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Singe
Singe
Singe
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Look up singe in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Boy singeing a bat's wings, by Trophime Bigot

A singe is a slight scorching, burn or treatment with flame. This may be due to an accident, such as scorching one's hair when lighting a gas fire, or a deliberate method of treatment or removal of hair or other fibres.

Hairdressing

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A singe is a treatment available at a barber's.[1] A lit taper (candle) or other device is used to lightly burn and shrivel the hair. The practice of singeing was popular approximately a century ago; it was believed that hair had "fluid" in it and singeing would trap the fluid in. Singeing is supposed to have beneficial effects – sealing cut ends, closing up the follicles, preventing the hair from bleeding (a belief that has since been debunked)[2] and encouraging it to grow.[3] Singeing is still sometimes used to bond natural hair to hair extensions.[4]

Pre-industrialised cultures have also used singeing as a means to trim scalp or body hair, as a part of normal grooming or during ritual activity.[5][6]

Sir Francis Drake was famously said to have figuratively "singed the King of Spain's beard" when he raided Cadiz and burnt the Spanish fleet.[7]

Agriculture

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In the agricultural industry, both poultry and pork are singed (after slaughter) to remove stub feathers and bristles during processing for packaging for sale and consumption. Kiwifruit vine leaders and canes are sometimes singed as a treatment for Pseudomonas syringae bacterial infection.

Textiles

[edit]
See also: Singeing (textiles)

In the textile industry, loose fibres protruding on the surface of textile goods are singed to remove them. When done to fabrics containing cotton, this results in increased wetting, better dyeing characteristics, improved reflection, no "frosty" appearance, a smoother surface, better clarity in printing, improved visibility of the fabric structure, less pilling and decreased contamination through removal of fluff and lint.

The process is usually to pass one or both sides of a fabric over a gas flame to burn off the protruding fibres. Other methods include infra-red or heat for thermoplastic fibers. Singeing of yarns is called "gassing". It is usually the first step after weaving or knitting, though the fabric may be brushed first to raise the surface fibres.[8]

Cellulose fibres such as cotton are easily singed because the protruding fibers burn to a light ash which is easily removed. Thermoplastic fibres are harder to singe because they melt and form hard residues on the fabric surface.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Singe

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Singe is an English meaning to something superficially or lightly, typically scorching the surface without causing a full or deep damage, and often used in the context of removing , feathers, or fuzz by briefly exposing an object or to or . As a , it refers to the resulting slight mark or scorch left by such an action. The term originates from sæncgan or sengan, derived from Proto-West Germanic sangijan and ultimately tracing back to a sengʷh-, meaning to , with cognates in sengen and senga. First attested before the 12th century, singe has been employed historically in fields such as cooking (e.g., singeing to remove feathers), textiles (to away loose fibers), and (for cauterizing minor wounds), though some of these usages date to or later periods. In , it appears infrequently, with about one occurrence per million words in written texts, and synonyms include scorch, char, and sear, distinguishing it from deeper burning actions like incinerate. The word's precise connotation of superficial exposure makes it particularly notable in technical or descriptive contexts, such as reports or culinary instructions, where avoiding flames is emphasized.

Definition and Etymology

Definition

Singe, as a , refers to a slight or superficial , scorch, or on a surface, typically without causing deep tissue damage. This term describes the result of brief exposure that discolors or lightly damages material, such as fabric or , without penetrating beyond the outer layer. As a , singe means to subject something to a brief exposure to or , resulting in superficial burning, often to remove fine hairs, fuzz, or impurities from a surface. For instance, it is applied to burn away the down from or the nap from cloth. Unlike , which involves burning with hot liquid or steam, or , which entails quickly cooking the surface of with intense dry to form a crust, singeing focuses on minimal, targeted scorching. The word originates from sengan or sæncgan, meaning to cause something to hiss or spit under heat, alluding to the sizzling sound produced during the process, and is related to the singan (to sing). This etymological root evolved through sengen into its modern form, emphasizing the auditory effect of light burning. Accidental singeing, such as near an open , exemplifies a common unintended application of this concept.

Etymology

The word "singe" originates from the Proto-Germanic verb *sangjaną, a form meaning 'to cause to singe or scorch', derived from *sangwaz ('singe, burn') and linked to the hissing or crackling sounds associated with superficial burning; this root is ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European *sengwh- ('to burn'). In , the term evolved into sengan or sæncgan, denoting 'to burn lightly or superficially, especially the edges' of materials like hair or fabric, with attestations dating to the pre-1150 period as an inherited Germanic form. By , it shifted to sengen or singen, reflecting phonetic changes that shaped the modern spelling "singe" and pronunciation /sɪndʒ/, while retaining its core sense of scorching without deep burning. Cognates appear across , including senga ('to singe, burn'), Dutch zengen ('to singe, scorch'), and sengen ('to singe'), illustrating a shared West and North Germanic heritage focused on the act of surface burning. The word's semantic range expanded in the amid industrial advancements, particularly in processing where singeing removed loose fibers from fabrics, influencing its documentation in comprehensive English dictionaries such as the first edition of the (published in fascicles from 1884 onward).

Applications in Personal Care

Hairdressing

In hairdressing, singe-cutting involves briefly passing the ends of hair over an open flame, such as a candle or gas burner, to burn away frayed tips and seal split ends by fusing the outer cuticle layers. This technique, which promotes perceived hair health by closing the hair shaft's pores and retaining natural moisture, was a common practice in Victorian and Edwardian salons as an alternative to traditional trimming. Historical beauty manuals from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Susanna Cocroft's 1915 guide Beauty a Duty; The Art of Keeping Young, recommended singeing over clipping to prevent re-splitting of ends and stimulate growth, based on the then-prevalent belief that cut hair "bleeds" vital fluids. Practitioners typically combed sections of hair and swiftly applied the flame to avoid excessive scorching, often after shampooing to minimize odor. Accidental singeing occurs frequently during everyday activities involving open flames, such as lighting cigarettes, candles, or gas stoves, resulting in scorched shafts that appear brittle and discolored. These incidents can damage the 's unevenly, leading to breakage along the affected lengths if not trimmed promptly. Fire safety experts note that long or loose increases the risk near ignition sources, with rapid intervention—such as smothering the —essential to limit spread. In modern , variations like velaterapia (candle cutting), a Brazilian method where a controlled is passed over oiled ends to cauterize splits, persist in some salons despite being largely supplanted by , heated stylers, and conditioners. This heat application denatures proteins at temperatures around 150–200°C, creating a temporarily smooth seal on the hair's surface but potentially rendering it more brittle and prone to future damage due to disrupted bonds. Professional oversight is advised to mitigate risks like uneven burning or inhalation of fumes.

Skin Treatment

Singeing serves as a temporary epilation technique in skin treatment, involving the passage of a controlled over the to burn away fine facial or body hairs, often termed "flame hair removal" in professional and contexts. This method targets vellus and short hairs, providing quick results for areas like the face, ears, and upper body without mechanical pulling. In traditional Turkish barbering, a lit or small is swiftly applied to remove stray hairs with precision, a practice rooted in Middle Eastern grooming rituals that emphasizes and smoothness. Historically, ancient civilizations employed similar thermal methods for depilation; ancient Greeks and Romans used fire alongside pumice stones to eliminate unwanted body hair, achieving a clean aesthetic valued in their societies. While Roman practices leaned toward chemical depilatories, broader ancient techniques included burning to address fine hairs, as noted in early historical accounts of grooming. These approaches highlight singeing's long-standing role in personal care for skin preparation and hair management. Modern adaptations prioritize with low-intensity from specialized devices, reducing the risk of damage while often integrating singeing post- for enhanced precision and to catch residual hairs. Physiologically, the brief heat application causes superficial thermal injury to hair shafts and upper follicles, providing temporary with regrowth occurring more quickly than root-removal methods like , typically within days to a couple of weeks, without dermal penetration. However, flame hair removal is legally restricted or prohibited in some jurisdictions, such as the , due to risks of burns and damage; improper execution can lead to accidental burns, underscoring the need for professional oversight where permitted.

Industrial and Processing Uses

Textiles

Singeing in textiles is an industrial finishing that involves passing woven or knitted fabrics over direct gas flames or heated plates to burn off protruding fibers, lint, or fuzz, resulting in a smoother and more uniform surface. This dry treatment is typically the first step after or , where the fabric moves at controlled speeds through specialized machines to ensure even exposure without damaging the underlying structure. The enhances the fabric's aesthetic and functional qualities by eliminating surface irregularities that could lead to or uneven in subsequent steps. The singeing process originated in 19th-century European mills, with mechanized singeing machines first developed around 1852 by Parex Mather in , , marking a shift from manual methods to automated production for efficiency in processing. Early machines used gas flames or heated plates, evolving to support higher throughput as industrialized. Modern setups achieve speeds of up to 150 meters per minute, allowing for rapid treatment of large fabric rolls while maintaining precision. There are two primary types of singeing: direct flame singeing, which employs open gas jets to simultaneously treat both sides of the fabric at temperatures around 1,250–1,300°C, and indirect singeing using heated plates or rollers for controlled contact on one or both surfaces. Direct flame methods are preferred for their speed and effectiveness on thicker fabrics, while indirect approaches minimize the risk of over-burning delicate materials. Benefits include reduced pilling propensity, improved absorption for more vibrant and uniform coloration, and better preparation for printing, making singeing essential for high-quality linens, apparel, and . For natural fibers like , singeing removes inherent surface fuzz to enhance luster and cleanliness, often performed in the grey state at speeds of about 90 meters per minute with moderate intensity. In contrast, synthetic materials such as undergo singeing post-dyeing to eliminate protruding ends and improve surface smoothness, requiring higher power due to the material's higher around 250–260°C, which also aids in reducing processing defects like uneven sheen. These material-specific adaptations ensure optimal results across diverse applications.

Animal Husbandry

In animal husbandry, singeing serves as a critical post-slaughter process in livestock preparation, particularly for hog and pig carcasses, where it removes residual bristles after initial scalding and dehairing to yield clean surfaces suitable for market or consumption. This standard step in pork processing typically employs open flames from gas torches or specialized singeing machines, or steam jets, to burn off stubborn hairs without damaging the underlying skin. The process enhances carcass hygiene by minimizing microbial risks associated with retained hair follicles. Historically, singeing of pig carcasses traces back to ancient agricultural practices, including Roman and Greek sources describing and scraping for processing pig skins. Over time, these manual techniques evolved into mechanized systems, with industrial scalders and singeing ovens introduced in 19th-century abattoirs to handle larger volumes efficiently while maintaining traditional principles of . The core technique begins with immersing the hog carcass in hot water at around 60°C for 3-6 minutes to loosen bristles, followed by mechanical scraping to remove most hair, and culminating in brief singeing to eliminate remnants and sterilize the surface. This sequence prevents by pathogens that could adhere to hair, ensuring compliance with standards in production. For other , singeing extends to sheep, where it is used post-slaughter to remove remaining or hair from carcasses for skin-on meat products, particularly in traditional or small-scale operations; in , small-scale farmers use handheld torches to singe pinfeathers after and plucking, facilitating efficient removal without industrial equipment. Economically, singeing enhances hide quality by providing a smoother, substrate for leather tanning, which improves yield and reduces defects in the final product; in modern facilities, integrating automated singeing systems streamlines the overall workflow, cutting processing times compared to manual methods alone. This contributes to cost savings in pork and by-product industries, where high-quality hides support secondary markets like goods.

Food Preparation

In culinary practice, singeing involves briefly exposing , such as , to a controlled after plucking to remove residual pinfeathers and fine hairs, resulting in a cleaner surface for further preparation. This technique uses a or open , passing the carcass quickly to avoid cooking the meat beneath the skin. Similarly, singeing skin with a kitchen torch can enhance crispiness by rendering surface fat and tightening the texture, a method applied in roasted duck preparations to achieve a brittle exterior without overcooking the interior. Singeing also appears in vegetable preparation, where peppers are held over an open flame to char the skin, facilitating easy removal after ; this is essential for dishes like Mexican , in which roasted peppers are stripped of their blistered skins before slicing and simmering in cream. The charring process imparts a subtle smoky flavor while preserving the pepper's tenderness. For desserts, singeing marshmallows over a creates a toasted exterior through surface , contrasting the soft interior and adding a gooey, browned appeal in treats like s'mores. The primary effect of singeing is the initiation of the on the food's surface, occurring at temperatures between 140°C and 165°C, which generates complex flavors and aromas from and sugars without penetrating deeply into the food—unlike , which applies sustained heat for thorough cooking. Modern tools for singeing include handheld kitchen torches, which provide precise, adjustable flames, or gas stove burners for larger items, ensuring even exposure. Safety guidelines emphasize using clean, dedicated burners to prevent bacterial cross-contamination during poultry singeing, as raw meat juices can spread pathogens like if equipment is shared or unclean; the USDA advises against rinsing raw prior to handling, recommending immediate processing in a sanitized workspace to minimize risks. Always employ torches with safety locks and operate in well-ventilated areas to avoid flare-ups.

Safety and Risks

Health Hazards

Singeing, the process of lightly burning the surface of or fabrics, primarily poses risks of thermal injury through direct contact with flames or hot gases. Brief exposure typically results in first-degree burns, which affect only the outer layer of the skin (), manifesting as redness, pain, and swelling without blistering or scarring in most cases. However, repeated or prolonged singeing can lead to partial-thickness burns or cumulative damage, potentially causing scarring, particularly on the or hands in hairdressing or textile settings. Combustion during singeing releases toxic byproducts from the of organic materials, acting as respiratory irritants capable of causing coughing, , and in severe cases, more serious effects. The (OSHA) sets permissible exposure limits (PELs) for such irritants, such as 0.1 ppm for and 0.75 ppm for as 8-hour time-weighted averages, though specific emissions depend on materials burned. Children under five years old and individuals with sensitive or thinner epidermal layers face heightened risks from accidental singeing near open flames, as their skin is more prone to deeper damage and prolonged times compared to adults. Those with pre-existing conditions like may experience amplified irritation or secondary infections from even minor exposures. Documented incidents highlight these dangers in professional settings, often requiring medical intervention for pain management and wound care. Broader statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that occupational skin disorders accounted for 34,400 cases in 2012 across various industries, which may include burns and underscore potential underreported risks in sectors like beauty and textiles. In industrial contexts like textiles or animal husbandry, chronic exposure to singeing processes has been associated with skin sensitization, manifesting as recurrent dermatitis or allergic reactions from repeated thermal and chemical insults. Prolonged inhalation of combustion byproducts may contribute to hair follicle damage, leading to localized hair loss or trichodynia (hair pain), particularly in workers handling frequent singeing operations.

Prevention Methods

In personal care settings, preventing singeing involves maintaining a safe distance from open flames, such as keeping at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from hair, clothing, or flammable materials to avoid accidental ignition. Flame guards on appliances like gas stoves or irons can contain sparks and heat, while protective gloves made from heat-resistant materials, such as aramid fibers, provide a barrier against brief exposure during styling or cooking activities. Professional protocols emphasize and worker education to mitigate singeing risks. In textile mills, ventilation systems compliant with NIOSH guidelines capture fumes and particulates generated during singeing processes, reducing respiratory exposure to combustion byproducts. Similarly, OSHA standards for operations require proper enclosure and exhaust for singeing machines to prevent fire spread and ensure safe operation. In animal husbandry, abattoir workers receive training on scald-singe sequences for pigs, focusing on controlled flame application, , and hazard recognition to avoid burns during . Technological alternatives reduce reliance on open flames across applications. For textiles, enzymatic bio-polishing with cellulase enzymes serves as a sustainable substitute for singeing, selectively degrading protruding fibers to prevent pilling without heat or emissions. Regulatory frameworks guide safe flame use in processing. The EU's REACH regulation (effective 2007) restricts certain chemical additives in flame-related textile treatments to minimize environmental and health impacts, indirectly promoting low-flame alternatives. In food preparation, U.S. Fire Administration advisories recommend secure storage and supervised use of kitchen torches to prevent unintended ignition of nearby combustibles. For minor singes, response prioritizes rapid cooling to limit tissue damage. Immediately apply cool (not ) running for 10-20 minutes to reduce retention, followed by gel for soothing without trapping . Avoid , as it can constrict blood vessels and exacerbate injury.

References

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