A 'Look' at Curl in Eyelashes

By: Roger L. McMullen

Posted: June 13, 2012

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The gluing together and darkening of fibers is also measured by taking a photograph along the axis of the mounting cylinder. A plot of luminosity versus distance is obtained by scanning the image circumferentially along the middle of the eyelash assembly (Figure 3). From the plot of luminosity versus distance we found that the number of peaks decreased as a result of mascara treatment. Specifically, the number of peaks per unit area was 10.94 peaks/mm and 5.94 peaks/mm for untreated and mascara treated eyelashes, respectively. Equally interesting, the fibers became darker as a result of the treatment. When comparing Figures 3b and 3c, the peak height is much greater in the latter case. In fact, measurements revealed an average peak height of 110.29±20.47 and 165.22±33.38 for untreated and mascara treated eyelashes, respectively. The peak height was calculated by subtracting the minimum value of a negative peak from 255, which corresponds to the highest possible luminosity value. This certainly demonstrates the ability of mascaras to emphasize eyelashes by making them darker due to the pigment in the mascara and more distinguishable by binding multiple fibers together.

*This information is an excerpt from the book Practical Modern Hair Science. To learn more about this topic or to purchase the entire book, visit www.Alluredbooks.com.