Recycling human hair: what is design research?

In the UK we generate about 6.7 million kilograms of human hair waste a year. Most of this ends up in landfill. This represents a problem but also an opportunity.  Sanne Visser, a material design PhD researcher, is working with local hairdressers to understand how hair can be gathered and recycled, and to develop systems which will enable this resource to be effectively utilised.  

Sanne is part of the 2021/22 Design Researchers in Residence programme at the Design Museum, which is part funded by AHRC. This programme is exploring themes of sustainability through the lens of design research.

There are 97 barbers and hairdressers within one mile of The Design Museum. On average, each of these will cut off 2.4 kilograms of hair every month.

Sanne’s residency will explore human hair as both a waste stream and a material resource, and the way in which it can be practically gathered and used. She has produced a range of products made from human hair.