At Dia-Stron, we employ both image analysis and mechanical testing to evaluate style hold and softness related claims.
Curl retention
Styling products are frequently designed to deliver style retention at high humidity. In the high humidity curl retention test, hair tress curls are created on curl formers. The curled samples are suspended in the Shuffle Multi cabinet set to a high humidity. The drooping curls are regularly captured as a function of time.
The images are automatically analysed post-acquisition to measure the curl length. Hair curl data can support hair style claims, such as style retention or hold.
3 point bend test
When assessing styling products, stiffness and hold are key performance attributes. The 3 point bend test on the fibra.one measures the flexural properties of hair tresses treated with a styling product in a straight configuration. In this test, we measure the maximum hold and maximum gradient, which translate to the claims of ‘hold’ and ‘stiffness’ respectively. Experiments can provide information on the maximum and longevity of the hold and stiffness. This test is ideal for leave-on products such as styling polymers, gels, mousses, and sprays.
Curl compression test
Products which have been developed to deliver a more flexible or softer hold to the hair or style memory and ‘bounce back’ type claims are evaluated using the curl compression/ omega-loop test on the fibra.one. In this test, products are applied to the hair tress, which is formed into a loop (the ‘curl’). The force required to compress this loop is recorded and repeated across a number of cycles.
