Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological and psychological responses of subjects who had their hair shampooed. Subjects consisted of eight healthy females. Metabolic rate. blood pressure, heart rate and heart rate variability(HRV)were used as physiological indices. Psychological response was assessed using the Profile of Mood States(POMS)before and after the experiment. After resting on a bed for 30 min, the subjects hair was washed in a standardized procedure at a sink in two different positions:in a supine position on a special chair requiring the head to be lifted by 15〜30゜(Position F). and in a sitting position leaning forward over the sink(Position Z). There were no significant differences in metabolic rate and blood pressure between Position F and Z. Heart rate, LF(low frequency)component. and LF/HF(high frequency)ratio derived from HRV during the hair washing were increased compared to pre-washing in both positions. In comparison between washing hair and without washing hair in each position, heart rate and LF component during the hair washing in Position F were significanlty higher than without washing hair in same position. POMS showed that there was a lower score for negative responses, and a higher score for「Vigor」post-washing and drying compared to pre-washing in both position. Above all, significant changes of a score for negative response were observed only in Position F. There were no distinct differences in physiological responses between the two positions. but the psychological results suggested that compared with a shampoo in Position Z. a shampoo in Position F had a positive effect on the mind of the subjects.
