Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids are a specific type of unsaturated fat that the body cannot manufacture on its own, so they must be obtained from food which is essential fatty acids (EFAs). Omega-3 fatty acids consist of three types which are a-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic (ELA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Especially, EFAs help to prevent skin and hair drying, acne, eczema, prevention from allergies, brittle nails, rashes, and tiny lumps. The aim of this study is to investigate improvement and protection for hair damaged by chemical treatment with omega-3 formulated shampoo. We selected virgin hair sample and divided into two groups for bleaching once and three times and then damaged hair by changing the number of hair bleaching (twice with interval of 15 minutes). Each bleached hair was treated by five different kinds of shampoo (Control, Horse shampoo, DHA shampoo, EPA shampoo, Omega-3 shampoo mixture). Apart from this, EPA/DHA 2, 5, 8, 10 and 12% shampoo were prepared and treated to hair for comparing rate of progress in damaged hair. To quantify improved condition of damaged hair, we performed Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for ultrastructure of damaged hair fraction, measurement of thickness change and BCA Protein Assay for recovery rate of damaged hair. The moisture in hair was measured by Thermal analysis machine. In results, we observed the particle of hair surface damaged by bleaching treatment were well improved with treatment with EPA and DHA shampoo. Also, quantity of protein was lowered with higher concentration of EPA & DHA i.e., 8 and 12 % then compared with horse oil shampoo in three times treatment group. It shows that bleached hair have been recovered by treating rapidly and get protective coat. In conclusion, EPA and DHA shampoo improved damaged hair, especially with EPA / DHA 12% shampoo. Also, EPA shampoo could protect the damaged hair depending on increasing concentration of EPA. Therefore, we conclude omega-3 shampoo could make damaged hair protect and get healthy hair environment.