Stuff To Blow Your Mind From the Vault: Hair on Fire, Part 1
Jul 5, 2025
Dive into the fiery world of burning hair, exploring its chemistry and mythological significance through hilarious grilling mishaps. Discover the unique challenges astronauts face with hair flammability in oxygen-rich environments. The conversation touches on Blackbeard the Pirate’s legendary blazing beard and his real-life grooming practices. With a mix of historical insights and modern furniture innovations, this discussion blends science, adventure, and a bit of humor in a captivating exploration of fire and hair.
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Joe's Grilling Hair Burns
- Joe McCormick shares repeatedly burning hair on his right arm while grilling for large groups.
- The experience involves seeing curled burnt hair and distinctive smell, often unnoticed initially due to competing smells.
Burning Hair Smell Explained
- The distinctive smell of burning hair is due to sulfur in keratin proteins.
- Hair's roughly 5% sulfur content makes its burning smell similar to lighting a sulfur-containing match.
Hair Flammability in Space
- Human hair becomes extremely flammable in oxygen-enriched atmospheres like those in spacecraft.
- Skin is less flammable due to water content, but hair can catch fire quickly, contributing to fire risks in space.
