ORIGINAL RESEARCH
The Effect of Hair Characteristics and Treatments
on Mineral Composition of Scalp Hair
Katarzyna Chojnacka1, Izabela Michalak1, Agnieszka Saeid1, Marcin Mikulewicz2
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1Institute of Inorganic Technology and Mineral Fertilizers, Wrocław University of Technology,
Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland
2Department of Dentofacial Orthopeadics and Orthodontics, Medical University of Wrocław,
Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wrocław, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2012;21(5):1167-1173
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
In the present work, the effects of hair type (weak/strong, greasy/normal/dry, presence of dandruff) and
cosmetic treatments (using hair dryer, anti-dandruff shampoos) on hair mineral composition was discussed.
The application of hair mineral analysis was exemplified by identification of exposure to elements from
deodorants. Hair was sampled from 155 individuals who were asked to fill out a questionnaire. The elemental
composition of hair was determined by ICP-OES (macroelements and major microelements) and ICP-MS
(minor microelements, toxic elements, and other trace elements). Mercury was analyzed by AAS Mercury
Analyzer. The results were elaborated statistically by Statistica 8.0. Statistical significance of differences was
determined by U Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05, p<0.1). For elements, the content of which differed between the
groups, the reference ranges were elaborated, as were values within the 10th and 90th percentiles. Healthy and
strong hair not dried with a dryer contained statistically significantly more K and La and less Co and Ca than
destroyed, weak, dried hair and hair with dandruff. In hair with dandruff, statistically higher levels of Hg were
found. The results of hair mineral analysis showed that Zn and Se were deposited on hair cuticle exogenously
from medicated anti-dandruff shampoo from active ingredients. This technique was used to assess dermal exposure
from deodorants. Individuals who used stift, which contains the compound Zr as antiperspirant, contained
3 to 5 times higher levels of this element than those who used deo roll-on or spray, respectively.