Probably One of the Weirder Questions I've asked...

[awanderingbard]

I'm writing an odd little fic that may never be posted, but the plot bunny was nibbling my brain, so I'm working on it. It's semi-based in the Time Traveller's Wife universe, and I have a question for anyone familliar with either the book or... science.

Within the structure of the 'verse, people travelling through time cannot take anything but their DNA with them--even fillings fall out of their teeth. So what would happen if a person had dyed hair? Would the dye come out when they travelled or does it somehow bond enough with the hair to remain in place? From what I can tell, only permanent hair colour gets inside the hair shaft, the rest sit on top of it, and bleach changes the structure of the hair. So I think bleach would stay in place and maybe permanent colour, but not the others?

Thoughts? Questions? Concerns?

Comments

[shadowfireflame.livejournal.com]

Not a science person; I've just read the book (amazing, btw!), but that sounds just about right. Superficial things wouldn't travel, but bleach/things that change the structure would.

[awanderingbard.livejournal.com]

Thanks! It's always nice to know that thoughts make sense outside of my head. I don't know if my plot bunny will hold out or if I'll be brave enough to post it if it does, but at least I have confirmation I'm not entirely insane.

[guardian-chaos.livejournal.com]

Haven't read the book series or seen the movie, but this is such an interesting question! I remember how when I had a perm I couldn't get it permanently straightened because, in the hairdresser's words, "perms change the actual chemical makeup of the hair." It would have been damaging, potentially the point of my hair falling out after, to get my hair chemically straightened when there was already a perm in place. So there was some definite permanent changing there of my actual hair.

But that's kind of where my hair knowledge ends. I'd guess that permanent dye would stay in place during such a time shift because that kind of dye does get deep into the hair strand. Which brings to mind what would happen to any other kind of implant; would they stay in a character's body as well? Could that be a way to travel with things? Etc.?

I like this musing. :3

[awanderingbard.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think within the confines of the 'verse, if you weren't born with it, it doesn't stay. One of the characters even has to get teeth pulled because the fillings kept falling out when he travelled.

I'm working on a weird Sherlock AU for the consci_fan_mo. I dunno if it will work out but the plot bunnies are being very weird and insistent.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[rodlox.livejournal.com]

Haven't read the book yet, but from what I recall of the film...the timetraveler was able to get a wound sewn up (and when he was shot, didn't the bullet stay in him?)

tis a good question you've raised. going to have to see it again. (and two of my favorite actresses in it)