Academics are frequently criticized for being overly meticulous, but a group at Trinity College Dublin has created a device specifically for that purpose. We all experience days when our hair doesn’t look its best, and split ends are a widespread issue. However, the scientific explanation for this type of hair damage is not well comprehended, which is why researchers are examining this complex problem.The Trinity team, led by Professor David Taylor, is currently investigating the complex problem of tangled hair, which is why they have developed the “Moving Loop Fatigue machine” to recreate the process of combing out tangled hair. Prof. Taylor, who specializes in research on natural materials, had never worked on hair before, but was eager to take on the challenge when approached by L’Oreal. The results of their work have been recently published in the Journal of the Royal Society.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a new machine that can simulate split ends in hair. The machine, called “SplitEndr,” is designed to help scientists better understand the causes of split ends and develop new treatments to prevent them.
The team tested two types of hair: hair from a person with split ends and hair from a person without split ends. Using SplitEndr, the researchers found that both types of hair were prone to splitting, but the splitting-prone hair split more quickly and generated longer splits. Surprisingly, when the hair from the person without split ends was bleached, it started to split similarly to the splitting-prone sample.
Isobel Duffy, one of the researchers, commented on the machine’s effectiveness, stating, “We were amazed at how well the machine worked. Often, a single strand of hair split into two along its whole length, showing us the extent of the damage.”
The way hair splits can now be created in a consistent manner, allowing for further research into why some people’s hair is more prone to splitting than others. This will also enable a better understanding of the effects of various cosmetic treatments on hair quality.”
According to Prof. David Taylor, “This research is the initial step in establishing a scientific method for comprehending the biomechanics of hair splitting. It sets the stage for future studies, including a more extensive experimental program involving a larger group of donors with different hair types, such as curly hair, and more in-depth analysis.
Research is being conducted to examine the effects of humidity, temperature, and different treatments on hair.
One team member commented, “Hair is a complex material and there is still much to learn about it. Our work may have an impact on the cosmetics industry and the millions of people worldwide who want to care for their hair effectively.”
Another team member, Robert Teeling, stated, “As an Engineering student at Trinity, I never expected to spend my Masters’ year conducting hair tests. However, it turned out to be a valuable project: I developed and constructed a new type of machine from the ground up and made a significant contribution to science.”
Through studying hair, I discovered that it behaves like any other material in that it can be damaged by mechanical forces, such as combing or brushing, and is influenced by the way it is treated.