The invention relates to cosmetic compositions, and in particular hairstyling gels, containing in a cosmetically acceptable carrier (a) at least one fixing film-forming polymer chosen from branched block copolymers comprising, as principal monomers, at least one C.sub.1-20 alkyl acrylate and/or at least one N-mono- or N,N-di(C.sub.2-12 alkyl)(meth)acrylamide, and acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, (b) at least one thickening agent chosen from homopolymers and copolymers based on (meth)acrylic...

This invention describes a hair relaxer system and method that ameliorates and inhibits the adsorption and retention by alkaline, chemically-relaxed hair of exogenous multivalent metal ion present in the chemical relaxer, in the rinse water or both employed during the process of relaxing naturally curly hair with compositions containing strong chemical base. In a preferred relaxer method aspect, the alkaline, chemically relaxed hair was contacted with an aqueous metal ion chelating composition c...

A hair relaxant and process in which water-soluble disulfides are added to water-soluble mercaptans, used as reducing agents, to shift the equilibrium point of the relaxer toward the reactants sufficiently such that the relaxant will not cause damage to the hair. The ingredients are carried in a viscous creme base, and there is an absence of sulfite and bisulfite salts. This is followed by rinsing and the use of an oxidizing neutralizer. The process is carried out in the absence of added heat.

A method of treating hair and a hair shampoo-conditioner composition comprising a cleansing surfactant, a water-insoluble primary amine, a sufficient amount of a suitable-acid and a carrier comprising water, are disclosed. The shampoo-conditioner compositions effectively clean and condition the hair.

A cosmetic composition for the first step of an operation for the permanent deformation of hair, the composition containing an N-mercaptoalkylalkanediamide or one of its cosmetically acceptable salts as a reducing agent, including new N-mercaptoalkylalkanediamide disulphides and new N-mercaptoalkylalkanediamides, and its use in a process for the permanent deformation of hair.

A hair relaxation composition is provided. The hair relaxation comprises an activator containing a thiosulfate compound, an acidifier that preferably does not impart a color change to the hair, and a catalyst. The composition has a pH ranging from about 3.0 to about 4.5. A method for relaxing hair is also provided. A composition as described above is applied to the hair. The composition is allowed to remain on the hair for a period of time ranging from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes. The c...

A composition and a method for treating hair are disclosed. The composition improves properties such as the hand (feel), curl retention, color receptivity, color retention, shine, and strength of the hair and the compositions can be used to prevent or repair damage to hair caused by hair treating processes (e.g., hair waving and coloring). The composition is useful in a rinse-free waving process, that is, a permanent waving process in which the intermediate rinse between the reducing step (the w...

The present invention relates to a method of improving shaving comfort by softening the hair to be shaved so as to reduce the cutting force required to cut it. The novel method comprises carrying out the following sequential steps: (a) contacting an area of hair to be shaved with a reducing agent that breaks disulfide linkages in hair; (b) contacting the area of hair treated in step (a) with a humectant and allowing it to dry or partially dry; (c) contacting the area treated in step (b) with wat...

Methods for preparing hair relaxer compositions which comprise a lithium salt and an alkaline earth hydroxide, wherein the lithium salt is in molar excess to the alkaline earth hydroxide. Compositions, kits containing the compositions, and methods for using the compositions are also disclosed.

This invention relates to a process for relaxing hair fibers that comprises applying to the hair fibers a lanthionizing composition that comprises a hydrogenated starch hydrolysate and/or a sugar. The present invention also provides a lanthionizing composition that comprises hydrogenated starch hydrolysate and/or a sugar which decreases the amount of damage that occurs to hair fibers during the lanthionization process.