Hair Cross-section Cortex Observation and Cuticle Laminar-layer Evaluation
High-resolution observation
People in the hair care and growth industry examine hair in a number of ways.
These varying examinations focus on items including the cuticle, cortex, medulla, or melanin, the penetration of hair care products, and cell isolation from roots.
The cuticle is a typical subject of study. One way to examine the cuticle is by using a microscope or an electron microscope to evaluate the hair from the side or a knot in the hair. Another way is to use a fluorescent dye to stain the cuticle surface for observation.

- Sample
- Cross-section of human hair
- Imaging magnification
- Objective lens 100x (oil immersion)
- Imaging method
- Brightfield
- Equipment
- Standard stereoscopic microscope
Conventional problems
Because observation from the side of the cuticle can only capture the top part with specular reflection, the area that can be observed is limited. Furthermore, using an electron microscope requires cumbersome pretreatment and also has the possibility of unintentionally altering the condition of the cuticle.
Cross-section evaluation of a cuticle is often understood as viewing a single cuticle layer instead of having the necessary resolution to observe the laminar structure of the cuticle.
- Using the All-in-One Fluorescence Microscope BZ-X800
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- Using the BZ-X800 enables both full cuticle observation and fluorescence microscopy in normal observation mode.
- For cross-section evaluation, instead of seeing the cuticle as a single layer as with conventional microscopes, you can observe about 10 layers of the laminar structure of the cuticle. Combined with fluorescent labeling, you can also observe the penetration of hair care products into the hair. The ability to quantitatively analyze multiple samples supports quantified evaluation, which is another reason for the BZ-X800’s excellent reputation.
- Here are some examples of using the All-in-One Fluorescence Microscope BZ-X800 in front-line research.
- [Regenerative Medicine] BZ Series Provides Essential Imaging for Neural Stem Cell and Spinal Observation
- [Gene Therapy] Improving Research for the Development of Gene Therapy Drugs
- [Heart Disease Treatment] Developing Cell Sheets for Myocardial Regenerative Treatments
- [Cancer Treatment] Automated Fluorescence Microscope Transforms Process for Induced Cancer Stem Cell Research
- [Immune System] BZ Series Contributes to Understanding the Pathological Model of Asthma
- [Biomaterials] Promoting Efficiency in Research With Compact, User-friendly Microscopes