Lipids are part of the intercellular complex between the cortex, the cuticle and the medulla forming a barrier that protects hair internal structures from environmental
aggressions. Hair lipid content is related to maintenance of hydration and it is responsible of keeping the cuticles closed, preserving the integrity of the hair fibers
and promoting brightness and balanced natural healthy hair. Thus, to provide integral hair care, it is necessary to develop products considering not only the protein nature of the hair, but also the lipid one. In this sense, endogenous lipid protection and an extra supplementation to the lipid content would improve hair characteristics.
This work presents a system formed by structured lipids, capable of interacting with the hair, transporting new lipids to the hair that prevent and repair the damage of the
fiber. Treatment with this lipid system prevents the weakening of the cuticles and protects the cortex, which results in the maintenance of the hair structure and its main
characteristics. Through various studies, the impact of lipid supplementation to the hair fiber has been investigated, resulting in the following effects: prevention of
tryptophan degradation by UV radiation, protection from thermal damage of dryers and irons and recovering hydration and mechanical properties after the bleaching
procedures. These results demonstrate the benefits of a lipid-based treatment for hair structure and health. This is a new approach that considers the lipid nature of hair as an essential part of hair care, and allows a more complete treatment to protect the hair from the multiple factors to which it is exposed day by day.