Space Haircuts: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Astronauts Stylish and Fresh in Orbit!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Haircut_in_ISS_ISS026-E-017741.jpg

" data-image-caption="

NASA astronaut Catherine Coleman gives ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli a haircut in the Kibo laboratory on the ISS in 2011. (Credit: NASA)

" data-medium-file="https://i3.wp.com/hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/catherine_coleman_haircut_paolo_nespoli_iss_credit_nasa_2011_cropped.jpg?w=400&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/catherine_coleman_haircut_paolo_nespoli_iss_credit_nasa_2011_cropped.jpg?w=579" class="size-medium wp-image-772239" fifu-data-src="https://i3.wp.com/hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/catherine_coleman_haircut_paolo_nespoli_iss_credit_nasa_2011_cropped.jpg?w=400&ssl=1" alt="NASA astronaut Catherine Coleman gives ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli a haircut in the Kibo laboratory on the ISS in 2011. (Credit: NASA)" width="400" height="400" srcset="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/catherine_coleman_haircut_paolo_nespoli_iss_credit_nasa_2011_cropped.jpg 579w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/catherine_coleman_haircut_paolo_nespoli_iss_credit_nasa_2011_cropped.jpg?resize=250,250 250w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/catherine_coleman_haircut_paolo_nespoli_iss_credit_nasa_2011_cropped.jpg?resize=400,400 400w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px"/>

Life in space is not all about amazing views or groundbreaking science; there are everyday needs too. Astronauts must deal with all sorts of normal things, from eating to grooming. Yes, even haircuts! When astronauts spend months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), they need a tidy appearance. They’ve got to look good when they return to Earth, not like they’ve spent time on a deserted island.

To tackle this, the ISS has a neat barbershop setup. It uses an electric hair clipper attached to a vacuum. This clever design catches hair clippings as they fall, preventing them from floating around in microgravity. It’s similar to how woodworking tools work; they suck up the mess immediately.

On the Chinese Tiangong space station, they’ve adopted a similar method. They use a small handheld vacuum connected to the clippers. A recent video shows how effective this simple, yet innovative setup can be. Both the ISS and Tiangong systems are engineered to ensure that most hair clippings are collected efficiently.

Interestingly, while technical solutions like these are crucial, they are not flawless. According to some reports, astronauts shed various micro-debris, including skin cells, which the ISS airflow systems can manage. A few stray hair clippings are nothing compared to the other materials floating around!

Beyond hygiene, haircuts in space are also about maintaining a comfortable environment for astronauts. A 2022 NASA study highlighted that a clutter-free space improves mental health and focus for astronauts, making haircuts more than a cosmetic issue.

So, the next time you think of life in space, remember: even astronauts need to look sharp! For more on how astronauts stay groomed and healthy in space, check out more at [NASA’s official site](https://www.nasa.gov/).