How Do Astronauts Wash Their Hair In Space?

Karen Nyberg, a retired astronaut who spent 180 days in space, including 166 on the International Space Station, has shared her hair-washing tutorial with the world. In space, water is a precious resource, and showers are impossible due to the lack of running water. Nyberg advises using foil-and-plastic water bags with strawlike nozzles and using no more than eight ounces of water for a hair wash. The nozzle should be pressed against the scalp, and the liquid should be squirted slowly while the fingers comb it into the hair. To rinse, add a small amount of water and use towels sparingly as there is no laundry in space.



Nyberg recommends using a no-rinse shampoo that is evaluated and approved by NASA since there is no way to wash out residues in space. In space, sponging is sufficient for the body, but keeping hair clean is challenging. Nyberg's hair began to take the shape of a ponytail even when loose after a few months, and she could not wait to take a shower when she returned to Earth. However, there is no such thing as a hair-washing lesson in astronaut training. Nyberg learned from those who had been there before, and her video tutorial on hair washing in space has been viewed by millions of people on YouTube.