A new waterless shampoo is being sent to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2022, and the company behind the innovation says this may give water-free beauty the boost it needs to shift habits here on earth.

The 3D space shampoo sheets have been developed by Japanese company Kao, and were selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for use in its upcoming expedition.

Water is a precious resource on board a spaceship, and the weightless environment makes washing hair an additional challenge. As an alternative to liquid shampoos, scientists at Kao have developed non-woven fabric sheets with raised bumps and a cleanser that wipes away dirt and sebum from the scalp and roots without the need for water.

Kao have pledged to continue conducting research on ways to achieve sustainable washing and cleanliness without using water as it's not just astronauts that can benefit from water-less beauty products. For example, these kinds of products can be used in disaster scenarios, during hospital stays, and in countries and regions experiencing water shortages.

In addition to the shampoo, Kao have also developed a space laundry sheet to help astronauts keep their clothes clean. The cleaning product is designed to remove dirt and stains, while the sheets’ antimicrobial and deodorising ingredients help keep clothes fresh.

The International Space Station (ISS) is a cooperative programme between Europe, the US, Russia, Canada and Japan. The multi-nation construction project is the largest single structure humans have ever put into space.

Its main construction was completed between 1998 and 2011, although the station continually evolves to include new missions and experiments. It has been continuously occupied since 2000.