Ask A Scientist General Science Archive

name         Bobby Donald F.
status       student
age          12

Question -   How does humidity affect hair?
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Bobby,

Water is a natural component in the chemical makeup of hair. Some is
actually boned within the hair protein and some is simply absorbed by the
hair. Ordinarily, elevated humidity causes the hair shaft to swell. In dry
conditions, it shrinks. When subjected to very dry conditions -- low
humidity and/or excessive blow-drying -- the hair can lose water essential
to its structural strength. The result is brittle hair and the "frizzies."

Regards,
ProfHoff 542
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