KERATIN FIBER TREATMENT METHODS

Abstract

KERATIN FIBER PROCESSING PROCESSES This disclosure relates to processes for processing keratin fibers, such as hair, in association with hair care routines. The processing compositions used in the processes include (a) at least one amino acid, (b) at least one osmolyte, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, and (d) at least one solvent. The processes include applying a processing composition to the hair before, simultaneously with, and / or after the application of a hair care composition to the hair. Figure for the abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: METHODS FOR TREATING KERATIN FIBERS Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods of treating keratin fibers, such as hair, for example to repair damaged keratin fibers, provide strength to the keratin fibers and / or reduce the elasticity of the keratin fibers. CONTEXT

[0002] Consumers use cosmetic compositions and processes to change or enhance the appearance of their hair, for example, by changing the color, style, and / or shape of the hair, and / or by imparting various properties to the hair, such as shine and conditioning. However, many compositions and processes for changing the appearance of hair, such as compositions and processes for permanently changing the color or shape of hair, involve harsh chemical treatments. In addition, repeated styling can lead to damage to the hair, for example, due to the repeated use of heat and styling tools. All of these processes can break the bonds within the hair fibers, which, if not reformed, results in damaged hair.

[0003] For example, hair lightening and dyeing compositions and processes generally require the presence of a strong alkalizing agent, such as ammonia, as well as additional compounds, such as oxidizing agents. In order to change the color of the hair, these components must first break down the natural components of the hair fibers. Similarly, straightening, relaxing, and permanent waving compositions also involve harsh chemicals to change the shape of the hair by breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair fibers.

[0004] It is known that, although such processes effectively alter the color and shape of the hair, the chemical agents used inherently cause damage to the hair and negatively impact the strength, elasticity, and porosity of the hair fibers. For example, hair that has been bleached, dyed, straightened, straightened, wavy, repeatedly styled, etc., is often dry, frizzy, and generally appears unhealthy to the touch and appearance. In addition, damaged hair is brittle and / or has increased elasticity, resulting in more frequent hair breakage.

[0005] Although consumers regularly care for their hair as part of ordinary hygiene routines, for example, washing and conditioning their hair, when hair is damaged, it is more likely to break during these processes. As such, consumers seek compositions and processes to prevent or minimize such damage and / or to repair hair that has been damaged by various treatments and processes. In particular, consumers desire hair that is strong, does not break easily, can be stretched or manipulated while retaining the ability to return to its original state without breakage (i.e., has reduced elasticity), feels soft and healthy, and also has a shiny, healthy appearance.

[0006] However, it has proven difficult to formulate compositions that satisfactorily address these desires. For example, some compositions that attempt to address the problem simply coat the hair with compounds that can improve the feel and appearance of the hair; however, this approach is only temporary and superficial. Rather than preventing or repairing damage to the hair, this approach simply masks the damage until the next rinse or wash. Other compositions attempt to address the damage within the hair fiber, but have not been satisfactory to date.

[0007] The present inventors have now discovered a synergistic combination of components that is surprisingly effective in preventing or minimizing hair damage and treating damaged hair. Hair treated with methods according to the disclosure exhibits surprisingly reduced signs of damage, including increased strength and / or reduced elasticity, particularly hair that has been damaged by harsh chemical treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, perming, straightening, relaxing, etc. SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure relates to methods of treating keratin fibers, e.g., human hair, for example to prevent, minimize, or repair hair damage such as damage caused by harsh chemical compositions and processes. Compositions that may be used in methods according to the disclosure ("treatment compositions") comprise a synergistic combination of one or more amino acids, one or more osmolytes, and one or more carboxylic acids, and the methods comprise applying a treatment composition according to the disclosure to the keratin fibers in conjunction with hair care routines, e.g., before and / or after washing and / or conditioning the hair.

[0009] In various embodiments, the treatment compositions which can be used in methods of treating keratin fibers, such as hair, comprise (a) at least one amino acid, (b) at least one osmolyte, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, and (d) at least one solvent. The pH of the treatment composition is generally less than 7 or less than about 6, for example, between about 2 and about 5, or between about 3 and about 4.

[0010] In some embodiments, the treatment compositions that can be used in methods according to the disclosure comprise at least one amino acid selected from basic amino acids, for example, arginine, histidine, lysine, their salts or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the total amount of basic amino acids and their salts ranges from about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably from about 1% to about 12%, more preferably from about 2% to about 10%, most preferably from about 3% to about 7%, most preferably from about 4% to about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one amino acid selected from acidic or neutral amino acids and their salts, for example, serine.In various embodiments, the total amount of acidic and / or neutral amino acids and their salts ranges from about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 4%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 3%, and most preferably from about 0.25% to about 2.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In still other embodiments, the compositions comprise a mixture of basic, acidic and / or neutral amino acids, for example the compositions may comprise arginine and serine. In various embodiments, the total amount of amino acids and their salts present in the composition ranges from about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably from about 1% to about 12%, more preferably from about 2% to about 10%, most preferably from about 3% to about 7%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0011] In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions that may be used in the methods comprise one or more amino acids selected from glycine, proline, methionine, serine, arginine, lysine, histidine, salts of any of the foregoing (particularly alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or zinc salts), and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0012] In various embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise at least one osmolyte selected from carbohydrate sugars, methylsulfonium compounds, polyamines and / or amino acid derivatives such as betaines, preferably selected from compounds of formula (II). In various embodiments, the total amount of osmolytes present in the treatment composition ranges from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 1.25% to about 4%, most preferably from about 1.5% to about 3%, most preferably from about 2% to about 2.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In various embodiments, the treatment composition has a weight ratio of total amino acid to total osmolyte that is equal to or greater than about 0.5, for example greater than about 1, preferably from about 1.25 to about 3.5, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25.

[0013] In various embodiments, the at least one carboxylic acid is selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, lactic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof, and preferably citric acid, lactic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof. In various embodiments, the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts ranges from about 0.5% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 15%, more preferably from about 2% to about 12%, more preferably from about 3% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.In various embodiments, the treatment composition has a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids and their salts to the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts greater than about 0.5, such as greater than about 0.7, preferably from about 0.75 to about 2, and more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5.

[0014] The solvent may comprise water and / or at least one non-aqueous solvent, and in some embodiments comprises water and at least one non-aqueous solvent. Optionally, the treatment compositions comprise water and at least one non-aqueous solvent, preferably selected from polyols, and have a total amount of non-aqueous solvents ranging from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 5% to about 20%, more preferably from about 5% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 8% to about 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0015] The treatment compositions which may be used in the methods according to the disclosure may optionally also include at least one additional component selected from fatty compounds, surfactants, thickening agents or combinations or two or more thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments, the treatment compositions that can be used in the methods according to the disclosure comprise (a) at least one amino acid and / or a salt thereof, (b) at least one betaine, preferably at least a compound of formula (II), for example glycine betaine, in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, (c) at least one carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof, (d) at least one solvent, and (e) optionally at least one additional component selected from fatty compounds, surfactants, thickening agents, or combinations thereof. For example, in at least some embodiments, the treatment composition comprises arginine and the total amount of amino acids ranges from about 1% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and the total amount of carboxylic acids ranges from about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The pH of the treatment compositions is generally less than 7, for example, from about 2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4.In various embodiments, the total amount of non-aqueous solvents ranges from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 2% to about 18%, more preferably from about 3% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the treatment composition has a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids and their salts, for example, arginine, serine, their salts, or combinations thereof, to the total amount of betaines, preferably selected from compounds of formula (II) and their salts, for example, glycine betaine, which is greater than or equal to about 0.5, such as greater than about 1, preferably from about 1.25 to about 3.5, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, more preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25.In some embodiments, the treatment composition has a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids and their salts to the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts that is greater than about 0.5 or greater than about 0.7, preferably from about 0.75 to about 2, and more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5.

[0017] In preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise (a) at least one aminocarboxylic acid or one of its salts, preferably selected from arginine and / or one of its salts, (b) at least one betaine derivative, preferably selected from glycine betaine, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, preferably selected from citric acid, lactic acid and / or their salts, and (d) water. For example, the composition may comprise (a) from about 2% to about 6% arginine and / or a salt thereof, (b) from about 0.5% to about 3.5% glycine betaine, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, preferably selected from citric acid, lactic acid and / or their salts, (d) water and at least one non-aqueous solvent, and (e) optionally serine, wherein the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts is from about 2% to about 10%, and wherein all amounts are expressed as by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. The pH of the treatment compositions is generally less than 7, for example ranging from about 2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4. In various embodiments, the total amount of non-aqueous solvents ranges from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 2% to about 18%, more preferably from about 3% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 12% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the treatment composition has a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids and their salts to glycine betaine greater than about 0.5, such as greater than about 1, preferably from about 1.25 to about 3.5, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, more preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25.In some embodiments, the treatment composition has a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids and their salts to the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts greater than about 0.5, such as greater than about 0.7, preferably from about 0.75 to about 2, more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5. In some embodiments, the compositions include at least one additional component selected from fatty compounds, surfactants, thickening agents, or combinations thereof. If present, the compositions comprise serine in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 2%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 1.5%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 1% by weight, and most preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.When the compositions comprise serine, the compositions may optionally have a weight ratio of total amino acids to serine of greater than about 2, preferably from about 2 to about 15, more preferably from about 4 to about 14, more preferably from about 6 to about 13, and most preferably from about 8 to about 12. When the compositions comprise serine, the compositions may optionally have a weight ratio of glycine betaine to serine of greater than about 2, preferably from about 2 to about 10, more preferably from about 3 to about 8, more preferably from about 3.5 to about 7, and most preferably from about 4 to about 6.

[0018] The treatment methods and routines according to the disclosure include a step (1) of applying a treatment composition according to the disclosure to the hair, optionally leaving the treatment composition on the hair for a setting period, and optionally rinsing the hair to remove the treatment composition, before, simultaneously with and / or after a step (2) of applying a hair care composition such as a shampoo, a rinse-out conditioner, a hair mask, a hair rinse, a treatment oil or serum, etc. on the hair. Optionally, a waiting time may be observed between steps (1) and (2). The methods and routines may be, for example, intended to reduce or prevent hair damage and / or breakage, protect hair from damage and / or breakage, restore the moisture balance of hair fibers, provide strength to hair fibers, improve the elasticity of hair fibers and / or maintain the moisture balance, strength and / or elasticity of hair fibers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] [Fig 1A-1B] Figures 1A-1B are graphs showing the elasticity of hair fibers of strands S1-S8 after one treatment (IA) and five treatments (IB).

[0020] [Fig 2A-2B] Figures 2A-2B are graphs showing the elasticity of hair fibers of strands S9-S16 after one treatment (2A) and five treatments (2B).

[0021] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a graph showing the elasticity of hair fibers of strands S17-S21 after five treatments.

[0022] [Fig 4A-4B] Figures 4A-4B are graphs showing the breaking strain of hair fibers treated with compositions according to the disclosure and comparative compositions.

[0023] [Fig 5A-5B] Figures 5A-5B show the structures of certain examples of osmolytes that may be included in the compositions according to the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The disclosure relates to methods of treating keratin fibers, such as hair, for example, methods of repairing damaged keratin fibers, providing strength to the keratin fibers and / or reducing the elasticity of the keratin fibers, in association with hair care routines. I. COMPOSITIONS

[0025] Treatment compositions that may be used in methods according to the disclosure comprise (a) at least one amino acid, (b) at least one osmolyte, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, and (d) at least one solvent. The treatment compositions may optionally comprise one or more additional components. Amino acids

[0026] Treatment compositions that may be used in methods according to the disclosure comprise at least one amino acid. Optionally, in various embodiments, the treatment compositions according to the disclosure may comprise one, two, or three or more amino acids. Amino acids that may be selected include those that are basic, acidic, or neutral at neutral pH. In In preferred embodiments, the compositions include at least one basic amino acid.

[0027] As used herein, the term "amino acid" includes aminocarboxylic acids and their salts and aminosulfonic acids and their salts. As used herein, amino acids mean organic compounds containing a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) (aminocarboxylic acids) and / or a sulfonic acid group (-S(=O)2-OH) (aminosulfonic acids) and an amino group (-NH2) which may be primary or secondary, or may be intracyclic, as well as a side chain (R group) specific to each amino acid.

[0028] Aminocarboxylic acids that may be selected include, for example, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, and combinations of two or more thereof. Examples of aminosulfonic acids include aminomethanesulfonic acid, 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (taurine), aminopropanesulfonic acid, aminobutanesulfonic acid, aminohexanesulfonic acid, aminoisopropylsulfonic acid, aminododecylsulfonic acid, aminobenzenesulfonic acid, aminotoluenesulfonic acid, sulfanilic acid, chlorosulfanilic acid, diaminobenzenesulfonic acid, aminophenolsulfonic acid, aminopropylbenzenesulfonic acid, aminohexylbenzenesulfonic acid, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0029] Amino acid salts are also included in the term "amino acid", whether indicated or not. By way of non-limiting example, salts that may be selected include salts with organic or inorganic bases, for example alkali metal salts, such as lithium, sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, such as magnesium or calcium salts; and zinc salts.

[0030] Further, the amino acids may be of D, L, or DL ​​configuration. In certain preferred embodiments, it is advantageous to select amino acids of L configuration, for example, L-proline, L-methionine, L-serine, L-arginine, L-lysine, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0031] In certain embodiments, it is particularly advantageous to select one or more aminocarboxylic acids. Thus, in various embodiments, the treatment compositions according to the disclosure comprise one or more amino acids of formula (I): COOH (I) H — C — N(H)p R

[0032] in which:

[0033] - p is an integer equal to 1 or 2, and

[0034] - when p = 1, R forms, together with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising from 5 to 8 ring members, preferably 5 ring members, knowing that this ring can be substituted by one or more groups chosen from hydroxyl or alkyl (C1-C4); or

[0035] - when p = 2, R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group (C1-C12) saturated, linear or branched, preferably an alkyl group (C1-C4), optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -NH- or -C(NH)-, and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, -CONH2, -NH-C(NH)-NH2, or an imidazole ring.

[0036] In certain embodiments when p = 1, R forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising 5 ring members, this cycle not being substituted.

[0037] In some embodiments when p = 2, R represents a hydrogen atom or a saturated, linear or branched (C1-C4) alkyl group, optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -CONH2, -NH-C(NH)-NH2 or an imidazole ring. In some embodiments, p is preferably 2.

[0038] In some embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise one or more amino acids selected from glycine, proline, methionine, serine, arginine, lysine, histidine, salts of any of the foregoing (particularly alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or zinc salts), or combinations of two or more thereof. In at least some embodiments, the amino acid compounds in the composition consist essentially of or consist of amino acids selected from glycine, proline, methionine, serine, arginine, lysine, histidine, salts of any of the foregoing (particularly alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or zinc salts), or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0039] In some embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the treatment compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of glycine and / or its salts. In other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the treatment compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of arginine and / or its salts. In other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the treatment compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of proline and / or its salts. In still other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the treatment compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of methionine and / or its salts. In still other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the treatment compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of serine and / or its salts. In still other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the treatment compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of arginine and / or its salts.In other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the treatment compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of histidine and / or its salts. In still other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the treatment compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of lysine and / or its salts. In still other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of basic amino acids and / or their salts.

[0040] In various embodiments, the total amount of amino acids may vary from about 0.1% to about 15%, for example, from about 0.1% to about 12%, from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.1% to about 9%, from about 0.1% to about 8%, from about 0.1% to about 7%, from about 0.1% to about 6%, from about 0.1% to about 5.5%, from about 0.1% to about 5%, from about 0.1% to about 4.5%, from about 0.1% to about 4%, from about 0.1% to about 3.5%, from about 0.1% to about 3%, from about 0.1% to about 2.5%, from about 0.1% to about 2%, from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, from about 0.1% to about 1%, from about 0.5% to about 15%, from about 0.5% to about 12%, from about 0.5% to about 10%, from about 0.5% to about 9%, from about 0.5% to about 8%, from about 0.5% to about 7%, from about 0.5% to about 6%, from about 0.5% to about 5.5%, from about 0.5% to about 5%, from about 0.5% to about 4.5%, from about 0.5% to about 4%, from about 0,5% to about 3.5%, from about 0.5% to about 3%, from about 0.5% to about 2.5%, from about 0.5% to about 2%, from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, from about 0.5% to about 1%, from about 1% to about 15%, from about 1% to about 12%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 1% to about 9%, from about 1% to about 8%, from about 1% to about 7%, from about 1% to about 6%, from about 1% to about 5.5%, from about 1% to about 5%, from about 1% to about 4.5%, from about 1% to about 4%, from about 1% to about 3.5%, from about 1% to about 3%, from about 1% to about 2.5 %, of about 1, % to about 2%, from about 1% to about 1.5%, from about 1.5% to about 15%, from about 1.5% to about 12%, from about 1.5% to about 10%, from about 1.5% to about 9%, from about 1.5% to about 8%, from about 1.5% to about 7%, from about 1.5% to about 6%, from about 1.5% to about 5.5%, from about 1.5% to about 5%, from about 1.5% to about 4.5%, from about 1.5% to about 4%, from about 1.5% to about 3.5%, from about 1.5% to about 3%, from about 1.5% to about 2.5%, from about 1.5% to about 2%, from about 2% to about 15%, from about 2% to about 12%, from about 2% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 9%, from about 2% to about 8%, from about 2% to about 7%, from about 2% to about 6%, from about 2% to about 5.5%, from about 2% to about 5%, from about 2% to about 4.5%, from about 2% to about 4%, from about 2% to about 3.5%, from about 2% to about 3%, from about 2% to about 2.5%, from about 2.5% to about 15%, from about 2,5% to about 12%, from about 2.5% to about 10%, from about 2.5% to about 9%, from about 2.5% to about 8%, from about 2.5% to about 7%, from about 2.5% to about 6%, from about 2.5% to about 5.5%, from about 2.5% to about 5%, from about 2.5% to about 4.5%, from about 2.5% to about 4%, from about 2.5% to about 3.5%, from about 2.5% to about 3%, from about 3% to about 15%, from about 3% to about 12%, from about 3% to about 10%, from about 3% to about 9%, from about 3% to about 8%, from about 3% to about 7%, from about 3% to about 6%, from about 3% to about 5.5%, from about 3% to about 5%, from about 3% to about 4.5%, from about 3% to about 4%, from about 3% to about 3.5%, from about 3.5% to about 15%, from about 3.5% to about 12%, from about 3.5% to about 10%, from about 3.5% to about 9%, from about 3.5% to about 8%, from about 3.5% to about 7%, from about 3.5% to about 6%, from about 3.5% to about 5.5%, from about 3,5% to about 5%, from about 3.5% to about 4.5%, from about 3.5% to about 4%, from about 4% to about 15%, from about 4% to about 12%, from about 4% to about 10%, from about 4% to about 9%, from about 4% to about 8%, from about 4% to about 7%, from about 4% to about 6%, from about 4% to about 5.5%, from about 4% to about 5%, from about 4% to about 4.5%, from about 4.5% to about 15%, from about 4.5% to about 12%, from about 4.5% to about 10%, from about 4.5% to about 9%, from about 4.5% to about 8%, from about 4.5% to about 7%, from about 4.5% to about 6%, from about 4.5% to about 5.5%, or from about 4.5% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In preferred embodiments, the total amount of amino acids ranges from about 2.5% to about 7.5%, from about 3% to about 7%, from about 3.5% to about 6.5%, from about 3.75% to about 6.25%, from about 4% to about 6%, from about 4.25% to about 5.75%,from about 4.5% to about 5.5%, from about 4.75% to about 5.25%, or from about 4.8% to about 5.2% by weight, relative to the , total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of amino acids may be about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, about 5.0%, about 5.1%, about 5.2%, about 5.3%, about 5.4% or about 5.5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits. In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise a total amount of basic amino acids within any of the foregoing ranges and amounts.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment compositions comprise arginine and / or a salt thereof. In another preferred embodiment, where more than one amino acid is present, arginine is present in the treatment composition in an amount greater than the combined amounts of the other amino acid(s) present, for example, arginine comprises more than about 50%, such as more than about 60%, more than about 70%, more than about 80%, more than about 90%, more than about 95%, more than about 98%, or more than about 99% of all amino acids present in the composition. In another preferred embodiment, arginine is the only basic amino acid in the treatment composition.

[0042] In various preferred embodiments, the treatment composition comprises arginine in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 10%, such as from about 2.5% to about 7.5%, preferably from about 3% to about 7%, more preferably from about 3.5% to about 6.5%, more preferably from about 3.75% to about 6.25%, more preferably from about 4% to about 6%, more preferably from about 4.25% to about 5.75%, more preferably from about 4.5% to about 5.5%, even more preferably from about 4.75% to about 5.25%, and most preferably from about 4.8% to about 5.2%, or may be present in an amount of about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, of about 4.9%, about 5.0%, about 5.1%, about 5.2%, about 5.3%, about 5.4% or about 5.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition,including all ranges and subranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise serine and / or a salt thereof. If present, the amount of serine may range from about 0.01% to about 2%, such as from about 0.01% to about 1.5%, from about 0.01% to about 1%, from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, from about 0.01% to about 0.4%, from about 0.01% to about 0.3%, from about 0.01% to about 0.2%, from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, from about 0.05% to about 2%, from about 0.05% to about 1.5%, from about 0.05% to about 1%, from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, from about 0.05% to about 0.4%, from about 0.05% to about 0.3 ... % to about 0.2%, from about 0.05% to about 0.1%, from about 0.1% to about 2%, from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, from about 0.1% to about 1% or from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, in certain preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions may comprise serine in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 1.5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.25% to about 0.75%, and most preferably from about 0.4% to about 0.6%, such as about 0.1%, about 0.25%, about 0.5%, about 0.75%, or about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0044] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to select at least one basic amino acid and at least one additional amino acid selected from acidic and / or neutral amino acids. For example, in preferred embodiments, it may be advantageous to include at least one basic amino acid and serine in the compositions according to the disclosure, and to select total amounts of basic amino acids and serine such that the treatment composition has a weight ratio of the total amount of basic amino acids to the total amount of serine that is greater than about 2, such as greater than about 3, greater than about 4, greater than about 5, or greater than about 6.For example, the treatment composition may have a weight ratio of total basic amino acids to total serine ranging from about 2 to about 15, such as about 4 to about 14, about 6 to about 13, about 8 to about 12, or about 9 to about 11. In other examples, the weight ratio of total basic amino acids to serine may be about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, or about 12.In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment composition comprises serine and has a weight ratio of total basic amino acids to serine of from about 2 to about 15, preferably from about 8 to about 12, more preferably from about 9 to about 11, or is about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, or about 12, including all ranges and subranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0045] In even more preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise serine and arginine, and have a weight ratio of arginine to serine ranging from about 2 to about 15, preferably from about 8 to about 12, more preferably from about 9 to about 11, or which is about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11 or about 12, including all ranges and subranges using any of the previous values ​​as upper and lower limits. Osmolytes

[0046] Osmolytes are molecules, typically of lower molecular weight, used by cells to maintain cell volume, regulate osmotic pressure, and maintain cellular homeostasis, for example, in response to environmental stressors. Organic osmolytes include aminocarboxylic acids, aminosulfonic acids, their salts and derivatives, carbohydrates such as sugars and sugar alcohols (polyols), polyamines, betaines, methylsulfonium compounds (e.g., dimethylsulfoniopropionate), and urea. For the purposes of this disclosure, "osmolytes" include aminocarboxylic acid derivatives, aminosulfonic acid derivatives, and salts of the derivatives (collectively referred to herein as "amino acid derivatives"), but do not include the aminocarboxylic acids, aminosulfonic acids, or their salts that are described above, and do not include polyols.

[0047] The treatment compositions of the disclosure comprise one or more osmolytes, preferably one or more organic osmolytes. In some embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise more than one osmolyte. While not intended to be a theory, it is believed that the use of osmolytes of the disclosure allows treated hair to maintain a moisture balance, thereby reducing potential damage to the hair, or to restore a moisture balance to already damaged hair, thereby allowing the treated hair to regain reduced strength and / or elasticity associated with healthy hair.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the useful osmolytes are chosen from carbohydrate sugars, polyamines, amino acid derivatives such as betaines, and more preferably are chosen from the compounds of formula (II) or their salts:

[0049] (Rl)(R2)(R3)m-A+-CR4R5-(X)nY (II)

[0050] in which:

[0051] - RI, R2 and R3 are independently chosen from C1-C4 alkyl groups, preferably C1-C2 alkyl groups, more preferably methyl;

[0052] - A is N or S;

[0053] - m and n are independently 0 or 1;

[0054] - X is a divalent alkyl group (= an alkylene group), linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH) or amino (-NH2); and

[0055] - Y is -COO- or -OSO3-;

[0056] provided that:

[0057] • when A is S, then m = 0 and R4 and R5 are chosen independently from a hydrogen atom or a saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic (C1-C10) hydrocarbon chain (including aromatic and polycyclic chains), preferably (C1-C6), more preferably (C1-C4); optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -N=, -NH- or -C(NH)- and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2;

[0058] • when A is N and m = 0, R4 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl (in C1-C8) saturated, linear or branched, preferably a (C1-C4) alkyl group; and R5 forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising from 5 to 8 ring members, preferably from 5 to 6 ring members, knowing that this cycle can be substituted by one or more groups chosen from hydroxyl or (C1-C4) alkyl; and

[0059] • when A is N and m = 1, then R4 and R5 are chosen independently from a hydrogen atom or a saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic hydrocarbon chain (including aromatic and polycyclic chains) (C1-C10), preferably (C1-C6), more preferably (C1-C4); optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -N=, -NH- or -C(NH)- and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2.

[0060] Useful and non-limiting polyamine compounds may comprise primary and / or secondary and / or tertiary and / or quaternary amine functional groups. For example, polyamines that may be selected include diamines, triamines, tetramines, pentamines, and polyamines or polymeric polyamines, such as, for example, hexamethylenediamine, diethylenetetramine, diethylenetriamine, polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyvinylamine, polyetheramine, polylysine, ethylenediamine, 1,3-diaminopropane, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, putrescine, tetraethylmethylenediamine, triethylenetetramine, or combinations of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, useful polyamines are selected from putrescine, spermidine, and / or spermine.

[0061] Useful and non-limiting examples of betaines include glycine betaine, valine betaine, alanine betaine, proline betaine, hydroxyproline betaine, etc. Salts of betaines may also be used and are expressly included in the term "betaine" unless otherwise expressly indicated. In particularly preferred embodiments, the betaines are selected from those corresponding to formula (II). Examples of useful compounds of formula (II) include the compounds shown in Figures 5A-5B. As shown in [Fig.5A], in certain embodiments, the compounds of formula (II) are in the zwitterionic form, and as shown in [Fig.5B], in certain embodiments, compounds of formula (II) have a corresponding counterion, X. The counterion is not limited and may be any suitable counterion, e.g., a chloride ion, a bromide ion, an iodide ion, a sulfate anion, a sulfonate anion, a methyl sulfate anion, a phosphate anion, a nitrate anion, etc. Thus, as used herein, a "compound of formula (II)" expressly includes both the ionic form of the compound as well as the salt forms, whether or not specified.

[0062] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, examples of useful compounds of formula (II) include betaine and betaine derivatives (referred to herein as "betaines"), for example, valine betaine, glutamic acid betaine, glutamine betaine, trimethyllysine, glycine betaine (trimethylglycine), histidine betaine, N-methylhistidine betaine, alanine betaine, beta-alanine betaine, choline sulfate, pipecolic acid betaine, proline betaine, hydroxyproline betaine, tyrosine betaine, phenylalanine betaine, tryptophan betaine, leucine betaine, isoleucine betaine and / or betaine sulfoniopropionate. dimethyl. In a preferred embodiment, the osmolyte is glycine betaine (trimethyl glycine), alone or in combination with one or more additional osmolytes, for example one or more additional compounds of formula (II).

[0063] In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions that can be used according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II). In additional preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise one or more compounds of formula (II) i.e. a zwitterionic amino acid derivative bearing a quaternary ammonium group and comprising in total from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0064] In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise at least one compound of formula (II) wherein R1 = R2 = methyl; A is N; and / or Y is COO-. In certain other preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise at least one compound of formula (II) wherein R3 is methyl. In other preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise at least one compound of formula (II) wherein X is a divalent, linear or branched, preferably saturated alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by a group selected from hydroxyl or amino.In still further preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise at least one compound of formula (II) wherein X is a divalent, linear or branched, preferably saturated alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 2 carbon atoms (no. substituted), such as methylene or ethylene. In other preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise at least one compound of formula (II) in which R4 and R5, which may be the same or different, are selected from a hydrogen atom, a saturated, linear or branched alkyl group (C1-C10), preferably (C1-C6 alkyl), more preferably (C1-C4 alkyl); a phenyl group; a benzyl group; an alkyl group substituted by a cyclic group (saturated or unsaturated, mono or bicyclic); a cyclic group (saturated or unsaturated, mono or bicyclic) substituted by an alkyl group; all these groups being optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -N=, -NH-, or -C(NH)- and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, -CONH2;more preferably where R4 is hydrogen and / or where R5 is a hydrogen atom or a saturated, linear or branched (C1-C6) alkyl, more preferably (C1-C4 alkyl); optionally substituted by a group selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -COOH or -C0NH2. In certain preferred embodiments, when A is N and m = 0, R5 forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising from 5 to 8 ring members, preferably from 5 to 6 ring members, optionally substituted by a hydroxy group. In other preferred embodiments, RI = R2 = methyl, A is N, Y is COO-, and X (if any) is a divalent alkyl group which may be straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 2 carbon atoms. ;

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment composition comprises at least one compound of formula (II) in which RI = R2 = R3 = methyl; A is N; Y is COO-; X is a divalent, linear or branched, preferably saturated alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by a group selected from hydroxyl or amino, more preferably from 1 to 2 carbon atoms (unsubstituted), such as methylene or ethylene; R4 is hydrogen; and R5 forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising from 5 to 8 ring members, preferably from 5 to 6 ring members, optionally substituted by a hydroxy group.

[0066] In preferred embodiments, the osmolyte in the treatment composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more of the compounds shown in Figures 5A-5B. In more preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise trimethylglycine (interchangeably referred to as glycine betaine), optionally in combination with at least one additional osmolyte, and in particularly preferred embodiments, the osmolyte in the treatment composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycine betaine optionally with at least one additional compound of formula (II).

[0067] Useful and non-limiting examples of carbohydrate sugars that may be used include C3-C6 monosaccharides, for example, pentoses and / or derivatives thereof, or hexoses and / or derivatives thereof. For example, the sugars may optionally be selected from xylose, arabinose, ribose, 2-deoxy-ribose, ribulose, deoxy-ribulose, arabinose, xylulose, allose, altrose, glucose (including dextrose), glucosamine, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, sorbose, psicose, fructose, tagatose, or combinations of two or more thereof. In at least some embodiments, the sugars are selected from disaccharides, e.g., sucrose (also saccharose), maltose, lactose, cellobiose, trehalose, dextran, or from polysaccharides, e.g., maltotriose, starch, dextrins, cellulose, glycogen, or combinations of two or more thereof.In some embodiments, the sugars are preferably selected from trehalose, glucose, sucrose, fructose, fructans or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0068] In various embodiments, the total amount of osmolytes present in the treatment composition may range from about 0.01% to about 15%, for example, from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.1% to about 9%, from about 0.1% to about 8%, from about 0.1% to about 7%, from about 0.1% to about 6%, from about 0.1% to about 5%, from about 0.1% to about 4%, from about 0.1% to about 3%, from about 0.1% to about 2%, from about 0.1% to about 1%, from about 0.5% to about 10%, from about 0.5% to about 9%, from about 0.5% to about 8%, from about 0.5% to about 7%, from about 0.5% to about 6%, from about 0.5% to about 5%, from about 0.5% to about 4%, from about 0.5% to about 3%, from about 0.5% to about 2%, from about 0.5% to about 1%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 1% to about 9%, from about 1% to about 8%, from about 1% to about 7%, from about 1% to about 6%, from about 1% to about 5%, from about 1% to about 4%,from about 1% to about 3%, from about 1% to about 2%, from about 1.5% to about 10%, from about 1.5% to about 9%, from about 1.5% to about 8%, from about 1.5% to about 7%, from about 1.5% to about 6%, from about 1.5% to about 5%, from about 1.5% to about 4%, from about 1.5% to about 3%, from about 1.5% to about 2%, from about 2% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 9%, from about 2% to about 8%, from about 2% to about 7%, from about 2% to about 6%, from about 2% to about 5%, from about 2% to about 4%, from about 2% to about 3%, from about 2.25% to about 10 %, from about 2.25% to about 9%, from about 2.25% to about 8%, from about 2.25% to about 7%, from about 2.25% to about 6%, from about 2.25% to about 5%, from about 2.25% to about 4%, %, from about 2.25% to about 3%, from about 2.5% to about 10%, from about 2.5% to about 9%, from about 2.5% to about 8%, from about 2.5% to about 7%, from about 2.5% to about 6%, from about 2.5% to about 5%, from about 2.5% to about 4%, from about 2.5% to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of osmolytes present in the treatment composition may be about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0069] In preferred embodiments, the treatment composition comprises at least one betaine, and the total amount of betaines ranges from about 0.5% to about 5%, for example from about 1% to about 5%, preferably from about 1.25% to about 4%, more preferably from about 1.5% to about 3.5%, more preferably from about 2% to about 3% or from about 2% to about 2.5%, more preferably from about 2.25% to about 2.75%, and most preferably from about 2.3% to about 2.6%, or may be from about 2.0%, from about 2.1%, from about 2.2%, from about 2.3%, from about 2.4%, from about 2.5%, from about 2.6%, from about 2.7%, from about 2.8%, from about 2.9%, or about 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0070] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the treatment composition comprises glycine betaine in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 5%, for example from about 1% to about 5%, preferably from about 1.25% to about 4%, more preferably from about 1.5% to about 3.5%, more preferably from about 2% to about 3% or from about 2% to about 2.5%, more preferably from about 2.25% to about 2.75%, and most preferably from about 2.3% to about 2.6%, or the glycine betaine may be present in an amount of about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, or about 2.7%, of about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0071] It may be advantageous, in certain embodiments, to choose the amounts of amino acids and osmolytes so as to obtain a weight ratio between the total amount of amino acid(s) and their salts in the treatment composition and the total amount of osmolytes in the treatment composition which is greater than about 0.1, for example, greater than about 0.2, greater than about 0.5, greater than about 1, greater than about 1.25, greater than about 1.5, greater than about 1.75, or greater than about 2. In various embodiments, the weight ratio of the total amount of amino acid(s) and their salts to the total amount of osmolytes may range from about 0.1 to about 10, for example, from about 0.2 to about 8, from about 0.5 to about 6, from about 1 to about 5, from about 1.2 to about 4, or from about 1.5 to about 3.5. In other embodiments, the weight ratio of the total amount of amino acid(s) and their salts to the total amount of osmolytes may range from greater than 1 to about 4, for example from about 1.25 to about 3.5, from about 1.5 to about 3, from about 1.75 to about 2.5, from about 1.75 to about 2.25, or from about 1.8 to about 2.2.For example, the weight ratio of the total amount of amino acid(s) in the treatment composition to the total amount of osmolytes in the treatment composition may be about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, or about 2.5, including all ranges and subranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0072] In some embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise a total amount of amino acids selected from compounds of formula (I), and a total amount of osmolytes selected from compounds of formula (II) such that a weight ratio of compounds of formula (I):compounds of formula (II) is greater than about 0.5, greater than about 0.75, or greater than about 1, for example, greater than about 1.25, greater than about 1.5, greater than about 1.75, or greater than about 2. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of compounds of formula (I) to compounds of formula (II) in the composition may range from about 0.5 to about 6, for example, from about 1 to about 4, from about 1.25 to about 3.5, from about 1.5 to about 3, from about 1.75 to about 2.5, from about 1.75 to about 2.25, or from about 1.8 to about 2.2.For example, the weight ratio of compounds of formula (I):compounds of formula (II) in the composition may be about 0.5, about 0.6, about 0.7, about 0.8, about 0.9, about 1, about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4 or about 2.5, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0073] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the treatment composition comprises arginine and glycine betaine and has a weight ratio of arginine to glycine betaine greater than 1, for example greater than about 1.25, greater than about 1.5, greater than about 1.75, or greater than about 2, for example, from greater than 1 to about 4, preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, more preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the treatment composition comprises arginine, serine and glycine betaine and has a weight ratio of the total amount of [arginine + serine] to glycine betaine greater than 1, for example greater than about 1.25, greater than about 1.5, greater than about 1.75, or greater than about 2, for example from greater than 1 to about 4, preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, more preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25. Carboxylic acids

[0074] Treatment compositions that may be used in methods according to the disclosure include at least one carboxylic acid. Optionally, the treatment compositions may comprise at least two carboxylic acids, at least three carboxylic acids, etc. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, useful carboxylic acids include organic compounds that include, for example, one (mono-), two (di-), three (tri-) or more acid functional groups and at least one carbon atom.

[0075] The carboxylic acids that may be used may optionally have a molecular weight of less than about 500 g / mol, less than about 400 g / mol, less than about 300 g / mol, or less than about 200 g / mol. In preferred embodiments, the carboxylic acids have a molecular weight of less than about 300 g / mol, or less than about 200 g / mol.

[0076] Salts of carboxylic acids may also be used and are expressly included in the term "carboxylic acid" unless expressly stated otherwise. Salts include salts with organic or inorganic bases, for example, alkali metal salts, such as lithium, sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, such as magnesium or calcium salts; and zinc salts. Alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts are preferred in certain embodiments, and in particular sodium salts.

[0077] In preferred embodiments, the carboxylic acids comprise from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, such as from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, from 3 to 16 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 14 carbon atoms. In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise one or more hydroxylated (poly)carboxylic acids comprising from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and may be saturated or unsaturated, and linear or branched, and / or a salt thereof. These (poly)acids are different compounds of the type of amino acids described above. Useful (poly)acids comprise at least one -COOH group (in acid or salified form); thus they may comprise a single -COOH group (monoacid) or may comprise more than one, for example two -COOH groups (in acid or salified form), or two or three -COOH groups (in acid or salified form) (polyacids). Useful (poly)acids also comprise at least one -OH group, such as one to three or two to three -OH groups, for example one, two or three -OH groups. Preferably, the (poly)acids comprise in total 2 to 8 or 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and two to three -OH groups, and their hydrocarbon chain is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, and preferably saturated and linear.In certain preferred embodiments, the hydroxylated (poly)carboxylic acids and / or their salts comprise a total of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, one to three -OH groups, and two to three -COOH groups (in acid or salt form). Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, the term "(poly)acid" includes both monoacids and polyacids.

[0078] Non-limiting examples of monocarboxylic acids that may be selected include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, lactic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof. In certain embodiments, the carboxylic acid may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of lactic acid and / or a salt thereof. .

[0079] Non-limiting examples of dicarboxylic acids that may be selected include oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, salts thereof, or combinations of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the treatment compositions may include oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, salts thereof, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0080] Non-limiting examples of tricarboxylic acids include citric acid, isocitric acid, aconitic acid, propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of citric acid and / or a salt thereof.

[0081] In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid(s) may be selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, lactic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments, the carboxylic acids are selected from α-hydroxy acids and their salts, and in particularly among lactic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid or citric acid, and their salts, in particular alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts. In certain embodiments, it may be particularly advantageous to choose citric acid, lactic acid and / or tartaric acid and / or their salts, in particular alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, such as sodium citrate and / or sodium tartrate; preferably citric acid and / or its salts, in particular alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, such as sodium citrate.

[0082] The total amount of carboxylic acid(s) may range from about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, the total amount of carboxylic acids ranges from about 1% to about 15%, including about 1% to about 12%, about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 9%, about 1% to about 8%, about 1% to about 7%, about 1% to about 6%, about 1% to about 5.5%, about 1% to about 5%, about 1% to about 4.5%, about 1% to about 4%, about 1% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3%, about 1% to about 2.5%, about 1% to about 2%, about 1% to about 1.5%, about 1.5% to about 15%, about 1.5% to about 12%, about 1.5% to about 10%, from about 1.5% to about 9%, from about 1.5% to about 8%, from about 1.5% to about 7%, from about 1.5% to about 6%, from about 1.5% to about 5.5%, from about 1,5% to about 5%, from about 1.5% to about 4.5%, from about 1.5% to about 4%, from about 1.5% to about 3.5%, from about 1.5% to about 3%, from about 1.5% to about 2.5%, from about 1.5% to about 2%, from about 2% to about 15%, from about 2% to about 12%, from about 2% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 9%, from about 2% to about 8%, from about 2% to about 7%, from about 2% to about 6%, from about 2% to about 5.5%, from about 2% to about 5%, from about 2% to about 4.5%, from about 2% to about 4%, from about 2% to about 3.5%, from about 2% to about 3 %, from about 2% to about 2.5%, from about 2.5% to about 15%, from about 2.5% to about 12%, from about 2.5% to about 10%, from about 2.5% to about 9%, from about 2.5% to about 8%, from about 2.5% to about 7%, from about 2.5% to about 6%, from about 2.5% to about 5.5%, from about 2.5% to about 5%, from about 2.5% to about 4.5%, from about 2.5% to about 4%, from about 2,5% to about 3.5%, from about 2.5% to about 3%, from about 3% to about 15%, from about 3% to about 12%, from about 3% to about 10%, from about 3% to about 9%, from about 3% to about 8%, from about 3% to about 7%, from about 3% to about 6%, from about 3% to about 5.5%, from about 3% to about 5%, from about 3% to about 4.5%, from about 3% to about 4%, from about 3% to about 3.5%, from about 3.5% to about 15%, , from about 3.5% to about 12%, from about 3.5% to about 10%, from about 3.5% to about 9%, from about 3.5% to about 8%, from about 3.5% to about 7%, from about 3.5% to about 6%, from about 3.5% to about 5.5%, from about 3.5% to about 5%, from about 3.5% to about 4.5%, from about 3.5% to about 4%, from about 4% to about 15%, from about 4% to about 12%, from about 4% to about 10%, from about 4% to about 9%, from about 4% to about 8%, from about 4% to about 7%, from about 4% to about 6%, from about 4% to about 5.5%, from about 4% to about 5%, from about 4% to about 4.5%, from about 4.5% to about 15%, from about 4.5% to about 12%, from about 4.5% to about 10%, from about 4.5% to about 9%, from about 4.5% to about 8%, from about 4.5% to about 7%, from about 4.5% to about 6%, from about 4.5% to about 5.5%, from about 4.5% to about 5%, from about 5% to about 15%, from about 5% to about 12%, from about 5% to about 10%,from about 5% to about 9%, from about 5% to about 8%, from about 5% to about 7%, from about 5% to about 6.5%, from about 5% to about 6%, from about 5% to about 5.5%, from about 5.5% to about 15%, from about 5.5% to about 12%, from about 5.5% to about 10%, from about 5.5% to about 9%, from about 5.5% to about 8%, from about 5.5% to about 7%, from about 5.5% to about 6.5%, from about 5.5% to about 6%, from about 6% to about 15%, from about 6% to about 12%, from about 6% to about 10%, from about 6% to about 9%, from about 6% to about 8%, from about 6% at about 7%, or from about 6% to about 6.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0083] In preferred embodiments, the total amount of carboxylic acid(s) ranges from about 0.5% to about 20%, for example from about 2% to about 15%, from about 4% to about 10%, from about 4.5% to about 8%, from about 5% to about 7%, from about 5.5% to about 6.5%, from about 5.7% to about 6.3%, or from about 5.8% to about 6.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.For example, in some preferred embodiments, the treatment composition comprises at least one carboxylic acid selected from citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, salts thereof, or combinations thereof, and has a total amount of carboxylic acids and salts ranging from about 0.5% to about 20%, such as from about 2% to about 15%, from about 4% to about 10%, preferably from about 4.5% to about 8%, more preferably from about 5% to about 7%, more preferably from about 5.5% to about 6.5%, more preferably from about 5.7% to about 6.3%, and most preferably from about 5.8% to about 6.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0084] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to select amounts of amino acids and carboxylic acids such that the treatment composition has a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids to the amount total amount of carboxylic acids greater than about 0.75. For example, in various embodiments, the treatment composition has a weight ratio of total amino acids to total carboxylic acids greater than about 0.8, e.g., greater than about 0.9, greater than about 1, greater than about 1.1, greater than about 1.2, greater than about 1.3, greater than about 1.4, or greater than about 1.5. In some embodiments, the treatment composition has a weight ratio of total amino acids to total carboxylic acids ranging from about 0.75 to about 2, e.g., from about 0.8 to about 1.5, from about 0.8 to about 1.35, or from about 0.8 to about 1.2.In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment composition comprises arginine and at least one carboxylic acid selected from citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, their salts, or combinations thereof, and has a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids and their salts to the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts ranging from about 0.75 to about 2, preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5, more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.35, and most preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.2. Solvents

[0085] Treatment compositions that may be used in methods according to the disclosure comprise at least one solvent. In various embodiments, the solvents may be selected from water, non-aqueous solvents, or a combination thereof.

[0086] In some embodiments, the solvent includes water. In some embodiments, the treatment composition comprises from about 50% to about 98% water, by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the treatment composition comprises water in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, for example from about 50% to about 90%, from about 55% to about 90%, from about 60% to about 90%, or from about 60% to about 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0087] In other embodiments, the solvent may comprise at least one non-aqueous solvent. Non-limiting examples of non-aqueous solvents that may be used include, for example, glycerin, C1-4 alcohols, organic solvents, fatty alcohols, fatty ethers, fatty esters, polyols, glycols, vegetable oils, mineral oils, liposomes, lamellar lipid materials, or combinations thereof. The non-aqueous solvent may be selected from organic solvents, for example, monoalcohols and polyols such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol, or glycols or glycol ethers such as, for example, ethers monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or its ethers such as, for example, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, as well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, for example, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether.

[0088] Preferably, the compositions comprise at least one polyol. The polyols may be selected from diols and triols. In other embodiments, the polyols may be selected from C2-C16 polyols, such as C2-C12 polyols, C2-C8 polyols or C3-C8 polyols. In various embodiments, the polyols that may be used are linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and substituted or unsubstituted polyols. Thus, in various embodiments, one or more polyols may be selected from C2-C16, C2-C12, C2-C8 or C3-C8 diols, or C2-C16, C2-C12, C2-C8 or C3-C8 triols, either of which may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and substituted or unsubstituted.

[0089] By way of non-limiting example, polyols such as isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol, or glycols or glycol ethers such as, for example, monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or its ethers such as, for example, monomethyl ether of propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, as well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, for example monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol, may be chosen.In some embodiments, the polyols may be selected from propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, trimethylolpropane, 2-butene-1,4-diol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, 5-hexene-1,2-diol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 4-methyl-1,2-pentanediol, or combinations of two or more thereof.In some preferred embodiments, the polyols are selected from glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, pentylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, glycerin, diglycerin and combinations of two or more thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the solvent comprises at least one polyol selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, propanediol, propylene carbonate, PPG-3 methyl ether, dimethyl isosorbide, . hexylene glycol, ethanol, glycerin, or combinations of two or more thereof. In at least some preferred embodiments, the solvent comprises water and at least one polyol, wherein the polyol(s) comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more C2-C16 diols and / or C2-C16 triols, e.g., C2-C8 diols and / or C2-C8 triols. In other preferred embodiments, the solvent comprises water and at least one polyol, wherein the polyol(s) comprises(comprise), consists essentially of, or consists of one or more glycols, for example propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol, and in particularly preferred embodiments, the solvent comprises water and at least one polyol, wherein the polyol(s) comprises(comprise), consists essentially of, or consists of dipropylene glycol.

[0090] If present, the total amount of non-aqueous solvents in the treatment composition may range from about 0.1% to about 20%, for example from about 1% to about 20%, from about 1.5% to about 15%, or from about 2% to about 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In certain preferred embodiments, the solvent comprises water and at least one non-aqueous solvent, preferably selected from polyols.In some embodiments, the treatment composition comprises water and at least one non-aqueous solvent, wherein the total amount of non-aqueous solvents ranges from about 0.5% to about 18%, preferably from about 1% to about 15%, more preferably from about 1.5% to about 12%, more preferably from about 2% to about 11%, and most preferably from about 3% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and optionally further wherein the non-aqueous solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, propanediol, propylene carbonate, PPG-3 methyl ether, dimethylisosorbide, hexylene glycol, ethanol, or mixtures of two or more thereof, preferably selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, or a mixture of two or more of these. Surfactants

[0091] Treatment compositions that may be used in methods according to the disclosure may optionally comprise at least one surfactant. For example, the treatment compositions may comprise one or more cationic and / or amphoteric surfactants and, in some embodiments, the compositions may comprise mixtures of surfactants having the same or different ionicities.

[0092] Although the treatment compositions may optionally include one or more anionic surfactants and / or nonionic surfactants, in at least In some embodiments, the compositions are free or substantially free of anionic surfactants and / or nonionic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, the compositions comprise less than about 3%, e.g., less than about 2.5%, less than about 2%, less than about 1.75%, less than about 1.5%, less than about 1.25%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.75%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.25%, less than about 0.2%, less than about 0.1%, less than about 0.05%, less than about 0.01%, or less than about 0.001% of anionic surfactants and / or nonionic surfactants.

[0093] In at least some embodiments, the treatment composition comprises at least one cationic surfactant. The term "cationic surfactant" refers to a surfactant that is positively charged when contained in the composition(s) according to the disclosure. This surfactant may carry one or more positive permanent charges or may contain one or more cationizable functionalities in the composition according to the disclosure. Non-limiting examples of useful cationic surfactants include brassicamidopropyldimethylamine, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, behenalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, lauralkonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, ceethylamine hydrofluoride, chlorallylmethenamine chloride (Quaternium-15), distearyldimonium chloride (Quaternium-5),dodecyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride (Quatemium-14), Quatemium-22, Quaternium-26, Quatemium-18 hectorite, dimethylaminoethyl chloride hydrochloride, cysteine ​​hydrochloride, diethanolammonium phosphate POE(10) oleyl ether, diethanolammonium phosphate POE(3) oleyl ether, tallow alkonium chloride, dimethyldioctadecylammoniumbentonite, stearalkonium chloride, domiphene bromide, denatonium benzoate, myristalkonium chloride, laurtrimonium chloride, ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, guanidine hydrochloride, pyridoxine HCl, iofetamine hydrochloride, meglumine hydrochloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, myrtrimonium bromide, oleyltrimonium chloride, polyquatemium-1, procaine hydrochloride, cocobetaine, stearalkonium bentonite, stearalkonium hectonite, stearyltrihydroxyethylpropylenediamine dihydrofluoride, sulfrimonium chloride,hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, stearamidopropyldimethylamine, or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one cationic surfactant selected from brassicamidopropyl dimethylamine, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0094] If present, the total amount of cationic surfactants may be up to about 10%, such as up to about 9%, up to about 8%, up to about 7%, up to about 6%, up to about 5%, up to about 4%, up to about 3.5%, up to about 3%, up to about 2.5%, up to about 2%, up to about 1.5%, up to about 1%, or up to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of cationic surfactants may be from about 0.001% to about 10%, from about 0.01% to about 8%, from about 0.1% to about 6%, or from about 0.5% to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.In at least some preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise at least one cationic surfactant, and have a total amount of cationic surfactants ranging from about 0.25% to about 8%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 7%, more preferably from about 0.75% to about 6%, and most preferably from about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0095] In at least some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one amphoteric surfactant. Non-limiting examples of useful amphoteric surfactants include secondary and tertiary aliphatic amine derivatives where the aliphatic radical may be a straight or branched chain and one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic group, such as a carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include sodium cocaminopropionate, sodium cocaminodipropionate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium cocoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, sodium cocoamphopropionate, sodium masamphopropionate, sodium lauraminopropionate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, sodium lauroamphopropionate, sodium masamphopropionate, sodium lauriminodipropionate,ammonium cocaminopropionate, ammonium cocaminodipropionate, ammonium cocoamphoacetate, ammonium cocoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, ammonium cocoamphopropionate, ammonium masamphopropionate, ammonium lauraminopropionate, ammonium lauroamphoacetate, ammonium lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, ammonium lauroamphopropionate, ammonium masamphopropionate, ammonium lauriminodipropionate, triethanolamine cocaminopropionate, triethanolamine cocaminodipropionate, triethanolamine cocoamphoacetate, triethanolamine cocoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, triethanolamine cocoamphopropionate, triethanolamine masamphopropionate, triethanolamine lauraminopropionate, triethanolamine lauroamphoacetate, , triethanolamine lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, triethanolamine lauroamphopropionate, triethanolamine maizeamphopropionate, triethanolamine lauriminodipropionate, cocoamphodipropionic acid, disodium caproamphodiacetate, disodium caproamphoadipropionate, disodium capryloamphodiacetate, disodium capryloamphodipriopionate, disodium cocoamphocarboxyethylhydroxypropylsulfonate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, disodium cocoamphodipropionate, disodium dicarboxyethylcocopropylenediamine, disodium laureth-5 carboxyamphodiacetate, disodium lauriminodipropionate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate, disodium lauroamphodipropionate, disodium oleoamphodipropionate, disodium PPG-2-isodecethyl-7 carboxyamphodiacetate, disodium acid lauraminopropionic acid, lauroamphodipropionic acid, laurylaminopropylglycine and lauryldiethylenediaminoglycine.

[0096] Betaine-based surfactants can also be used. For example, cocodimethylcarboxymethyl betaine, lauryldimethylcarboxymethyl betaine, lauryldimethylalphacarboxyethyl betaine, cetyldimethylcarboxymethyl betaine, cetyldimethyl betaine, laurylbis-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxymethyl betaine, stearylbis-(2-hydroxypropyl)carboxymethyl betaine, oleyldimethylgamma-carboxypropyl betaine, laurylbis-(2-hydroxypropyl)alpha-carboxyethyl betaine, cocodimethylsulfopropyl betaine, stearyldimethylsulfopropyl betaine, lauryldimethylsulfoethyl betaine, laurylbis-(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine or cocamidopropyl betaine may be selected.

[0097] If present, the total amount of amphoteric surfactants may be up to about 10%, such as up to about 9%, up to about 8%, up to about 7%, up to about 6%, up to about 5%, up to about 4%, up to about 3.5%, up to about 3%, up to about 2.5%, up to about 2%, up to about 1.5%, up to about 1%, or up to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of amphoteric surfactants may be from about 0.001% to about 6%, from about 0.01% to about 4%, from about 0.1% to about 3%, or from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In at least some embodiments, the treatment compositions are free or substantially free of amphoteric surfactants. Fatty compounds

[0098] Optionally, treatment compositions that may be used in methods according to the disclosure include at least one fatty compound. In some embodiments, the at least one fatty compound may be selected from lower alkanes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty alcohol esters, oils such as mineral, vegetable, animal, silicone and non-silicone oils, silicone and non-silicone waxes, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0099] In some embodiments, the treatment compositions include at least one fatty compound selected from volatile and non-volatile silicone oils, which may optionally be aminofunctionalized. Non-limiting examples of silicone oils that may be used include dimethicone, amodimethicone, cyclomethicone, polysilicone-11, phenyltrimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone, and stearoxytrimethylsilane.For example, the treatment composition may comprise at least one silicone selected from amodimethicone, PEG-7 dimethicone, PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG-9 dimethicone, PEG-10 dimethicone, PEG-12 dimethicone, PEG-14 dimethicone, PEG-17 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-3 / 10 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-4 / 12 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-17 / 18 dimethicone, cetyl PEG / PPG-10 / 1 dimethicone, PEG-8 dimethicone benzoate, PEG-7 dimethicone phosphate, PEG-8 dimethicone phosphate, PEG-10 dimethicone phosphate, or a mixture of two or more thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise a silicone oil that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of dimethicone, amodimethicone, or a mixture thereof.

[0100] As further examples, the silicone oil may be selected from polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), polydimethylsiloxanes comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups which are pendant and / or at the end of the silicone chain, which groups each contain from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, or phenyl silicones, such as phenyl trimethicones, phenyl dimethicones, phenyl(trimethylsiloxy)diphenylsiloxanes, diphenyl dimethicones, diphenyl(methyl)trisiloxanes or (2-phenylethyl)trimethyl-siloxysilicates.

[0101] In some embodiments, the treatment compositions include at least one fatty compound selected from fatty alcohols. In some embodiments, "fatty alcohol" refers to any alcohol with a carbon chain of C5 or more, such as, for example, C8 or more, C10 or more, or C12 or more, such as 6 to 30 carbon atoms or 8 to 30 carbon atoms. The fatty alcohols may be alkoxylated or unalkoxylated, saturated or unsaturated, and linear or branched.

[0102] For example, the fatty alcohols may be selected from arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, caprylic alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, coconut alcohol, decyl alcohol, hydrogenated tallow alcohol, jojoba alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, palm alcohol, palm kernel alcohol, stearyl alcohol, tallow alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, or combinations of two or more thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise a fatty alcohol component which comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof.

[0103] Useful and non-limiting fatty acids may be straight or branched chain acids and / or may be saturated or unsaturated. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids include dibasic, tribasic, and other multiple acids as well as salts of these fatty acids. For example, the fatty acid may optionally include or be selected from lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, arichidonic acid, oleic acid, isostearic acid, sebacic acid, or combinations thereof.

[0104] In some embodiments, fatty acid esters or fatty alcohol esters may be selected. Esters of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or polyacids and saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or polyalcohols, the total carbon number of the esters being more particularly greater than or equal to 10, may be used for example. In other embodiments, esters of C4-C22 dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and C1-C22 alcohols and esters of mono-, di- or tricarboxylic acids and C2-C26 di-, tri-, tetra- or pentahydroxyalcohols may also be used. By way of non-limiting examples, isostearyl lactate, lauryl lactate, linoleyl lactate, oleyl lactate, (iso)stearyl octanoate, isocetyl octanoate, octyl octanoate, cetyl octanoate, decyl oleate, isocetyl isostearate,isocetyl laurate, isocetyl stearate, isodecyl octanoate, isodecyl oleate, isononyl isononanoate, isostearyl palmitate, methylacetyl ricinoleate, myristyl stearate, octyl isononanoate, 2-ethylhexyl isononanoate, octyl palmitate, octyl pelargonate, octyl stearate, octyldodecyl erucate, oleyl erucate, ethyl and isopropyl palmitates, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-octyldecyl palmitate, alkyl myristates such as isopropyl myristate, butyl, cetyl, 2-octyldodecyl, myristyl or stearyl stearate, hexyl stearate, butyl stearate, isobutyl stearate, dioctyl malate, hexyl laurate, 2-hexyldecyl laurate, diethyl sebacate, diisopropyl sebacate, diisopropyl adipate, di-n-propyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, diisostearyl adipate, dioctyl maleate, glyceryl undecylenate,octyldodecyl stearoylstearate, pentaerythrityl monoricinoleate, pentaerythrityl tetraisononanoate, pentaerythrityl tetrapelargonate, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate, propylene glycol dicaprylate, propylene glycol dicaprate, tridecyl erucate, triisopropyl citrate, triisostearyl citrate, glyceryl trilactate, glyceryl trioctanoate, citrate, trioctyldodecyl, trioleyl citrate, propylene glycol dioctanoate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, diethylene glycol diisononanoate, and / or polyethylene glycol distearates may be selected. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least one fatty acid ester and / or fatty alcohol ester, for example pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate.

[0105] In some embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise at least one wax. Non-limiting examples of waxes that may be used include beeswax, hydrogenated olive alkyl esters, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, ouricury wax, Japan wax, cork fiber wax or sugarcane wax, rice wax, rice bran wax, montan wax, paraffin wax, lignite wax or microcrystalline wax, ceresin or ozokerite, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides / palm glycerides, palm butter, sumac wax, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax, theobroma grandiflorum seed butter, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, siliconyl candelilla wax, China wax, cetyl palmitate, lanolin, shellac, spermaceti, cetyl esters, hydrogenated castor wax;triglyceride esters such as tribehenin (glyceryl tribehenate); synthetic waxes such as hydrocarbon waxes and polyethylene waxes obtained by the polymerization or copolymerization of ethylene, polypropylene waxes, or mixtures of two or more of any of these waxes. In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise a wax component that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of cetyl esters.;

[0106] In some embodiments, the treatment composition comprises one or more fatty compounds selected from oils of animal, vegetable or mineral origin (e.g., lanolin, squalene, fish oil, perhydrosqualene, mink oil, turtle oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, peanut oil, sweet almond oil, palm oil, cucumber oil, hazelnut oil, apricot kernel oil, wheat germ oil, calophyllum oil, macadamia oil, coconut oil, cereal germ oil, bancoul nut oil, thistle oil, candelilla oil, safflower oil, safflower oil or shea butter), linear or branched hydrocarbons (e.g., polybutene, hydrogenated polyisobutene, polyisoprene, polydecenes such as hydrogenated polydecene,and / or linear, branched and / or cyclic alkanes which are optionally volatile, such as, for example, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane or isohexadecane), optionally branched and / or unsaturated fatty acids (for example, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid or isostearic acid), fatty alcohols other than those described above (e.g., alkoxylated fatty alcohols), mono- and / or polyesters of fatty acids and / or fatty alcohols (e.g., mono- and polyesters of hydroxy acids and fatty alcohols, benzoic acid esters of fatty alcohols, polyol polyesters, C5-C9 dipentaerythrityl esters, trimethylolpropane polyesters, propylene glycol polyesters or hydrogenated castor oil polyesters), perfluorinated and / or organofluorinated oils, fluorosilicone oils, or mixtures of two or more of these. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids that may be used include optionally branched and / or unsaturated fatty acids such as myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, isostearic acid, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0107] If present, the total amount of fatty compounds in the treatment composition may range from about 0.1% to about 20%, for example from about 1% to about 20%, from about 2% to about 15%, from about 3% to about 12%, or from about 5% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In certain preferred embodiments, the treatment compositions comprise at least one fatty compound selected from silicone oils, fatty alcohols, waxes, or combinations thereof, wherein the total amount of fatty compounds in the composition ranges from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 2% to about 15%, more preferably from about 3% to about 12%, and most preferably from about 5% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Thickening agents

[0108] Treatment compositions that may be used in methods according to the disclosure optionally comprise at least one thickening agent. Useful thickening agents include, but are not limited to, semi-synthetic polymers, such as semi-synthetic cellulose derivatives, synthetic polymers, such as carbomers, poloxamers, and acrylate / beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymers, acrylate copolymers, polyethyleneimines (e.g., PEL10), natural polymers, such as acacia, tragacanth, alginates (e.g., sodium alginate), carrageenan, vegetable gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum, petroleum jelly, waxes, related particulate colloids, such as bentonite, colloidal silicon dioxide, and microcrystalline cellulose, celluloses such as hydroethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose, and guars such as hydroxypropyl guar.

[0109] In some embodiments, the thickening agent may be selected from associative thickening polymers such as anionic associative polymers, amphoteric associative polymers, cationic associative polymers or nonionic associative polymers. A non-limiting example of an amphoteric associative polymer is acrylates / beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, and non-limiting examples of anionic associative polymers include acrylates copolymer and acrylates-4 crosslinked polymer.

[0110] If present, the total amount of thickening agents may range from about 0.01% to about 8%, for example from about 0.05% to about 5%, from about 0.1% to about 4%, from about 0.2% to about 3%, or from about 0.3% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Auxiliary components

[0111] Treatment compositions that may be used in methods according to the disclosure may optionally include one or more auxiliary components. Non-limiting examples include preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters, salts, antioxidants, vitamins, vitamin derivatives, ceramides, botanical extracts, proteins, protein hydrolysates, protein isolates, hydrotropes, pearlescent agents, buffers, sequestering agents, and the like.

[0112] The total amount of auxiliary components, if present, is generally between about 0.01% and about 10% of the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, the individual amounts of each component or the total amount of components may range from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.1% to about 8%, from about 0.1% to about 5%, from about 0.1% to about 4%, from about 0.1% to about 3%, from about 0.1% to about 2%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 1% to about 8%, from about 1% to about 5%, from about 1% to about 4%, from about 1% to about 3%, or from about 1% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0113] The treatment compositions that may be used in the methods of the disclosure typically have a pH of less than or equal to 7, such as about 6 or less, about 5 or less, about 4.5 or less than or equal to about 4. For example, the treatment compositions may have a pH of from about 1 to about 7, for example, about 2 to about 6, about 2.5 to about 5.5, about 2.5 to about 5, about 2.5 to about 4.5, or about 3 to about 4. In some embodiments, the pH of the treatment composition may be, for example, about 3, about 3.25, about 3.5, about 3.75, or about 4, including all ranges and subranges thereof.

[0114] The treatment compositions may be in any suitable form. For example, the treatment compositions may be a liquid, a gel, a cream-gel, a high, medium or low density cream, a serum, a lotion, etc. II. PROCESSES

[0115] The disclosure relates to methods of treating keratin fibers, such as hair, with treatment compositions according to the disclosure in association with hair care routines. The methods of treating hair may be methods of reducing or preventing hair damage and / or breakage, protecting hair from damage and / or breakage, restoring the hygroscopic balance of hair fibers, providing strength to hair fibers, improving the elasticity of hair fibers, and / or maintaining the hygroscopic balance, strength, and / or elasticity of hair fibers. In some embodiments, the methods of treating hair prevent hair damage from becoming too severe to repair, i.e., prevent irreversible hair damage.Surprisingly, hair treated in accordance with the methods and routines disclosed herein exhibits less damage, less breakage, lower elasticity and / or higher tensile strength than similarly damaged hair not treated in accordance with the disclosure.

[0116] The methods comprise applying a treatment composition according to the disclosure to the hair, optionally leaving the composition on the hair for a period ("treatment time", "rest period" or "lay-in period"), and optionally rinsing the hair to remove the composition, before, simultaneously with and / or after applying a hair care composition to the hair.

[0117] The period of time the treatment composition is left on the hair may be any period deemed appropriate to allow the active agents to provide benefits to the keratin fibers, such as about 30 seconds, about 1 minute, about 2 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, etc., or may vary by a period of time using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.By way of non-limiting example, the exposure period may range from about 30 seconds to about 60 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 45 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 20 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 45 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 20 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 60 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 45 minutes, from about 2 minutes to . about 30 minutes, about 2 minutes to about 20 minutes, about 2 minutes to about 15 minutes, about 2 minutes to about 10 minutes, about 2 minutes to about 5 minutes, etc.

[0118] Although not required, various methods and routines according to the disclosure may also include a step of heating hair to which a treatment composition according to the disclosure has been applied, for example during the application period while the composition is on the hair. For example, a hair dryer, a hair dryer hood, etc., may be used.

[0119] Hair care compositions that may be used in the methods and routines of the disclosure are those commonly used in hair care routines, such as a shampoo, a rinse-out conditioner, a hair mask, a hair rinse, a treatment oil or serum, or the like. It is to be understood that the types of hair treatment compositions used in the methods and routines of the disclosure may vary and are not intended to be limited.

[0120] In general, shampoos are liquid, gel or cream formulations capable of cleansing both the hair and the scalp. Shampoo compositions are generally water-based and contain cleansing surfactants such as anionic (e.g., alkyl sulfates or alkyl ether sulfates) and amphoteric (e.g., betaine derivatives) surfactants. Shampoos may also contain other components such as cationic surfactants, conditioning polymers, thickeners, shine enhancers, lather boosters, moisturizers, vitamins, actives such as anti-dandruff or anti-parasitic agents, etc. Shampoos may be conditioning or 2-in-1 shampoos, volumizing shampoos, curl revitalizing shampoos, treatment shampoos (e.g., anti-dandruff shampoos, shampoos for removing excess sebum, etc.), or professional shampoos used in a salon that are targeted for certain hair types or hair that has undergone certain treatments such as a perm, straightening, etc.

[0121] Conditioners, which may be rinse-out or leave-in compositions, tend to be in the form of a cream, emulsion, or gel-emulsion. Typically, a rinse-out conditioner is applied to the hair immediately before and / or after shampooing, left on the hair for a period that is typically less than about 30 minutes, such as less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, or less than about 5 minutes, and then rinsed from the hair. These compositions generally include cationic surfactants (e.g., fatty amines or quaternary ammonium compounds) and often include additional conditioning agents such as oils. silicone or silicone derivatives, natural proteins or oils such as silk proteins or vegetable oils, ceramides, film-forming polymers, etc., and usually also include additional components, such as thickeners, vitamins, water, etc.

[0122] Leave-in conditioners (also called hair masks or masks) include many of the same components as rinse-out conditioners, but usually in varying amounts. A leave-in conditioner can also be applied to the hair after or before a hair shampooing step, but it is usually left on the hair for several hours, such as overnight or until the hair is subsequently shampooed as part of ordinary hygiene. In some cases, the hair may be heated, such as with a hair dryer, hood dryer, etc., while the mask is on the hair.

[0123] A hair rinse is a composition that can lightly cleanse the hair or can provide specific benefits to the hair after shampooing, such as ease of detangling, increased shine, or restoration of the hair's pH. Hair rinse compositions are typically in the form of a water-based liquid having a lower viscosity than a shampoo or conditioner.

[0124] Hair treatment oils or serums are generally water-free products based on silicone oils or vegetable oils, for example, argan oil. The oily or serum composition may be applied to the hair after or before a hair shampooing step, and is generally left on the hair for several hours, for example, overnight or until the hair is subsequently shampooed as part of ordinary hygiene. In some cases, the hair may be heated, for example, with a hair dryer, hair dryer hood, etc., while the oil or serum is on the hair.

[0125] Thus, the methods and routines according to the disclosure include a step (1) of applying a treatment composition according to the disclosure to the hair, optionally leaving the treatment composition on the hair for a setting period, and optionally rinsing the hair to remove the treatment composition therefrom, before, simultaneously with, and / or after a step (2) of applying a hair care composition such as a shampoo, a rinse-out conditioner, a hair mask, a hair rinse, a treatment oil or serum, or the like to the hair, optionally leaving the hair care composition on the hair for a setting period, and optionally rinsing the hair care composition from the hair. Steps (1) and / or (2) may be repeated one or more times, without limitation of their order. For example, a method may comprise (1) applying a treatment composition, followed by (2) applying a hair care composition, followed by (1A) applying a second treatment composition which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition, or (2A) applying a second hair care composition which may be the same as or different from the first hair care composition, and so on, optionally with rinsing the hair between one or more steps.As another example, a method may comprise (2) applying a hair care composition, followed by (1) applying a treatment composition, followed by either (1A) applying a second treatment composition which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition, or (2A) applying a second hair care composition which may be the same as or different from the first hair care composition, and so on, optionally with rinsing the hair between one or more steps.As yet another example, a method may comprise (1) applying a treatment composition, followed by (1A) applying a second treatment composition which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition, followed by (2) applying a hair care composition, followed by (2A) applying a second hair care composition which may be the same as or different from the first hair care composition, and so on, optionally with rinsing the hair between one or more steps. It is also contemplated that different steps (e.g., step (1) and step (2)) may occur concurrently. It is therefore to be understood that the method is not limited by the order or number of steps.

[0126] The methods and routines may, in various embodiments, be directed to reducing or preventing hair damage and / or breakage, protecting hair from damage and / or breakage, restoring moisture balance to hair fibers, providing strength to hair fibers, improving elasticity to hair fibers, and / or maintaining moisture balance, strength, and / or elasticity to hair fibers.

[0127] The period of time between steps, which is also referred to herein as a "mid-treatment break time" or simply a "break time," is generally less than about 24 hours, preferably less than about 12 hours, less than about 8 hours, or less than about 4 hours, although in at least some embodiments, the second application may immediately or substantially immediately follow the first application, with or without an intervening rinse. For example, the break time may range from about 5 minutes to about 3 hours, such as from about 5 minutes to about 2 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 1.5 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, from about 5 minutes to about 45 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 3 hours, about 10 minutes to about 2 hours, about 10 minutes to about 1.5 hours, about 10 minutes to about 1 hour, about 10 minutes to about 45 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 20 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 3 hours, about 15 minutes to about 2 hours, about 15 minutes to about 1.5 hours, about 15 minutes to about 1 hour, about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes, about 15 minutes about 30 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 20 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 3 hours, about 20 minutes to about 2 hours, about 20 minutes to about 1.5 hours, about 20 minutes to about 1 hour,from about 20 minutes to about 45 minutes, from about 20 minutes to about 30 minutes, from about 30 minutes to about 3 hours, from about 30 minutes to about 2 hours, from about 30 minutes to about 1.5 hours, from about 30 minutes to about 1 hour, or from about 30 minutes to about 45 minutes. In preferred embodiments, the break time is no longer than about 2 hours, preferably no longer than about 1.5 hours.

[0128] It will be understood, however, that the application of treatment compositions and hair care compositions will be considered by those skilled in the art to be part of the same hair care routine. The duration of the pause may therefore vary depending on the specific hair care routine. For example, a routine that includes shampooing the hair and optionally conditioning the hair may include a step of applying a treatment composition to the hair within a few minutes of shampooing and optionally conditioning, for example, while the hair is still wet or damp, whereas a routine that includes treating the hair with a deep conditioning mask or oil may include a step of applying a treatment composition to the hair about 12 hours, about 10 hours, about 8 hours, about 6 hours, etc., after applying the mask or oil to the hair, for example once the deep conditioning effects of the mask or oil are achieved.

[0129] If a hair care composition is left on the hair in connection with the methods and routines described herein, such a hair care composition may generally be left on the hair during hair care routines for any period of time, such as a few minutes, up to an hour, a few hours, overnight, etc. Thus, a leave-on period for a hair care composition may be from about 1 minute, about 2 minutes, or from about 5 minutes up to about 24 hours, such as up to about 12 hours, up to about 10 hours, up to about 8 hours, up to about 6 hours, up to about 4 hours, up to about 3 hours, up to about 2 hours, up to about 1 hour, or up to about 30 minutes. For example, the leave-on periods of the hair care compositions used in the methods and routines of the disclosure may range from about 1 minute to about 12 hours, from about 1 minute to about 8 hours, from about 1 minute to about 4 hours, from about 1 minute to about 2 hours, from about 1 minute to about 1 hour, from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 12 hours, from about 2 minutes to about 8 hours, from about 2 minutes to about 4 hours, from about 2 minutes to about 2 hours, from about 2 minutes to about 1 hour, from about 2 minutes to about 30 minutes, from about 5 minutes to about 12 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 8 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 4 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 2 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, etc.

[0130] The methods and routines described herein contemplate applying a treatment composition according to the disclosure to the hair before, simultaneously with, and / or after applying a hair care composition to the hair. Thus, the methods encompass routines in which a treatment composition is applied to the hair, the hair is rinsed, and a hair care composition is subsequently applied to the hair. The methods also include routines in which a treatment composition is applied to the hair, the hair is not rinsed, and a hair care composition is subsequently applied to the hair. The methods further encompass routines in which a hair care composition is applied to the hair, the hair is rinsed, and a treatment composition according to the disclosure is subsequently applied to the hair.The methods also include routines in which a hair care composition is applied to the hair, the hair is not rinsed, and a treatment composition according to the disclosure is then applied to the hair. It is to be understood that applying a treatment composition to the hair simultaneously with a hair care composition can include any manner of simultaneously applying or treating the hair with both the treatment composition and the hair care composition simultaneously.For example, dual application of a hair care composition and a treatment composition to the hair, such as with a device configured to dispense two compositions at once, mixing a hair care composition and a treatment composition prior to applying the mixture to the hair, and applying a treatment composition to hair to which a hair care composition has been applied and from which it has not been removed, are all intended to be considered simultaneous treatment of the hair.

[0131] By way of non-limiting example, the methods and routines according to the disclosure may include (1) applying a treatment composition according to the disclosure to hair to repair hair that has been previously damaged by chemical treatment, maintain or improve the general health and appearance of the hair, maintain or improve the elasticity of the hair fibers, etc., leaving the treatment composition on the hair for an appropriate processing time, optionally heating the hair, and optionally rinsing the hair, and then (2) shampooing the hair using a conventional shampooing and / or hair conditioning composition using a conventional hair conditioning composition.As another example, (1) the hair may be shampooed using a conventional shampoo composition, rinsed, optionally conditioned, e.g., by applying a rinse-out conditioner, leaving the conditioner on the hair for a period of about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, optionally rinsing the hair, and (2) applying a treatment composition according to the disclosure to the hair to repair hair that has been previously damaged by chemical treatment, maintain or improve the overall health and appearance of the hair, maintain or improve the elasticity of the hair fibers, etc., optionally heating the hair, and optionally rinsing the hair. Optionally, a dwell time may be observed between steps (1) and (2).

[0132] As yet another example, the methods and routines according to the disclosure may comprise (1) applying a treatment composition to the hair, leaving the treatment composition on the hair for a suitable period of time, optionally heating the hair, and optionally rinsing the hair, (2) shampooing the hair using a conventional shampooing and / or hair conditioning composition using a conventional hair conditioning composition, and (3) applying a treatment composition to the hair, leaving the treatment composition on the hair for a suitable period of time, optionally heating the hair, and optionally rinsing the hair. Optionally, a dwell time may be observed between steps (1) and (2) and / or between steps (2) and (3).In embodiments where a treatment composition according to the disclosure is applied to hair more than once during a hair care routine, the first and second treatment compositions may be the same or different, i.e., the compositions may have the same components and amounts thereof, or may differ in the types of components present and / or their amounts.

[0133] An exemplary routine may include applying a treatment composition to wet, damp, or dry hair; leaving the composition treatment on the hair, for example for a period of time ranging from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; optionally rinsing the hair; shampooing the hair with a conventional shampooing composition; rinsing the hair; and optionally conditioning the hair with a conventional hair conditioning composition. This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by a further application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition.Another exemplary routine may include applying a treatment composition to wet, damp, or dry hair; leaving the treatment composition on the hair, for example, for a period of time ranging from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; optionally rinsing the hair; after a leave-in time ranging from about 5 minutes to about 3 hours, such as about 5 minutes to about 2 hours, about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, or about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, shampooing the hair with a conventional shampooing composition; rinsing the hair; and optionally conditioning the hair with a conventional hair conditioning composition.This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by another application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition.

[0134] Another exemplary routine may include shampooing the hair with a conventional shampooing composition and / or conditioning the hair using a conventional hair conditioning composition; optionally rinsing the hair; applying a treatment composition to the hair; leaving the treatment composition on the hair, for example, for a period of time ranging from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; and rinsing the hair. This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by another application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition.Yet another exemplary routine may include shampooing the hair with a conventional shampoo composition and / or conditioning the hair using a conventional hair conditioning composition; rinsing the hair; after a leave-on time of from about 5 minutes to about 3 hours, such as about 5 minutes to about 2 hours, about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, or about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, applying a treatment composition to the hair; leaving the treatment composition on the hair, e.g. example for a period of time ranging from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; and rinsing the hair. This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by a further application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition.

[0135] Yet another exemplary routine may include shampooing the hair with a conventional shampoo composition; optionally rinsing the hair; applying a rinse-in or leave-in conditioner to the hair; optionally rinsing the hair; applying a treatment composition to the hair; leaving the treatment composition on the hair, for example, for a period of time ranging from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; and rinsing the hair. This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by another application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition.Yet another exemplary routine may include shampooing the hair with a conventional shampoo composition; rinsing the hair; applying a rinse-in or leave-in conditioner to the hair; rinsing the hair; after a leave-in time ranging from about 5 minutes to about 3 hours, such as about 5 minutes to about 2 hours, about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, or about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, applying a treatment composition to the hair; leaving the treatment composition on the hair, for example, for a period ranging from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; and rinsing the hair. This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by another application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition.

[0136] Another exemplary routine may include applying a treatment composition to wet, damp, or dry hair; leaving the treatment composition on the hair, for example, for a period of from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; optionally rinsing the hair; applying a hair mask or hair treatment oil to the hair; optionally heating the hair; and optionally rinsing the hair after an optional leave-in period of the hair mask or oil, for example, about 8 hours. This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by another application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition. Yet another Another exemplary routine may further comprise applying a treatment composition to wet, damp, or dry hair; leaving the treatment composition on the hair, for example, for a period of from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; optionally rinsing the hair; after a leave-on time of from about 5 minutes to about 3 hours, such as from about 5 minutes to about 2 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, applying a hair mask or hair treatment oil to the hair; optionally heating the hair; and optionally rinsing the hair after an optional drying time period of the hair mask or oil, for example, about 8 hours.This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by another application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition.

[0137] Yet another exemplary routine may include applying a hair mask or hair treatment oil to the hair; optionally heating the hair; optionally rinsing the hair after an optional leave-on period of the hair mask or oil, e.g., about 8 hours; applying a treatment composition to the hair; leaving the treatment composition on the hair, e.g., for a period of from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; and rinsing the hair. This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by another application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition.Yet another exemplary routine may include applying a hair mask or hair treatment oil to the hair; optionally heating the hair; optionally rinsing the hair after an optional leave-on period of the hair mask or oil, e.g., about 8 hours; after a leave-on time of from about 5 minutes to about 3 hours, such as from about 5 minutes to about 2 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, applying a treatment composition to the hair; leaving the treatment composition on the hair, e.g., for a period of from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes; optionally heating the hair; and rinsing the hair.This exemplary routine may optionally be followed by another application of a treatment composition according to the disclosure, which may be the same as or different from the first treatment composition.

[0138] It will therefore be apparent that various hair treatment routines according to the disclosure may be implemented in connection with various hair care routines. One skilled in the art will be able to select hair care compositions and routines in association with the hair care compositions and routines described herein, in order to treat the hair.

[0139] As used herein, if a component is described as being present "in an amount less than or equal to" a certain amount, it is intended that such component is in fact present in the composition, i.e., is present in an amount greater than 0%.

[0140] All quantities stated herein are relative to the amount of active ingredient unless otherwise stated.

[0141] All percentages, parts and ratios herein are based on the total weight of the compositions of the present disclosure, unless otherwise indicated.

[0142] In this application, the terms "keratin fibers" and "hair" are used interchangeably, without the intention of being limiting. Those skilled in the art will understand that keratin fibers include hair, such as hair growing from the scalp.

[0143] As used herein, the term "applying a composition to the hair," and variations thereof, is intended to mean contacting the hair with at least one of the compositions of the disclosure in any manner. It may also mean contacting the hair in an effective amount.

[0144] The term "treating the hair" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein refers to applying the compositions of the present disclosure to the surface of the hair. The expression "treating the hair" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein also refers to contacting the hair with the compositions of the present disclosure.

[0145] The term "hair care" as used herein refers to compositions and methods for caring for the overall hygiene and health of hair, such as shampooing and / or conditioning the hair. By "conditioning" is meant compositions and methods that improve the feel, smoothness, manageability, etc. of the hair, generally by coating it with conditioning agents. Hair care is not intended to include styling the hair or chemically treating the hair such as with a hair dye composition, a permanent waving composition, a straightening composition, etc. EXAMPLES

[0146] The following examples are intended to be non-limiting and explanatory in nature only. In the Examples, unless otherwise indicated, quantities are expressed as a percentage by weight (% by weight) of active ingredients, relative to the total weight of the composition. Example 1 - Treatment compositions

[0147] Compositions 1A-1G, which can be used in methods and routines according to the disclosure, were prepared as shown in Table 1. The pH of each of compositions 1A-1G was about 3.5.

[0148] [Table 1]

[0149] [Tables 1] IA IB IC 1D 1E 1F IG Aminobasic acid(s) 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 2.0 Glycine betaine 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Citric acid and / or lactic acid 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 4.1 Neutral amino acid(s) 0.5 Preservative(s) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Solvents (water and / or non-aqueous solvents) QS QS QS QS QS QS QS

[0150] The compositions contained a synergistic combination of components: carboxylic acids (citric and / or lactic acid), osmolytes (glycine betaine) and amino acids (arginine and / or serine).

[0151] Example 2 - Assessment of damage repair

[0152] In order to evaluate the ability of the methods according to the disclosure to minimize, prevent or repair hair damage, the following studies were conducted. Example 2A#- Ultra-bleached hair

[0153] Eight strands (S1-S8) of virgin Caucasian hair were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with a commercial oxidizing composition (40V hydrogen peroxide) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of about 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and then seven of the strands (S1-S7) were subjected to the following treatment routines (strand S8 did not undergo any treatment after rinsing the bleaching composition from the hair).

[0154] The SI strand was cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the

[0155]

[0156]

[0157]

[0158]

[0159]

[0160] shampoo, leaving it on the strand for a period of about one minute, then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately after, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, it was left to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days. Strands S2-S7 were each cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all of the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. Immediately thereafter, one of the compositions 1A-1F (Table 2A) was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days. [Table 2] TABLE 2A IA IB IC 1D 1E 1F Wick S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 The integrity of the hair fibers in each of the S1-S8 strands was studied after the first and fifth days. Elasticity was assessed to determine whether the hair fibers stretched, and if so, whether they returned to their original state (lower elasticity, i.e., healthy), whether the fibers stretched easily and remained stretched (higher elasticity, i.e., damaged), or whether the hair fibers broke during testing. The evaluation was performed by stretching a standardized amount of wet hair fibers, with two experts independently evaluating each strand. The experts were trained to stretch the area of ​​the strand being evaluated by uniformly applying manual pulling force using their hands / fingers. The strand behavior was ranked by each expert according to a 6-level scale as follows, with the result reported for each sample being the average of the two: 0 = Natural, healthy hair (no damage);

[0161] 1 = low elasticity (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit a slight elasticity, returning to their initial state after testing);

[0162] 2 = moderate elasticity (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit a elasticity, returning to their initial state after the test);

[0163] 3 = High elasticity (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit elasticity and some hair fibers do not return to their initial state after testing);

[0164] 4 = Very high elasticity (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit elasticity and most hair fibers do not return to their original state after testing); and

[0165] 5 = Immediate breakage (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit a high elasticity and break during testing).

[0166] The results showed that the hair fibers of strands S2-S7, treated with one of the compositions 1A-1F, surprisingly exhibited lower elasticity than the fibers of strands SI or S8 both after day 1 ([Fig.lA]) and day 5 ([Fig.lB]). In other words, the hair of strands SI and S8 were damaged by the aggressive bleaching process, resulting in increased elasticity, while the damage to strands S2-S7 had been repaired by treatment with one of the compositions 1A-1F. Example 2B# - Straightened and ultra-bleached hair

[0167] Eight strands (S9-S16) of Caucasian hair that had been previously straightened using formaldehyde were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with a commercial oxidizing composition (hydrogen peroxide 40V) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleach powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of about 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and then seven of the strands (S9-S15) were subjected to the following treatment routines.

[0168] The S9 strand was cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all of the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair. The treatment was repeated a second time. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days.

[0169]

[0170]

[0171]

[0172]

[0173]

[0174]

[0175]

[0176] Strands S10-S15 were each cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all of the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, one of the compositions 1A-1F (Table 2B) was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioner composition was applied and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly.A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five . days. [Table 3] TABLE 2B IA IB IC 1D 1E 1F Wick S10 SU S12 S13 S14 S15 The integrity of the hair fibers of each of the strands S9-S16 was investigated in the same manner as described in Example 2A. The results showed that the hair fibers of the strands S10-S15, treated with one of the compositions 1A-1F, surprisingly exhibited lower elasticity than the fibers of the strands S9 or S16 both after day 1 ([Fig.2A]) and day 5 ([Fig.2B]). Examples 2A-2B demonstrate that treating hair that has been damaged by harsh chemical processes with compositions that can be used in treatment methods and routines according to the disclosure surprisingly repairs the damage, leaving the hair less elastic than without treatment. Example 3 - Treatment Compositions Compositions 2A-2E, which can be used in methods and routines according to the disclosure, were prepared as shown in Table 3. [Table 4] [Tables 3] 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E Aminobasic acid(s) 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Glycine betaine 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Citric acid 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 Silicone oil(s) (dimethicone and / or amodimethicone) 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 1.0 Fatty alcohol(s) (stearyl alcohol and / or cetearyl alcohol) 4.5 4.5 6.0 5.0 6.0 Cetyl esters 1.0 Cationic surfactant(s) (cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride and / or stearamidopropyl dimethylamine) 1.6 1.6 1.6 2.5 1.6 Cocamidopropyl betaine 1.1 1.1 1.1 0.2 Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.8 1.0 1.5 1.5 0.4 Auxiliary component(s) (pH regulators, preservatives, vitamins, extracts) <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 Solvents (water and non-aqueous solvents) QS QS QS QS QS Measured pH 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 4.0

[0177] The compositions contained a synergistic combination of components: carboxylic acids (citric acid), osmolytes (glycine betaine) and amino acids (arginine).

[0178] Example 4 - Assessment of damage repair

[0179] In order to evaluate the ability of the methods according to the disclosure to minimize, prevent or repair hair damage, the following studies were conducted.

[0180] A comparative product, Cl, had the following list of ingredients on the packaging: Water (Aqua / Eau), Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Quaternium-91, Sodium Benzoate, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-37, Benzyl Benzoate, Etidronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Phytantriol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Barena Alobadenium, Jujonja, Jusenja (China) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.Composition Cl, which is described as a "pre-shampoo hair treatment that reduces breakage and split ends for visibly healthier hair," is advertised as part of a system that claims it can "restore broken disulfide bonds damaged by chemical treatments, heat, and styling." The instructions for Composition Cl are . to use the product before using the shampoo (“Cl-S”) and conditioner (“Cl-C”) that are part of this system, both of which include bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate as the indicated active agent.

[0181] Example 4A - Ultra-bleached hair: Elasticity and resistance

[0182] Five strands (S17-S21) of virgin Caucasian hair were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with a commercial oxidizing composition (40V hydrogen peroxide) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of about 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and then four of the strands (S17-S20) were subjected to the following treatment routines (strand S21 did not undergo any treatment after rinsing the bleaching composition from the hair).

[0183] The S17 strand was cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. This treatment protocol was repeated four more times.

[0184] Strands S18 and S19 were each cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all of the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. Immediately thereafter, one of compositions 2D (S 18) or 2B (S 19) was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. This treatment protocol was repeated four more times.

[0185] The strand S20 was treated with the composition Cl by applying the composition to the strand and distributing it so as to ensure that the hair was completely coated. The composition Cl was left on the hair for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. Immediately after, the strand was cleaned with shampoo Cl-S by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, leaving it to stand on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately after, the Cl-C conditioner was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, left to sit for a period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. This treatment protocol was repeated four more times.

[0186] After the five treatments of the strands S17-S20 were completed, the integrity of the hair fibers of each of the strands S17-S21 was studied in the same manner as described in Example 2A. The results showed that the hair fibers of the strands S18 and S19, treated respectively with the compositions 2D and 2B after washing and conditioning the hair, exhibited lower elasticity than the fibers of the strands S17 and S20-S21 ([Fig.3]).

[0187] Next, the strength was evaluated using a Dia-Stron fiber tensile testing instrument called MTT (Miniature Tensile Tester). The results showed that the hair in strands S18 and S19, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, was surprisingly stronger than the hair in strands S17 or S20, meaning that a greater force was required to break the individual hair fibers in strands S18-S19. [Fig.4A] shows the breaking stress (MPa) for a control strand (CONTROL), consisting of the same hair but not bleached, strand S17, which was bleached but without further treatment, and strands S18 and S19, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, and strand S20, treated with the comparative compositions. As shown in [Fig.4A], the breaking stress of the control strand (CTL) was more than double that of strand S17, demonstrating the significant damage caused by the bleaching process. After five (5) treatments with composition 2D (strand S18), 2B (strand S19), or the comparative compositions (S20), the breaking stress of the treated strands increased compared to strand S17. Surprisingly, the increase in breaking stress for strands S18 and S19 was considered statistically significant compared to that of strand S20, meaning that compositions 2D and 2B repaired the hair to a greater extent than the comparative compositions.

[0188] Example 4B - Straightened and ultra-bleached hair: Elasticity

[0189] Four strands (S22-S25) of Caucasian hair that had been previously straightened using formaldehyde were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with a commercial oxidizing composition (hydrogen peroxide 40V) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of about 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed and, for a period of five-week treatment, the four strands were subjected to the following routine twice a week.

[0190] First, the strands were cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0191] Three of the strands (S22-S24) were subjected to the following additional treatment routines once a week during the 5-week period.

[0192] The S22 strand was cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all of the shampoo was removed. A mask composition was applied to the hair and left on the hair, after which the hair was rinsed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioner composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to remain for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0193] The S23 strand was cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, composition 2C was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a period of about five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioner composition was applied and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0194] Strand S24 was treated with composition C1 by applying the composition to the strand and distributing it so as to ensure that the hair was fully coated. Composition Cl was left on the hair for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. Immediately afterward, the strand was cleansed with Cl-S shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately afterward, the Cl-C conditioner was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to remain for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0195] After the five-week treatment period, the elasticity and strength of the hair fibers in each of the strands S22 to S25 were investigated in the same manner as described in Example 2A. The results showed that the hair fibers in strand S23, treated with composition 2C after shampooing and before conditioning, had lower elasticity than the fibers in any of the strands S22 or S24-S25. Similarly, the results of the MTT test showed that the hair in strand S23, treated with composition 2C after shampooing and before conditioning, was stronger than the hair in any of the strands S22 or S24-S25.

[0196] Example 4C - Straightened and ultra-bleached hair: Resistance

[0197] Four strands (S26-S29) of Caucasian hair that had been previously straightened using formaldehyde were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with a commercial oxidizing composition (hydrogen peroxide 40V) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of about 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed and, during a treatment period of five weeks, all four strands were subjected to the following routine.

[0198] First, the strands were cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0199] Three of the strands (S27-S29) were subjected to the following additional treatment routines once a week during the 5-week period.

[0200] Strands S27 and S28 were cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. One of compositions 2B (S28) or 2D (S27) was applied to the hair and left on the hair, after which the hair was rinsed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioner composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to remain for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0201] The strand S29 was treated with the composition Cl by applying the composition to the strand and distributing it so as to ensure that the hair was fully coated. The composition Cl was left on the hair for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. Immediately thereafter, the strand was cleansed with shampoo Cl-S by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, the conditioner Cl-C was applied to the strand and distributed so as to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to remain for a period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly.A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0202] The MTT tests were carried out in the same manner as described in Example 4A. The results showed that the hair in strands S27 and S28, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively after shampooing and conditioning the hair, was surprisingly stronger than the hair in strands S26 or S29, meaning that a greater force was required to break the individual hair fibers in strands S27-S28. [Fig. 4A] shows the breaking stress (MPa) for a control strand (CTL), consisting of the same hair but not bleached, strand S26, which was bleached but without further treatment, and strands S27 and S28, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, and strand S29, treated with the comparative compositions. [Fig.4B], the breaking stress of the control strand (CTL) was approximately three times higher than that of strand S26, showing the significant damage caused by the bleaching process. After five (5) treatments with composition 2B (strand S28), 2D . (wick S27), the breaking stress of the treated wicks was increased compared to wick S26, and the improvement was considered statistically significant. [Fig.4B] however shows that the breaking stress of the wick treated with the comparative composition (S29) did not show any improvement in breaking stress.

[0203] Examples 4A-4C thus demonstrate that treating hair that has been damaged by harsh chemical processes with the methods and routines according to the disclosure surprisingly repairs the damage. The damage repair achieved is also surprisingly superior to that achieved with a commercial product that claims to do the same. Example 5 - Treatment compositions

[0204] Compositions 3A-3D, which can be used in methods and routines according to the disclosure, were prepared as shown in Table 4.

[0205] [Table 5]

[0206] [Tables4] 3A 3B 3C 3D Aminobasic acid(s) 5.50 5.50 3.80 3.80 Thickening agent(s) 0.30 0.90 0.90 Non-ionic surfactant(s) 0.30 1.50 0.50 0.50 Amphoteric surfactant(s) 0.30 Revitalizing agent(s) 0.80 Cationic surfactant(s) 2.10 3.84 3.00 3.00 Glycine betaine 2.50 2.50 1.80 1.80 Citric acid 6.00 6.00 5.50 5.50 Wax(s) 0.50 0.50 Fatty alcohol(s) 6.30 6.30 Vegetable oil(s) 0.50 Fatty acid ester(s) 2.50 1.50 Additives (preservatives, perfume) <2 <2 <2 <2 Solvents (water and non-aqueous solvents) QS QS QS QS

[0207] Compositions 3A-3D are expected to minimize, prevent, and / or repair damage to hair when used in methods and routines according to the disclosure. The compositions are also expected to improve the elasticity and strength of the treated hair fibers.

[0208] Example 6 - Additional Treatment Compositions

[0209] The following compositions that can be used in methods and routines according to the disclosure can be prepared and should likewise minimize, prevent and / or repair damage to hair when used accordingly. The compositions should also improve the elasticity and strength of the treated hair fibers.

[0210] [Table 6]

[0211] [T ableaux5 ] 4A 4B 4C 4D 4E Arginine 2.0 9.8 2.5 Lysine 2.5 2.0 10 Valine betaine 2.0 4.5 2.0 1.0 4.0 Citric acid 3 2.0 9.8 Lactic acid 2.0 10 2 Serine 0.05 0.5 0.05 0.5 Fatty compound(s) 10 8.0 9.0 15 Cationic and / or amphoteric surfactant(s) 3.0 0.5 2.5 5.0 Additional component(s) (e.g. pH adjusters, vitamins, preservatives, extracts, thickeners) <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 Solvent(s) (water and / or non-aqueous solvents) QS QS QS QS QS

[0212] The above examples demonstrate that the methods and routines according to the disclosure surprisingly and unexpectedly repair hair that has been damaged, prevent or minimize damage to the hair, and provide the hair with the benefits of reduced elasticity.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of treating hair comprising: (i) applying a treatment composition to the hair, the treatment composition comprising: a. at least one compound selected from amino acids or their salts; b. at least one osmolyte; c. at least one compound selected from carboxylic acids or their salts; and d. at least one solvent; (ii) optionally, leaving the treatment composition on the hair for a development period of from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes; (iii) optionally rinsing the hair; and (iv) applying a hair care composition to the hair, step (i) occurring before, simultaneously with, and / or after step (iv).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the treatment composition comprises a) at least one amino acid selected from arginine, glycine, proline, methionine, serine, lysine, histidine, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof

3. Cl. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the treatment composition comprises b) at least one osmolyte selected from carbohydrate sugars, polyamines, betaines or combinations of two or more thereof, preferably comprising at least one betaine selected from compounds of formula (II) or its salts: (Rl)(R2)(R3)m-A+-CR4R5-(X)nY (II) wherein: - RI, R2 and R3 are independently selected from C1-C4 alkyl groups; - A is N or S; - m and n are independently 0 or 1; - X is a divalent C1-C6 alkyl group, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH) or amino (-NH2); and - Y is -COO- or -OSO3-; provided that: • when A is S, then m = 0 and R4 and R5 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom or a saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic (C1-C10) hydrocarbon chain (including aromatic and polycyclic chains), optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -N=, -NH- or -C(NH)- and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2; • when A is N and m = 0, R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a saturated, linear or branched (C1-C8) alkyl, and R5 forms, together with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising from 5 to 8 ring members, optionally substituted by one or more groups chosen from hydroxyl or (C1-C4) alkyl;and • when A is N and m = 1, then R4 and R5 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom or a saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic (including aromatic and polycyclic) hydrocarbon chain (C1-C10), optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -N=, -NH-, or -C(NH)-, and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2.;

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the treatment composition comprises b) at least one compound of formula (II) selected from valine betaine, glutamic acid betaine, glutamine betaine, trimethyl lysine, glycine betaine, histidine betaine, N-methyl histidine betaine, alanine betaine, beta-alanine betaine, choline sulfate, pipecolic acid betaine, proline betaine, hydroxyproline betaine, tyrosine betaine, phenylalanine betaine, tryptophan betaine, leucine betaine, isoleucine betaine, their salts or combinations of two or more thereof, preferably comprising glycine betaine.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the treatment composition comprises c) at least one compound selected from formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, isocitric acid, aconitic acid, propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the total amount of amino acids and their salts in the treatment composition is from about 2% to about 15%, preferably from about 2.5% to about 12%, more preferably from about 3% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 3.5% to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

7. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the total amount of osmolytes in the treatment composition is from about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 8%, more preferably from about 1% to about 5%, and most preferably from about 1.5% to about 3.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts in the treatment composition is from about 3% to about 15%, preferably from about 3% to about 12%, more preferably from about 3.5% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein step (iv) occurs less than about 4 hours, preferably about 5 minutes to about 3 hours, more preferably about 15 minutes to about 2 hours, and most preferably about 30 minutes to about 1.5 hours before and / or after step (i).

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the treatment composition is left on the hair for a development period of from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes, and then rinsed out.