[nedhallett2]

hello I am a digital media production student currently working on an installation in which human hairs will be used to conduct electricity. My question is how would I go about making a gel out of easily acquirable items that will remain  adhered to the lock of hair for 5 days and will retain conductivity. so far I have tried water mixed with salt, flour and a drop of bleach.

thank you very much

[billnotgatez]

Can we assume that the hair is not going to be attached to a person

[nedhallett2]

it isn't but it will be touched. one end of the hair is wrapped round a jumper wire which is connected to ground and the other is taped by insulation tape , the hair is being pulled taught over the open mouth of a drum. the audience member holds the positive wire positive in one hand (5v) so that when they touch the hair they complete the circuit and trigger the playing of a sound. it's a hair harp. the problem with the first gel I used was that it tried too quickly. I experimented by applying some household cosmetic I found to be conductive last night but come this morning all are dry and no longer conduct.

thank you

[billnotgatez]

ecg gel?
ekg gell?

[nedhallett2]

do you know how those gels might behave over 5 days ? , do you think they would adhere to the hair without drying or sliding down to the lower portion?

I suppose I could ask the gallery staff to reapply whatever substance at the beginning of each day.

[Wastrel]

What stops people breaking the hairs?  Will they be platted into a rope?  Could you include a fine wire?

[nedhallett2]

they will be platted I have actually bought some conductive fibre today which I will plat into the hair. thanks for the suggestions though.