New Tech Allows Hair To Reflect Almost Any Colour

The colour would depend on the portion of the light spectrum that was reflected. Change paddles on the flatiron and change the colour, or do special theatrical patterns in the hair, such as changing the diffracted colour that the audience sees as an actress walks under a spotlight.

"That's one way to do it, to make the pattern directly onto your hair, your permanent hair and that would be more of a permanent change until it grows out," Leseman said.

"The other idea was and still is to actually develop some kind of conditioner. Some kind of polymer coating for your hair, and then when you actually do the patterning with your flatiron that's specially developed for this polymer coating, maybe low heat or something like that.

"Then you could actually pattern the conditioner or the polymer on your hair first. And then it would easily wash out if you wanted it to go away, so that's not as permanent and as scary," said Leseman.

There are many other potential uses for the technology. It might be used as an information security feature on credit card readers or could be used to identify friend from foe in confusing situations.

The researchers said it could also be used to defend against potential terror attacks on civilian airplanes by making them invisible to the laser sights on missiles.

The research was published in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications.

READ MORE: Nostalgia Prompts People To Spend More and Paneer Jalebi, Shahi Tukda...Feasting On Traditional Sweets This Eid