Earlier this week I talked about our new science project about hair. I suppose, since we are scientists, that I need to call it a Cosmetology Science Project. Anyhow – getting this project just right has been about as difficult as getting the right hair cut for my boys. But it’s been fun! And we’ve learned all sorts of things along the way.

For example, we had a heck of a time getting the hair the exact length we needed it. I mean, hair is little, tiny, and hard to grasp. We figured out a way – quite by accident – to get each strand the perfect length. Our other discovery is finding out what sort of stuff is in cosmetology products. We have boys, and they don’t exactly use anything on their hair other than shampoo – and sometimes I have to remind them to use that! Anyhow, I didn’t know about peroxide and lemon juice and the difference between highlighting and stripping color. Thanks to some interviews with real cosmetologists, I’m much better informed.

Of course, we have more fun middle school projects up our sleeve. Right now my kitchen has a slight smell of sour milk and our cabinets are splattered with purple cabbage juice. I’ve got orange pulp in my fingernails, and the taste of club soda in my mouth. (I know, you’re not supposed to taste any of the experiments!)

But we’re sailing toward getting this package of products done! I can’t wait.

PS If you need a science project now, get our free Parent’s Guide to a Science Project at 24 Hour Science Projects.com!

Our house has turned into a laboratory of sorts; we’re getting the new Middle School Science Projects ready to roll. You can see some of the random things we’re using to the right.

Today we’re working on the science project about hair. In the experiment, we’re measuring the strength of hair after it’s been treated with various types of hair products. To do this, we had to find a way to hang strands of hair. The first attempt was to simply tie a knot. That was NOT easy, and after I tried for fifteen minutes, we ditched the idea. It was too frustrating for me – must less a middle schooler.

So then we thought about tape. First, I used medical tape, because it’s white and you can write on it. (It’s important to label your variables.) But the medical tape didn’t hold the hair; it just slipped out. Regular cellophane tape wasn’t successful either. But finally, we found a great solution. But you’ll have to get the middle school guide to find out!

Designing an experiment often involves experimenting with the experiment. It can take a long time to find out what works and what doesn’t. When you have a due date looming, you don’t have time on your side. But don’t worry. We’ll have all the kinks worked out of the hair project (pun intended!) when it is published. Our goal is to take the guesswork out for your family, so that you’ll have a step by step list for a science project that works!

PS Right now we’re kicking around titles for our science project about hair – “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow”, “Splitting Hairs”, “Hair Conditioning”, and other less catchy attempts. Leave a comment below if you have any ideas!