Why astronauts like Sunita Williams don’t tie their hair in space

Dr Priyanka Sharma, director, chief dermatologist, and hair transplant surgeon, said astronauts face unique skin and hair challenges in space due to microgravity, recycled air, and fluid shifts in the body.

Astronauts experience microgravity in space, meaning no gravity pulls any object downward, including hair. “This can make your hair float freely in all directions, making it challenging to keep it tied in the spacecraft. Also, keeping the hair untied can help astronauts monitor their surroundings more efficiently and significantly prevent the discomfort caused by those tight hairstyles,” said Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist, Dr Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai.

Dr Sharma concurred and added, “In space, bodily fluids shift upwards due to microgravity, leading to facial puffiness and increased pressure in the scalp.” “Tightly tying the hair could exacerbate this issue, leading to discomfort, scalp tension, and even temporary hair follicle stress. Dermatologists recommend keeping hairstyles loose to avoid unnecessary strain on the hair roots and to promote better blood circulation in the scalp,” said Dr Sharma.

Scalp issues happen in space too (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

According to Dr Chause, tight hairstyles can cause “severe headaches when in space due to microgravity”. “Tied-up hair can easily trap heat and sweat. This can further make it harder for your body to cool down, which is necessary, especially in a closed environment like a spacecraft. Tying your hair too tightly can cause tension on the scalp, leading to irritation,” said Dr Chause.

Additionally, microgravity affects fluid distribution in the body, which can cause the head to feel swollen, mentioned Dr Dilip Gude, senior consultant physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. “Tight hairstyles can restrict blood flow or exacerbate pressure around the scalp, leading to headaches or dizziness,” mentioned Dr Gude.

Dr Sharma mentioned that in microgravity, astronauts frequently float and move around confined spaces, meaning tying hair back can cause constant friction against surfaces like helmets, seat straps, and headrests. “This could increase breakage, split ends, and scalp irritation. Keeping hair free-flowing minimises direct contact with hard surfaces, reducing hair damage,” said Dr Sharma.

However, astronauts still need to ensure that their hair doesn’t interfere with their vision or delicate equipment.

This is why Dr Chause noted that they may secure their hair loosely when necessary. “One must understand that how astronauts handle their hair in space combines personal comfort and practicality. Hair can behave unpredictably since there’s no airflow in space, unlike on Earth, so keeping it loose can allow the astronauts their natural movement,” shared Dr Chause.

Dr Sharma mentioned that astronauts have limited access to water, so they wash their hair using rinseless shampoos. “Loose hair allows for better aeration, reducing the chances of clogged follicles, dandruff, or microbial growth. “

The dry, recycled air in spacecraft can lead to increased scalp dryness and hair dehydration. “Loose hairstyles allow for better distribution of natural scalp oils, helping maintain moisture balance and reducing hair brittleness,” said Dr Sharma.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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