Dyson Sheds Light On The Science Of Hair

Let’s admit it, while hair dryers are helpful in cutting down our hair prep time, it is still bulky and difficult to manoeuvre for most of us. There is still that possibility and certain occasions when it can blast air at high temperatures, which can cause extreme heat damage, all with the risk of hair being sucked into and trapped in the filter.

When hair is washed or wet, the hair strands absorb water and swells, increasing in diameter by up to 16%. As this happens, the outer cuticle layer becomes slightly rougher, making it easier to damage and break the hair strands. To minimise damage, it is important hair is dried fast, yet gently using the proper combination of both heat and airflow. This allows hair to regain its dry strength and the cuticle can return to its normal shape.

To truly understand the science of hair, Dyson created hair science laboratories. Over four years, 103 Dyson engineers including scientists and stylists looked at everything from airflow dynamics to hair’s cellular structure, testing nearly 1,625 kilometres of hair in the process.

The team examined healthy and damaged hair using electron microscopes and light chambers to understand how light reflects from the hair. Our research showed that with extreme heat the structures within the hair become damaged and this results in hair that is weaker and less shiny, the light scattering off the hair rather than reflecting evenly.

Just two weeks ago, Dyson held a Hair Science Event at ION Art, led by Graeme McPherson, Head of Category for Personal Care, SEA. The event saw for the first time Dyson’s hair science research rigs being showcased. These rigs are part of the journey that Dyson engineers took to understand the science of hair – their structure, biology and the effects that temperature has hair strength, porosity, and shine.

Intelligent Heat Control

Some conventional hair dryers can reach extreme temperatures, especially when held close to your hair. This can cause extreme heat damage to your hair. The Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer has a glass bead thermistor that measures the temperature 20 times a second. The microprocessor intelligently controls the patented double-stacked heating element, avoiding extreme heat

“Healthy hair looks shiny and feels smooth; in order to keep it this way the complex cuticle and cortex structures of hair need to be preserved. One of the best ways to do this is to protect it against extreme heat”. Rob Smith, Dyson Research Scientist

Fast & focused – a healthy style

Styling hair does not always rely on excessive heat. Styling is easy with controlled airflow and temperatures. The Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer uses Dyson’s patented Air Multiplier™ technology. The volume of the air drawn into the motor is amplified by three due to this technology, producing a high pressure, high velocity jet of air. The Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer creates a focused jet of air, angled at 20° for controlled, precise drying and styling. Allowing you to dry and style at the same time.

To efficiently dry and style hair without leading to frizz and flyaways, Dyson engineers focused their attention on developing attachments that produce controlled airflow.

The Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer has three different nozzles to provide controlled air flow:

Dyson Styling Nozzle

The Dyson Styling concentrator produces a high-velocity blade of air that’s perfect for styling. And because it’s focused, you can style one section at a time – without worrying about disturbing the rest.

Dyson Smoothing Nozzle

The Dyson engineered smoothing nozzle dries hair gently, using smooth, wide airflow, allowing you to dry and style at the same time.
Dyson Diffuser Nozzle

The Dyson diffuser is engineered to disperse air evenly around each curl. It simulates natural drying, helping to reduce frizz and improve definition.

All of the attachments are engineered to remain cool to the touch with Heat Shield technology.

Motor enabled

The Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer is powered by the patented Dyson digital motor V9. It is Dyson’s smallest, lightest digital motor. It spins up to 110,000rpm for a high-velocity jet of air. In addition, because the Dyson digital motor is engineered to be powerful yet compact it is small enough to be positioned in the handle rather than the head, so that this machine is engineered for balance. Most conventional hair dryers have the motor in the head of the machine.

For more information about the product, click here.