Comparative evaluation of photo-protective effect of <i>Aloe vera</i> Tourn. ex Linn. on UV damage in different Asian hair types

Abstract

When exposed to UV radiation, hair undergoes physical and chemical changes leading to several undesirable effects manifested as loss in shine and texture leading to roughness, loss in elasticity leading to breakage and loss in hair colour leading to fading of natural and artificial colour. These changes can be detected through several physical and chemical changes that occur in process. Amongst these amino acid degradation is an important parameter as hair is made of 18 amino acids which contribute to most characteristic properties of hair. There are different types of hair categorized on basis of region (Asian, African, European, etc.), hair colour (blonde, black, brown, etc.), hair thickness, chemical treatment, etc. In the present study, <i>Aloe vera</i> Tourn. ex Linn. which is a known skin care herb with multiple benefits was selected to evaluate its photo-protective effect on different Asian hair types through amino acid degradation studies.