Web Release Date: September 1,
Early Use of PbS Nanotechnology for an Ancient Hair Dyeing Formula
and
Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France CNRS UMR171,14 quai François Mitterrand, 75001 Paris, France, L'Oréal Recherche, 93601Aulnay sous Bois Cedex, France, Electron Microscopy Center, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, and Laboratoire d'étude des microstructures, CNRS UMR 104, ONERA, BP 72, 92322 Chatillon Cedex, France
Received June 28, 2006
Revised August 4, 2006
Abstract:
Lead-based chemistry was initiated in ancient Egypt for cosmetic preparation more than 4000 years ago. Here, we study a hair-dyeing recipe using lead salts described in text since Greco-Roman times. We report direct evidence about the shape and distribution of PbS nanocrystals that form within the hair during blackening. It is remarkable that the composition and supramolecular organization of keratins can control PbS nanocrystal growth inside a hair.
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