A method for evaluating the ability to mend split ends was recently published by Wright and Szerszen (“Ending the Cycle of Split Ends”, Cosmetics & Toiletries, November 2011, p804), although this approach was introduced previously by Rigoletto et al. (“Semi-permanent split end mending with a polyelectrolyte complex”, J.Cosmet Sci., 58, 451-476, 2007 and “Polyelectrolyte complex for mending damaged hair”, Cosmetics & Toiletries, 124(3) 2009).  This procedure is followed to evaluate the ability of the supplied regimens to induce comparable effects.
 
We have introduced a grading scale to better characterize the level of “repair” which allows for ready assessment of the state of the hair and provide information in a format suitable for the characterization of split end “repair”.

 

Photomicrographs of split ends before and after treatment are taken using a stereo microscope and visually ranked accoring to the scale.  This ranking allows the relative performance of products to improve the apperacen of split ends to be evaluated.