Hair Structure and Coloring Mechanisms: From Scientific Principles to Application

Document Type : Review paper

Authors

1 Department of Organic Colorants, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P. O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Color Physics, Institute for Color, Science and Technology, P. O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, Iran.

10.30509/jscw.2025.167557.1240

Abstract

Despite the 150-year history of using industrial hair dyes in the world, technical knowledge and scientific research in this field is very limited in Iran. Unfortunately, until now, no coherent and applied research has been conducted on hair dye formulations and compositions in the country, and manufacturers have mainly limited themselves to reproducing ready-made formulas. While the global industry is evolving at a high speed and moving towards the production of new color ranges and environmentally friendly technologies, in Iran the main focus remains on basic shades such as black, brown and red. This article deals with the scientific study of this industry in two main sections: analyzing the hair structure as the main basis of the dyeing process, examining the various mechanisms of hair dyes and their mode of operation. By understanding these fundamentals, it is possible to achieve optimal methods of applying color and developing new formulations. This article emphasizes the need to develop indigenous knowledge and new technologies in the hair dye industry so that Iran can achieve the production of diverse, safe, and high-quality products in line with global advances

Keywords

Main Subjects


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