18-MEA is the major component of the surface of
the cuticle.

While this key component makes up less than 1%
of the hair, more than 90% of people tested have been able to
identify its presence or absence by touch.

According to Kao research, 18-MEA is so
vulnerable to external factors that more than 80% of it is lost
through a single hair coloring. Since it cannot be regenerated,
depletion of 18-MEA reduces the quality of hair texture and this
is the major cause of hair problems modern women
face.