MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Would either: Ether, Chloroform, or Carbon Tetrachloride do damage to hair?

Date: Tue Jan 26 20:20:25 2010
Posted By: Alex Goddard, Postdoctoral fellow, Stanford University
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 1263337034.Ch
Message:

Hi Alex,

        Generally speaking, those chemicals aren't safe. Ether and chloroform will knock you out if you're not careful, and both chloroform ('carbon trichloride') and carbon tetrachloride can cause vomiting, respiratory irritation, and all are absorbed by the skin (including the scalp). When I use these types of chemicals at work, I put on gloves and a lab coat, and I'm working in a fume hood that sucks up air so I don't breathe in fumes. I use them to disembowel cells and separate their component membranes and proteins; they are by no means gentle chemicals. I'd be particularly worried of putting them anywhere near my face.

        I've gleaned this information from MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheets. You can see the respective reports by googling the compound's name and MSDS (as in 'chloroform MSDS').

        The chemicals you mention are all called are organic and are nonpolar - terms you've likely learned about it in chem class. There are a many other nonpolar compounds out there that aren't quite as nasty, can be found easily, and may do the trick. (but I don't know exactly how they'll treat hair, but I assume they'd be equally rough on hair as the compounds you mentioned). They include: isopropyl alcohol (also called isopropanol, or rubbing alcohol), acetone (fingernail polish remover), and mineral spirits. Keep in mind that while these are safer, you should still be super careful with them. I'd recommend using gloves and put on some glasses/goggles to protect your eyes.

        My recommendation is to go without the beeswax, since it seems like it could be disastrous by several accounts (especially if you're trying it by yourself, without someone who has already done it). If you are really gung-ho, though, you could test it! First, see if any of the safer nonpolar compounds can dissolve a small bead of wax. Then, you'll have to cut off a few locks of hair to make a few dreads out of with the wax. Then you could a) see how the waxs treats the hair, and b) see if the isopropanol, etc, screws up the hair beyond repair.

        I hope this helps (and be careful)!
-Alex


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