Effect of a depilatory agent on cotton, polyester, and rayon versus human hair in a laboratory setting.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We examine the ability of a depilatory agent, Nair, to dissolve strands of hair, cotton, polyester, and rayon.

METHODS: We conducted a bench laboratory study in which we tested single strands of hair and natural and synthetic fibers under static tension with a 10.8-g weight and application of Nair. The dependent variable, time until breakage, was recorded. If the strand did not break within 8 hours, the experiment was discontinued. Three types of hair were tested (thin, medium, and thick, as recorded per diameter). Three types of natural and synthetic fibers were tested (cotton, polyester, and rayon).

RESULTS: All types of hair had breakage within 10 minutes of the Nair application. Synthetic materials had no breakage after 8 hours with application of Nair.

CONCLUSION: Depilatory agents dissolve hair under tension within minutes. However, they do not dissolve cotton, polyester, and rayon even after many hours of application.