Ultrasound-assisted delivery platform for uniform hair lightening

Overview

The Ultrasonic Treatment Board (UTB) is an innovative solution designed to improve the hair dyeing process by enabling more uniform and controlled hair lightening. This platform uses ultrasound to enhance the penetration of oxidant solutions, reducing the required exposure time and volume for effective lightening. By integrating piezoelectric transducers, the UTB facilitates the drainage of excess solution and promotes deeper penetration into hair fibers, offering a more efficient and safer alternative to traditional methods.

Technical specifications

The UTB consists of a lightweight board with thin piezoelectric transducers placed beneath a structured surface that includes channels and comb teeth with controlled pitch. During treatment, hair locks are placed on the board, and the oxidant solution is applied. The ultrasonic mode induces low-amplitude vibrations at the hair/solution interface, promoting the drainage of excess liquid into surface channels and enhancing oxidant penetration.

Key features:

• Controlled ultrasonic excitation for regulated oxidant migration
• Integration of channels and comb teeth for solution capture and distribution
• Compatibility with existing hair dye formulations
• Safe operation within cosmetic ultrasound intensity limits (0.125–3 W/cm²)

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 2 (TRL 2), with a proof-of-concept research program proposed to further develop and validate the UTB. The program includes prototype fabrication, testing of solution retention and migration, evaluation of lightening uniformity, and optimization of operating parameters. Collaboration with partners is sought for providing formulations, testing protocols, and performance benchmarks.