NASA astronaut Jessica Meir shared a detailed hair-care routine for managing curly hair in microgravity, highlighting the unique challenges of hygiene aboard the International Space Station according to a video posted to X on Sept. 9, 2026. The Expedition 75 astronaut demonstrated how zero-gravity environments affect texture while emphasizing the broader significance of representation for curly-haired individuals in aerospace.
How Astronauts Wash and Manage Curls in Microgravity
Washing hair in orbit requires adapting to an environment where water floats freely. According to Meir, the routine relies heavily on no-rinse shampoo, targeting the scalp directly to clear away sweat and salt accumulation. Because astronauts face strict resource limits, Meir uses a carefully measured squeeze of water from a pouch, guiding the liquid down to her roots and massaging her scalp by hand. She then uses a dedicated T-shirt to dry her thick curls.
https://x.com/Astro_Jessica/status/2097730287413207120
Maintaining curls without standard bathroom amenities also means ditching traditional tools. Meir avoids brushes to prevent frizz, relying solely on her fingers to work through her hair between treatments. While humidity is low on the International Space Station, she incorporates leave-in conditioner into her routine, noting that her standard Earth-type 3a curls transform into a tighter 3c pattern in space. Meir has lived aboard the orbital laboratory since February and noted she looks forward to using a standard shower upon her return to Earth.
Why Hair Representation Matters in Space Exploration
Beyond the mechanics of zero-gravity hygiene, space-hair routines touch on a long history of cultural representation. For instance, NASA astronaut Christina Koch sported curly hair during the Artemis II lunar mission earlier this year, later discussing her mission braids at public events.
Earth Analogs: Testing Space Hair Care in Desert Research Stations
The practical methods used in orbit match survival strategies tested in terrestrial analog environments. During a two-week mission at the Mars Society’s Mars Desert Research Station in rural Utah, crews faced strict water rations that permitted showers only once every two days. Similar to life on the International Space Station, crew members utilized no-rinse shampoo, combed hair exclusively while wet, and wore protective hairstyles like buns to preserve texture.
These analog simulations demonstrate that natural curls possess high resilience. Simple routines involving minimal styling allow textured hair to bounce back quickly once standard plumbing and running water become available again.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do astronauts wash their hair in space?
Astronauts use no-rinse shampoo and measured amounts of water from dispensing pouches, massaging the liquid directly into the scalp and drying with a towel or dedicated cloth.
Does microgravity change hair texture?
According to Jessica Meir, lack of gravity allows curls to expand more freely, often making curl patterns tighter than they appear on Earth.
Can astronauts use regular hairbrushes in orbit?
Astronauts typically avoid traditional brushes to prevent severe frizz, preferring to use their fingers to manage and style their hair.
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