The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has selected Kao’s proposal for a 3D Space Shampoo for wiping away dirt and sebum from the scalp and hair. The unique hair care product will be used onboard the International Space Station (ISS) starting around 2022.
 
JAXA will also adopt a Space Laundry Sheet developed by Kao.
 
The expertise gained in development of these products is anticipated to have applications not only for life in space but also for here on Earth during times of disaster, hospital stays, and in countries and regions experiencing water shortages. Kao will continue to conduct research on ways to achieve sustainable washing and cleanliness without using water.

Addressing the Challenges of Space

Because water is such a precious resource in outer space, daily life during long stays on the ISS is very different than on Earth. To wash their hair, astronauts use a special shampoo with a very small amount of water. Because they are in a weightless environment, they must be careful during washing to make sure that droplets of shampoo do not fly into the air. This makes it difficult to wash hair easily and get the pleasant feeling that normally comes from washing hair.
 
Kao developed the 3D Space Shampoo Sheet to allow astronauts to easily wash their hair without using water.
 
The 3D Space Shampoo Sheet features an uneven, three‐dimensional shape and comes impregnated with cleanser for use on hair. The raised bumps on the 3D sheet wipe away dirt and sebum from the scalp and roots of the hair while providing a massaging action for the scalp.
 
The sheets do not need to be used with water, so astronauts can wash their hair without worrying about drops of liquid flying around in the weightless conditions of space. The sheets also come with a refreshing, clean scent to provide an invigorating feel when washing hair.