L’Oréal develops technology for hair evaluation through music

L’Oréal Japan has developed a new patented evaluation technology, which aims to tell users about their hair's condition using music.

Traditionally, the surface of hair has been observed under the microscope. Evaluation experts can feel the changes in hair's condition, while any hair friction is measured by sensors.

Sonification is claimed to transform both the hair surface and friction into music, which provides users a type of hair “repaired condition” song. The company plans to distribute this device to hair salons.

The device will provide customers with a new and tangible proof of efficacy as they will be able to listen to their hair's song. This initiative was awarded the best Basic Research Award at the latest International Federation of Societies of cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) congress in the US.

The firm conducted extensive research on this sound transformation technology. This technology utilises sound to offer consumers an additional sensorial experience. The research was based on the belief that the conversion of an electronic signal into a given sound is a meaningful physical signal.

Results from the preliminary experiments indicated that sonification creates a new experience by stimulating the auditory senses in addition to the tactile and visual feedback experienced by the consumers, experts, or hair salon professionals.

According to the researchers, the new technology could be extended to study the effects of certain skincare procedures, products or for epidemiological studies.

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Image: L’Oréal Japan enhances consumer experience with hair repair song device. Photo: courtesy of L’Oréal.