Graphene finds new use as hair dye

Abstract

Scanning the scientific literature for applications based on graphene quickly turns up examples such as electronics, sensors, and energy storage devices. Here comes a new one—hair care products. Researchers at Northwestern University report that the ultrathin carbon material can dye hair in a range of dark colors (Cell 2018, DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2018.02.021). The product, for which the team has filed a provisional patent application, can be prepared as a low-cost, durable, water-based, formulation that does not include toxic compounds commonly used in hair dyes. As an added bonus, graphene-colored hair effectively combats electrostatic frizz. Long-lasting commercial hair dyes typically alter hair color through a number of chemical reactions. An alkaline solution, generally ammonia-based, swells and opens the cuticles on the surface of hairs so color-changing compounds can penetrate the hair’s cortex. In the presence of an oxidizer such as hydrogen peroxide, the compounds, which include aromatic amines an...