The proteomic profile of hair damage

Background Monilethrix is a congenital hair shaft disorder with associated fragility. Many of the changes seen in monilethrix hair on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy are also seen in hair weathering and cosmetic damage to hair. Objectives We used monilethrix as a model to investigate the relationship between hair protein structure and hair strength and resistance to cosmetic insult. Methods We applied proteomic techniques to identify novel peptide damage markers for chemical oxidative damage to hair. Results The findings suggest that specific sites in the protein structure of hair are targeted during oxidative damage from bleaching, a unique insight into how chemical damage compromises the structural integrity of the hair shaft at the molecular level. Conclusions Applying proteomics to the study of congenital and acquired hair shaft disorders can deliver new insights into hair damage and novel strategies to strengthen hair.