Hair Styling Procedures and Hair Morphology: A Clinico-Microscopic Comparison Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Trichology
• Cosmetic Science

Background:

• Investigating the link between hair loss, structural changes, and styling practices in women.
• Understanding the impact of cosmetic procedures on hair health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between hairstyling procedures and hair structural changes (gross and microscopic) in women.
• To compare hair assessment parameters between women using styling procedures and a control group.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 94 women, categorized into cases (using styling procedures) and controls (no procedures in the past 6 months).
• Data collection included sociodemographics, clinical history, sun exposure, and hair product use.
• Evaluated hair pull test, hair density, hair breakage index (HBI), and performed microscopic examination.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in hair breakage index (HBI) or hair density between cases and controls.
• Women undergoing hairstyling procedures showed a significantly higher likelihood of microscopic hair changes (OR: 22.0, P < 0.001).
• Increased sun exposure (>3 h) was also significantly associated with microscopic hair changes (OR: 6.7, P = 0.03).

Conclusions:

• Hairstyling procedures are associated with microscopic hair changes in women, despite no observable differences in standard hair assessment parameters.
• The findings suggest a need for specific guidelines regarding hairstyling practices for Indian hair.
• Further research may explore the long-term effects and specific mechanisms linking styling procedures to microscopic hair alterations.