Who doesn't like their hair open? But that can only be done to an extent. When your hair starts hindering your daily tasks and important work, you prefer tying it up and making a bun or simply trying a new hair style. Have you ever wondered why female astronauts in the space have their hair open all the time and how do they even take care of it? If you've observed Sunita Williams in her space footages available online, you can see her hair open and floating most of the time. This makes you question whether it is out of choice or is there a reason why they cannot tie their hair. Let's know what it is.
Trump made a racist remark about Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams by calling her a woman with “wild hair.”
— Dr Nimo Yadav 2.0 (@niiravmodi) March 7, 2025
This is how Indians are treated under Vishwaguru.
Does Modi have the guts to call out Trump for his remarks directed at Indian ethnicity?pic.twitter.com/VOdD2TaBRz
Why astronauts do not tie her hair?
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently made headlines with a lighthearted remark about NASA astronaut Sunita Williams during a discussion about space missions. While addressing the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Trump humorously referred to Williams as "the woman with the wild hair" and praised her full head of curls. The internet quickly turned his comments into a meme fest, but they also raised curiosity about why female astronauts often leave their hair untied in space.
Why Do Women Astronauts Keep Their Hair Down in Space?
Many people wonder why female astronauts frequently appear with their hair flowing freely while in microgravity. Wouldn’t it be inconvenient? Surprisingly, the unique conditions in space actually make it practical to keep hair untied. Here’s why:
No Gravity, no hassle
On Earth, long hair can be a nuisance, falling into one’s face or getting tangled. However, in space, there is no gravity to pull it downward, which means it simply floats around without obstructing vision or work.
Easier air maintenance
Tying up hair can be unnecessary when maintaining it is already challenging. In microgravity, washing hair requires a different technique, often using no-rinse shampoo and a towel. Since there is no shower on the ISS, astronauts avoid the need for elaborate hairstyling.
Ventilation systems help with drying
The ISS has an air circulation system that helps dry hair naturally. The airflow assists in evaporating any moisture, making the drying process efficient without the need for traditional hair dryers.
Personal preference
Just like on Earth, astronauts have their own preferences when it comes to hairstyles. Some enjoy the novelty of floating hair, while others might feel more comfortable keeping it free rather than tying it back.
Hair care in space
One of the most notable demonstrations of hair care in microgravity came from astronaut Karen Nyberg. In 2013, while stationed on the ISS, Nyberg recorded a video explaining how she washed her long hair in space. Using warm water, a no-rinse shampoo, a comb, and a towel, she showed how she worked the water into her hair and let it dry naturally. Interestingly, all water used in space eventually gets recycled-including the evaporated moisture from hair washing-into the station’s drinking water system.
While space travel comes with numerous challenges, hair maintenance doesn’t seem to be one of the bigger concerns. Many astronauts, including Sunita Williams and Karen Nyberg, have embraced the unique experience of hair behaving differently in microgravity. Whether it’s floating in all directions or drying via ISS ventilation, hair in space certainly adds a fascinating touch to life beyond Earth.