Why do female astronauts keep their hair open in space?

Astronauts, including Sunita Williams, prefer to keep their hair down in space due to the microgravity environment which eliminates the need for hair restraints. This convenience allows for easier washing with no-rinse shampoo and towel drying, as demonstrated by Karen Nyberg. The ventilation system aids in drying, and personal preferences play a role too.
Why do female astronauts keep their hair open in space?

Haircare is one of the key parts of anyone’s wellness rituals, especially for individuals with a long mane! Whether you’re at home in your pajamas or going out to grab a cup of coffee with your friends, hairwash is most likely to be one of the most important activities of your day.
So, why will it be an exception for women in space?
Turns out it’s not.

“Woman with wild hair”


A few days ago, US President Donald Trump called Sunita Williams the ‘woman with wild hair’ and, by extension, provided the internet with some more meme materials.
Sitting at the Oval Office, Trump cracked a joke when asked about his message to NASA's "astronauts stuck in space," and said while addressing the rescue mission, "We love you, and we're coming up to get you, and you shouldn't have been up there so long." The 47th US President went on to comment on NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' hair, saying, “I see the woman with the wild hair, good, solid head of hair she's got. There's no kidding, there's no games with her hair.”

Although President Trump’s remarks triggered a meme-fest on the internet, one can’t deny but notice that Williams’ hair has always been open, giving her a mane of salt and pepper curly traces.
But why do women astronauts have their hair open while staying in space?
Does it not create a nuisance during their work in zero-gravity situations?

Keeping the hair ‘down’:


Women astronauts often choose to keep their hair down in space because in the microgravity environment, their hair doesn't get in their face, and they can wash it without needing to tie it up.
Why?
Space hair (1)

Here's a more detailed explanation:
No need for hair restraints: In space, the absence of gravity means hair doesn't naturally fall towards the face, so there's no need to tie it back or wear a ponytail.
Convenience for washing: Astronauts can wash their hair in space using a no-rinse shampoo and towel, and they can let it dry without needing to worry about it getting in their way or sticking to their face.
Ventilation system for drying: The ventilation system in the International Space Station (ISS) can be used to help dry hair by directing airflow, which can help to evaporate water and dry hair faster.
Personal preference: Some astronauts simply prefer to have their hair down, and they see no practical reason to change their style while in space.

Haircare, up in the air!


Astronaut Karen Nyberg shared her hairwash routine while she was on her mission in the space.
On a trip to the International Space Station in 2012, Expedition 36 astronaut Karen Nyberg demonstrated just how she and her colleagues keep their hair clean while floating around in orbit. Back in 2013, Nyberg was the only woman aboard the ISS (International Space Station). In the YouTube video, Nyberg was seen demonstrating how to wash long hair in space. She used some warm water, no-rinse shampoo, a comb, a mirror, and a towel to accomplish the feat.
Karen Nyberg Shows How You Wash Hair in Space

Nyberg went on to show how it was done while explaining her whole process, saying, “What I like to do is start by just putting some hot water, squirting it onto my scalp, and I have a mere hair so I can kind of watch what I'm doing. Sometimes the water gets away from you and you try and catch as much as you can, and I just work the water up through to the ends of my hair.”
Astronaut Nyberg also revealed that they used no-rinse shampoo and a towel, rather than a hair dryer, as they had limited supplies. In an extended video, she stated that as her hair dries, the evaporated water is condensed by the space station and eventually turned into drinking water.
9 ways to say NO to the AC and reduce electricity costs

End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Tired of too many ads?