Tress Stress: How the Environment Affects Hair via Cosmetics & Toiletries

February 28, 2019 Contact Author Trefor A. Evans, Ph.D., T.A. Evans LLC and TRI-Princeton

Scientists working in the cosmetic industry most often have their efforts shaped by consumer wants and needs. In hair care, this typically relates to fashion trends that subsequently dictate an individual’s habits and practices. However, on occasion, demands can be shaped by social issues. By means of illustration, our industry has clearly been touched by topical trends pertaining to, for example, all-natural, organic and vegan propositions. Such claims are often wrapped in marketing hyperbole; but this does not diminish the pressures on product development scientists who are expected to deliver on such mandates.

In a similar vein, the concept of anti-pollution has permeated our world—though we are perhaps still scratching our heads over a way forward. This proposition appears to have clearer scientific grounding in our sister industry of skin care,^{1, 2} where factors such as cigarette smoke along with UV and possibly even blue light are thought to have influence on skin health. On occasion, ideas that blossom in the skin category can permeate into the hair care arena; however, this can inevitably cause problems for product developers.

Read more…