Effect of kiwifruit protease on the characteristics of human hair

The feasibility of using kiwifruit protease as a new cosmetic material for human hair care was investigated. The effectiveness of the kiwifruit protease treatment was assessed by optical microscope examination, amino acid analysis, tensile strength changes, and dyeability test. The activated kiwifruit protease removed impurities and dirt from the hair surface without severe changes in mechanical properties. The total amino acid content of the hair samples decreased as the duration of protease treatment increased and as the treatment temperature increased. The kiwifruit protease treatment also enhanced dye uptake due to the improvement in dye accessibility to the hair via the cell membrane complex.