An Investigation of the Effects ofCationic Conditioning Systems onHair Combability and SensoryPerformance

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21358782

Keywords:

hair combing test, hair fiber

Abstract

In this study, the surface interactions of cationic surfactant-based conditioning
systems on hair fibers and the resulting performance outcomes were
comprehensively evaluated. The negatively charged surface characteristics of hair
fibers, particularly after washing, facilitate the adsorption of cationic agents onto the
hair surface via electrostatic attraction. As a result of this adsorption mechanism, a
low-friction film layer is formed on the hair surface, reducing inter-fiber interaction
forces and improving combability performance. Within the scope of the study,
formulations containing cationic conditioning systems were comparatively evaluated
against reference systems, and all formulations were standardized based on an
equivalent active matter concentration of 2%. Wet and dry combing performance
was assessed using a texture analyzer by measuring combing force values. Sensory
evaluations were conducted by trained panelists under a blind test protocol and
scored using a multi-parameter approach. The findings demonstrated that cationic
systems form a homogeneous and stable film layer on the hair surface, significantly
reducing the coefficient of friction and markedly improving both wet and dry
combability. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between sensory
evaluation results and instrumental measurements. In conclusion, cationic
surfactant-based conditioning systems provide high-performance and sensorially
optimized solutions in modern hair care formulations.

References

C. Fernandes, B. Medronho, L. Alves, and M. G. Rasteiro, "On hair care physicochemistry: From structure and degradation to novel biobased conditioning agents," Polymers, vol. 15, no. 3, art. 608, 2023, doi: 10.3390/polym15030608.

C. R. Robbins, "Chemical composition of different hair types," in Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair, New York, NY, USA: Springer, 2011, pp. 105–176, doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-25611-0_2.

H. A. Benson, M. S. Roberts, V. R. Leite-Silva, and K. A. Walters, Eds., Cosmetic Formulation: Principles and Practice. Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press, 2019, doi: 10.1201/9780429190674.

Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

An Investigation of the Effects ofCationic Conditioning Systems onHair Combability and SensoryPerformance. (2026). Aintelia Science Notes, 5(1), 64-66. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21358782