for cautious application and proper aftercare. Enhanced understanding through clinical and dermoscopic evaluations allows for informed decisions regarding hair treatment practices, encouraging an approach that balances aesthetic desires with health considerations