In previous posts we’ve explained that, contrary to what some people still think, modern hairsprays do not damage the ozone layer. But here’s a new hairspray danger to worry about: bacterial contamination.
Contaminated hairspray
The March issue of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Biology (which is second only to
Cosmo on the Left Brain’s “must read” list) reveals a new species of bacteria that can live in hairspray. This is unusual given that hairsprays tend to be high alcohol systems that don’t support microbial growth. Of course, as cosmetic scientists we wish the researchers were more specific in their reference to hairsprays: did they mean water containing hairsprays as well as water-free hairsprays? There’s a big difference!
New germ
The bacteria, Microbacterium hatanonis, was named in honor of Dr Kazunori Hatano, one of the key researchers of this organism. While there’s no immediate need for concern if you’re using hairspray, similar bacteria have been shown to infect humans. Further research is needed to determine if this new species presents any unusual danger.
5 Scary Hairsprays
So if there’s no known danger associated with this bacteria why did I bother writing this story? Because I was looking for an excuse to put together a list of hairsprays where the names sound like they should have been part of some 1960′s horror film. Can you see through the clever wordplay and guess the real name of the product behind each scary title?
5. Tigi Severed Head
–Mid Brain
So how did you do in our horrible hairspray quiz? Give your self a point for each hairspray name you guessed. And two points if you leave a comment with the name of your favorite hairspray right now.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I wasn’t aware of this. Thank you for the information. Another thing to add to my scary list.
Fun post, Brains!! My fave hairspray? Tigi Bed Head’s Superstar Queen for a Day – smells like grape, too! (Oh, and I only guessed the Big Sexy Hairspray.)
Aussie’s catch the wave hair spray. DOESN’T FLAKE! It’s miraculous.
I have a question I have heard that sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate is bad for your skin,hair and particullarly eyes. so why is it in almost all shampoo’s? I tried making a fresh herbal shampoo from a recipe with a liquid castille soap. But it left my hair sappy and gunky. is there something i’m doing wrong? do you have any tried nd true method’s because I grow fresh herbs abd would be delighted to make a shampoo that really works! because I’ve tried marketed herbal shampoo and it doesn’t seem to clean my hair properly then again neither does my homemade version… thanks for any help you can give!
woooow!
:S :O very interisting 