Hair-On-Hair Static Friction Coefficient Can Be Determined by Tying a Knot

January 2017

Nicolas R. Chevalier

hair fibers self-friction coefficient elastic fibers sodium hydroxide hair care treatments hair friction NaOH hair treatments

TLDR Treating hair with 1M sodium hydroxide increases its friction, making it better for small medical knots.

The study validated an equation for determining the self-friction coefficient of elastic fibers using a relaxed overhand knot, initially derived by Audoly et al. This method was experimentally tested with nylon thread and applied to single hair fibers to assess the impact of hair care treatments on frictional properties. It was found that treating hair with 1M sodium hydroxide significantly increased the self-friction coefficient, making the fibers suitable for forming small knots in medical applications. The methodology could be used to measure the self-friction coefficients of various elastic fibers across different scales.

View this study on pubag.nal.usda.gov →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community My hair journey as a 20+ year old with genetic hair loss and thoughts of pregnancy soon

in Female 1 upvotes 1 month ago

A 28-year-old woman with genetic hair loss has tried various treatments, including oral minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, vitamins, ketoconazole shampoo, exosome needling, and hair extensions. She plans to pause treatments for pregnancy and is concerned about potential hair loss during that time.

community Aggressive Hair Loss from 18 – 22: Beginning my Holy Crusade Against MPB

in Treatment 1 year ago

A user's experience with aggressive hair loss from age 18-22, and possible treatments to combat this such as Dut, oral minoxidil, and finasteride.

community To all the young non-responders out there

in Update 119 upvotes 1 year ago

A 21 year old who has been taking various treatments for hair loss such as dutasteride, RU58841, minoxidil and finasteride with no results. Other users share their experiences of dealing with hair loss at an early age and offer advice on how to cope.

community Boys I am just a gonner. What on earth is my scalp even going through. Looks like world war 3. Pyril 3 months. Topical melitonin/progesterone/fin, dut, fin, oral min, laser trash, anus stimulation. Nothing. Donor area is decimated 😂.

in Progress Pictures 83 upvotes 2 years ago

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal scalp condition which can cause hair loss. Treatments discussed include antifungal shampoos, cold showers, exfoliating the scalp, taking Vitamin D, and stimulating the prostate through the anus.

community C’est terrible - at my wits end

in Female 443 upvotes 1 year ago

A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

community Why do so many guys with HTs style their hair in a way that really shows that you've had surgery? Why don't they do the opposite (like MGK) so people won't notice?

in Styling 547 upvotes 8 months ago

The conversation discusses why some men with hair transplants choose certain hairstyles that may reveal their surgery, while others, like Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), opt for styles that conceal it. Specific treatments mentioned include hair transplants, minoxidil, and finasteride.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Hair-On-Hair Static Friction Coefficient Can Be Determined by Tying a Knot

5 citations, September 2017 in “Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces”

Tying a knot can measure hair friction, useful for medical applications.