CHI - Summer 2008 - (Page 36) TALKING ABOUT TOOLS space cases How NASA technology produces better hair days. IF SOMEBODY TOLD YOU that the research and technology that help make space missions safer and more effective are responsible for longer-lasting nail lacquer or stronger, healthier hair, you would probably laugh. But it’s no laughing matter, asserts Dennis Morrison, Ph.D., who formerly served for 34 years as a NASA research director and currently heads up R&D for Farouk Systems Group. In fact, many of the innovations pioneered by the space agency have had a direct impact on the tools and products produced by the company. “At NASA, we were constantly looking for things that would help our astronauts maintain their health plus look and feel better,” Dr. Morrison reveals. “And many of the issues relate directly to the beauty industry.” Here’s a look at how space-age research has resulted in a more beautiful world for Farouk Systems stylists and customers. The NASA challenge: Strict control of hazardous volatile chemicals. The beauty pay off: Ammonia-free, odor-free professional hair color and nail products. Background: In the tight confines of a space shuttle, according to Dr. Morrison, products that give off noxious fumes or vapors are simply too dangerous (think hairspray or nail polish remover) since you cannot open a window or go out for a walk to get away from the fumes. “But we were always on the lookout for things that would help the astronauts look better in space,” he says, “especially when they appear on TV in zero-gravity!” The research led to new formulas that are low in fumes and alcohol and contain no ammonia. In parallel research, Farouk Systems pioneered this tech- nology in 1984 and among the results is the ammonia-free family of CHI ® Ionic and Sunglitz colors which offer stylists safer, healthier options for professional color. The NASA challenge: Ceramic tiles to protect space shuttle surfaces during re-entry. The beauty pay off: Ceramic ingredients that protect hair from the heat of thermal tools and make nail lacquer durable and long-lasting. Background: When a shuttle re-enters the atmosphere after a mission, it withstands punishing heat. Among the many factors which 36 Volume IV, Issue 15
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.