Same Chemicals, Different Hair
Energy and Change
Sophia Rodriguez
- Grade:
- 7
- Teacher:
- Lisa Levine
This project's studies focused on hair; it compared the effects of the chemicals on hair color after different lengths of time.
I am very impressed by the curiosity behind this experiment. Investigating how the same chemical (bleach) affects different hair colors differently shows strong scientific thinking. You asked a clear question, tested two variables (hair color and time), and observed how the outcome changed. That’s exactly how real scientists design experiments.
Your project demonstrates an important concept in chemistry: even when the same chemical is used, the results can vary depending on the starting material. Different hair colors contain different amounts and types of pigment (melanin). Bleach works by breaking down these pigments through a chemical reaction (oxidation), which explains why darker hair may lighten differently than lighter hair.