Living aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has been a unique experience for UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi, who has been in space for four months. As he interacts with people from the UAE and beyond, AlNeyadi often gets asked about life in space. One common question revolves around grooming, particularly shaving. Recently, the astronaut took to social media to share insights into how he shaves in the microgravity environment of space.
Shaving in Space:
In a tweet, AlNeyadi explained that there are no barbers on the ISS, so astronauts have to take care of their grooming needs themselves or with the assistance of their colleagues. To demonstrate the process, he shared a nearly six-minute video showcasing how he shaves in space.
The Innovative Trimmer:
AlNeyadi uses a specially designed trimmer equipped with a suction device to prevent loose hairs from floating and contaminating the microgravity environment inside the ISS. The vacuum system ensures that stray hairs do not clog filters, affect air circulation, or create safety hazards for the astronauts.
Haircare Experiments in Space:
Astronauts trimming and shaving their hair in space has been well-documented by space agencies. Hair growth in space has also been the subject of scientific experiments. In 2016, the hair follicles of ten astronauts who spent approximately six months each on the ISS were collected and studied at different points during their space missions. These studies aimed to understand the effects of space travel on hair growth.
Hair Washing in Space:
Astronauts have a unique approach to washing their hair in the microgravity environment. On the ISS, they utilise no-rinse shampoo and minimal amounts of water. They must swiftly capture any water droplets that float away during the process. After wetting their hair with a small amount of water, they apply the rinseless shampoo, rinse it out with a wet towel, and use the dry part of the towel to dry their hair before combing it. The air conditioning system on the ISS collects the condensate from the towel and hair, redirecting it to the water reclamation system.
Living and maintaining personal hygiene in space presents various challenges for astronauts. Sultan AlNeyadi’s demonstration of shaving in space offers a glimpse into the daily routines and inventive solutions used on the ISS. Exploring grooming practices and conducting hair-related experiments contribute to our understanding of how space travel affects human physiology. These insights pave the way for further advancements in long-duration space missions and enhance the overall well-being of astronauts during their stays on the ISS.
