Skip navigation
Search

The science behind hair

Solving real hair problems with innovative engineering.

Female model with type 4 hair looking in front

The hair lifecycle

  • 7 The Lifespan of a hair in years
  • 100 Strands which may fall out each day
  • 150,000 The number of hairs on a human head

x

Science, not guesswork

At Dyson, we want to know everything there is to know about hair - down to its chemistry. We're obsessed with hair science and use our research to engineer our haircare technology. No guesswork, no gimmicks, just tried and tested science.

Male model with type 1 hair looking infront

x

What your hair type means for you

To know your hair’s needs and look after it properly, it can help to understand your hair structure and type. Hair shape is categorised into four broad groups, with each then being split into three subtypes – A, B, C – to describe the intensity of the curl pattern.

  • Type 1 A, B, C

    Straight to wavy hair. Straighter hair shapes have a round cross-sectional area. This hair type can require more regular washing than other types of hair, to avoid a build-up of oils.

  • Type 2 A, B, C

    Wavy to curly hair. Type 2 hair has a wavy ’S’ shape with a round cross-sectional area and is flatter than type 1 hair. This hair structure also requires regular washing as oil can progress down the hair strand more easily.

  • Type 3 A, B, C

    Curly hair with tighter ringlets. Curly hair can experience dryness due to a lack of sebum (our natural oil) across the hair shaft. It’s important not to use excessive heat when styling, to try and retain as much natural oil as possible.

  • Type 4 A, B, C

    Curly to coily hair. Type 4 hair structure has a flatter, more ellipsoid shape to form tight coils. These can tangle more easily and be fragile when exposed to excessive heat. Type 4 hair can also be washed less regularly.

Hair density vs hair thickness

Hair science doesn’t only come down to shape. Thickness and density also impact the hair chemistry of a strand and the way that hair should be styled. Density is the number of strands you have, while thickness refers to the width of the strand.

If you're not sure what strand width your hair is, take a piece and rub between two fingers. If it feels like cotton, your hair is coarse. If you can barely feel it, your hair is fine.

Close up of hair strands growing from the scalp barrier

x

Avoiding exposure to excessive heat

  • Maintaining scalp health

    Dyson's Intelligent heat control helps protect scalp health by reducing exposure to excessive heat. Helping to maintain your scalp's moisture levels when styling.

  • Retaining moisture

    Excessive heat can make hair more porous – meaning it can gain or lose water easily. The imbalance can weaken hair and reduce style retention.

  • Preventing breakage

    Overexposure to excessive temperatures can weaken the chemistry of hair - no matter the hair type. Losing strength and elasticity over time can make it more prone to breakage.

  • Maintaining shine

    Hair can look dull, if damaged, as a result of cuticles lifting and scattering light. But when hair is healthy and aligned, it reflects light evenly – appearing shiny.

In a recent survey, 70% of people said they are concerned about their scalp.

Dyson Global Hair Survey
2023

Globally, 7/10 respondents say their hair is damaged.

Dyson Global Hair Survey
2023

'The best way to healthy hair is through prevention and minimising exposure to causes of damage.'

Rob Smith, Dyson Senior Hair Specialist
2022

x

What is a healthy scalp?

A close animation of the scalp barrier

Healthy scalp, healthy growth

Scalp health determines how well hair follicles can grow, resulting in weakened strands. The first two weeks of follicle growth is especially crucial to hair – for healthy hair, it’s important to support your scalp health too.

Amy Johnson talking into the mirror showing models scalp

Balancing act

The scalp consists of a complex microbiome. An imbalance can lead to skin irritation, inflammation and follicle damage. Other influencing factors can include genetics, hormones, pollution and extreme weather.

Amy Johnson demonstrating the scalp on a model

Cleaning up myths

Washing your hair regularly promotes a healthy scalp microbiome and can keep your hair free of pollutants. However, ‘training your scalp to become less oily by washing it less' is a myth, so balance is key.

Amy Johnson washing models hair

For each hair type

Consider your hair type when washing or treating your hair, as the requirements can vary. For example, some hair types may need different frequencies and formulations for the best results.

Amy Johnson examining model's scalp

x

The Dyson Solution

At Dyson, we strive to create machines which avoid excessive heat. By precisely engineering technology for your hair type, we can create the great styles while avoiding damage.

Models using the Dyson hair care range to dry or style their hair

  • Dyson Supersonic™ Nural hair dryer

    The Dyson Supersonic Nural™ hair dryer delivers fast, intelligent drying with no heat damage. Scalp protect mode auto-adapts heat to care for your scalp.

     Learn more

  • Dyson Airstrait™ straightener

    Wet to dry straightening with air. No hot plates. No heat damage.¹ The Dyson Airstrait™ straightener straightens from wet to dry, simplifying your routine.

     Learn more

  • Dyson Airwrap™ multi-styler and dryer

    Combining powerful airflow with Intelligent heat control, the Dyson Airwrap™ multi-styler and dryer can create multiple styles using the Coanda effect, not excessive heat.

     Learn more

  • Dyson Corrale™ straightener

    The cord-free Dyson Corrale™ straightener features flexing manganese copper alloy plates, for enhanced styling. Designed for more control and reduced reliance on heat.

     Learn more

x

Avoiding mechanical damage

Using abrasive, physical tools on your hair can roughen cuticles and cause strand friction, affecting hair structure at a deep level. Dyson has invested £100m into global hair laboratories to create devices which are specifically designed to avoid breakage.

Model with type 1 hair brushing wet hair with the Dyson Paddle brush while drying with the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

  • Specifically engineered accessories

    Improve your hair styling routine and support hair structure with our range of accessories. Thoroughly researched, each accessory has been prototyped numerous times until we’re completely satisfied with the performance and endurance.

  • Research-led attachments

    Engineered to upgrade and enhance your styling routine, create versatile styles and finish your look while avoiding excessive heat. Created with your hair health in mind, they have been designed to be comfortable to use on your hair and scalp.

x

Owner support

  • Register your machine


  • Explore accessories


  • Find the right part


  • Expert support

1Thermal damage measured by hair strength, when creating an equivalent straight style using minimal heat. Tested on Corrale with flexing plates vs Corrale with solid plates.

2For use on dry or straightened hair.