The present invention provides a process by which smoothness, body and a permanent wave pattern can be imparted to multi-textured hair of all types, from hair having an excessively tightly curled appearance, such as Negroid hair, to hair having a straight appearance, such as Caucasian hair, with substantially less damage to the hair. The process of the present invention uniquely combines the use of two hair structure altering chemicals--an alkaline hydroxide (such as sodium hydroxide) and a thioglycolate reducing agent (preferably ammonium thioglycolate)--to harmoniously bring about a desired wave pattern in the hair. Using the Wave Balance Scale (a hair reference scale) of the present invention, a sodium hydroxide formulation is chosen based on the type and natural curl level of the hair. The sodium hydroxide formulation is applied to the hair for a time sufficient to relax the natural curl in the hair by breaking some of the sulfide bonds in the hair. Then, after rinsing but prior to any neutralization, the ammonium thioglycolate formulation is applied to the hair and the hair is placed on curling rods for a time sufficient to rearrange the wave pattern of the relaxed hair. The hair is then rinsed and neutralized, while still rodded, for a time sufficient to lock in the new wave pattern by reforming the sulfide bond linkages. After neutralization, the hair can be shampooed, conditioned and styled either curly or straight as desired by the patron.

An improved hair repair, styling, and straightening process wherein the optimal reaction point of the hair with the straightening solution is more accurately controlled and monitored. The hair straightening solution has a unique jell-like consistency to more completely and easily be rinsed from the hair. A unique pre-oxidizing set is applied to the hair by application of heat and compression while the hair remains in an elastic condition. The pre-oxidizing set provides the ability to make fine styling adjustments to the hair. A substantial improvement in straightening, styling, and repairing damaged hair is achieved.

A magnetic shaving system includes a pre-trimming solution containing particles having magnetic properties and a shaving apparatus having a magnet. The shaving apparatus may include only a magnet or may include a magnet in proximity of a typical razor blade. The pre-trimming solution is applied to the desired area and the magnetic shaving apparatus is applied over the solution. The magnetic solution surround the hairs and causes the hairs to be drawn toward the magnetic shaving apparatus and away from the skin, yielding a more comfortable and effective shave.

The present invention is directed to a hair conditioning composition comprising as the active ingredient, a homopolymer of the formula. ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently lower alkyl; R.sub.4 is C.sub.2 -C.sub.25 alkyl or aryl group; n is 1-6; and X is lower alkyl sulfate or aryl sulfonate and to the use thereof for treating hair.

A magnetic shaving system includes a pre-trimming solution containing particles having magnetic properties and a shaving apparatus having a magnet. The shaving apparatus may include only a magnet or may include a magnet in proximity of a typical razor blade. The pre-trimming solution is applied to the desired area and the magnetic shaving apparatus is applied over the solution. The magnetic solution surround the hairs and causes the hairs to be drawn toward the magnetic shaving apparatus and away from the skin, yielding a more comfortable and effective shave.