Effects of Weakly Acidic and Weak Alkali Electrolytic Water on Hair Bleaching

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of using weakly acidic and weak alkali electrolytic water during hair bleaching. Methods: Hair samples were collected from women in their 30s who had no prior chemical treatments. Both types of electrolytic water were applied before and after bleaching under both dry and wet conditions to assess changes throughout the hair bleaching process. We analyzed various factors, including tensile strength, friction, surface observation, color uniformity, and moisture content. The collected data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and MANOVA. Results: The tensile strength and moisture content of bleached hair were higher when treated with weakly acidic electrolytic water compared to weak alkali electrolytic water. In addition, friction and color variation were greater with weak alkali electrolytic water treatment than with weakly acidic electrolytic water treatment. The cuticles of bleached hair treated with weakly acidic electrolytic water showed minimal lifting, whereas those treated with weak alkali electrolytic water were generally observed to be lifted. Conclusion: Hair damage during dyeing is a significant challenge in the industry. This study aims to provide foundational data for professionals seeking to mitigate hair damage and improve color retention by incorporating electrolyzed water into hair bleaching processes.