SCIENCE: Why Dark Hair is Shinier than Lighter or Gray Hair

Whether natural or color-treated, dark hair often appears shinier than lighter hair because

part of the light is reflected at the outer surface of the cuticle. Another part of light enters the cuticle and is scattered by reflecting off irregularities of the interior. When that light re-imerges, the diffused component is increased. AND, if the hair is colored or dyed, some

of this diffuse component is absorbed before reimerging. thus making the hair appear

even shinier.

When hair is blown smooth and ironed or set with tension, the cuticle is pressed flat,

thereby appearing shinier than very curly or naturally air-dried hair.

After using a goniophotometer, the study confirmed that increasing color depth, (deepening

the color of the hair), reduces light scattering and makes the hair appear shinier.

AND! This about GRAY HAIR: Gray hair that has a whitish,, rather than a yellow appearance, ususally contains a medulla.

... Taken from: CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL BEHAVIOR OF HUMAN HAIR by Clarene. R. Robbins.

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