Imaging of Hair Damage Structure Using X-Ray Micro-Tomography

Abstract

Observation of the three-dimensional structure of human hair has been carried out with an X-ray micro-tomography system. By applying an edge-enhanced refraction contrast method, the three-dimensional detailed microstructure of hair can be observed without any preceding sample processing. It is found that micrometer-scale void-like structures in the cortex are induced by permanent waving treatments. This change in cortex microstructures seems to indicate a new aspect of hair damage, and thus the X-ray micro-tomography with edge-enhanced refraction contrast method will be a useful tool for hair research.