Metal hair brush to reduce static electricity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of metal hair brushes to reduce static electricity in hair. Participants explore the mechanisms of static charge transfer between hair and brushes made from different materials, including conductive metals and insulators like plastic and wood. The conversation includes questions about the effectiveness of conductive materials in preventing static buildup and the behavior of charges in various contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that using a conductive brush, such as one made of copper, could prevent static electricity by allowing electrons to flow away from the hair.
  • Another participant agrees that a conductive brush would not cause static, but questions the effectiveness if the brush is not grounded.
  • Questions arise about why static electricity remains on clothes even when rubbed against conductive materials, with some suggesting that the surface area and grounding of the conductive material play a role.
  • Participants discuss the nature of poor conductors, noting that fabrics do not easily transfer charge and that charge redistribution occurs slowly.
  • One participant shares a personal experience with a wooden comb, while another humorously recounts the difficulties faced with splinters from such a comb.
  • There is a suggestion that some insulators, like wood, may not charge up effectively, indicating potential alternatives for hair accessories.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of conductive brushes in preventing static electricity, particularly regarding grounding and charge distribution. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the behavior of static charge in various materials.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about charge transfer and the properties of materials are not fully explored, and the discussion includes varying definitions of conductivity and insulation that may affect interpretations.

Nothing000
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When I comb my hair a few hair stick up some times due to static electricity. I was wondering if I used a comb made of some highly conductive metal like copper, would I not get the static electricity in my hair?
When I comb my hair with the plastic brush, isn't the reason that my hair gets a static charge is because the electrons are flowing from the plastic brush to my hair?
If that is the case, then wouldn't free electrons in my hair flow out of my hair and onto the brush if I were to use one made from a conductive material?
 
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You assume correct. A conductive brush would not cause static.
 
That is so cool. Do you think that any companies that make hair brushes have ever marketed a conductive hair brush that does not cause static electricity?
 
Another question:
When my clothes get real bad static electicity why is it that when I rub them against some type of conductive metal the static charge is still on the clothes? Shouldn't the excess of electrons in the clothes be transferred to the conductive metal?
 
Nothing000 said:
Another question:
When my clothes get real bad static electicity why is it that when I rub them against some type of conductive metal the static charge is still on the clothes? Shouldn't the excess of electrons in the clothes be transferred to the conductive metal?

It would if the conductive metal brushed against had a sufficiently large surface area and, especially, if it were grounded.
Even still, fabrics are poor conductors of electricity, so one might have to stay in contact with the metal for a long enough period of time.
 
pallidin said:
Even still, fabrics are poor conductors of electricity...

But I thought that poor conductors (insulators) wanted to get rid of any excess electrons, and give them to any good conductor that touches it. So wouldn't this poor conductor be eager to give its excess electrons away?
 
By the very definition of non conductor, it is dificult to remove charge. Only the spots directly in contact with the grounded conductor will be discharged. The charge on a non conductor will redistribute very slowly.

A ungrounded conductor will not remove any charge, its charge will simply redistribute to balance the existing charge on the non conductor.
 
i used a wood comb. I think that it's very well. You can try it. hair accessories
 
kettyheloD said:
i used a wood comb.

I tried one of those once. It took me three days to pick all of the splinters out of my scalp.
 
  • #10
Integral said:
You assume correct. A conductive brush would not cause static.

Are you sure? Certainly if the brush were grounded, I agree. But if you're just holding the brush? Where does the charge go? A conductive brush let's the charge flow easily from one end to the other, but it's still on the brush.

I would suggest that the biggest difference with a conductive brush is that the charge that is on the brush ends up dispersed over the surface of the brush, not concentrated at the bristles.
 
  • #11
Every time I brush my head my three remaining hairs stand to attention.

Some insulators do no charge up well for example wood as suggested by ketty(I have never heard of wood charging up) so there may be other materials that could be suitable.I will consult my hair stylist the next time I have my highlights done.
 

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