We all know scientists are working diligently on using nanotechnology to enhance people’s lives. The science has been used in various ways throughout the world. In fact, the nanotechnology market itself is supposed to grow 19% by 2014.
hat you may not know is there’s a study currently being done that may revolutionize the way we think about hair coloring. Scientists are currently working on a way to modify hair coloring using nanotechnology. It may sound futuristic, but the results may yield a whole new world for the hair dye industry.
The Traditional Hair Dye
Hair dye, as we know it, uses various chemicals to color your hair. You can find just about any color you like, put it in your hair, and within no time you’ll have a fresh new look. Traditional hair dye works effectively and because of that, it has become a multi-billion dollar business. People everywhere want to look younger. But as people continue to enhance their looks, it has been found traditional hair dye may be doing more harm than good.
Problems with Traditional Hair Dye
The problem with traditional hair dye is that it is based off of an approach established 150 years ago. The approach was to take P-phenylenediamine and expose it to air. When this happens, the chemical reaction creates a much darker color – like brown or black. Obviously this chemical works, but it can have negative effects. The chemicals themselves used in hair dye have been under scrutiny, as they may be damaging to your hair. Most professionals do not cite hair dye among the reasons for hair loss – at least not the long-lasting, permanent type. However, the chemicals in the dye, if used improperly or excessively, can definitely damage hair and possibly cause temporary hair loss. Another major issue is traditional hair dye only colors your hair for the short-term. Before you know it, a few months have passed by and you have to repeat the process. This never ending cycle damages the hair and wallet. It is time for an alternative.
The Future of Hair Dye
Scientists are working with nanotechnology in a very unique way. They are taking a Nano-sized colorant that is 1/5000th the width of a human hair and using that to be placed on the scalp of humans. Since this colorant is so small it will be much easier for it to be placed on the scalp and will yield longer lasting results.
Hair Color for the Long Term
There have also been talks about approaching the problem with even longer term results. The idea is to stimulate the genes that produce melanin pigment. This means that hair would become colored in a much more natural way. It would also mean the appearance of your hair would look much more natural. Scientists have said that it may be able to produce a multitude of natural hair colors from dark black to blonde. Nanotechnology is just the start for scientists. They are looking to stop the process of hair coloring altogether. By stimulating those very same genes that produce melanin pigment, they may be able to end the days of gray hair. Imagine never having to buy another hair coloring product ever again. Imagine having your natural hair color from age zero to age one-hundred. That is the direction we are going. Scientists are continuing to make drastic advancements. Soon the days of placing harmful chemicals on our hair and scalp will be over. Temporary fixes are a thing of the past. The future is coming – thanks to nanotechnology. We all can look forward to natural hair colors and an end to traditional hair dye.
Guest author Lindsey Dahlberg is a freelance writer. She specializes in scientific and technological writing. She also likes to explore the connection between technology and health. For example, she often writes about products that enhance hair health, how to make your hair grow, and how to prevent hair loss.