When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
Recently I was home visiting my family and I noticed something about my mom I had not paid attention to before – her hair…was turning gray. Now usually my mom gets her hair professionally colored before any of those sneaky gray hairs start to peak through, but sometimes life gets a little hectic. And with time, everyone’s hair will turn gray, so my mom isn’t alone. Luckily there are a variety of options to combat this unavoidable part of life – one being hair dye. But have you ever stopped to consider how hair color really works?
*Before I go any further I would like to apologize to my mom. I’m sorry I noticed your hair was turning gray and am taking advantage of it to write this blog post.But these are the things curious people like me do in the name of cool science. So, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, let’s talk about why this happens and what we can do about it.*
There are several types of hair color you can use, but we will focus on explaining two of the more common types — temporary and permanent hair color.
Temporary Hair Color
Just as the name implies, temporary hair color isn’t meant to last a long time. Temporary hair color is a large molecule, and when applied coats the outside of the hair shaft, rather than the color penetrating the cuticle. Temporary hair color does not contain ammonia, which is found in permanent hair colors – we’ll talk about that next, though. In addition, this type of hair color doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, meaning you don’t have to worry about damaging your luscious locks. Temporary hair color will only last for a handful of shampoos, so it’s perfect for testing out a new hair color or last minute touch-ups.
Permanent Hair Color
Permanent hair color is the right decision for someone wanting to make a significant color change. With this type of hair dye, ammonia and peroxide are used. Ammonia is an alkaline chemical that helps open up the hair shaft for the color to be deposited on the hair. According to About Education, “peroxide is used as a developer or oxidizing agent. The developer removed the pre-existing color.” Small molecules enter the cortex and upon reaction, they expand to a size that cannot be washed out. Typically, applying permanent hair color is a two-step process. First, the original hair color is removed, and then the new color is deposited; leaving your hair with a fresh glow that lasts, but requiring touch-ups as your hair grows out.
Hair coloring has grown in popularity over time. In 1950, it’s estimated only seven percent of women colored their hair. In 2015, that number jumped to 70 percent. And while aging and graying hair aren’t topics anyone likes to bring up, it’s a fact of life and we have to embrace it! Who knows, maybe with time you’ll learn to rock gray hair just like George Clooney.
Recently I was home visiting my family and I noticed something about my mom I had not paid attention to before – her hair…was turning gray. Now usually my mom gets her hair professionally colored before any of those sneaky gray hairs start to peak through, but sometimes life gets a little hectic. And with time, everyone’s hair will turn gray, so my mom isn’t alone. Luckily there are a variety of options to combat this unavoidable part of life – one being hair dye. But have you ever stopped to consider how hair color really works? *Before I go any further I would like to apologize to my mom. I’m sorry I noticed your hair was turning gray and am taking advantage of it to write this blog post.But these are the things curious people like me do in the name of cool science. So, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, let’s talk about why this happens and what we can do about it.* There are several types of hair color you can use, but we will focus on explaining two of the more common types — temporary and permanent hair color. Temporary Hair Color Just as the name implies temporary hair color isn’t meant to last a long time. Temporary hair color is a large molecule, and when applied coats the outside of the hair shaft, rather than the color penetrating the cuticle. Temporary hair color does not contain ammonia, which is found in permanent hair colors – we’ll talk about that next, though. In addition, this type of hair color doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, meaning you don’t have to worry about damaging your luscious locks. Temporary hair color will only last for a handful of shampoos, so it’s perfect for testing out a new hair color or last minute touch-ups. Permanent Hair Color Permanent hair color is the right decision for someone wanting to make a significant color change. With this type of hair dye, ammonia and peroxide are used. Ammonia is an alkaline chemical that helps open up the hair shaft for the color to be deposited on the hair. According to About Education, “peroxide is used as a developer or oxidizing agent. The developer removed the pre-existing color.” Small molecules enter the cortex and upon reaction, they expand to a size that cannot be washed out. Typically, applying permanent hair color is a two-step process. First, the original hair color is removed, and then the new color is deposited; leaving your hair with a fresh glow that lasts, but requiring touch-ups as your hair grows out. Hair coloring has grown in popularity over time. In 1950, it’s estimated only seven percent of women colored their hair. In 2015, that number jumped to 70 percent. And while aging and graying hair aren’t topics anyone likes to bring up, it’s a fact of life and we have to embrace it! Who knows, maybe with time you’ll learn to rock gray hair just like George Clooney.
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