Method and device for caring hair and scalp

Abstract

To provide a method and device for caring a person's hair and scalp, which can lessen or undo damage on his / her hair and which can suppress a deterioration in effect of a drug in the use of the drug.SOLUTION: A method for caring a person's hair and scalp includes: a cleaning step of cleaning a head object region that is either or both of the hair or scalp of the human body; a drying step of drying the head object region cleaned in the cleaning step; and a microscopic water particle application step of applying microscopic water particles with a size of 50 nanometers at a temperature lower than 40°C to the head object region, after the cleaning step and the drying step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair and scalp care method for caring for hair or scalp. and hair and scalp care products Place Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] When carrying out a hair care method for caring for the hair to a desired condition by performing treatments such as perm, bleach, treatment, and color, the chemicals used in each treatment are applied to the hair. In this case, the chemicals may not penetrate the hair sufficiently, and the reaction of the chemicals may not proceed sufficiently, which may reduce the effect of the chemicals.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a hair coloring method configured to apply steam to the hair to increase the hair temperature and to create a high humidity state around the hair when applying a chemical. Increasing the hair temperature promotes the reaction of the chemical applied to the hair, and placing the hair in a high humidity environment moistens the hair and promotes the penetration of the chemical into the hair. Furthermore, the hair coloring device according to Patent Document 1 is configured to set the temperature by mixing the steam generated by the steam generating device with outside air in a mixing chamber, separate condensed water generated by steam cooling during temperature setting in the mixing chamber space, and deliver only steam at the set temperature. This removes the condensed water generated by steam cooling, preventing the chemical applied to the hair from being diluted by the condensed water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-201731 A Summary of the Invention

[0005] (Problem to be solved by the invention) When steam is applied to hair as described in Patent Document 1, the hair is exposed to high temperatures and damaged. In addition, according to Patent Document 1, although the condensed water is removed, the steam attached to the hair condenses on the surface of the hair. The condensed water thus generated grows on the surface of the hair and becomes large droplets, which do not penetrate into the hair but remain on the surface of the hair. When the droplets remain on the surface of the hair, moisture is not sufficiently supplied to the hair, and the damage to the hair cannot be compensated for by hydration. Furthermore, when a medicine is applied to the hair, the water droplets remaining on the surface of the hair mix with the medicine and dilute the medicine. This may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a hair and scalp care method that can reduce damage to hair or repair damaged hair, and when a drug is used, can further enhance the effect of the drug.

[0007] Books Disclosure The present invention includes a washing step of washing a target part of the head, which is either or both of the hair and the scalp of a human body, and a drying step of drying the target part of the head washed in the washing step. And, head Target area To, None It is electrostatically charged, the temperature does not exceed 40°C, and Fine water particles with a size of 50 nanometers or less occurrence By blowing air through Grant and exists as bound water bound to biological tissue. The present invention provides a hair and scalp care method including a fine water particle applying step.

[0008] Books Disclosure According to head Fine water particles applied to the target area SizeThe diameter of the fine water particles is very small, less than 50 nanometers, and the applied fine water particles penetrate into the target part of the head. In this case, if the fine water particles are uncharged particles, they are not attracted to the surface of the positively charged hair and are more likely to penetrate into the target part of the head. Therefore, by performing the fine water particle application process, moisture is supplied to the target part of the head, and damage to the target part of the head can be reduced or the damaged target part of the head can be repaired. Furthermore, since the fine water particles applied to the target part of the head by performing the fine water particle application process efficiently penetrate into the target part of the head, the surface of the target part of the head is almost not wet after the fine water particle application process is performed. Therefore, when a drug is used, the drug is not diluted by the moisture remaining on the surface of the target part of the head. In addition, since the drug efficiently penetrates into the hair / scalp together with the fine water particles, the effect of the drug can be enhanced.

[0009] Books Disclosure The hair and scalp care method according to the present invention does not need to include a drug application step of applying a drug to the target part of the head. This is because the fine water particle application step can reduce damage to the target part of the head that is originally damaged or repair the target part of the head without applying a drug. For example, with respect to hair, the fine water particle application step can moisturize the hair and soften it, and furthermore, the lifting of the cuticle can be suppressed to reduce damage to the hair or repair damaged hair, thereby improving the gloss of the hair.

[0010] The hair and scalp care method according to the present disclosure includes: A drug application process for applying a drug to a target area Update The cleaning process is This is executed a predetermined time after the completion of the drug application process. Configured to According to this, In a hair and scalp care method involving application of a hair care agent, a step of applying fine water particles RealizeBy carrying out the fine water particle application process, the effect of the drug can be further enhanced. With regard to hair, the fine water particle application process can moisturize the hair and soften it, and furthermore, it can suppress the lifting of the cuticle, reduce damage to the hair, or repair damaged hair, thereby improving the shine of the hair. Meanwhile, with regard to the scalp, the fine water particle application process can reduce damage to the scalp and alleviate irritation caused by the drug.

[0011] The drug application process may be performed multiple times in a series of processes. When the drug application process is performed multiple times, the cleaning process may be performed after each drug application process is completed, or may be performed only once after the last drug application process is completed. Furthermore, when the drug application process is performed multiple times, the fine water particle application process may be performed before or after any of the drug application processes is completed. For example, when the drug application process is performed multiple times, the fine water particle application process may be performed after one drug application process is completed and before the next drug application process is completed (i.e., between drug applications). Furthermore, when the cleaning process is performed after one drug application process is completed and before the next drug application process is completed, the fine water particle application process may be performed after one drug application process is completed and before the cleaning process is completed, or after the cleaning process is completed and before the next drug application process is completed.

[0012] In addition, when the chemical application process is performed multiple times, the chemicals used in each chemical application process may be different types of chemicals or the same type of chemicals. For example, the chemicals used in one chemical application process may be a perm agent, and the chemicals used in another chemical application process may be a bleach agent. In addition, even when chemical application is completed by applying the chemicals multiple times, it can be said that the chemical application process is performed multiple times. For example, when a two-liquid chemical having a liquid first chemical and a liquid second chemical is used, a chemical application process for applying the first chemical and a chemical application process for applying the second chemical are each performed. In addition, for example, the chemicals used in the multiple chemical application processes may all be the same type of chemicals. In this case, the components of the chemicals used in each chemical application process may be different, or chemicals of the same components may be used.

[0013] When the target part of the head is hair, the agent used in the agent application step may be a coloring agent. By carrying out the fine water particle application step, the color of the coloring agent applied to the hair can be enhanced and color fading can be suppressed. Also, damage to the hair caused by application of the coloring agent can be reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, when the target part of the head is hair, the chemical used in the chemical application step may be a perm agent, which reduces damage to the hair caused by application of the perm agent by applying fine water particles, and also makes it easier to shape the hair into a desired shape.

[0015] The chemical used in the chemical application step may be any one of a treatment agent, a bleaching agent, and a hair straightener. When the chemical used in the chemical application step is a treatment agent, the fine water particle application step can make the hair softer, and the hair tip portion can be made to fit the hand better. Here, the state of "fitting the hand well" means that "the hair is highly flexible and the shape of the hair is easily changed according to the strength of the force applied when the hair is touched with the hand". When the chemical used in the chemical application step is a bleaching agent, the fine water particle application step can improve the bleaching effect of the hair. When the chemical used in the chemical application step is a hair straightener, the fine water particle application step can provide the effects of making it easier to change the shape of the hair into a desired shape, making it easier to maintain the shape of the hair in a desired shape, and making the hair softer and improving the texture of the finished hair.

[0016] Furthermore, when the target area on the head is hair and the fine water particle application step is performed after the chemical application step is completed (preferably after the chemical application step is completed and before the drying step is started, and more preferably after the chemical application step is completed and before the washing step is started), it is preferable to apply fine water particles to the hair in the fine water particle application step in a direction from the tip of the hair to the root. In this way, the fine water particles flow from the tip of the hair to the root, thereby efficiently penetrating the hair. Accordingly, the chemical applied to the hair also efficiently penetrates the hair. This can enhance the effect of the chemical.

[0017] Furthermore, when the target part of the head is hair and the fine water particle applying step is performed simultaneously with or after the drying step, the fine water particles may be applied to the hair in a direction from the root side to the tip side in the fine water particle applying step. This allows the fine water particles to penetrate into the hair and repairs damage to the hair by straightening the cuticles that are open toward the tip side.

[0018] Also, this DisclosureIn the hair and scalp care method according to the present invention, the target part of the head is the hair, the agent is a perm agent containing a liquid first agent and a liquid second agent, the agent application step includes a first agent application step of applying the first agent to the hair, and a second agent application step of applying the second agent to the hair after the first agent application step is completed, and the fine water particle application step can be configured to be performed before the first agent application step is started, or after the first agent application step is completed and before the second agent application step is started. According to this, by applying fine water particles to the hair before applying the first agent to the hair, the function of the first agent can be exerted on the hair early. Also, by applying fine water particles to the hair after applying the first agent to the hair and before applying the second agent to the hair, the function of the second agent can be exerted on the hair early.

[0019] in this case The first agent has a function of cutting the internal tissue of the hair, and the second agent has a function of joining the internal tissue of the hair cut by the first agent, and the hair and scalp care method includes a first leaving step of leaving the hair for a first predetermined time immediately after completion of the first agent application step, and a second leaving step of leaving the hair for a second predetermined time immediately after completion of the second agent application step. It may have the following. do, The fine water particle applying step can be performed after the first leaving step is completed and before the second drug applying step is started.

[0020] By applying the first agent to the hair and leaving the hair for a first predetermined time, the internal tissue of the hair is cut, and the hair shape can be freely changed. In addition, by applying the second agent to the hair and leaving the hair for a second predetermined time, the cut internal tissue of the hair is recombined. This allows the hair to be adapted to the desired winding shape and fixed in that shape. Then, by applying fine water particles to the hair after the internal tissue of the hair is cut by applying the first agent and before the internal tissue of the hair is recombined by applying the second agent, the cut internal tissue becomes easier to move, and the shape of the hair can be easily adapted to the desired winding shape. Therefore, the time required to fix the hair into the desired winding shape by applying the second agent thereafter, that is, the second predetermined time, is shortened. Therefore, the time for performing a perm including the fine water particle application process can be shortened. In addition, the time for exposing the hair to the second agent (second predetermined time) can be shortened, and the damage caused to the hair by the second agent can be reduced.

[0021] Furthermore, when the target part of the head is hair and the chemical is a bleaching agent, the fine water particle applying step can be performed after the completion of the washing step and before the start of the drying step. In this way, by applying fine water particles to the hair when the hair is wet after the completion of the washing step and before the start of the drying step, it is possible to reduce or remove frizz in the hair.

[0022] In addition, when the target part of the head is hair, the hair and scalp care method may include a finishing step that is performed after the drying step is completed and that arranges the hair. In this case, the fine water particle application step may be performed during the period from before the start of the drug application step to after the finishing step is completed. According to this, the texture of the hair can be changed by performing the fine water particle application step at a predetermined timing in the hair care method including the finishing step. In addition, by performing the fine water particle application step before the start of the finishing step, for example, after the drying step is completed and before the finishing step is completed, the hair can be finished with a fluffy and soft texture. In addition, by performing the fine water particle application step after the finishing step is completed, the hair can be finished with a moist texture.

[0023] In addition, when the target part of the head is hair and the agent is a plurality of different types of treatment agents, the hair and scalp care method has a plurality of agent application steps for applying the plurality of treatment agents to the hair, respectively, and the fine water particle application step can be performed after any of the plurality of agent application steps or after the drying step, depending on the state of the hair. In addition, when the hair and scalp care method has a finishing step, the fine water particle application step can be performed at least at any of the following timings: after any of the plurality of agent application steps, after the drying step, and after the finishing step, depending on the state of the hair and the desired finish feeling. According to this, by applying fine water particles to the hair at any of the timings after application of any of the plurality of treatment agents, after the completion of the drying step, and after the completion of the finishing step, the effect of the previous step can be enhanced. Therefore, an appropriate treatment can be performed according to the state of the hair (for example, whether the damage to the hair is large or small) or the desired finish feeling of the hair (for example, a light finish feeling, a heavy finish feeling, a fluffy finish feeling, etc.).

[0024] Furthermore, when the target head part is hair, the hair and scalp care method can be configured to include a heat treatment step of heat-treating the hair. In this case, the fine water particle application step can be performed before the heat treatment step starts. Furthermore, the fine water particle application step may include a first fine water particle application step performed before the heat treatment step starts, and a second fine water particle application step performed after the heat treatment step ends. Here, the heat treatment step is a step of applying heat to the hair to maintain the shape of the hair in a desired shape.

[0025] According to this, for example, by applying fine water particles to the hair before applying heat treatment to the hair in a hair straightening treatment, the hair can be softened when finished, and the effect of shaping the hair into a predetermined shape by the heat treatment can be enhanced. Moreover, by applying fine water particles to the hair again after the heat treatment, the hair can be made even softer when finished.

[0026] The fine water particle applying step is performed after the cleaning step or the drying step. Preferably, the fine water particle applying step is performed after the washing step is completed and before the drying step is completed. At least one of the following times: before the start of execution, simultaneously with the execution of the drying process, or after the completion of the drying process This may be performed by applying fine water particles to the target part of the head. Damage to the target body part is reduced or the damaged head target part is repaired. By carrying out the drying process and the fine water particle application process at the same time, the wet head target area While drying the target area (e.g., hair), fine water particles are applied to the target area on the head. The time required for the drying process can be shortened. By this, fine water particles are applied to the dry target part of the head (e.g., hair). This allows fine water particles to penetrate the target area of ​​the head efficiently, reducing damage to the target area of ​​the head. This can improve the repair effect of the page.

[0027] In the fine water particle application process, fine water with a temperature not exceeding 40°C is applied to the target area on the head. According to this method, the fine water particles are applied to the target part of the head in the fine water particle application process. The temperature of the fine water particles is not high, at 40°C or less, so the target area on the head is not exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, the target area of ​​the head is not damaged by the execution of the fine water particle application process.

[0028] In addition, the present disclosure provides a method for absorbing moisture on the surface of a material by decreasing the temperature, and a method for absorbing moisture on the surface of a material by increasing the temperature. The moisture absorbed by the device is removed by the device that is non-charged, does not exceed 40°C, and is smaller than 50 nanometers in size. A fine water particle generating element (11) that is in a state of emitting fine water particles, and The fine water particles emitted by the water generating element (11) are blown onto either the hair or scalp of the human body. The method is to apply the compound to the target area of ​​the head and make it exist as bound water bound to the biological tissue. A control means ( ) for controlling the water fine particle generating element ( 11 ) and the supplying means ( 12 ). 23) between the period before the head target area is washed and the period after the head target area is dried and an operating unit (21) that is operated to apply the fine water particles to a target part of the head. The present invention provides a hair and scalp care device, which is capable of discharging water from a fine water particle generating element in a discharging state. By applying fine water particles with a size of 50 nanometers or less to the target area on the head, , reducing damage to the target part of the head or repairing the damaged target part of the head. can be done.

[0029] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure includes an operation unit (21) for controlling a head target part prior to execution of washing. Fine water particles were injected between the period before the drug was applied to the target area and the period after the target area on the head was dried. The device may be configured to be operated so as to be applied to the target part of the head. This can further enhance the effectiveness of the drug.

[0030] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure includes a control means (23) for controlling a temperature of 4 The water may be provided with fine water particles having a temperature not exceeding 0°C. The temperature of the fine water particles emitted from the water particle generating element and applied to the target area on the head is 40°C or less. Since the temperature is not so high, the target part of the head is not exposed to high temperatures. The head target area will not take damage when executed.

[0031] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure includes a control means (23) for controlling hair protein on a target part of the head. The water may be provided with fine water particles having a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition point of the protein structure. According to this, the fine water particles discharged from the fine water particle generating element and applied to the target part of the head are When the particles penetrate the hair, the structure of the hair is easily changed. This can enhance the effect of reducing the damage caused by the hair loss or repairing the damaged hair.

[0032] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure is a device in which fine water particles are applied by an application means (12). The target area on the head includes hair, and the fine water particle generating element (11) generates fine water particles larger than a single molecule of water. By releasing water particles, the fine water particles remain inside the hair and improve the condition of the hair cuticle. The present invention may be configured to improve the above.

[0033] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure is a device in which fine water particles are applied by an application means (12). The target area on the head includes hair, and the fine water particle generating element (11) emits non-charged fine water particles. By doing so, the fine water particles penetrate into the hair and improve the condition of the hair cuticle. The configuration may be as follows. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fine water particle discharging device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fine water particle generating element. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fine water particle generating element. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the execution order of each step of the care method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the order of steps in which the drug application step is performed twice according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a diagram showing another example of the order of steps in which the drug application step is performed twice in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a bar graph showing the color difference for samples A1, B1, C1, and D1 that were colored by each of the treatments A to D. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram comparing color differences S7 and S14 for each of samples A2, C2, and D2 and the conventional sample. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a photograph showing the appearance of samples A3, B3, and C3, which were bleached and then permed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an SEM image (1000x) of hair after bleaching with Treatment B. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an SEM image (1000x) of hair after conventional bleaching. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the execution order of each step of the care method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the presence or absence of shine at the base of the hair for each sample before and after the fine water particle application step. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the presence or absence of shine at the ends of the hair samples before and after the fine water particle application step. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the subjective evaluation of the hardness of each sample. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the changes in stiffness calculated for each sample before water was added, immediately after water was added, and one day after water was added. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an SEM image (1000x) of a hair taken from sample A5. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an SEM image (1000x) of a hair taken from sample B5. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an SEM image (1000x) of a hair taken from sample C5. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the orientation of the hair cuticle. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a graph comparing the bending stiffness reduction rates obtained for samples A6, B6, C6, D6, E6, and N6. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a graph comparing the hysteresis change widths obtained for samples A6, B6, C6, D6, E6, and N6. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the execution timing of the fine water particle application step executed in each sample of Example 10, and is a diagram showing the execution order of each step of the treatment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the properties of each agent used in each agent application step of Example 10. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a table showing the effect on hair after treatment, the finished feel, and the hair types suitable for applying fine water particles at the times C6, D6, E6, and F6 in FIG. 21 when the fine water particle application process is performed. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the relationship between the hysteresis change width and the bending stiffness change rate measured for each of the samples C6, D6, F6, and P6. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A shows the steps of a conventional perm treatment using two solutions (a first agent and a second agent). [Figure 25B] FIG. 21B shows each step of a perm treatment using two liquids (a first agent and a second agent) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the steps of the conventional process, process F1, process F2, and process F3 in Example 11. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a graph comparing the wave efficiency of samples A7, B7, C7, and D7, which were permed using each treatment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing each step of the bleaching treatment according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 29A] FIG. 29A is a diagram showing each step of a bleaching treatment according to a first comparative process. [Figure 29B] FIG. 29B is a diagram showing each step of a bleaching treatment according to a second comparative process. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 shows photographs of samples A8, B8, and C8 that were bleached using each treatment (the treatment of this embodiment, the first comparative treatment, and the second comparative treatment). [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a treatment involving heat treatment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing each step of the hair straightening treatment carried out in Example 13. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a graph comparing the bending stiffness reduction rates obtained for each of the samples A9, B9, C9, D9, and N9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] First embodiment In the first embodiment, a hair care method involving application of a medicinal agent, that is, a hair care method including a medicinal agent application step, will be described.

[0036] In this embodiment, the hair care method involving application of a medical agent is carried out through at least the following four steps. (1) Drug application process In the agent application step, an agent is applied to the hair. For example, in the case of coloring, a coloring agent is applied to the hair, in the case of treatment, a treatment agent is applied to the hair, in the case of perming, a perm agent is applied to the hair, and in the case of bleaching, a bleaching agent is applied to the hair. The application method is generally brush application, but it may also be applied by spraying. (2) Cleaning process In the washing step, the hair is washed to remove the chemicals applied to the hair. This washing is generally done by rinsing with water, but a chemical (cleaning chemical) for washing the chemicals applied in the chemical application step may also be used. In this case, the cleaning chemical may be applied to the hair before rinsing with water, or the hair may be washed with the cleaning chemical mixed in water. The washing method generally includes washing with water by showering. Therefore, the hair is wet after the washing step has been performed. (3) Drying process In the drying step, the wet hair washed in the washing step is dried. A common drying method is to use a hair dryer to blow warm or hot air onto the wet hair to blow or evaporate the moisture from the hair, thereby removing the moisture. (4) Micro-water particle application process In the fine water particle applying step, fine water particles are applied to the hair. This fine water particle applying step will be described later.

[0037] Of the above four steps, the chemical application step, the washing step, and the drying step are performed in this order. Here, the washing step is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the chemical application step. In other words, after the end of the chemical application step, the hair is left for a while. Therefore, the leaving step is performed until the predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the chemical application step. This predetermined time (leaving time) varies depending on the chemical applied, but can be, for example, 5 minutes to 30 minutes. During this predetermined time, the chemical applied to the hair penetrates and reacts with the hair. Therefore, it can be said that the penetration and reaction of the chemical is in progress during this predetermined time (leaving time). In other words, the leaving step can also be said to be a chemical penetration and reaction step. The chemical penetrates and reacts with the hair in the leaving step, thereby exerting a predetermined effect on the hair. For example, in the case of a coloring treatment, this effect is the effect of dyeing the hair to a predetermined color, in the case of a treatment treatment, the effect of nourishing and softening the hair, in the case of a bleaching treatment, the effect of bleaching the hair, and in the case of a perm treatment, the effect of forming waves of an appropriate shape in the hair. Note that, if it is known in advance that the hair is damaged by a hair diagnosis or the like before carrying out the agent application step, a pretreatment step for repairing the damage to the hair may be carried out before carrying out the care method of this embodiment.

[0038] In the fine water particle applying step, as described above, fine water particles are applied to the hair. Specifically, in the fine water particle applying step, a plurality of fine water particles having a temperature not exceeding 40°C (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably 25°C or more and less than 40°C) and a size of 50 nm or less are carried to the hair together with air, for example, by blowing air, and applied to the hair. In the present embodiment, as an example, a fine water particle discharging device is used to apply non-charged fine water particles to the hair together with air.

[0039] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fine water particle emitting device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0040] The fine water particle emitting unit 10 of the fine water particle emitting device 1 includes a fine water particle generating element 11, a fan 12, an inlet filter 13a, an outlet filter 13b, and a case 14.

[0041] The case 14 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a flow path 14a is formed inside the case 14, which communicates from one end to the other end. An inlet filter 13a is attached to one end of the case 14, and an outlet filter 13b is attached to the other end. The case 14 also has a first case portion 141 and a second case portion 142, which are formed so as to be connected along the axial direction. An opening of the first case portion 141 forms an intake port 14in, which is an opening at one end of the case 14, and an opening of the second case portion 142 forms an outlet port 14out, which is an opening at the other end of the case 14.

[0042] Fan 12 is a propeller fan that is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), and is housed in flow path 14a in first case portion 141 of case 14. Fan 12 may be a sirocco fan or the like. Fan 12 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor, suck air into flow path 14a from intake port 14in of case 14, and discharge the sucked air from exhaust port 14out of case 14.

[0043] The fine water particle generating element 11 is disposed in the flow path 14a of the case 14 together with the fan 12. The fine water particle generating element 11 is disposed in the flow path 14a in the second case portion 142 of the case 14. In FIG. 1, the fine water particle generating element 11 is disposed on the downstream side of the flow path 14a (the side closer to the discharge port 14out) than the fan 12.

[0044] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the fine water particle generating element 11 disposed in the second case portion 142. As shown in FIG. 2, the fine water particle generating element 11 is disposed so as to spread over the entire cross section of the flow path 14a in the second case portion 142. However, the fine water particle generating element 11 is formed so as to allow air to flow therethrough. Therefore, air flowing through the flow path 14a from the intake port 14in to the exhaust port 14out passes through the fine water particle generating element 11.

[0045] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fine water particle generating element 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the fine water particle generating element 11 has a substrate 111 and a conductive polymer film 112 formed on one or both surfaces (one surface in FIG. 3) of the substrate 111. The substrate 111 can be made of a metal material such as stainless steel or copper metal, a carbon material, a conductive ceramic material (e.g., ITO), a conductive resin material (e.g., a resin film with a metal vapor deposition, a nano-silver-coated resin, CNT (carbon The substrate 111 is formed of a conductive material such as a conductive film (aluminum-added stainless steel foil) or a coating resin. In this embodiment, a metal foil of stainless steel with added aluminum is used. The substrate 111 is formed in a shape that allows air to flow through the flow path 14a when the substrate 111 is disposed in the flow path 14a. Furthermore, the substrate 111 is formed so that the contact area with the air flowing through the flow path 14a is as large as possible, that is, the surface area is as large as possible when the substrate 111 is disposed in the flow path 14a. In this case, the substrate 111 may be formed of, for example, a plurality of flat plates. The substrate 111 may also be formed so that the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the flow path 14a is a honeycomb shape or a spiral shape.

[0046] The conductive polymer film 112 is formed in a film shape by a polymer compound having conductivity, for example, a thiophene-based conductive polymer compound. In this embodiment, the conductive polymer film is formed by PEDOT / PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) / poly(styrenesulfonic acid)) among thiophene-based conductive polymers. PEDOT / PSS has a core-shell structure in which a core of water-insoluble PEDOT is surrounded by hydrophilic PSS (shell), and the shape of a single core-shell is generally ellipsoidal. Such ellipsoidal particles (core-shell particles) are aligned to form a laminated structure, and the conductive polymer film 112 is formed in a film shape. Then, nanometer-sized gaps of about 2 nm are formed between adjacent core-shell particles, and such gaps are connected to form nanochannels that open on the surface of the conductive polymer film 112. In addition, since the central core (PEDOT) of each core-shell particle is hydrophobic, many hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups are present on the outer periphery of the shell (PSS). For this reason, there are many sulfonic acid groups in the nanochannels surrounded by the outer walls of the core-shell particles. Sulfonic acid groups are polar functional groups that can form hydrogen bonds. Therefore, moisture in the air inside the nanochannels can hydrogen bond with the sulfonic acid groups and be retained in the nanochannels as bound water.

[0047] When the amount of moisture on the surface of the conductive polymer film 112 is greater than the amount of moisture in the bound water in the nanochannel, the moisture on the surface moves into the nanochannel, driven by the difference in moisture concentration between the two, and is retained as bound water. This causes water to be absorbed into the nanochannel. Conversely, when the amount of moisture on the surface is less than the amount of moisture in the bound water in the nanochannel, the difference in moisture concentration between the two causes the bound water in the nanochannel to move toward the surface. This causes water to be released from the nanochannel. In this way, the conductive polymer film 112 is configured to be able to switch between an absorbing state in which water is absorbed and a releasing state in which water is released, depending on the difference in moisture concentration.

[0048] Furthermore, increasing the temperature of the conductive polymer film 112 promotes water discharge more than when water is discharged due to a difference in water concentration, and decreasing the temperature of the conductive polymer film promotes water absorption more than when water is absorbed due to a difference in water concentration. In this way, the conductive polymer film 112 is configured to be switched between an absorption state and a release state due to a change in temperature.

[0049] Moreover, the flow path width of the nanochannel is approximately 2 nm. Therefore, the water released from the nanochannel is in the form of nanoparticles with a size of 2 nm or less. Even if nanoparticles (fine water particles) with a size of 2 nm aggregate (cluster) near the opening of the nanochannel, they remain at a size of 50 nm or less. Therefore, the size (e.g., particle size) of the fine water particles released from the conductive polymer film 112 is 50 nm or less. In addition, the bound water held in the nanochannel is not charged. Therefore, fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less and which are uncharged are released from the conductive polymer film 112.

[0050] 1, the control unit 20 included in the fine water particle emitting device 1 includes an operation unit 21, a power supply circuit 22, and a control unit 23. The operation unit 21 is composed of a plurality of operation buttons provided on the surface of, for example, a housing supporting the fine water particle emitting unit 10. These operation buttons are operated by a user to turn the power on and off, select an operation mode, and the like.

[0051] Power of AC 100V or the like is supplied to the power supply circuit 22. The power supply circuit 22 is electrically connected to the motor of the fan 12 by a first electric wire 24, and is electrically connected to the base material 111 of the fine water particle generating element 11 by a second electric wire 25. The power supply circuit 22 is configured to be able to convert the supplied power into power suitable for driving the motor of the fan 12, and output the converted power to the first electric wire 24. Furthermore, the power supply circuit 22 is configured to be able to convert the supplied power into power suitable for supply to the base material 111, and output the converted power to the second electric wire 25.

[0052] A first normally open changeover switch 26 is provided on the first electric wire 24, and a second normally open changeover switch 27 is provided on the second electric wire 25. The first normally open changeover switch 26 cuts off the conduction of the first electric wire 24 when operated in an open state, and allows the conduction of the first electric wire 24 when operated in a closed state. The second normally open changeover switch 27 cuts off the conduction of the second electric wire 25 when operated in an open state, and allows the conduction of the second electric wire 25 when operated in a closed state.

[0053] The operation status of the operation unit 21 is input to the control unit 23. The control unit 23 controls the switching states of the first normally open type changeover switch 26 and the second normally open type changeover switch 27 according to the input operation status of the operation unit 21.

[0054] The fine water particle discharge device 1 having the above configuration is configured to be able to operate according to either of the operation modes of the "water intake mode" and the "water discharge mode". In this case, the mode may be switched automatically by judging the condition of the hair or scalp, or the user may be able to manually select the mode by operating the operation button of the operation unit 21. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the water intake mode and the water discharge mode to be switched at a predetermined timing based on the user's operation. Note that there may be other operation modes in addition to the water intake mode and the water discharge mode.

[0055] When the water discharge mode is selected, the control unit 23 controls each switch so that both the first normally open type changeover switch 26 and the second normally open type changeover switch 27 are closed. As a result, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 22 to both the motor of the fan 12 and the base material 111 of the fine water particle generating element 11. When power is supplied to the motor of the fan 12, the motor rotates and the fan 12 rotates in conjunction with the rotation, and air is sucked into the flow path 14a from the intake port 14in of the case 14. The air sucked into the flow path 14a passes through the fine water particle generating element 11 and is then discharged from the discharge port 14out. In addition, when electricity is applied to the base material 111 of the fine water particle generating element 11, a current flows through the conductive base material 111, and the base material 111 generates Joule heat and heats up. The heat generated by the base material 111 is transferred to the conductive polymer film 112 on the base material 111, and the temperature of the conductive polymer film 112 increases. The conductive polymer film 112 may generate heat and increase its temperature by passing electricity through itself, or the space in which the conductive polymer film 112 is present may be heated to increase its temperature. The temperature of the conductive polymer film 112 is thus increased, which promotes the discharge of water from the conductive polymer film 112. As a result, uncharged fine water particles having a size of 50 nm or less are discharged from the conductive polymer film 112. The discharged fine water particles are mixed with the air flowing through the flow path 14a and are discharged together with the air from the discharge port 14out. In addition, in the water discharge mode, the control unit 23 controls the temperature of the conductive polymer film 112 so that the temperature of the fine water particles discharged from the conductive polymer film 112 does not exceed 40° C. (preferably less than 40° C., more preferably 25° C. or more and less than 40° C.). Specifically, the control unit 23 controls the amount of electricity passed through the substrate 111 so that the temperature of the fine water particles discharged from the conductive polymer film 112 does not exceed 40° C. (preferably less than 40° C., more preferably 25° C. or more and less than 40° C.). Therefore, minute water particles that are uncharged, have a size of 50 nm or less, and have a temperature of 40° C. or less (preferably less than 40° C., and more preferably 25° C. or more and less than 40° C.) are released from the conductive polymer film 112 .In addition, in the water discharge mode, the control unit 23 may be configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of air discharged from the discharge port 14out by controlling the amount of electricity supplied to the motor of the fan 12.

[0056] On the other hand, when the water absorption mode is selected, the control unit 23 controls each switch so that the first normally open type changeover switch 26 is closed and the second normally open type changeover switch 27 is opened. When the first normally open type switch 26 is closed, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 22 to the motor of the fan 12, and the motor rotates and the fan 12 rotates in conjunction with the rotation, so that air flows into the flow path 14a from the intake port 14in of the case 14. Then, the air that has flowed in passes through the fine water particle generating element 11 and is then discharged from the discharge port 14out. In addition, since the second normally open type changeover switch 27 is opened, no power is supplied to the base material 111 of the fine water particle generating element 11. Therefore, the base material 111 does not generate heat, and heat is not transferred from the base material 111 to the conductive polymer film 112. In addition, the conductive polymer film 112 is cooled by the air blown by the rotation of the fan 12, so that the temperature of the conductive polymer film 112 decreases. This reduction in temperature of the conductive polymer film 112 promotes water absorption into the conductive polymer film 112. As a result, moisture in the air passing through the water fine particle generating element 11 is absorbed by the conductive polymer film 112.

[0057] Thus, when the operation mode of the fine water particle emitting device 1 is the "water discharge mode", fine water particles that are uncharged, have a size of 50 nm or less, and have a temperature not exceeding 40°C (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably 25°C or more and less than 40°C) are discharged together with air from the discharge port 14out of the case 14 of the fine water particle emitting unit 10. Therefore, when the fine water particle application process is performed, the operation mode of the fine water particle emitting device 1 is set to the water discharge mode, and the fine water particle emitting device 1 is driven with the discharge port 14out of the case 14 facing the hair. Note that the size of a single water molecule is about 0.3 nm, so the size of the fine water particles discharged from the fine water particle emitting device 1 is greater than 0.3 nm and less than 50 nm.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the fine water particle supplying step can be performed at any timing, particularly at one or more of the following four timings: (A) Before the start of the drug application process (if a pretreatment process is performed, before the start of the pretreatment process or after the pretreatment process is completed and before the start of the drug application process) (B) After the chemical application process is completed (for example, after the chemical application process is completed but before the cleaning process is started, or after the cleaning process is completed but before the drying process is started) (C) After the drying process is completed (D) Simultaneously with the drying process

[0059] When the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing (A) described above, the water droplets are As shown in the figure, each step is performed in the order of "fine water particle application step → chemical application step → washing step → drying step." A hair care method in which each step is performed in this order is called treatment A.

[0060] When the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing of (B) above, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A(b), each step is performed in the order of "medicinal agent application step → fine water particle application step → washing step → drying step". A hair care method in which each step is performed in this order is called process B. In process B, the fine water particle application step is performed between the end of the drug application step and the start of the washing step, and may be performed almost simultaneously with the leaving step after the drug application (i.e., within the leaving time after the drug application), or may be performed immediately after the leaving step (i.e., immediately after the leaving time after the drug application has elapsed). In process B and process A above, the fine water particle application step is performed at a timing before the start of the washing step. In addition, when the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing of (B) above, each step may be performed in the order of "medicinal agent application step → washing step → fine water particle application step → drying step".

[0061] When the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing (C) above, the steps are performed in the following order: chemical application step → cleaning step → drying step → fine water particle application step. A hair care method in which the steps are performed in this order, and in which the fine water particle application step is performed immediately after the drying step is completed to before 6 hours have elapsed, is called treatment C. The order of steps in treatment C is shown in FIG. 4A(c). A hair care method in which the fine water particle application step is performed 6 to 30 hours after the drying step is completed is called treatment D. The order of steps in treatment D is shown in FIG. 4A(d).

[0062] When the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing of (D) above, the steps are performed in the following order: chemical application step → washing step → drying + fine water particle application step. A hair care method in which the steps are performed in this order is called Process E. The execution order of the steps of Process E is shown in Figure 4A(e).

[0063] Furthermore, the drug application process may be performed multiple times in a series of processes. When the drug application process is performed multiple times, the cleaning process may be performed after each drug application process is completed, or may be performed only once after the last drug application process is completed. Furthermore, when the drug application process is performed multiple times, the fine water particle application process can be performed at the timing shown in (A) or (B) above for any of the drug application processes. For example, when the drug application process is performed twice, each process can be performed in the order shown below. First chemical application process → fine water particle application process → cleaning process → second chemical application process → cleaning process → drying process (see FIG. 4B(a)) First chemical application process → cleaning process → second chemical application process → fine water particle application process → cleaning process → drying process (see FIG. 4B(b)) First chemical application process → cleaning process → fine water particle application process → second chemical application process → cleaning process → drying process (see FIG. 4B(c)) Fine water particle application process → first chemical application process → cleaning process → second chemical application process → cleaning process → drying process (see FIG. 4B(d)) First chemical application process → fine water particle application process → second chemical application process → cleaning process → drying process (see Figure 4C(e)) First chemical application process → Second chemical application process → Fine water particle application process → Cleaning process → Drying process (see Figure 4C(f)) Fine water particle application process → first chemical application process → second chemical application process → cleaning process → drying process (see Figure 4C(g))

[0064] According to the process sequence shown in FIG. 4B(a), FIG. 4B(c) and FIG. 4C(e), the fine water particle application process is performed between the first drug application process (first drug application process) and the second drug application process (the next drug application process), that is, after the first drug application process (first drug application process) is completed and before the second drug application process (the next drug application process) is started. According to the process sequence shown in FIG. 4B(b) and FIG. 4C(f), the fine water particle application process is performed after the second drug application process is completed. According to the process sequence shown in FIG. 4B(d) and FIG. 4C(g), the fine water particle application process is performed before the first drug application process is started. According to the process sequence shown in FIG. 4C(g), the first drug application process and the second drug application process are performed consecutively, so these drug application processes can be considered as one drug application process. In this case, the process performed in the process sequence shown in FIG. 4C(g) is the same as process B in FIG. 4A. It should be noted that the above example merely illustrates the order of steps when the drug application step is performed multiple times, and the fine water particle application step can also be performed in an order of steps other than that illustrated above.

[0065] In addition, when the chemical application process is performed multiple times, the chemicals used in each chemical application process may be different types of chemicals or the same type of chemicals. For example, the chemicals used in one chemical application process may be a perm agent, and the chemicals used in another chemical application process may be a bleach agent. In addition, even when chemical application is completed by applying the chemicals multiple times, it can be said that the chemical application process is performed multiple times. For example, when a two-liquid chemical such as a perm agent or a hair straightener is used, a chemical application process (first chemical application process) in which a first agent (first chemical) is applied and a chemical application process (second chemical application process) in which a second agent (second chemical) is applied are each performed. In addition, for example, the chemicals used in the multiple chemical application processes may all be the same type of chemicals. In this case, the components of the chemicals used in each chemical application process may be different, or chemicals of the same components may be used.

[0066] By carrying out the fine water particle application step at the above timing, fine water particles that are uncharged, have a temperature not exceeding 40°C (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably 25°C or more and less than 40°C), and have a size of 50 nm or less are applied to the hair. Since the temperature of the fine water particles applied to the hair is 40°C or less (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably 25°C or more and less than 40°C), the hair is not exposed to high temperatures and damaged by the execution of this step. In addition, by carrying out this step, fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less penetrate into the hair. In addition, since the fine water particles applied to the hair are uncharged, they are not attracted by static electricity of the hair. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fine water particles from being adsorbed to the surface of the hair due to static electricity or the like, which inhibits the penetration of the fine water particles into the hair. In this way, by applying fine water particles to the hair in the fine water particle application step of this embodiment, moisture can be supplied to the hair, which reduces damage to the hair or repairs damaged hair, and further enhances the effect of the chemical applied in the chemical application step.

[0067] The temperature of the fine water particles applied in the fine water particle application process is 40°C or less, and preferably less than 40°C. Furthermore, it is preferable that the temperature of the fine water particles applied in the fine water particle application process is 25°C or more. When hair is damaged, the damage is reduced or the damaged tissue is repaired by causing a structural change in the tissue that constitutes the hair (hereinafter, "structural change of hair"). Disclosure When the fine water particles are supplied into the hair in the fine water particle application process related to the above, the fine water particles bind to the hair tissue or penetrate into the gaps in the tissue, causing a structural change in the hair. In addition, whether or not the structural change of the hair occurs is related to the temperature (glass transition point) at which the protein structure of the hair changes, and if the temperature of the protein structure of the hair is below the glass transition point, the structural change of the hair is unlikely to occur. When the fine water particles are applied to the hair and the amount of moisture in the hair increases, the glass transition point of the protein structure of the hair is thought to be about 25°C. This is because if the temperature of the fine water particles is less than 25°C, it is difficult to obtain the effect of reducing damage to the hair or repairing damaged hair. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature of the fine water particles applied to the hair and scalp is 25°C or higher. Therefore, the most preferable range of the temperature of the fine water particles applied in the fine water particle application process is 25°C or higher and less than 40°C.

[0068] (Example 1: Confirmation of color development effect in color processing) Four hair samples (length: about 50 cm, weight: 25 g) were prepared. The prepared samples were then colored. At this time, the treatments A, B, C, and D in FIG. 4A were each performed on separate samples to produce sample A1 colored by treatment A, sample B1 colored by treatment B, sample C1 colored by treatment C, and sample D1 colored by treatment D. The procedures for each step in each of treatments A to D were the same, and are outlined below. Chemical application process: A commercially available coloring agent is evenly applied to the sample with a brush. Washing step: 20 minutes after the end of the drug application step, the drug is removed from the sample by rubbing the sample with hands while washing it with water in the shower. After that, washing is performed with shampoo for 1 minute, then rinsing is performed with water for 1 minute, then rinse is applied to the sample for 1 minute, and finally rinsing is performed with water for 1 minute. Drying process: After the cleaning process is completed, the sample is towel-dried for 10 seconds, and then the moisture is removed from the sample surface by blowing hot air onto the wet sample using a hair dryer for approximately 3 minutes. Fine water particle application step: Using the fine water particle emission device 1 shown in FIG. 1, fine water particles (air flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of about 35° C. 2 / min.) is applied to the sample for 20 minutes.

[0069] In addition, in process A, the chemical application process was performed immediately after the completion of the fine water particle application process, in process B, the fine water particle application process was performed immediately after the completion of the chemical application process, in process C, the fine water particle application process was performed immediately after the completion of the drying process, and in process D, the fine water particle application process was performed 24 hours (1 day) after the completion of the drying process.

[0070] For comparison, a sample bundle of hair was prepared and colored by the conventional process to produce a conventional sample. Here, the conventional process is a hair care method in which coloring is performed by carrying out the agent application process, washing process, and drying process in this order, which are the same as the above-mentioned procedure. In other words, the conventional process is a hair care method in which the fine water particle application process is omitted.

[0071] For each sample A1, B1, C1, D1 that was colored by each treatment and the conventional sample, a color difference meter was used to measure the L * a * b * Color space (CIE1976L * a * b * L in color space * Value, a * Value, b* Based on the measured values, the color difference between each of the samples A1, B1, C1, and D1 and the conventional sample was quantified as the color difference for each sample. Here, the color difference for each of the samples A1, B1, C1, and D1 was calculated by dividing the L * a * b * It is the distance in color space and is calculated by the following formula (1). Color difference=√(ΔL 2 +Δa 2 +Δb 2 ) (1) Where: ΔL=L-L0, Δa=a-a0, Δb=b-b0 L: L of samples A1, B1, C1, and D1 * value L0: L of conventional sample * value a: a of samples A1, B1, C1, and D1 * value a0: Conventional sample a * value b: Samples A1, B1, C1, and D1 * value b0: Conventional sample b * value

[0072] FIG. 5 is a bar graph showing the color difference between samples A1, B1, C1, and D1, which have been colored using processes A, B, C, and D, and a conventional sample. In FIG. 5, bar graph A1 shows the color difference between sample A1 and the conventional sample, bar graph B1 shows the color difference between sample B1 and the conventional sample, bar graph C1 shows the color difference between sample C1 and the conventional sample, and bar graph D1 shows the color difference between sample D1 and the conventional sample. FIG. 5 shows that the color difference between the conventional sample and any of the samples colored using processes A to D is 2 or more. It can also be seen that the color difference is greatest in the order of process A, process D, process B, and process C.

[0073] Moreover, it was visually observed that the color of the conventional sample was the dullest, and that the larger the color difference from the conventional sample, the brighter and darker the sample. Therefore, it can be said that the greater the color difference, the brighter and darker the color. In other words, it can be said that the greater the color difference, the better the coloring and the better the color development. From this, it can be seen that hair colored by treatments A, B, C, and D can have better color development than hair colored by the conventional treatment. In other words, the hair care method according to this embodiment can further enhance the effect of the agent. In particular, coloring by treatment A or treatment D can further improve color development.

[0074] The reason why coloring is good when coloring is performed by the processes A, B, C, and D will be considered. In the fine water particle application process performed in the processes A, B, C, and D, the temperature does not exceed 40°C, and fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less and no charge are applied to the hair sample. Since the temperature of the fine water particles applied to the sample does not exceed 40°C, the hair is not exposed to high temperatures due to the application of these fine water particles. Therefore, the hair scalp is not damaged by the execution of the fine water particle application process. In addition, since the fine water particles applied to the sample are very small, the probability that the fine water particles will meet each other after being released from the fine water particle release device is very low, and therefore the probability that the fine water particles will aggregate with each other is also low. Therefore, the fine water particles proceed toward the hair while maintaining their size, that is, while remaining at a size of 50 nm or less. In addition, the cuticle that constitutes the surface of the hair has a multi-layer structure, and a cell membrane complex (hereinafter, CMC) exists between adjacent cuticles. This CMC serves as a passageway for water, chemicals, etc. Therefore, water and chemicals penetrate into the hair through the CMC. The width of this CMC is about 50 nm. Therefore, the fine water particles applied to the hair in the fine water particle application process can penetrate into the hair through the CMC without agglomerating and with a size of 50 nm or less. In addition, since the fine water particles applied to the hair in the fine water particle application process are non-charged, they are not attracted by the static electricity of the hair. Therefore, most of the fine water particles applied in the fine water particle application process penetrate into the hair and do not remain on the surface of the hair.

[0075] In this way, the fine water particles efficiently penetrate into the hair by performing the fine water particle application process, thereby reducing damage to the hair or repairing damaged hair. In addition, since the fine water particles efficiently penetrate into the hair, the surface of the hair is hardly wet. Therefore, the medicine applied to the hair is not diluted by the fine water particles, and therefore, the occurrence of a problem such as a decrease in the effect of the medicine due to dilution of the medicine can be effectively prevented.

[0076] In the case of treatment A, fine water particles penetrate into the hair before the application of the agent, and the damage to the hair is reduced or the damaged hair is repaired, and the hair is moisturized. Therefore, it is believed that the hair can fully absorb the agent when the agent is applied thereafter, which improves color development. In the case of treatment B, the application of fine water particles and the penetration of the agent are performed simultaneously, which reduces damage to the hair or repairs the damaged hair, and the penetration of the agent is promoted with the penetration of the fine water particles into the hair. Therefore, the agent is fully penetrated into the hair, which is believed to improve color development. In the cases of treatments C and D, moisture (fine water particles) is supplied to the hair after the hair is dried, which reduces damage to the hair or repairs the damaged hair, and the cuticle on the surface of the hair is closed, which is believed to improve the gloss of the hair and improve color development.

[0077] In the case of process B, the fine water particle application process is performed during a predetermined time (20 minutes in this example) between the end of the chemical application process and the start of the cleaning process. During the time between the end of the chemical application process and the start of the cleaning process, a leaving process (permeation and reaction process) is performed to allow the chemical applied to the hair to penetrate and react with the hair. Therefore, this predetermined time (i.e., the leaving process) must be set in the other processes A, C, D and the conventional process as well. Therefore, process B, which performs the fine water particle application process within a predetermined time after the end of the chemical application process and before the start of the cleaning process (i.e., at the same time as the leaving process), which must be set, has the advantage of being able to shorten the overall processing time compared to processes A, C, and D, which must have a separate period for performing the fine water particle application process.

[0078] (Example 2: Confirmation of the effect of suppressing fading after color treatment) Four hair samples (length approximately 50 cm, weight 25 g) were prepared, and each sample was colored by treatments A, C, D and the conventional treatment in the same procedure as in Example 1. As a result, sample A2 colored by treatment A, sample C2 colored by treatment C, sample D2 colored by treatment D, and the conventional sample colored by the conventional treatment were produced.

[0079] For each sample, a color difference meter was used to measure the L * Value, a * Value, b * The initial value was measured. Then, for each sample for which the initial value was measured, the shampooing and rinsing process and the drying process were repeated in succession. Here, the shampooing and rinsing process refers to the process of washing with shampoo, rinsing with water, applying rinse, and rinsing with water, in that order. In other words, the shampooing and rinsing process simulates the process of washing hair in an ordinary household. In addition, in the drying process, each sample was dried using a hair dryer.

[0080] The shampoo, rinse and drying processes were repeated seven times for each sample A2, C2, D2 and the conventional sample, and then the L * Value, a * Value, b * The values ​​were measured seven times. After that, for each of the samples A2, C2, and D2 for which the values ​​were obtained seven times, and for the conventional sample, the shampooing, rinsing, and drying processes were repeated seven more times in succession. As a result, for each of the samples A2, C2, and D2, and for the conventional sample, the shampooing, rinsing, and drying processes were repeated 14 times after each treatment. After that, the L value was measured again for each sample using a color difference meter. * Value, a * Value, b * Values ​​were measured 14 times.

[0081] Next, for each sample, the color difference S7 between the first value and the seventh value, and the color difference S14 between the first value and the fourteenth value were calculated based on the above formula (1). ΔL=L-L0, Δa=a-a0, Δb=b-b0 L: L of each sample * 7 times value or 14 times value L0: L of each sample * Initial value of the value a: a of each sample * 7 times value or 14 times value a0: a of each sample * Initial value of the value b: b of each sample * 7 times value or 14 times value b0: b of each sample * Initial value of the value It is. Fig. 6 is a diagram comparing color difference S7 and color difference S14 for each of samples A2, C2, and D2 and a conventional sample, with the vertical axis representing color difference. In Fig. 6, the graph indicated by "A2" shows the change in color difference S7 to color difference S14 for sample A2, the graph indicated by "C2" shows the change in color difference S7 to color difference S14 for sample C2, the graph indicated by "D2" shows the change in color difference S7 to color difference S14 for sample D2, and the graph indicated by "conventional" shows the change in color difference S7 to color difference S14 for the conventional sample.

[0082] According to Figure 6, for the conventional sample, the color difference S14 is much larger than the color difference S7. In other words, when the number of times the shampooing, rinsing and drying processes are repeated increases from 7 to 14, the color difference increases. In contrast, for samples A2, C2 and D2, the color difference S7 is not so different from the color difference S14. In other words, even if the number of times the shampooing, rinsing and drying processes are repeated increases from 7 to 14, the color difference does not change much. In addition, when the shampooing and rinsing processes are repeated on colored hair, the color fades, so the magnitude of the change in color difference can be interpreted as the degree of color fade. In other words, the larger the color difference, the more the color applied to the sample fades due to the color treatment. Therefore, it can be seen that when coloring is performed using the conventional process, the color fades more due to the repeated shampooing, rinsing and drying processes. In contrast, when coloring is performed using processes A, C and D, the color fades less due to the repeated shampooing, rinsing and drying processes. From this, it was confirmed that color treatment using treatments A, C, and D had the effect of suppressing fading.

[0083] The reason why the color treatment by the treatments A, C, and D has an effect of suppressing fading is believed to be that the fine water particles are applied to the hair before or after the application of the coloring agent, and the fine water particles are uniformly distributed within the hair, which improves the structure within the hair and suppresses damage to the hair. Specifically, in the case of treatment A, in which the hair is softened without excessively wetting it by applying fine water particles, and then the coloring agent is applied, the coloring agent is applied to the softened hair with reduced damage, so that the coloring agent penetrates the hair more without being diluted, and as a result, fading is suppressed. In addition, in the case of treatments C and D, in which fine water particles are applied to the hair after the application of the coloring agent, damage to the hair is suppressed and the cuticle of the hair is closed, suppressing the outflow of the coloring agent, and therefore fading is suppressed.

[0084] (Example 3: Confirmation of wave formation effect when applying perm after bleaching) Three hair samples (length about 50 cm, weight 25 g) were prepared, and each sample was bleached using a bleaching agent, and then permed using a two-liquid perm agent (first agent + second agent). As a result, samples A3, B3, and C3 were prepared, which were bleached and then permed. Here, sample A3 was prepared by bleaching using the process B in FIG. 4A, and then perming using the process B in FIG. 4A, sample B3 was prepared by bleaching using the process B in FIG. 4A, and then perming using the conventional process, and sample C3 was prepared by bleaching using the conventional process, and then perming using the conventional process. In this example, the outline of the procedure of each step of bleaching and perming in the process B in FIG. 4A is as follows. In addition, the conventional process is performed in a procedure in which the fine water particle application process is omitted from the procedure of each step in the process B in FIG. 4A. Bleaching treatment Chemical (bleach) application process: Commercially available bleach is evenly brushed onto the sample. Fine water particle application step: Using the fine water particle emission device 1 shown in FIG. 1, fine water particles (flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of about 35° C. 2 / min.) is applied to the sample for 20 minutes. Cleaning process: 20 minutes after the end of the chemical (bleach) application process, shower The drug is removed from the samples by washing the samples with warm water and rubbing with hands. Drying step: After the cleaning step is completed, the moisture is removed from the sample surface by blowing hot air onto the wet sample using a dryer for about 2 minutes. Perm treatment Perm agent application process: After winding the hair sample (rod wrapping), the first agent of a commercially available perm agent is evenly applied to the sample with a brush and then left for 15 minutes. The second agent is then evenly applied to the sample with a brush. After the agent application process is completed, the sample is left for 20 minutes. Fine water particle application step: Immediately after the second agent was applied with a brush (i.e., during the 20-minute period), fine water particles (flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of about 35° C. were applied using the fine water particle discharge device 1 shown in FIG. 2 / min.) is applied to the sample for 20 minutes. Cleaning process: 20 minutes after the end of the chemical (perm) application process (i.e., fine water droplets) After the completion of the dye application process, the drug is removed from the sample by rinsing the sample with water in the shower and rubbing it with the fingers. Drying process: After the cleaning process is completed, the moisture is removed from the sample surface by blowing hot air onto the wet sample using a dryer for about 2 minutes.

[0085] FIG. 7 shows photographs of samples A3, B3, and C3, with FIG. 7(a) showing sample A3, FIG. 7(b) showing sample B3, and FIG. 7(c) showing sample C3. As shown in FIG. 7(c), when bleaching and perming are performed using the conventional process, sufficient waves are not formed in the hair. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 7(a), when bleaching and perming are performed using process B, appropriate waves are formed in the hair. Thus, by using process B, it is possible to form waves in the hair by performing a perm after bleaching.

[0086] The reason why sample C3 cannot form a sufficient wave is believed to be that the hair is significantly damaged by the bleaching treatment, and the elasticity of the hair is lost. In contrast, in sample A3, fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less, non-charged, and a temperature of 40° C. or less are applied to the sample during the bleaching and perming treatments. As described above, these fine water particles do not remain on the surface of the sample's hair but penetrate into the hair. Then, the moisture that penetrates into the hair closes the cuticle, for example, and the damaged hair is repaired. Therefore, the damage to the hair after the bleaching treatment is small, and the elasticity is sufficient. In addition, the fine water particles are applied to the hair during the perming treatment, so that the damage to the hair is reduced. Therefore, it is believed that the perming treatment allows the hair to form a sufficient wave.

[0087] (Example 4: Confirmation of the condition of hair cuticles after bleaching) Hair was removed from the samples bleached by treatment B in Example 3 (sample A3 or sample B3 before perm treatment) and the state of the cuticle on the surface was confirmed by SEM. Also, hair was removed from the sample bleached by the conventional treatment in Example 3 (sample C3 before perm treatment) and the state of the cuticle on the surface was confirmed by SEM.

[0088] Figure 8 is an SEM image (1000x) of two hairs A41 and A42 taken from a sample bleached using treatment B, and Figure 9 is an SEM image (1000x) of two hairs N1 and N2 taken from a sample bleached using the conventional treatment.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that the cuticles on the surface of hair A41, A42 bleached by process B are closed. In other words, there is little lifting of the cuticles. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, the cuticles on the surface of hair N1, N2 bleached by the conventional process are open. In other words, there is noticeable lifting of the cuticles. If the lifting of the cuticles is noticeable, the hair may be damaged. On the other hand, if there is little lifting of the cuticles, it is thought that the hair is not damaged. From this, it can be seen that bleaching by process B can reduce damage to hair or repair damaged hair.

[0090] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a hair care method without application of a chemical, that is, a hair care method without a chemical application step, will be described. Here, the hair care method without application of a chemical refers to a method of reducing damage to hair or repairing damaged hair and enhancing the luster of hair without using chemicals. In the past, in order to reduce damage to hair or repair damaged hair, a treatment agent was generally applied to the hair as a chemical after washing the hair with shampoo or the like. The application of this treatment agent moisturizes the hair and reduces damage to hair or repairs damaged hair. In contrast, in this embodiment, damage to hair can be reduced or damaged hair can be repaired without applying a chemical such as a treatment agent to the hair.

[0091] In this embodiment, the hair care method that does not involve application of any agent is carried out through at least the following three steps. (1) Cleaning process In the washing step, the hair is washed to remove contaminants such as dirt adhering to the hair. For example, the washing method may include washing the hair and scalp with shampoo and then rinsing with water. The washing step may be performed by rinsing with water only. (2) Drying process In the drying step, the hair that has been washed and is wet in the washing step is dried. A common drying method is to use a hair dryer to blow warm or hot air onto the wet hair to remove moisture from the hair. (3) Micro-water particle application process In the fine water particle application step, fine water particles that are uncharged, have a temperature not exceeding 40° C. (preferably less than 40° C., more preferably between 25° C. and less than 40° C.), and have a size of 50 nm or less are applied to the hair. In this case, the fine water particles can be applied to the hair using the fine water particle release device 1 shown in the first embodiment.

[0092] Of the above three steps, the cleaning step and the drying step are performed in that order. Meanwhile, the fine water particle applying step is performed after the cleaning step or the drying step, or simultaneously with the drying step. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the order of steps required for the processing according to this embodiment. FIG. 10(a) shows the order of steps when the fine water particle applying step is performed after the cleaning step (more precisely, after the cleaning step is performed and before the drying step starts), FIG. 10(b) shows the order of steps when the fine water particle applying step is performed after the drying step, and FIG. 10(c) shows the order of steps when the fine water particle applying step is performed simultaneously with the drying step.

[0093] By carrying out the fine water particle application process, fine water particles that are uncharged, have a temperature not exceeding 40°C (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably 25°C or more and less than 40°C), and have a size of 50 nm or less are applied to the hair. Since the temperature of the fine water particles applied to the hair does not exceed 40°C, the hair is not exposed to high temperatures and damaged by the execution of this process. In addition, by carrying out this process, fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less penetrate into the hair through the CMC between the cuticles of the hair. In addition, since the fine water particles applied to the hair are uncharged, they are not attracted by static electricity of the hair, etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fine water particles from being adsorbed to the surface of the hair due to static electricity, etc., which inhibits the penetration of the fine water particles into the hair. In this manner, by applying fine water particles to the hair in the fine water particle application process of this embodiment, moisture can be supplied to the inside of the hair, thereby moisturizing the hair and closing the cuticle on the surface of the hair to reduce damage to the hair or repair damaged hair, as well as improving the shine of the hair and moisturizing the hair.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(c), by carrying out the fine water particle application process simultaneously with the drying process, the overall treatment time can be shortened by applying fine water particles to the wet hair while drying it.

[0095] (Example 5...Subjective evaluation of the presence or absence of hair gloss) Eight hair samples (approximately 50 cm long and weighing 25 g) were prepared, and the washing process and drying process were carried out for each sample in that order. After that, the dried sample was subjected to the fine water particle application process. The procedure for each process is outlined below. Washing process: A certain amount of commercially available shampoo is applied to the sample, then the sample is rubbed with the fingers. After that, the sample is washed with water in the shower and rubbed with the fingers to remove the contaminants and shampoo chemicals attached to the sample. Drying process: After the cleaning process is completed, the moisture on the sample surface is removed by blowing hot air onto the wet sample using a dryer for about 3 minutes. Fine water particle application process: Using the fine water particle emission device 1 shown in FIG. 1, fine water particles (flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of about 35° C. 2 / min.) is applied to the sample for 20 minutes.

[0096] Next, three hairdressers performed subjective evaluations of the presence or absence of shine at the root and tip of each sample before and after the fine water particle application process. The subjective evaluations were performed by the three hairdressers rating each sample on a five-level scale of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 for the presence or absence of shine before and after the fine water particle application process, and assigning a score. Here, the score is an integer of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, and each hairdresser subjectively assigns a score such that the more shiny the sample, the higher the score, and the less shiny the sample, the lower the score. The average of the scores assigned by the three hairdressers was then determined as the score for the presence or absence of shine for that sample.

[0097] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the presence or absence of gloss in the hair root of each sample before and after the fine water particle application process, and FIG. 12 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the presence or absence of gloss in the hair tip of each sample before and after the fine water particle application process. The horizontal axis of the graphs in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 indicates the sample number (No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8), and in the column corresponding to each number, a bar graph (Graph A) of the score (average value) regarding the presence or absence of gloss evaluated before the start of the fine water particle application process is listed on the left side, and a bar graph (Graph B) of the score (average value) regarding the presence or absence of gloss evaluated after the end of the fine water particle application process is listed on the right side. In addition, the bar graphs in each figure are drawn so that, based on the score 3, if the score is more than score 3, it extends upward, and if the score is less than score 3, it extends downward.

[0098] 11 and 12, in both the root and tip of the hair, the percentage of samples in which the score after the fine water particle application process was higher than the score before the fine water particle application process was 7 out of 8 samples. In other words, the effect of improving the shine of the hair by performing the fine water particle application process was observed in 7 out of 8 samples.

[0099] (Example 6...Subjective evaluation of hair stiffness before and after fine water particle application process) In addition, three hairdressers checked the hardness of samples No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, and No. 8 used in the above experiment with their fingers before and after the fine water particle application process. Then, subjective evaluation of the hardness of the samples before and after the fine water particle application process was performed using the same five-point evaluation as above, and the average value was calculated. Here, the score is an integer of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, and each hairdresser subjectively judges and assigns a score so that the harder the sample, the higher the score, and the softer the sample, the lower the score.

[0100] Fig. 13 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the hardness of each sample before and after the fine water particle application process. The numerical values ​​on the horizontal axis of Fig. 13 are sample numbers (No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8), and in the columns corresponding to each number, a bar graph (graph C) of the hardness rating (average value) evaluated before the start of the fine water particle application process is shown on the left, and a bar graph (graph D) of the hardness rating (average value) evaluated after the end of the fine water particle application process is shown on the right. Moreover, the bar graphs in Fig. 13 are drawn so that, with a rating of 3 as the base, the rating increases upward if the rating is higher than 3, and decreases downward if the rating is lower than 3.

[0101] As can be seen from Fig. 13, in 6 out of 8 samples, the hardness rating of the sample after the fine water particle application process was completed was lower than the hardness rating of the sample before the fine water particle application process was started. This confirmed that in 6 out of 8 sample bundles, the fine water particle application process made the hair softer, i.e., reduced the bending rigidity of the hair.

[0102] (Example 7...Change in bending stiffness of hair before and after execution of fine water particle application process) Two bundles of hair samples, No. 9 and No. 10 (length approximately 50 cm, weight 25 g), were prepared, and the prepared samples were subjected to the washing and drying processes in the same procedures as in Example 5. Then, for each of the multiple hairs constituting each sample, the root of each hair was attached one by one to the measuring part of a bending tester. The hair attached to the measuring part was measured for a curvature K = -2.5 to +2.5 (cm -1 ) within the range of 0.4 (cm -1 ·s -1 The specimen was bent at a rate of change of 0.5 to 1.5 cm, and the bending stress was measured at each step. After the measurements, the bending stress was measured at each step according to the change in curvature, and a bending stress-curvature curve, which shows the relationship between bending stress and curvature K, was obtained. From the bending stress-curvature curve thus obtained, it was found that the curvature K is 0.5 to 1.5 cm. -1 Range and curvature K = -1.5~-0.5cm -1 The average slope of the curve in the range is the bending stiffness of the hair base (unit: N m 2 ) was calculated. In this way, the bending stiffness was calculated for all hairs constituting each sample. Then, values ​​in the range of 10% to 20% from the highest calculated bending stiffness (the top 10% to 20% of bending stiffness) were extracted, and the average value of the extracted values ​​was calculated as the stiffness value before water was added.

[0103] Next, for sample No. 9, a fine water particle applying step was performed in the same procedure as in Example 5. On the other hand, for sample No. 10, a water immersion step was performed in which the sample was immersed in water for 1 hour. Next, immediately after performing the fine water particle applying step or the water immersion step for each sample, a bending test similar to the above was performed again for each of the multiple hairs constituting each sample using a bending tester, and the bending stiffness of the hair root part was calculated from the test results (bending stress-curvature curve) in the same manner as above. Then, values ​​in the range of the top 10% to 20% with the highest bending stiffness were extracted, and the average value of the extracted values ​​was calculated as the stiffness value immediately after water application.

[0104] Next, each sample was left for one day (24 hours) in an atmosphere with a temperature of 24-27°C and a humidity of 50-65%RH, and after the end of the leaving period, the same bending test as above was performed on each of the multiple hairs constituting each sample using a bending tester, and the bending stiffness of the hair root was calculated from the test results (bending stress-curvature polarity) in the same manner as above. Then, the values ​​in the range of the top 10% to 20% of bending stiffness were extracted, and the average value of the extracted values ​​was calculated as the stiffness value one day after water application. In addition, based on the knowledge that hairs having values ​​in the range of the top 10% to 20% of bending stiffness affect the stiffness (stiffness) of the entire sample, the average value of the values ​​in the range of the top 10% to 20% of bending stiffness was calculated as the stiffness value as described above.

[0105] Fig. 14 is a graph showing the change in stiffness value before water is added, stiffness value immediately after water is added, and stiffness value one day after water is added, calculated for each sample. Here, the vertical axis of Fig. 14 is the rate of change in bending stiffness value (stiffness value immediately after water is added, stiffness value one day after water is added) of each sample when the stiffness value before water is added for each sample is set to 1. Therefore, the stiffness value before water is added is 1 for all samples. Also, the graph for each sample is indicated by the number of each sample.

[0106] As shown in Figure 14, the stiffness value immediately after water was added was lower than the stiffness value before water was added for both Sample No. 9 and Sample No. 10. This is because the hair constituting the sample became softer as a result of the supply of moisture to the hair.

[0107] In addition, in sample No. 9, the stiffness value one day after water application is smaller than the stiffness value before water application. On the other hand, in sample No. 10, the sample is immersed in water, so the hair surface constituting the sample becomes wet. Therefore, the stiffness value immediately after water application is lower, but the stiffness value one day after water application returns to the same level as the stiffness value before water application. This is thought to be because all the moisture on the hair surface has evaporated one day after immersion in water.

[0108] From the above results, it can be seen that in sample No. 9, the hair is softer even one day after the fine water particle application process is performed than before the fine water particle application process is performed. This is thought to be because the fine water particle application process takes moisture into the hair and the taken-in moisture is retained even one day after the process is performed. This confirms that the fine water particle application process of this embodiment makes the hair softer and enhances the moisturizing effect of the hair.

[0109] (Example 8: Comparison of cuticle conditions) Three hair samples A5, B5, and C5 (length about 30 cm, weight 15 g) were prepared. After the washing process and drying process were performed in the same order as in Example 5 for sample A5, hair a5 was taken out from sample A5, and the fine water particle application process was performed on the taken-out hair a5. The surface of hair a5 was observed by SEM at each of the following times: after the drying process was completed and before the fine water particle application process was started, immediately after the fine water particle application process was performed for 10 minutes, and immediately after the fine water particle application process was performed for 20 minutes (total of 30 minutes). After the washing process and drying process were performed in the same order as in Example 5 for sample B5, hair b5 was taken out from sample B5, and vaporized moisture was applied to the taken-out hair b5 for 30 minutes using an evaporative humidifier. In addition, the surface of the hair b5 was observed by SEM at each of the timings of the completion of the drying process, before the vaporized moisture was applied by the vaporizing humidifier, and immediately after the vaporized moisture was applied for 30 minutes. Furthermore, for sample C5, the washing process and the drying process were performed in the same order as in Example 5, and then hair c5 was taken out from sample C5, and the extracted hair c5 was given fine particle ions containing negative ions for 10 minutes using a fine particle ion dryer. In addition, the surface of the hair c5 was observed by SEM at each of the timings of the completion of the drying process, before the fine particle ions were applied by the fine particle ion dryer, and immediately after the fine particle ions were applied for 10 minutes. In addition, the fine water particle application process was performed for 10 minutes for the hair c5 to which the fine particle ions were applied for 10 minutes, in the same procedure as in Example 5. Then, the surface of the hair c5 was observed by SEM at the timing after the fine water particle application process was performed.

[0110] FIG. 15 is an SEM image (1000x) of hair a5 extracted from sample A5. FIG. 15(a) is an SEM image of hair a5 taken before the start of the fine water particle application process, FIG. 15(b) is an SEM image of hair a5 taken immediately after the fine water particle application process was performed for 10 minutes after the photograph of FIG. 15(a), and FIG. 15(c) is an SEM image of hair a5 taken immediately after the fine water particle application process was performed for another 20 minutes (total 30 minutes) after the photograph of FIG. 15(b). As can be seen from FIG. 15, after the end of the fine water particle application process (FIG. 15(b), FIG. 15(c)), the cuticle is less lifted compared to before the start of the process (FIG. 15(a)). Also, comparing FIG. 15(b) and FIG. 15(c), it can be seen that the longer the execution time of the fine water particle process, the less the cuticle is lifted. This shows that the fine water particle application process according to this embodiment has the effect of reducing damage to hair or repairing damaged hair, that is, the effect of suppressing lifting of the cuticle (closing the cuticle) and improving the condition of the cuticle. This is because the fine water particles applied to hair by the fine water particle application process according to this embodiment have a size of 50 nm or less and are non-charged, so the water particles enter the water passage (CMC) that exists between the cuticles of the hair and moisturize the hair.

[0111] FIG. 16 is an SEM image (1000x) of hair b5 extracted from sample B5. FIG. 16(a) is an SEM image of hair b5 taken before vaporized moisture was applied using an evaporative humidifier, and FIG. 16(b) is an SEM image of hair b5 taken immediately after vaporized moisture was applied for 30 minutes using an evaporative humidifier after the image of FIG. 16(a) was taken. As can be seen from FIG. 16, the cuticle is significantly raised both before and after the vaporized moisture was applied. Also, there is not much change in the state of the cuticle before and after the vaporized moisture was applied. Therefore, it can be said that applying vaporized moisture to hair using an evaporative humidifier does not have the effect of improving the state of the hair cuticle (the effect of suppressing the lifting of the cuticle). The vaporized water applied to hair by the evaporative humidifier is a single water molecule (size: about 0.3 nanometers), and although it enters the hair, it exists in a state (free water) that can freely enter and exit due to temperature changes, etc., and is therefore considered not to contribute to arranging the hair tissue. In contrast, the fine water particles applied to hair in the fine water particle application process of this embodiment or the first embodiment described above exist in the hair in a state where they can remain in the hair without entering or exiting due to temperature changes, etc., since the effect of applying the fine water particles in the fine water particle application process continues even after one day, as shown in the graph of Sample No. 9 in FIG. 14. From this, it is considered that the fine water particles applied to hair in the fine water particle application process of this embodiment or the first embodiment described above exist in the hair in a state where they are bound to biological tissue such as proteins (bound water) and thereby act to arrange the hair tissue.

[0112] FIG. 17 is an SEM image (1000x) of hair c5 extracted from sample C5. FIG. 17(a) is an SEM image of hair c5 taken before applying fine particle ions using a fine particle ion dryer, FIG. 17(b) is an SEM image of hair c5 taken immediately after applying fine particle ions using a fine particle ion dryer for 10 minutes after taking the image of FIG. 17(a), and FIG. 17(c) is an SEM image of hair c5 taken immediately after performing the fine water particle applying process of this embodiment for 10 minutes after taking the image of FIG. 17(b). As can be seen from FIG. 17, the cuticle is greatly raised both before and after the application of fine particle ions. Also, there is not much change in the state of the cuticle before and after the application of fine particle ions. Therefore, it can be said that applying fine particle ions to hair using a fine particle ion dryer does not have the effect of improving the state of the hair cuticle. This is because the fine particle ions applied to the hair by the fine particle ion dryer are electrically charged, and are attracted to the surface of the hair by static electricity or the like before entering the water channel (CMC) between the cuticles of the hair, and do not penetrate into the hair. Also, as can be seen by comparing Fig. 17(b) with Fig. 17(c), it can be seen that the lifting of the cuticle on the hair surface is slightly reduced by applying fine water particles by performing the fine water particle application process according to this embodiment after applying the fine particle ions. This also shows that the lifting of the cuticle is suppressed by performing the fine water particle application process according to this embodiment.

[0113] (Example 9: Study on the direction of application of fine water particles) FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the direction of the cuticle on the surface of the hair. As shown in FIG. 18, the cuticle is formed on the surface of the hair in a bamboo shoot shape with the tip facing the hair tip side. When the hair is damaged and the cuticle is raised, the cuticle opens toward the hair tip side. Therefore, by applying fine water particles to the hair in a direction from the hair root side to the hair tip side (forward direction), the open cuticle is closed by the fine water particles or the air flow carrying the fine water particles, and the cuticle is arranged. On the other hand, by applying fine water particles to the hair in a direction from the hair tip side to the hair root side (reverse direction), the fine water particles can be effectively penetrated into the CMC between the cuticles facing the hair tip side. Therefore, in order to arrange the cuticle and improve the finish, it is preferable to apply the fine water particles in the forward direction, and on the other hand, in order to efficiently penetrate the chemical agent into the hair when a chemical agent is used, it is preferable to apply the fine water particles in the reverse direction. For example, when the fine water particle application step is performed after the chemical application step and before the drying step, more preferably, when the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing of the process B of the first embodiment, that is, after the chemical application step and before the cleaning step, it is preferable to apply the fine water particles in the reverse direction in order to promote the penetration of the chemical. According to this, the chemical applied to the hair efficiently penetrates into the hair together with the fine water particles. Also, when the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing of the processes C, D, and E of the first embodiment, or when the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 10 of the second embodiment, that is, when the fine water particle application step is performed simultaneously with the drying step or after the drying step, it is preferable to apply the fine water particles in the forward direction in order to arrange the cuticle. According to this, the fine water particles can be permeated into the hair to reduce damage to the hair or repair damaged hair, and the cuticle that opens toward the hand side can be arranged. However, in each example, the direction of application of the fine water particles is not necessarily limited.

[0114] Third embodiment In the third embodiment, a hair care method including multiple drug application steps will be described.

[0115] (Example 10: Treatment with multiple drug application steps) Seven hair samples, A6, B6, C6, D6, E6, F6, and N6 (length approx. 30 cm, weight 15 g), were prepared. Each sample was treated by carrying out the steps in the numerical order shown below. 1) Washing the sample with shampoo 2) Rinse the sample with warm water. Then towel dry the sample. 3) Application of the first agent (agent used: first agent (a mist-like treatment agent that contains nutritional ingredients such as keratin and does not contain silicone ingredients)) to the sample (first agent application process) 4) Application of the second agent (agent used: second agent (a liquid treatment agent containing nutritional components such as keratin and no silicone components or containing a small amount of silicone components (low silicone components)) to the sample (second agent application process) 5) Applying the third agent (agent used: liquid treatment agent containing nutrients such as keratin and silicone components) to the sample (third agent application process) 6) Using the pads of your fingers to rub the drug into the sample (rubbing process) 7) Rinse the sample with warm water. Then towel dry the sample (first cleaning step). 8) Applying the fourth agent (agent used: treatment agent containing nutritional components such as keratin and silicone components) to the sample (fourth agent application process) 9) Rinse the sample with warm water, then towel dry the sample (second cleaning step) 10) Drying with a dryer (drying process) 11) Setting the hair into the desired shape (finishing process)

[0116] Moreover, for sample A6, the fine water particle application process was performed after the above procedure 2) and before procedure 3) (i.e., before the start of the first chemical application process), and for sample B6, the fine water particle application process was performed after the above procedure 3) and before procedure 4) (i.e., after the completion of the first chemical application process and before the start of the second chemical application process). Furthermore, for sample C6, the fine water particle application process was performed after the above procedure 4) and before procedure 5) (i.e., after the completion of the second chemical application process and before the start of the third chemical application process), and for sample D6, the fine water particle application process was performed after the above procedure 6) and before procedure 7) (i.e., after the completion of the third chemical application process and before the start of the fourth chemical application process). Furthermore, for sample E6, the fine water particle application process was performed after the above procedure 10) (i.e., after the completion of the drying process and before the start of the finishing process), and for sample F6, the fine water particle application process was performed after the above procedure 11) (i.e., after the completion of the finishing process). The conditions of the fine water particle application process performed for each sample were the same, and the application time of the fine water particles was 150 seconds. For sample N6, the above steps 1)-11) were performed in order without performing the fine water particle application process. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the execution order of each step of the treatment, showing the execution timing of the fine water particle application process performed in this example. Timings A6, B6, C6, D6, E6, and F6 shown in FIG. 21 are the timings for executing the fine water particle application process in the samples corresponding to the numbers representing each timing.

[0117] The condition of the root and tip of the hair was checked for each sample that had undergone all the steps. Here, in the case of a conventional treatment (i.e., sample N6) in which steps 1)-11) were performed without performing the fine water particle application step, the root of the hair became softer than before the treatment, but the tip of the hair became harder. In contrast, the following effects were observed for each of samples A6, B6, C6, D6, and E6, in which the fine water particle application step was performed at the specified timing. Sample A6: When scooped up with the hand, the base of the hair fits comfortably in the hand. Sample B6: Prevents or suppresses the tip of the hair from becoming hard. Sample C6: When scooped up with the hand, the base of the hair felt good in the hand, and the tip of the hair was prevented or suppressed from becoming hard. Sample D6: The tip of the bristles fits comfortably in the hand when scooped up with the hand. Sample E6: The tip of the bristles fits well in the hand when scooped with the hand, and the tip of the bristles is prevented or suppressed from becoming hard.

[0118] As described above, regardless of the timing at which the fine water particles were applied, some effect was obtained.

[0119] In particular, there was a tendency for the effect to appear in different areas when fine water particles were applied before the application of a treatment agent containing a large amount of silicone components (hereinafter referred to as a silicone component-containing treatment agent) (i.e., before the start of the third drug application process) and when fine water particles were applied after the application of a treatment agent containing silicone components (i.e., after the end of the third drug application process). Specifically, in the samples in which the fine water particle application process was performed before the application of the silicone component-containing treatment agent (i.e., samples A6, B6, and C6), a hydrating effect was obtained at the root of the hair, and the root of the hair felt good in the hands, while in the samples in which the fine water particle application process was performed after the application of the silicone component-containing treatment agent (i.e., samples D6 and E6), a hydrating effect was obtained at the tip of the hair, and the tip of the hair felt good in the hands. This is thought to be due to the difference in the original damage to the hair. In areas where hair is less damaged and moisture can be retained without the effect of chemicals (e.g., the roots of hair), moisture remains in the hair even if fine water particles are applied before the application of a silicone-containing treatment agent, and the effect of applying fine water particles can be obtained. On the other hand, in areas where hair is originally heavily damaged (e.g., the ends of hair), the hair itself lacks the ability to retain moisture, so moisture is less likely to remain in the hair before the application of a silicone-containing treatment agent, and the effect of applying fine water particles is less likely to be seen. In this case, applying fine water particles after the application of a silicone-containing treatment agent makes it easier for moisture to remain in the hair by utilizing the components contained in the treatment agent, and the effect of applying fine water particles can be obtained more.

[0120] Next, the bending stiffness reduction rate was calculated for each sample. Here, the bending stiffness reduction rate is the reduction rate of the bending stiffness value G2 after the treatment (after the finishing process is completed) to the bending stiffness value G1 in the initial state (before the treatment), and is calculated by the following formula: 1-G2 / G1 The value of the bending stiffness reduction rate obtained from the above formula is larger in the positive direction, which indicates that the hair is softer after the treatment compared to the initial state, and larger in the negative direction, which indicates that the hair is harder after the treatment compared to the initial state. In addition, in order to obtain the bending stiffness reduction rate, 30 hairs were randomly extracted from each sample, and the bending stiffness value G1 of the initial state was measured for the extracted 30 hairs. Then, the top 20% of hairs with the largest bending stiffness value G1 were further extracted, and the bending stiffness value G2 after the treatment was measured for the extracted hairs. The bending stiffness reduction rate was obtained using the bending stiffness values ​​G1 and G2 obtained in this way. In other words, the bending stiffness reduction rate obtained is the value for the top 20% of hairs with the bending stiffness value G1 in the initial state. The bending stiffness values ​​G1 and G2 were measured as described above, and the bending stiffness reduction rate was obtained for each of the hair tip and hair root parts of each sample.

[0121] FIG. 19 is a graph comparing the bending stiffness reduction rates obtained for samples A6, B6, C6, D6, E6, and N6. The horizontal axis of this graph shows the type of sample. Then, in the column corresponding to each sample, a graph showing the bending stiffness reduction rate of each sample is shown. Of the two graphs shown in the column corresponding to each sample, the graph E on the left side shows the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair root, and the graph F on the right side shows the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair tip. As can be seen from FIG. 19, in sample N6, which was subjected to a conventional treatment treatment without performing the fine water particle application process, the hair tip becomes very hard after the treatment treatment. In contrast, in samples B6, C6, and E6, the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair tip is a positive value, and it can be seen that the hair tip becomes soft after the treatment treatment. Note that undamaged (or less damaged) hair (for example, the hair root) has a high ability to retain water. Therefore, even if fine water particles are applied to undamaged (or less damaged) hair before application of a chemical agent or before application of a chemical agent having a function of forming a film on the hair surface with silicone or the like (e.g., the third chemical agent and the fourth chemical agent), the fine water particles are likely to enter the hair, and it is considered that the effect of applying the fine water particles is likely to be obtained. On the other hand, hair with a lot of damage (e.g., the hair tip portion) has a weak ability to retain water. Therefore, when fine water particles are applied to hair in a state where the moisture retention of the hair is increased by a chemical agent, for example, after application of the third chemical agent or after application of the fourth chemical agent, the fine water particles are likely to be retained in the hair, and it is considered that the effect of applying the fine water particles is likely to be obtained.

[0122] Next, the hysteresis change width was determined for each sample. The "hysteresis change width" referred to here is an index that indicates the amount of change in the difference between the bending stiffness value measured when bending the hair and the bending stiffness value measured when unbending the hair when measuring the bending stiffness value for each sample. In this example, in determining the hysteresis change width, first, the curvature K was measured for each of the 30 hairs that make up each sample from 0 to +2.5 (cm -1The bending stress αp measured when the curvature K = 1 in the process of bending the hair until the curvature K is +2.5 to 0 (cm -1 In the process of bending the hair back to its original position, the difference Δα (=αp-αn) between the bending stress αn measured when the curvature K = 1 is calculated. In addition, for each of the 30 hairs that make up each sample, the difference Δα (=αp-αn) between the bending stress αn measured when the curvature K is 0 to -2.5 (cm -1 The difference Δβ (=βp-βn) between the bending stress βp measured when the curvature K=-1 in the process of bending the hair until the curvature becomes -2.5 (cm-1) and the bending stress βn measured when the curvature K=-1 in the process of bending the hair back until the curvature becomes -2.5 to 0 (cm-1) is obtained. Then, the average value S (=(Δα+Δβ) / 2) of the obtained differences Δα and Δβ is calculated as the hysteresis of each hair. Furthermore, for the average value S (hysteresis) calculated for the 30 hairs constituting each sample, the difference was calculated by subtracting the S value before the treatment from the S value after the treatment, and the change amount (difference in S value) for each of the 30 hairs was calculated. Then, the average value of the change amount was taken as the hysteresis change width. The larger the hysteresis change width, the lower the bending stiffness value when unbending compared to the bending stiffness value when bending. In other words, it is considered that the larger the hysteresis change width, the weaker the force with which the hair returns to its original shape when touched with a hand, and the better it fits in the hand (the hair is highly flexible and its shape is likely to change in response to the amount of force applied when the hair is touched with a hand). Therefore, the magnitude of the hysteresis change width represents the degree to which the hair feels soft when touched.

[0123] Figure 20 is a graph comparing the hysteresis change widths obtained for samples A6, B6, C6, D6, E6, and N6. The horizontal axis of this graph indicates the type of sample. A graph showing the hysteresis change width of each sample is shown in the column corresponding to each sample. Of the two graphs shown in the column corresponding to each sample, the graph G on the left side shows the hysteresis change width of the hair root, and the graph H on the right side shows the hysteresis change width of the hair tip.

[0124] As shown in Figure 20, the hysteresis change width at the tip of the hair is large in Samples D6 and E6. This confirmed that the softness of the tip of the hair can be further improved by applying fine water particles after applying a treatment agent containing silicon components. Also, the hysteresis change width at the base of the hair is large in Sample C6. This is thought to be because the condition of the base of the hair is further improved by applying the treatment agent twice before applying the fine water particles, and the subsequent application of the fine water particles allows the hair to absorb sufficient moisture.

[0125] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the properties of each agent (first agent, second agent, third agent, fourth agent) used in each agent application step. According to Fig. 22, the first agent is a mist-like agent, the second agent is a cream-like agent that does not contain a silicone component or contains only a small amount of silicone component and has a loose texture, the third agent is a cream-like agent that contains a large amount of silicone component and has a hard texture, and the fourth agent is a cream-like agent that contains a large amount of silicone component and oil and has a smooth texture.

[0126] In addition, in this embodiment, depending on the condition of the hair or the desired finish, the fine water particle application process can be executed at least at one of the following times: after completion of any of the drug application processes, after completion of the drying process, or after completion of the finishing process.

[0127] In the case of sample B6, in which the fine water particle application process was performed at the timing after the first chemical application process was completed (timing B6 in FIG. 21), the effect of the first chemical can be enhanced, and when the fine water particle application process was performed at the timing after the second chemical application process was completed (timing C6 in FIG. 21), the effect of the second chemical can be enhanced. Furthermore, when the fine water particle application process was performed at the timing after the third chemical application process was completed (timing D6 in FIG. 21), the effect of the third chemical can be enhanced, and when the fine water particle application process was performed at the timing after the fourth chemical application process was completed, the effect of the fourth chemical can be enhanced. Furthermore, when the fine water particle application process was performed at the timing after the drying process was completed (timing E6 in FIG. 21) or the timing after the finishing process was completed (timing F6 in FIG. 21), the effect of the fourth chemical can be enhanced and the finish can be adjusted.

[0128] FIG. 23 is a table showing the effect on hair after treatment, the finish feeling, and the hair quality suitable for applying fine water particles at the timings when the fine water particle application process is performed at the timings C6, D6, E6, and F6 in FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 23, when the fine water particle application process is performed at the timing C6, the softness of the hair is improved, and the hair can be finished with a light finish feeling. In addition, for hair with low damage, it is good to apply fine water particles to the hair at the timing C6. At the time of the timing C6, only a treatment agent that does not contain silicone components or has a low content of silicone components is applied to the hair. And, if the hair is low damaged, the hair is sufficiently repaired at this stage, so by applying fine water particles to the hair, moisture can be retained in the hair, which enhances the effect of the second agent with a loose texture and a creamy shape, and as a result, the hair can be softened.

[0129] Furthermore, when the fine water particle application step is performed at timing D6, the effect of the third agent having a hard, creamy texture is enhanced, so that the hair becomes stiffer, especially at the roots, and the hair can be finished with a lighter feel. Therefore, for hair that lacks stiffness, it is good to apply fine water particles at timing D6.

[0130] In addition, when the fine water particle application process is performed at timing E6 or timing F6, the effect of the fourth agent, which is a cream with a smooth texture, is enhanced, and the softness of the hair is improved. In addition, since timing E6 or timing F6 is the timing after all the agents have been applied, the hair is sufficiently repaired and protected when the fine water particles are applied, even if the hair is highly damaged. Therefore, for highly damaged hair, it is better to apply the fine water particles at timing E6 or timing F6. In addition, by applying the fine water particles to the dried hair at timing E6, the entire hair can be expanded to give it a fluffy and soft texture. In addition, by applying the fine water particles to the finished hair at timing F6, that is, by allowing moisture to be absorbed into the hair at the end of the treatment, the hair can be finished to be heavy, well-groomed, and moist.

[0131] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the relationship between the hysteresis change width and the bending stiffness reduction rate measured for each of samples C6, D6, F6, and N6. The horizontal axis of FIG. 24 is the hysteresis change width, and as it increases from 0 in the positive direction, it is more difficult for the hair to bend back (i.e., it is more flexible to the hand (easy to fit)), and as it increases from 0 in the negative direction, it is more easy for the hair to bend back (i.e., it is less flexible to the hand (difficult to fit)). The vertical axis of FIG. 24 is the bending stiffness reduction rate, and as it increases from 0 in the positive direction, it is more easy for the hair to bend, and as it increases from 0 in the negative direction, it is more difficult for the hair to bend. Also, the circular points in FIG. 24 represent the relationship between the hysteresis change width and the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair root, and the square points represent the relationship between the hysteresis change width and the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair tip. Also, the number of the sample corresponding to each point in FIG. 24 is shown near each point.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 24, in sample N6, which has not undergone the fine water particle application process, it is found that the hair tip portion is difficult to bend and the hair root portion is easy to bend. In addition, in sample C6, it is found that the hair root portion is difficult to bend back (easy to blend in). In general, hair that is easy to bend and hair that is difficult to bend back (easy to blend in) can be said to be soft hair. Therefore, by performing the fine water particle application process at a timing after the second chemical application process is completed and before the third chemical application process is started, it is possible to finish the hair into soft hair. In addition, in sample D6, it is found that both the hair tip portion and the hair root portion are difficult to bend. In particular, the hair root portion of sample D6 is difficult to bend and is easy to bend back. Hair that is difficult to bend and easily bends back when bent can be said to be stiff hair. Therefore, by performing the fine water particle application process at a timing after the third chemical application process is completed and before the fourth chemical application process is started, it is possible to finish the hair into hair with strong stiffness at the hair root portion. In addition, in sample F6, the hair tip portion is difficult to bend back. Therefore, by executing the fine water particle application step at timing F6 after the finishing step, the hair ends can be finished to be soft. Also, by applying fine water particles to the hair after the finishing step, the hair can be finished to be moisturized and heavy and easy to manage.

[0133] In this way, in a treatment, by executing the fine water particle application process at least at any one of the following times, depending on the condition of the hair (low damage, high damage, presence or absence of stiffness, etc.) and the desired finish (light, heavy, fluffy, sleek, etc.), it is possible to perform an appropriate treatment and further enhance the effect of the treatment agent.

[0134] Fourth embodiment In the fourth embodiment, a hair care method capable of suppressing damage to the hair during a perm treatment will be described.

[0135] In a perm treatment, generally, two types of liquid agents, a first agent (agent 1) and a second agent (agent 2), are used. The first agent is an agent that has the function of cutting the internal tissue of the hair, specifically the cystine bonds in the hair, to freely change the shape of the hair. The second agent is an agent that has the function of recombining the internal tissue of the hair that was cut by the application of the first agent, to adapt the hair to the desired shape and to set it in the desired shape. Therefore, in a perm treatment, the first agent is applied to the hair first, and then the second agent is applied to the hair.

[0136] FIG. 25A shows each step of a conventional perm treatment using two liquids (a first agent and a second agent). As shown in FIG. 25A, in a conventional perm treatment using two liquids, a rod winding step (winding step), a first agent application step, a first leaving step, a washing step (first washing step), a second agent application step, a second leaving step, a washing step (second washing step), and a drying step are performed in this order. In the rod winding step, a rod is wound around the hair and the hair is bent into a desired winding shape. Next, in the first agent application step, the first agent is applied to the hair, and then, in the first leaving step, the hair is left for a first predetermined time. By performing this first leaving step, the first agent penetrates into the hair, and the internal tissue in the hair is cut, so that the hair shape can be freely changed. After the first leaving step is completed, the hair is washed in the washing step (first washing step), the second agent is applied to the hair in the second agent application step, and then, in the second leaving step, the hair is left for a second predetermined time. By carrying out this second leaving step, the second agent penetrates into the hair, and the cut internal tissues in the hair are reconnected, so that the hair conforms to the desired shape and is solidified in the conformed shape. The first predetermined time in the first leaving step and the second predetermined time in the second leaving step are generally about 15 minutes each. After the second leaving step is completed, the hair is washed in the washing step (second washing step), and then dried in the drying step.

[0137] Fig. 25B shows an example of the order of steps in a perm treatment using two liquids (first and second agents) according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 25B, in a perm treatment using two liquids (first and second agents) according to this embodiment, a fine water particle application step is carried out after the first standing step shown in Fig. 25A is completed and before the second agent application step is started (specifically, after the cleaning step (first cleaning step) after the first standing step is completed and before the second agent application step is started). The other steps are the same as those shown in Fig. 25A.

[0138] According to this embodiment, fine water particles are applied to hair that is wetted by the first agent applied by the first agent application step, or to hair that is wetted by the washing step after the first agent application step. The applied fine water particles penetrate into the hair and adhere to the internal tissue of the hair cut by the first agent. When the fine water particles adhere to the internal tissue of the cut hair, the tissue becomes easier to move. As a result of making the internal tissue of the hair easier to move, the shape of the hair becomes easier to adapt to the desired winding shape. Therefore, the time required to adapt the hair to the desired winding shape after the application of the second agent is shortened. This makes it possible to shorten the second predetermined time in the second leaving step. For example, as shown in FIG. 25B, the first predetermined time in the first leaving step is about 15 minutes, but the second predetermined time in the second leaving step can be shortened to about 5 minutes. In this case, if the time for applying fine water particles in the fine water particle applying step is 10 minutes, a two-liquid perm treatment including the fine water particle applying step can be performed without extending the treatment time, compared to the perm treatment shown in FIG. 25A. By applying fine water particles to the hair during the perm treatment, the effectiveness of the perm agent can be enhanced. Also, by shortening the time during which the hair is exposed to the second agent (the second predetermined time), the damage to the hair caused by the second agent can be reduced.

[0139] (Example 11: Comparison of wave efficiency) Four hair samples (length about 50 cm, weight 25 g) A7, B7, C7, N7 were prepared, and perms were applied to each sample using two liquids (first and second agents). Here, the first agent has the function of cutting the internal tissue of the hair, and the second agent has the function of joining the internal tissue of the hair cut by the first agent. Sample A7 was permed using treatment F1, sample B7 was permed using treatment F2, sample C7 was permed using treatment F3, and sample N7 was permed using a conventional treatment. These treatments will be described later.

[0140] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing each process of the conventional process, process F1, process F2, and process F3. As shown in FIG. 26, the conventional process is a process in which a rod winding process, a first chemical application process, a first leaving process, a first cleaning process, a second chemical application process, a second leaving process, a second cleaning process, and a drying process are performed in this order. In other words, the conventional process does not include a fine water particle application process. Process F1 is a process in which a rod winding process, a first chemical application process, a first leaving process + a fine water particle application process, a first cleaning process, a second chemical application process, a second leaving process, a second cleaning process, and a drying process are performed in this order. According to process F1, the fine water particle application process is performed during the execution of the first leaving process. Specifically, the execution time of the first leaving process is 15 minutes, and the fine water particle application process is performed simultaneously with the first leaving process within 10 minutes from the start of the execution of the first leaving process. Therefore, after the execution of the fine water particle application process is completed, only the first leaving process is performed for 5 minutes. Process F2 is a process in which the rod winding process, the first chemical application process, the first leaving process, the first cleaning process, the second chemical application process, the second leaving process + the fine water particle application process, the second cleaning process, and the drying process are performed in this order. According to process F2, the fine water particle application process is performed during the execution of the second leaving process. Specifically, the execution time of the second leaving process is 15 minutes, and the fine water particle application process is performed simultaneously with the second leaving process within 10 minutes from the start of the execution of the second leaving process. Therefore, after the execution of the fine water particle application process is completed, only the second leaving process is performed for 5 minutes. Process F3 is a process in which the rod winding process, the first chemical application process, the first leaving process, the first cleaning process, the fine water particle application process, the second chemical application process, the second leaving process, the second cleaning process, and the drying process are performed in this order. According to process F3, the fine water particle application process is performed after the execution of the first cleaning process is completed and before the execution of the second chemical application process is started.

[0141] In the rod winding step, a rod is wound around the hair sample, and the hair is bent into a predetermined winding shape. In the first agent application step, the first agent is evenly applied to the rod-wound sample. In the first leaving step, the sample to which the first agent has been applied is left for 15 minutes. In the first washing step, the sample is rubbed with fingers and washed with water in a shower to wash the first agent off the sample. In the second agent application step, the second agent is evenly applied to the sample. In the second leaving step, the sample to which the second agent has been applied is left for a predetermined time (second predetermined time). Here, the second predetermined time in the second leaving step is 15 minutes in the conventional process, process F1, and process F2, and 5 minutes in process F3. In the second washing step, the sample is rubbed with fingers and washed with water in a shower to wash the second agent off the sample. In the drying step, moisture on the sample surface is removed by blowing hot air onto the wet sample for about 2 minutes using a dryer. In the fine water particle application process, fine water particles (flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of about 35° C. were applied using a fine water particle discharge device 1 shown in FIG. 2 / min.) is applied to the sample for 10 minutes. After the drying process is completed, the rod is removed from the sample.

[0142] FIG. 27 is a diagram comparing the wave efficiency of each of the samples A7, B7, C7, and N7, which were permed by each treatment. Here, the wave efficiency is a percentage obtained by dividing the diameter of the rod used in the rod winding process by the diameter of the wave formed on the sample after treatment, and the higher the wave efficiency, the greater the effect of the perm agent. As shown in FIG. 27, the wave efficiency of the samples A7, B7, and C7, which were permed by treatments F1, F2, and F3, is higher than the wave efficiency of the sample N7, which was permed by the conventional treatment. The reason why the wave efficiency of the samples A7, B7, and C7 is high can be considered to be that the application of fine water particles to the hair reduces damage to the hair, thereby enhancing the effect of the perm agent.

[0143] Among the samples A7, B7, and C7 that were permed by the treatments F1, F2, and F3, the wave efficiency of the sample C7 was the highest. The reason why the wave efficiency of the sample C7 was the highest is thought to be that the second predetermined time in the second leaving step of the treatment F3 was the shortest at 5 minutes, and the damage to the hair caused by exposure to the second agent was the smallest, so that the effect of the perm agent was enhanced. In other words, by performing the perm treatment by the treatment F3 and shortening the second predetermined time (leaving time) in the second leaving step, the damage to the hair can be suppressed and the perm treatment with a sufficiently high wave efficiency can be performed, and the perm treatment time including the fine water particle application step can be shortened. The reason why the leaving time (second predetermined time) in the second leaving step in the treatment F3 can be shortened is thought to be that, as described above, by applying fine water particles to the sample after application of the first agent and before application of the second agent, the internal tissues cut within the hair become easier to move, and the hair becomes more easily adapted to the desired shape. In addition, in the process F1, as in the process F3, fine water particles are applied to the sample after the application of the first agent and before the application of the second agent. The difference between the process F1 and the process F3 is that in the process F1, the fine water particle application process is performed simultaneously with the first leaving process after the application of the first agent, whereas in the process F3, the fine water particle application process is performed after the first leaving process is completed. In the process F1 in which the fine water particles are applied during the first leaving process, many of the fine water particles are used to efficiently penetrate the first agent into the hair, so it is considered that the contribution of the fine water particles to the effect of facilitating the movement of the internal tissues in the hair is reduced. Therefore, it is considered that the second leaving time cannot be sufficiently shortened in the process F1. On the other hand, in the process F3 in which the fine water particles are applied after the first agent has penetrated the hair by the execution of the first leaving process, many of the applied fine water particles are used to facilitate the movement of the internal tissues in the hair cut by the first agent. Therefore, it is believed that treatment F3 allows the application of fine water particles to facilitate sufficient movement of the internal tissues of the hair, thereby enabling the time left after application of the second agent (the time required to carry out the second leaving step) to be sufficiently shortened.

[0144] In addition, in the eleventh embodiment, the first cleaning step is performed after the first leaving step is completed, but the first cleaning step may be omitted. In this case, the fine water particle applying step is performed after the first leaving step is completed and before the second chemical applying step is started. In addition to the timing after the first leaving step is completed and before the second chemical applying step is started, the fine water particle applying step may also be performed before the first chemical applying step is started. According to this, the fine water particles that have already penetrated into the hair when the first chemical applying step is performed promote the penetration of the first chemical into the hair, thereby promoting the cutting of the internal tissue of the hair. Therefore, the leaving time (first predetermined time) in the first leaving step can be shortened. In addition, the damage to the hair can be further reduced by shortening the time the hair is exposed to the first chemical.

[0145] Fifth embodiment In the fifth embodiment, a hair care method capable of suppressing hair curls during bleaching will be described.

[0146] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing each step of the bleaching treatment according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 28, the bleaching treatment according to this embodiment is performed by carrying out an agent (bleaching agent) application step, a leaving step, a washing step, a fine water particle application step, and a drying step, in this order. The fine water particle application step is performed after the washing step is completed and before the drying step is started. Therefore, fine water particles are applied to hair that is wet by the washing step. By applying fine water particles to wet hair, it is possible to reduce curls in the hair after the bleaching treatment.

[0147] (Example 12: Confirmation of the effect of reducing hair frizz after bleaching) Three hair samples (length: about 50 cm, weight: 25 g) A8, B8, and C8 taken from the same person were prepared, and each sample was bleached using a commercially available bleaching agent. Here, sample A8 was bleached by a process (hereinafter, this embodiment process) according to the process sequence shown in FIG. 28. Sample B8 was bleached by a process (hereinafter, first comparative process) according to the process sequence shown in FIG. 29A, and sample C8 was bleached by a process (hereinafter, second comparative process) according to the process sequence shown in FIG. 29B. The first comparative process shown in FIG. 29A is a process in which a first fine water particle application process, a chemical (bleaching agent) application process, a leaving process, a washing process, a drying process, and a second fine water particle application process are performed in this order. The second comparative process shown in FIG. 29B is a process in which a chemical (bleaching agent) application process, a leaving process, a washing process, a drying process, and a fine water particle application process are performed in this order.

[0148] In the present embodiment treatment, the first comparative treatment, and the second comparative treatment, a commercially available bleaching agent was evenly applied to the sample with a brush in the chemical application step. In the fine water particle application step, the first fine water particle application step, and the second fine water particle application step, fine water particles (flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of about 35° C. were sprayed using the fine water particle discharging device 1 shown in FIG. 2 / min.) was applied to the sample. In the fine water particle application step in the present embodiment and the second comparative treatment, the time for applying the fine water particles to the sample was 10 minutes, and in the first fine water particle application step and the second fine water particle application step in the second comparative treatment, the time for applying the fine water particles to the sample was 5 minutes. In the leaving step, the hair was left for 20 minutes after the application of the agent (bleaching agent). In the washing step, after the leaving step was completed, the sample was washed with a shower of lukewarm water while rubbing the sample with the fingers, and the agent was removed from the sample. In the drying step, the moisture on the sample surface was removed by blowing hot air onto the wet sample using a hair dryer for about 2 minutes.

[0149] FIG. 30 is a photograph of each of the samples A8, B8, and C8 bleached by each process (the process of this embodiment, the first comparative process, and the second comparative process). In FIG. 30, the sample on the left is the sample B8 bleached by the first comparative process, the sample on the right is the sample C8 bleached by the second comparative process, and the sample in the center is the sample A8 bleached by the process of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 30, the sample A8 bleached by the process of this embodiment has straighter hair than the other samples B8 and C8. These samples A8, B8, and C8 were taken from the same person, so only the sample A8 has straighter hair. In addition, in the process of this embodiment carried out on the sample A8, fine water particles are applied to the wet hair before drying. Therefore, it was confirmed that the fine water particles application process can reduce hair curls in the bleaching process after the completion of the washing process and before the start of the drying process.

[0150] The reason why applying fine water particles to wet hair after the washing step and before the drying step in a bleaching treatment can reduce curliness of hair is considered. When a bleaching agent is applied to hair and penetrates into the hair, the bleaching agent cuts the internal tissue of the hair. When fine water particles then enter the hair, the internal tissue inside the hair becomes easier to move inside the hair. This removes curliness of the hair. Also, when the hair is wet, there is less resistance to the movement of the tissue inside the hair. Therefore, it is believed that curliness can be reduced by applying fine water particles to the hair after the application of the agent and when the hair is wet, that is, after the washing step and before the drying step, to make the cut tissue inside the hair easier to move.

[0151] Sixth Embodiment In the sixth embodiment, a case will be described in which a fine water particle applying step is performed during a treatment involving a heat treatment.

[0152] Hair straightening, digital perm, and setting treatments include a heat treatment process. By applying heat to the hair in this heat treatment process, the hair can be shaped into a desired shape. In addition, when the heat treatment process is performed, moisture in the hair is removed, so the hair tends to dry out and become stiff.

[0153] Fig. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a treatment involving heat treatment. Fig. 31(a) shows the steps of a hair straightening treatment, Fig. 31(b) shows the steps of a digital perm treatment, and Fig. 31(c) shows the steps of a setting treatment. The ironing step in Fig. 31(a) and Fig. 31(c) is the heat treatment step, and the heating step in Fig. 31(b) is the heat treatment step.

[0154] In this embodiment, the fine water particle applying step is performed before the heat treatment step. For example, in the hair straightening treatment shown in Fig. 31(a), the fine water particle applying step is performed after the drying step is completed and before the ironing step (heat treatment step) is started (timing a in Fig. 31(a)). In the digital perm treatment shown in Fig. 31(b), the fine water particle applying step is performed after the rod winding step is completed and before the heating step (heat treatment step) is started (timing b in Fig. 31(b)). In the setting process shown in Fig. 31(c), the fine water particle applying step is performed after the drying step is completed and before the ironing step (heat treatment step) is started (timing c in Fig. 31(c)).

[0155] By carrying out the fine water particle application process before the start of the heat treatment process, moisture is supplied to the hair before the heat treatment. The moisture supplied to the hair by the fine water particle application process exists in the hair in a state bound to biological tissues such as proteins, i.e., as bound water, and is therefore difficult to be taken away from the hair in the subsequent heat treatment process. In other words, the hair does not dry out even when the heat treatment process is carried out. Therefore, the hair contains sufficient moisture at the time of finishing, which has the effect of making the hair soft. Furthermore, by replenishing moisture in the hair before the heat treatment process, the tissue structure in the hair becomes easier to move. This makes it easier to shape the hair in the subsequent heat treatment process.

[0156] In addition, a fine water particle applying step may be performed after the heat treatment step is completed. That is, the fine water particle applying step may include a first fine water particle applying step performed before the heat treatment step is started, and a second fine water particle applying step performed after the heat treatment step is completed. By performing the fine water particle applying step not only before the heat treatment step is started but also after the heat treatment step is completed, the hair can be further softened, and the texture at the time of finishing can be further improved.

[0157] (Example 13: Confirmation of the effect when the fine water particle application step is performed before the start of the ironing step) A sample A9 was produced by performing the hair straightening treatment in the order shown in Fig. 32. As shown in Fig. 32, the hair straightening treatment in this example is performed by performing the following steps in this order: shampooing, towel drying, applying a first agent (first agent), leaving it for a first time, intermediate water washing (cleaning), drying, applying fine water particles, ironing (heat treatment), applying a second agent (second agent), leaving it for a second time, water washing (cleaning), applying a treatment agent, and finishing. According to this order, the fine water particle applying step is performed after the drying step is completed and before the ironing step (heat treatment) is started.

[0158] The hair straightening agent comprises a first agent (first agent) and a second agent (second agent). The first agent has the function of cutting the bonds of the internal tissue of the hair, making the hair easier to move. Therefore, by applying the first agent to the hair and allowing the first agent to penetrate the hair, the shape of the hair can be straightened, for example. The second agent has the function of re-bonding the internal tissue of the hair that was cut by the first agent. Therefore, by applying the second agent and allowing the second agent to penetrate the hair, the internal tissue that was cut is bonded and the shape of the hair is fixed to the straightened shape.

[0159] Also, samples B9, C9, and D9 were produced by performing hair straightening treatment by performing each step shown in Fig. 32, except that the timing of performing the fine water particle application step was different. Here, in producing sample B9, the fine water particle application step was performed after the ironing step (heat treatment step) was completed and before the second agent application step was started, in producing sample C9, the fine water particle application step was performed simultaneously with the first agent application step, and in producing sample D9, the fine water particle application step was performed simultaneously with the second agent application step. Also, sample N9 was produced by performing hair straightening treatment in the order of steps shown in Fig. 32, omitting the fine water particle application step.

[0160] The bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair root and the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair tip were calculated for each of the samples A9, B9, C9, D9, and N9. The method for calculating the bending stiffness reduction rate is the same as that used in Example 10, so the explanation is omitted.

[0161] Fig. 33 is a graph comparing the bending stiffness reduction rate obtained for each sample. The horizontal axis of this graph shows the type of sample (A9, B9, C9, D9, N9), and the column corresponding to each sample shows a graph showing the bending stiffness reduction rate. Of the two graphs shown in the column corresponding to each sample, graph I on the left shows the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair root, and graph J on the right shows the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair tip.

[0162] As shown in Fig. 33, in sample A9, both the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair root and the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair tip are large. In addition, when producing sample A9, the fine water particle application process is performed before the start of the ironing process (heat treatment process). Therefore, it was confirmed that by performing the fine water particle application process before the start of the heat treatment process, the bending stiffness value of the hair is reduced and the hair becomes soft, which makes it easier to style the hair.

[0163] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the above embodiment. For example, in Example 13, an example was described in which the fine water particle application process was performed before the ironing process to soften the hair and make it easier to style, but the fine water particle application process may be performed at other times, for example, after the first chemical application process is completed and before the second chemical application process is started. By applying fine water particles after the application of the first chemical, moisture enters the parts of the tissue in the hair that are not bound, making it soft, and as a result, it is thought that there is an effect of making the tissue easier to move. Therefore, by performing the fine water particle application process between the first chemical application process and the second chemical application process, an effect of making it easier to change the shape of the hair to a desired shape can be obtained.

[0164] In addition, when using a hair straightening agent containing the above-mentioned first and second agents, the fine water particle application process can be performed, for example, after the second agent application process is completed. It is considered that the application of fine water particles to supply moisture to the hair after the application of the second agent provides the effect of softening the hair and the effect of mitigating the distortion of the tissue that occurs when fixing the shape of the hair. Therefore, by performing such a fine water particle application process after the second agent application process is completed, the hair becomes soft and the texture of the hair after the finishing process can be improved.

[0165] In the above embodiment, the example of applying fine water particles to the hair as the target part of the head has been described, but the fine water particles may be applied to the scalp as the target part of the head. In this case, scalp treatment can be performed by the process A or process B of the first embodiment. According to this, the fine water particles penetrate into the scalp, and the irritation caused by the chemical solution can be alleviated and the condition of the hair can be improved. In the above first embodiment, the process A, B, C, and D of FIG. 4A are mainly described, but even if the fine water particle application process is performed simultaneously with the drying process as in the process E of FIG. 4A, the same effect as the process C can be obtained. In the above second embodiment, the fine water particle application process is mainly described after the completion of the drying process, but the same effect can be obtained even if the fine water particle application process is performed after the completion of the cleaning process and before the start of the drying process, or simultaneously with the drying process. In the above second embodiment, the hair care method without application of a chemical agent has been described, but a chemical agent such as a treatment may be applied to the hair along with the application of the fine water particles. This provides more moisture to the hair and allows the hair to be treated more smoothly. In this way, the present invention can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1...Fine water particle emission device, 10...Fine water particle emission unit, 11...Fine water particle generating element, 111...Substrate, 112...Conductive polymer membrane, 12...Fan, 13a...Inlet filter, 13b...Outlet filter, 14...Case, 14a...Flow path, 14in...Inlet port, 14out...Outlet port, 141...First case part, 142...Second case part, 20...Control unit, 21...Operation part, 22...Power supply circuit, 23...Control part, 24...First electric wire, 25...Second electric wire, 26...First normally open type changeover switch, 27...Second normally open type changeover switch

Claims

1. A washing step of washing a target part of the head, which is either or both of the hair and the scalp of a human body; A drying process for drying the head target area washed in the washing process; a fine water particle applying step, which is performed after the completion of the cleaning step or the drying step, and applies fine water particles having a temperature not exceeding 40° C. and a size of 50 nanometers or less to the target part of the head; A method for caring for hair and scalp, comprising:

2. A drug application step of applying a drug to a target part of the head, which is either or both of the hair and scalp of a human body; A cleaning step of cleaning the target area of ​​the head, which is executed a predetermined time after the completion of the drug application step; A drying process for drying the head target area washed in the washing process; and a fine water particle application step of applying fine water particles having a temperature not exceeding 40° C. and a size of 50 nanometers or less to the target area of ​​the head. How to care for your hair and scalp.

3. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 2, The drug application step is carried out multiple times, The hair and scalp care method, in which the fine water particle application step is performed after one drug application step is completed and before the next drug application step is started.

4. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 2, The target part of the head is hair, The fine water particle applying step is performed after the drug application step is completed and before the drying step is started, In the fine water particle applying step, the fine water particles are applied to the hair in a direction from the tip side to the root side of the hair.

5. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 1 or 2, The target part of the head is hair, the fine water particle applying step is performed simultaneously with the drying step or after completion of the drying step; In the fine water particle applying step, the fine water particles are applied to the hair in a direction from the root side to the tip side of the hair.

6. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 2, The target part of the head is hair, The agent is a perm agent containing a liquid first agent and a liquid second agent, The agent application step includes a first agent application step of applying the first agent to the hair, A second agent application step of applying the second agent to the hair after the first agent application step is completed; Including, The hair and scalp care method, in which the fine water particle application process is performed before the first drug application process is started, or after the first drug application process is finished and before the second drug application process is started.

7. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 6, The first agent has a function of cutting the internal tissue of the hair, The second agent has a function of binding the internal tissue of the hair cut by the first agent, a first leaving step of leaving the hair for a first predetermined time immediately after completion of the first agent application step; and a second leaving step of leaving the hair for a second predetermined time immediately after completion of the second agent application step, The hair and scalp care method, wherein the fine water particle applying step is performed after the first leaving step is completed and before the second drug application step is started.

8. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 2, The target part of the head is hair, The agent is a bleaching agent, The hair and scalp care method, wherein the fine water particle applying step is performed after the cleaning step is completed and before the drying step is started.

9. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 2, The target part of the head is hair, A finishing step is carried out after the drying step is completed, and the finishing step is to arrange the hair. The hair and scalp care method, wherein the fine water particle applying step is performed during the period from before the drug application step is started to after the finishing step is completed.

10. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 2, The target part of the head is hair, The hair and scalp care method includes a heat treatment step of heat treating the hair.

11. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 10, The hair and scalp care method, wherein the fine water particle applying step is performed before the heat treatment step is started.

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