Hair is composed primarily of keratin, a fibrous protein containing long chains of amino acids with strong disulfide bonds (sulfur-sulfur bonds). Bleach is an oxidizing agent. It degrades hair by:
Hair is primarily composed of , a tough protein held together by disulfide bonds. Chemically, hair is slightly acidic. Household bleach, which typically contains sodium hypochlorite , is a powerful base (alkaline). When these two meet, a neutralization reaction occurs: bleach dissolve hair
If you have ever stood over a slow-draining sink or bathtub, staring at a clump of wet, tangled hair, you have likely wondered if that bottle of chlorine bleach under your sink is the answer. Bleach is known for whitening whites and killing 99.9% of germs, but can it actually dissolve hair? Hair is composed primarily of keratin, a fibrous
: The bleach attacks the protein molecular bonds, causing the hair fibers to break down into a fluid-like state of salts and water. Chemically, hair is slightly acidic