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Development of a methodology to evaluate internal hair porosity using scanning electron microscopy – Webinar 6 August

29 July 2025

The investigation of hair porosity and the effect of cosmetic products on this parameter for claim substantiation has traditionally relied on indirect measurements. This is primarily because the techniques available for direct assessment require specialized and expensive equipment, making them unfeasible for routine commercial use. However, understanding and addressing hair porosity is critical for cosmetic companies as it directly impacts the overall integrity of the hair fiber and influences consumer satisfaction. Porosity affects how well hair retains moisture and how it responds to treatments, which is crucial for the long-term performance of hair care products.

Recently, with the advancement of image analysis software and plugins, new methods have emerged to more directly evaluate hair porosity. One promising approach is the use of cross-sectional images of hair fibers obtained through SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). This method allows measurement of the internal porosity of the hair fiber, offering a more direct and precise analysis. However, the main challenge lies in obtaining high-quality transverse cuts of the hair that preserve the internal structure for accurate measurements.

Given these developments, the goal of this study is to establish a reliable, cost-effective methodology for measuring the number and size of pores in hair fibers. The proposed methodology involves obtaining precise hair cross-sections using advanced histological techniques, followed by image analysis through specialized plugins to count and measure the pores.

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Wednesday 6 August
8h West Coast USA • 10h Mexico City • Chicago – 11h East Coast USA – Bogotá – 13h Sao Paolo – 16h London – 17h Central Europe – 18h Tel Aviv – South Africa – 9h30 New Delhi – 0h Singapore / HK / China / Taipei
Thursday 7 August
1h Korea / Japan – 3h Melbourne – 5h Wellington

BIOGRAPHY
Angela Vargas holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Andes in Colombia and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Polymer Science from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She is currently an Innovation Specialist at Kosmoscience and has accumulated experience at leading companies in the cosmetics industry, including L’Oréal.

With a strong background in claim substantiation for product launches, Angela develops strategic roadmaps that drive the success of new products from conception to market. Her deep understanding of the chemical properties and interactions between hair and cosmetic formulations has led to the creation of innovative evaluation methodologies. Her expertise has been instrumental in advancing solutions and pioneering approaches in the cosmetics industry.