Hair care device and method for enhancing uptake of a topical in hair

Abstract

A hair care device for enhancing uptake of a topical in hair. The hair care device comprises a topical delivery unit for applying the topical to the hair surface, an ultrasound generator (103) for generating ultrasound at a frequency exceeding 15 MHz, wherein an ultrasound intensity is in a range between 2 W / cm2 and 100 W / cm2, and an ultrasound transducer (105) for applying ultrasound to the topical and / or the hair surface to enhance uptake of the topical by the hair.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a hair care device and method for enhancing uptake of a topical in hair.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Applications of topicals in hair include moisturization and protection. For example, excessive heat treatments of hair can cause a reduction in moisture content and potentially lead to hair damage or even breakage. Often it is advised to use a heat protection topical to safeguard the hair from excessive heat or to moisturize the hair when it is damaged. This resonates with consumers because they want to make their hair healthier and more resistant to damage from styling. The applied topicals can be in the form of oil (e.g. Argan oil), or watery solutions that contain a mixture of ingredients. These solutions are often applied by hand into the hair pre-styling but the downside is that the user has neither control over how well the topical is distributed on the hairs, nor how well the topical penetrates into the hair structure. S...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a way to use ultrasound to enhance the uptake of topicals in the hair structure, reducing the risk of damaging the hair. By using low-cost ultrasound frequencies (15-50 MHz), the invention provides a simple solution to improve the safe and effective uptake of topicals. The patent also discusses the limitations of existing methods and the importance of understanding the size of the hollow spaces in the hair structure. The invention is based on the fact that these spaces are too small for high-frequency ultrasound and are more accessible at lower frequencies (20-100 kHz). The invention uses low-power ultrasound to create cavitation, which can help to increase the permeability of the hair structure and moisture uptake without causing mechanical damage. The invention is also easy to use, with low-power requirements and a small footprint.

Problems solved by technology

This is based on the insight that the indentation depth of cuticles is 0.3-2 μm, resulting in poor hair permeability for frequencies in the kHz range up to 10 MHz.

Higher power usage leads to higher temperature increases per second.

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