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.
A composition comprising at least one hydroxide compound and at least one complexing agent effective for dissociating the at least one hydroxide compound in sufficient quantity to effect lanthionization of keratin fibers. The at least one complexing agent is chosen from compounds comprising at least one group of formula (I) and salts thereof. Also disclosed is a method for lanthionizing keratin fibers to achieve relaxation of the keratinous fibers and a multicompartment kit comprising an activating composition and at least one hydroxide compound.
Compositions, optionally heat-activated, methods and kits for lanthionizing keratinous fibers to achieve relaxation of the keratinous fibers comprising applying to keratinous fibers a composition comprising at least one hydroxide compound and at least one oxidizing agent.
Compositions, optionally heat-activated, methods and kits for lanthionizing keratinous fibers to achieve relaxation of said keratinous fibers comprising applying to keratinous fibers a composition comprising at least one hydroxide compound and at least one reducing agent chosen from thiols, sulfites, and derivatives thereof, and heating the keratinous fibers.
A composition for lanthionizing keratin fibers comprising at least one hydroxide compound, with the proviso that said at least one hydroxide compound is not sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide; and at least one activating agent chosen from cysteine-based compounds; and methods and kits for use thereof.
