The 12th TRI International Conference on Applied Hair Science will take place on Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th June 2026, at the Oyster Point Hotel, Red Bank, New Jersey.
The 12th TRI International Conference on Applied Hair Science is a world-leading biennial conference for hair science. The conference features scientific advances made in hair biology, hair structure and properties, hair damage and new methods and technologies.
The conference is a great networking event for hair scientists in the US and beyond, fostering collaborations between many research groups and companies. Many great projects have started over a conversation at the coffee break at our event!
Keynote Speakers
A keynote-driven program with additional invited and contributed presentations across all four sessions.
Like all biological things, hair varies. This includes curl, diameter, ellipticity, strength and colour. Although hair is technically dead, it originates from a living hair follicle. It is the processes within hair follicles that defines the product inexorably growing at glacial speed from our scalp. In this talk I’ll focus on a few hair properties and explore what we know about their origin during hair growth, as well as factors that may influence them. While some aspects of hair, such as melanin deposition, are largely independent of other factors, other factors, such as strength and shape, are almost certainly emergent properties. These are shaped by a complex interplay of parameters, including those active in the living cells near the follicle base, the dead cells above the bulb, and those in various transitional stages. A better understanding of how specific hair properties arise may lead to products that intervene to modulate innate hair properties, or it may simply deepen our appreciation for the remarkable and intricate processes behind our natural style.
Human hair keratins belong to the class of Intermediate Filament Proteins and represent the key structural components of hair fibers. The fundamental building unit is a Keratin Intermediate Filament Dimer, composed of one acidic and one basic keratin molecule, both adopting an alpha-helical conformation. The alpha-helix is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds, while the dimer itself is held together by a hydrophobic core and ionic interactions between oppositely charged amino acid residues. Upon stretching the hair by approximately 2%, these hydrogen bonds are elongated, resulting in a nearly linear relationship between strain and applied force—commonly referred to as the Hookean region of the stress-strain curve. This initial elastic response is characteristic of many materials and will be discussed from a materials science perspective. Further elongation leads to structural transitions, including unravelling and most probably unwinding of coiled-coil filaments and a transformation from alpha-helical to beta-sheet structures, occurring in the yield region of the curve. The influence of various chemical treatments that cause hair damage will be analyzed with respect to their impact on the Hookean region. Comparative data from Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) will also be presented to support these findings.
Hair plays a significant role in human personal and social identity. Therefore, fundamental hair research, cosmetic formulation, and hair assessment innovation will benefit from an awareness and appropriate integration of perception and behavior research relevant to hair. This talk will summarize the known scientific dimensions of human hair diversity and conceptually map them in relation to hair perception and behavior studies. Specific examples of behavioral investigations using human data will be presented, along with a summary of the relative strengths of the methodologies applied and how such studies can help to improve hair fiber and assembly experimentation. Additionally, cross-country and cross-cultural perspectives, and their relevance to hair innovation and claims, will be discussed.
Abstract Coming Soon
Understanding product performance begins not with the formula, but with a deep interpretation of hair biology, damage pathways, and structural vulnerabilities. This work introduces a predictive modelling approach that prioritizes the biological state of the fiber as the primary driver of efficacy. By using AI to analyse multi-modal data—surface integrity we shift the focus from broad testing to individualized fibre analysis.
Scientific Program
Tuesday 2nd June 2026
Session 1
Hair & Scalp Biology
Chaired by Jennifer Marsh
(Procter & Gamble, Platinum Level Sponsors)
12:00 - 12:45pm
Registration
12:45 - 1:00pm
Welcome Presentation
1:00 - 1:45pm
☆ Keynote Presentation
"Growing Style - The Origin of Hair Shape & Strength"
Duane P. Harland
Bioeconomy Science Institute, New Zealand
1:45 - 2:15pm
"Decoding the Scalp Flare-Up: What Happens Before Visible Dandruff Emerges?"
Kathryn C. S. Locker
Procter and gamble, OH, USA
30 Minute Comfort Break + Exhibition
2:45 - 3:15pm
"Biological Insights of Hair Loss through Scalp Microbiome Analysis"
Crystal Porter
Mane Insights, IL, USA
3:15 - 3:45pm
"Unlocking the Efficacy of Concentrated Standardized
Botanicals for Hair Care"
Sonja Knowles
Procter and Gamble, OH, USA
Expert Panel Discussion
3:45 - 4:45pm
Expert Panel - Digital Hair Science: Impact of AI & Other Software Tools on the Practice of Hair Science
4:45pm - 5:30pm
Exhibition
5:30pm
Close
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Session 2
Insights into Hair Structure & Mechanical Properties
Chaired by Ernesta Malinauskyte
(TRI Princeton, Princeton, USA)
9:00 – 9:15 am
Introduction Presentation
9:15 – 10:00 am
☆ Keynote Presentation
"The Molecular Structure of Keratin Intermediate Filaments & Its Impact on Hookean & Yield Regions of the Stress-Strain Curve"
Bernd Noecker
Kao Germany GmbH, Germany
10:00 – 10:30 am
"Structural Origins of Split Ends: Role of Para- and Ortho-Cortical Boundaries in Curly and Textured Hair"
Vanessa Castro and Shamish Ganpule
TRI Princeton, NJ, USA
30 Minute Comfort Break + Exhibition
11:00 – 11:30 am
"From Moisture Uptake to Frizz: A Physical View of Hair Bundle Deformation"
Jonghyun Ha
Ajou University, Republic of Korea
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
"Hair Hydration: Enlightening its Correct Meaning and Adjusting the Instrumental Method of Proof to Brazilian Consumers Perception"
Juliano Suzin Bocca
Boticário Group, Brazil
Lunch
Session 3
Hair Insults & Treatments
Chaired by Duane P. Harland
(Bioeconomy Science Institute, New Zealand)
1:00 – 1:15 pm
Introduction to Presentation
1:15 – 2:00 pm
☆ Keynote Presentation
"Human Hair Diversity: Integrating Science & Consumer Realities’"
Gabriela Daniels
Director of Science Programs, London College of Fashion
2:00 – 2:30 pm
"Peptides for Hair Repair: Linking Keratin Binding Specificity to α-Helix Restoration"
Guojin Zhang
Croda, UK
30 Minute Comfort Break + Exhibition
3:00 – 3:30 pm
"Cumulative Oxidative Effects of Ozone Exposure on Human Hair Fibers: Structural, Chemical, and Functional Implications"
Pedro Marrafa
Symrise, Brazil
3:30 – 4:00 pm
"Decoding the Effects of Highly Non-Polar Lipids"
Ernesta Malinauskyte
TRI Princeton, NJ, USA
Poster Session & Drinks Reception
4:00 – 8:00 pm
Poster Preview, Exhibition, + Poster Session
Thursday 4th June 2026
Session 4
Innovations in Testing & Data Analytics
Chaired by Crystal Porter
(Mane Insights, IL, USA)
9:00 – 9:15 am
Introduction Presentation
9:15 – 10:00 am
☆ Keynote Presentation
"Expanding The Hair Typing System With Science-Backed, AI-Powered Personalization"
Candace V. Mitchell
MYAVANA
10:00 – 10:45 am
☆ Keynote Presentation
"A Predictive Framework: Decoding Fiber Biology, Damage Pathways & Structural Needs to Predict Efficacy"
Ovi Kedo
Cosmetics Ai, UK
30 Minute Comfort Break + Exhibition
11:15 – 11:45 am
"Unconstrained Shine: Extending Optical Hair Evaluation Beyond Aligned Geometries"
Thomas Davies
Bossa Nova Vision, CA, USA
11:45 am – 12:15 pm
"Universal Hair Holder: a High Precision Hair Fiber Mounting Tool for Advanced Cuticle Surface Analysis"
Dakota Piorkowski
L'Oréal, NJ, USA
12:15 – 12:30 pm
Closing Remarks
12:30 pm
End of Conference
Poster Session
5:40 – 5:45 pm
Rice Bran Peptides for Hair Repair: Restoring Cuticle Integrity and Mechanical Performance of Bleached and Heat-Damaged Fibers
Eleonora Vardaro
Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
4:05 - 4:10 pm
Investigating the Hair-Strengthening Properties of Saccharomyces Lysate with Tensile Testing and Micro-Computer Tomography µ-CT.
Marcia Paula
DSM-Firmenich AG, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
4:10 - 4:15 pm
Hair Curl Classification: From Subjective Categories to Measurable Values.
Alice Fiorito
Henkel AG & CO. KGaA, Hamburg, Germany
4:15 – 4:20 pm
Impact of Cosmetic Formulations on the Longevity of Grey Hair Fibers.
Daniel Imenes Luiz
Natura Cosméticos, Cajamar, Brazil
4:20 – 4:25 pm
The Potential of Chitosan and its Derivatives as Ingredients for Cosmetic Applications.
Carolin Höfel
Henkel AG & CO. KGaA, Hamburg, Germany
4:25 – 4:30 pm
Pollution: Invisible Exposure with Measurable Effects on Hair.
Innes Sellami
SGS Health & Nutrition – Cosmetics & Personal Care, Taunusstein, Germany
4:30 – 4:35 pm
Enhancing Curl Retention and Conditioning with Sustainable Polymers: A Study on the Combination of Hydrolyzed Corn Starch and Polyquaternium-10.
Giselle Andressa Cararo
Grupo Boticário, Paraná, Brazil
4:35 – 4:40 pm
Targeting Scalp Wellness with Soothing, Microbiome-Balancing Ingredients.
Iryna Kruse
Chemisches Laboratorium Dr. Kurt Richter GmbH, Berlin, Germany
4:40 – 4:45 pm
Redefining the Holding Scale: A Novel Methodology to Predict Real-World Styling Performance.
Jéssica Cristina Pereira Borges
Grupo Boticário, Paraná, Brazil
4:45 – 4:50 pm
Effects of Chemical Treatments on Surface Properties and Thermal Response of Human Hair.
Larissa Oliveira
Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
4:50 – 4:55 pm
Fatigue Failure Investigations and Direct Weibull Analyses of Bleached Hair.
Jessica Welzel
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Hamburg/Düsseldorf, Germany
4:55 – 5:00 pm
Advancing Dry Shampoo Testing: A Consumer-Relevant Method for Sebum Absorption Analysis
Chloe Winham
Church & Dwight, Folkestone, UK
5:00 – 5:05 pm
Targeting Hair Porosity with Lipid-Based Treatments: Insights from Straight and Curly Bleached Hair
Scheila Aves
Hair Care Center, Symrise, Brazil
5:05 – 5:10 pm
Pathways are Context Dependent: The Role of Access, Expertise, and Practice in Real-World Hair Care
Jacqueline Woodruff
AnthroSci LLC, Red Bank, NJ, United States of America
5:10 – 5:15 pm
Natural Protein Interactions with Hair Keratins: Implications for Fiber Longevity
Rebeca Gasparin
Hair Care Center, Symrise, Brazil
5:15 – 5:20 pm
Multifunctional and Synergistic Approach to Hair Densification and Volumization Through Integrated Biological and Structural Systems.
Matheus Ouverney Ferreira
Grupo Boticário, Paraná, Brazil
5:20 – 5:25 pm
Development of a Synergistic Cosmetic Formulation for the Removal of Copper from Bleached Hair
Matheus Ouverney Ferreira
Grupo Boticário, Paraná, Brazil
5:25 – 5:30 pm
Safety and Efficacy of a Botanically Derived Hair Loss Treatment in Patients with Androgenic Alopecia: A Single-Arm, Before-and-After Study
Zinaria Williams
HairSmart Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA
5:30 – 5:35 pm
Hair Longevity in the Era of Global Warming
Sejal Bhatt
Active Concepts, Lincolnton, NC, USA
5:35 – 5:40 pm
Evaluating Thermal-Induced Curl Pattern Alterations in Textured Hair and the Protective Potential of Heat Protection Technologies
Shrija Pinninti
TRI Princeton, Princeton, NJ, USA
Sponsors & Exhibitors
Platinum Level
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Gold Level
Exhibitors
Apply for Sponsorship
The conference cannot take place without the generous sponsorships received from our member companies. We are very grateful to the kind donations made in previous years that have keep the event afloat, financially speaking.
Sponsorships help keep down ticket-prices, which, together with online access that TRI provides, makes sure that the event is as inclusive and accessible as possible. We aim to give access to high quality science and education to as many people as is possible. Please contact us at TRI if you would like to support our event.
Travel & Accommodation
Everything you need to plan your in-person experience, from venue details to local recommendations.
The Oyster Point Hotel
146 Bodman Place
Red Bank, New Jersey, 07701
(732) 530 - 8200
Group Discount Rate (two nights, 2nd June and 3rd June) = $235
Just mention the event to reception to claim your discount rate.
Rates are for single/double occupancy and are subject to 6.625% sales occupancy tax and 8% state occupancy tax per room per night. Taxes are subject to change. There will be an additional person charge of $15.00 per third and fourth person per room, per night. Children under 17 years of age may share the same room accompanied by an adult at no additional charge. Rollaway beds are subject to a $15.00 fee per night and are based on availability for only certain room types. There is a maximum of 4 people per room.
Transport
Red Bank Station (NJ Transit) is half a mile from the venue, a 10 to 15-minute walk, or short taxi drive.
Red Bank station is on the North Jersey Coast Line. This line runs directly to Newark Liberty International Airport, and NY Penn Station, Manhattan. Visit www.njtransit.com for train information.
New York & New Jersey Tourism
Red Bank is perfectly situated for exploring New Jersey’s beautiful and historic coastline, and for travelling into New York City. For information about state parks, museums, historical buildings, etc. visit www.nj.gov/nj/things/
Submitting Your Work
We are open for abstract submissions. Abstract submissions for podium and poster presentations should be submitted to the conference Scientific Program Committee at events@triprinceton.org
Abstracts should describe original scientific work that has not been previously published and does not include animal testing. Original research undertaken for commercial purposes is welcome, as long as it has sufficient scientific merit. Abstracts, presentations and posters should use chemical names as far as possible and avoid direct promotion of any products or services. All abstracts will be evaluated by a panel of experts of the Scientific Programme Committee. Results will be communicated to authors as soon as possible to allow them to make travel plans.
Podium and poster presentations must be given in-person at Red Bank. Contact us for information about assistance with registration and travel costs.
Our 2024 Conference
440+
Attendees
29
Countries
24
Speakers
4
Sessions
