Why Does Brushing Your Hair Give It Volume?

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SUMMARY

Brushing or combing hair increases its volume due to the electrostatic charges generated through friction. When hair strands collide with the brush, electrons transfer between them, resulting in one strand becoming positively charged and the other negatively charged. This charge causes the hair strands to repel each other, making them stand out and creating the appearance of increased volume. The phenomenon is similar to the effect observed in a Van de Graaff generator demonstration, where hair stands erect due to repulsion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatic charges and friction
  • Basic knowledge of hair structure and properties
  • Familiarity with physical demonstrations of static electricity
  • Awareness of hair care techniques and their effects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrostatics in everyday phenomena
  • Explore the effects of different hair care products on hair volume
  • Learn about the anatomy of hair and how it interacts with environmental factors
  • Investigate the science behind static electricity demonstrations like the Van de Graaff generator
USEFUL FOR

Individuals interested in hair care, cosmetologists, and anyone seeking to understand the science behind hair volume enhancement techniques.

pharaoh
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I had this question on the test yesterday,

why does brushing or combing your hair give it "volume"?

my answer was because combing or brushing involve collision (like rubbing) between the particles of different object, making one object to become negatively charg and the pther positively charge.

is my answer is right?
 
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Yes, you're correct. The electrons move from the two objects, making one positive and one negative.
 
thank you for your response!
 
Not to nitpick, but why does that give your hair "volume"? (Complete the explanation.)
 
Is that a general question or is it addressed to me or is it addressed to pharaoh?
 
I was addressing it to pharaoh, of course! He gave a correct, but partial, answer.
 
All I know is the older I get the less it seems to work. I would assume ? directed at the OP.
 
Doc Al said:
Not to nitpick, but why does that give your hair "volume"? (Complete the explanation.)

well, Idon't really have any idea beside the first answer.
 
you're probably overlooking the obvious or thinking too hard. If the brushing causes each hair to stand out and repel its neighbors--ever seen a van de graaf generator demo where each hair is erect--then the perceived volume increases, Now if you have only two hairs on your head, you might look like some alien with antennae.
 

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