Hair and scalp care method and hair and scalp care device

Abstract

To provide a hair / scalp care method which makes it possible to reduce damage to hair or scalp or repair damaged hair or scalp and, when medicine is used, to enhance the effect of the medicine.SOLUTION: The hair / scalp care method includes: a washing step for washing a target head part, which is one or both of a person's hair and scalp; a drying step for drying the target head part that has been washed in the washing step; and a fine water particle application step for applying, to the target head part, fine water particles of 50 nanometers or less in size.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 devices Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] When carrying out a hair care method to care for the hair to a desired condition by performing treatments such as perming, bleaching, treatment, and coloring, 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 effectiveness of the chemicals.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a hair coloring method configured to apply steam to the hair during application of chemicals, thereby increasing the hair temperature and creating a high-humidity environment around the hair. Increasing the hair temperature promotes the reaction of the chemicals applied to the hair, and placing the hair in a high-humidity environment moistens the hair, promoting penetration of the chemicals into the hair. Furthermore, the hair coloring device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to set the temperature by mixing steam generated by a steam generator with outside air in a mixing chamber, separate condensed water generated by steam cooling during temperature setting within the mixing chamber space, and deliver only steam at the set temperature. This removes condensed water generated by steam cooling, preventing the chemicals applied to the hair from being diluted by the condensed water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-201731 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. Furthermore, according to Patent Document 1, although condensed water is removed, the steam adhering to the hair condenses on the hair surface. The condensed water thus formed grows on the hair surface, forming large droplets that remain on the hair surface without penetrating into the hair. When droplets remain on the hair surface, moisture is not sufficiently supplied to the hair, and hair damage cannot be compensated for by hydration. Furthermore, when a chemical is applied to the hair, the water droplets that remain on the hair surface mix with the chemical, diluting the chemical. This may reduce the effectiveness of the chemical.

[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. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure provides a method for washing a target area of the head, which is either or both of the hair and scalp of a human body, a washing step for washing the target area of the head washed in the washing step, and a fine water particle applying step for applying fine water particles that are uncharged, have a temperature not exceeding 40°C, and have a size of 50 nanometers or less to the target area of the head, and the fine water particle applying step Dry To provide a hair and scalp care method which is carried out after completion of a drying step.

[0008] Book Disclosure According to head Fine water particles applied to the target area SizeThe diameter of the fine water particles is extremely small, less than 50 nanometers, and the applied fine water particles penetrate the target area on the head. In this case, if the fine water particles are uncharged, they are not attracted to the positively charged surface of the hair and are more likely to penetrate the target area on the head. Therefore, by performing the fine water particle application process, moisture is supplied to the target area on the head, reducing damage to the target area on the head or repairing damaged target areas on the head. Furthermore, since the fine water particles applied to the target area on the head by performing the fine water particle application process efficiently penetrate the target area on the head, the surface of the target area on the head is almost dry after the fine water particle application process is performed. Therefore, when a chemical agent is used, the chemical agent is not diluted by the moisture remaining on the surface of the target area on the head. Furthermore, since the chemical agent efficiently penetrates the hair / scalp along with the fine water particles, the effectiveness of the chemical agent can be enhanced.

[0009] Book Disclosure The hair and scalp care method according to the present invention does not need to include a chemical application step of applying a chemical to the target area on the head. This is because the fine water particle application step can reduce damage to or repair the target area on the head that has already been damaged, even without chemical application. For example, with regard to hair, the fine water particle application step can moisturize and soften the hair, and furthermore, it can suppress the lifting of the cuticle, reduce damage to the hair, or repair damaged hair, and improve the shine of the hair.

[0010] The hair and scalp care method according to the present disclosure includes: A drug application step of applying a drug to the target area and the washing step further comprises This is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the drug application process. According to this, the drug 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 agent can be further enhanced. Furthermore, with regard to hair, by carrying out the fine water particle application process, it is possible to moisturize the hair and make it soft, and furthermore, it is possible to suppress the lifting of the cuticle, thereby reducing damage to the hair or repairing damaged hair, thereby improving the shine of the hair. On the other hand, with regard to the scalp, by carrying out the fine water particle application process, it is possible to reduce damage to the scalp and alleviate irritation caused by the agent.

[0012] Furthermore, 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 bleaching agent. Even when chemical application is completed by applying chemicals multiple times, it can be said that the chemical application process is performed multiple times. For example, when using a two-liquid chemical containing a liquid first chemical and a liquid second chemical, a chemical application process for applying the first chemical and a chemical application process for applying the second chemical are performed, respectively. Furthermore, for example, the chemicals used in the multiple chemical application processes may all be the same type of chemicals. In this case, the chemicals used in each chemical application process may have different components, or chemicals with the same components may be used.

[0013] When the target area on the head is hair, the agent used in the agent application step may be a coloring agent. By performing 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. Furthermore, damage to the hair caused by the application of the coloring agent can be reduced.

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

[0015] Furthermore, 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 improve the feel of the hair ends in the hands. Here, "good feel in the hands" means "high flexibility of the hair, and the hair shape can easily change in response to the force applied when touched with the hands." When the chemical used in the chemical application step is a bleaching agent, the fine water particle application step can enhance the hair bleaching effect. When the chemical used in the chemical application step is a hair straightener, the fine water particle application step can achieve 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 softening the hair to improve the texture of the finished hair.

[0016] Furthermore, when the target area on the head is hair and the fine water particle application process is carried out after the chemical application process has been completed (preferably after the chemical application process has been completed and before the drying process is started, and more preferably after the chemical application process has been completed and before the washing process is started), the fine water particles may be applied to the hair in a direction from the ends of the hair to the roots in the fine water particle application process. In this way, the fine water particles flow from the ends of the hair to the roots, thereby efficiently penetrating the hair. Accordingly, the chemical applied to the hair also efficiently penetrates the hair. This enhances the effect of the chemical.

[0017] In addition, the target area on the head is hair, and the fine water particle application process Dry If the step is carried out after the drying step, the step of applying fine water particles to the hair may be carried out by applying fine water particles to the hair in a direction from the root to the tip. This allows the fine water particles to penetrate the hair and also straightens the cuticles that are open toward the tip, thereby repairing damage to 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 of styling the hair, which is performed after the drying step is completed. In this case, the fine water particle applying step is , work It is preferable that the fine water particle application step is performed during a period after the completion of the finishing step. In this way, the texture of the hair can be changed by performing the fine water particle application step at a predetermined timing in a hair care method including a finishing step. .Ma In addition, by carrying out the fine water particle application step after the finishing step has been completed, hair can be finished with a moist texture.

[0023] Furthermore, when the target area of the head is hair and the chemicals are multiple different types of treatment agents, the hair and scalp care method includes multiple chemical application steps in which multiple treatment agents are applied to the hair, respectively, and the fine water particle application step can be performed after any of the multiple chemical application steps or after the drying step, depending on the condition of the hair. Furthermore, when the hair and scalp care method includes a finishing step, the fine water particle application step can be performed at least at any timing of after any of the multiple chemical application steps, after the drying step, or after the finishing step, depending on the condition of the hair and the desired finish. According to this, by applying fine water particles to the hair after applying any of the multiple treatment agents, after the completion of the drying step, or after the completion of the finishing step, the effect of the previous step can be enhanced. Therefore, an appropriate treatment can be performed depending on the condition of the hair (e.g., whether the hair is heavily damaged or not) or the desired finish (e.g., a light finish, a heavy finish, a fluffy finish, etc.).

[0024] Furthermore, when the target head area 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 begins. Furthermore, the fine water particle application step may include a first fine water particle application step performed before the heat treatment step begins 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 desired shape of the hair.

[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. Furthermore, by applying fine water particles to the hair again after the heat treatment, the hair can be made even softer when finished.

[0026] Also, By carrying out the fine water particle application step after the completion of the drying step, the fine water particles are applied to the dried target part of the head (e.g., hair). This allows the fine water particles to penetrate the target part of the head efficiently, thereby enhancing the effect of repairing damage to the target part of the head.

[0027] In addition, in the fine water particle application step, fine water particles having a temperature not exceeding 40°C are applied to the target area on the head. do. According to this, the temperature of the fine water particles applied to the target head area in the fine water particle application process is not high, at 40°C or below, so the target head area is not exposed to high temperatures, and therefore the target head area is not damaged by the execution of the fine water particle application process.

[0028] The present disclosure also provides a water particle generating element (11) that is in an absorbing state where it absorbs surface moisture as the temperature decreases, and in an emitting state where it emits the absorbed moisture as fine water particles that are uncharged, have a temperature not exceeding 40°C, and are 50 nanometers or less in size as the temperature increases; an applying means (12) that applies the fine water particles emitted by the water particle generating element (11) to a target part of the head, which is either or both of the hair and the scalp of the human body; a control means (23) that controls the water particle generating element (11) and the applying means (12); and a control means (23) that applies the fine water particles emitted by the water particle generating element (11) to a target part of the head, which is either or both of the hair and the scalp of the human body. Dry The hair and scalp care device includes an operating unit (21) that is operated to apply fine water particles to a target area of the head after drying. By applying fine water particles having a size of 50 nanometers or less emitted from a fine water particle generating element in an emitting state to the target area of the head, damage to the target area of the head can be reduced or damaged target area of the head can be repaired.

[0029] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure may be configured such that the operating unit (21) is operated to apply fine water particles to the target area of the head between a period before applying a chemical agent to the target area of the head prior to washing and a period after drying the target area of the head, thereby further enhancing the effectiveness of the chemical agent.

[0030] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure is configured such that the control means (23) applies fine water particles having a temperature not exceeding 40°C to the target area on the head. R According to this, the temperature of the fine water particles emitted from the fine water particle generating element and applied to the target area of the head is not high, at 40°C or less, so the target area of 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.

[0031] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure may be configured such that the control means (23) applies fine water particles to the target area on the head at a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition point of the protein structure of the hair. In this case, the fine water particles emitted from the fine water particle generating element and applied to the target area on the head penetrate the hair, making it easier for structural changes to occur in the hair. This can enhance the effect of reducing damage to the hair or repairing damaged hair.

[0032] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure may be configured such that the target area of the head to which the fine water particles are applied by the application means (12) includes hair, and the fine water particle generating element (11) emits fine water particles larger than a single water molecule, so that the fine water particles remain within the hair and improve the condition of the hair cuticle.

[0033] The hair and scalp care device according to the present disclosure may be configured such that the target area of the head to which the fine water particles are applied by the application means (12) includes hair, and the fine water particle generating element (11) emits uncharged fine water particles, causing the fine water particles to penetrate into the hair and improve the condition of the hair cuticle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fine water particle emitting device. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fine water particle generating element. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water fine 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 in which steps are performed when 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 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a bar graph showing the color difference for samples A1, B1, C1, and D1 that were colored using 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 that 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 magnification) 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 gloss at the base of the hair for each sample before and after the step of applying fine water particles. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the presence or absence of gloss at the ends of each hair sample 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 magnification) of hair extracted from sample A5. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an SEM image (1000x magnification) of a hair extracted from sample B5. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an SEM image (1000x magnification) of a hair extracted 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 rigidity 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 order of steps in the treatment, showing the timing of the fine water particle application step performed in each sample of Example 10. [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] Figure 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 those times when the fine water particle application process is performed at times C6, D6, E6, and F6 in Figure 21. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the relationship between the hysteresis change width and the rate of change in bending rigidity measured for each of samples C6, D6, F6, and P6. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A shows the steps of a conventional perm treatment using two solutions (first and second agents). [Figure 25B] FIG. 21B shows the steps of a perm treatment using two liquids (first and second agents) 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 bleaching treatment according to the first comparative treatment. [Figure 29B] FIG. 29B is a diagram showing each step of the bleaching treatment according to the second comparative treatment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 shows photographs of samples A8, B8, and C8 that were bleached using each treatment (the treatment of this example, the first comparative treatment, and the second comparative treatment). [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a treatment involving heat treatment. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing each step of the hair straightening treatment carried out in Example 13. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a graph comparing the bending rigidity reduction rates obtained for each of samples A9, B9, C9, D9, and N9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0036] In this embodiment, the hair care method involving application of a drug is carried out through at least the following four steps. (1) Drug application process In the chemical application step, chemicals are applied to the hair. For example, when coloring, a coloring agent is applied to the hair, when treating, a treatment agent is applied to the hair, when perming, a perming agent is applied to the hair, and when 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 with water, but a chemical (cleaning chemical) may be used to wash away the chemicals applied in the chemical application step. In this case, the cleaning chemical may be applied to the hair before washing with water, or the hair may be washed with the cleaning chemical mixed in water. The washing method generally includes washing with water in a shower. Therefore, the hair is wet after the washing step has been completed. (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 application step, fine water particles are applied to the hair. This fine water particle application step will be described later.

[0037] Of the four steps described above, the chemical application step, washing step, and drying step are performed in this order. Here, the washing step is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the chemical application step has been completed. In other words, the hair is left for a while after the chemical application step has been completed. Therefore, a leaving step is performed until a predetermined time has elapsed after the chemical application step has been completed. This predetermined time (leaving time) varies depending on the chemical applied, but can be, for example, 5 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 during the leaving step, thereby exerting a predetermined effect on the hair. For example, in the case of a color 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 the hair and softening the hair, in the case of a bleach 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 from a hair diagnosis or the like that the hair is damaged before the agent application step is performed, a pretreatment step for repairing the damage to the hair may be performed before performing the care method of this embodiment.

[0038] In the fine water particle application step, as described above, fine water particles are applied to the hair. Specifically, in the fine water particle application step, a plurality of fine water particles having a size of 50 nm or less at a temperature not exceeding 40°C (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably 25°C or higher and less than 40°C) are carried to the hair together with air by, for example, blowing air and applied to the hair. In this embodiment, as an example, a fine water particle discharging device is used to apply uncharged 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 included in 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] Case 14 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a flow path 14a formed therein that communicates from one end to the other end. An inlet filter 13a is attached to one end of case 14, and an outlet filter 13b is attached to the other end. Case 14 also has a first case portion 141 and a second case portion 142, which are formed to be connected along the axial direction. An opening in first case portion 141 forms an intake port 14in, which is an opening at one end of case 14, and an opening in second case portion 142 forms an outlet port 14out, which is an opening at the other end of 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 also be a sirocco fan or the like. Fan 12 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the motor, sucks air into flow path 14a from intake port 14in of case 14, and discharges the sucked air from discharge 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 downstream of the fan 12 in the flow path 14a (closer to the discharge port 14out).

[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 extend 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 toward the discharge port 14out passes through the fine water particle generating element 11.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fine water particle generating element 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the fine water particle generating element 11 includes 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 is formed of a conductive material such as a metal material such as a stainless steel metal or a copper metal, a carbon material, a conductive ceramic material (e.g., ITO), or a conductive resin material (e.g., a metal-deposited resin film, a nanosilver-coated resin, or a CNT (carbon nanotube)-coated resin). In this embodiment, a stainless steel metal foil containing aluminum is used. The substrate 111 is formed into a shape that allows air to flow through the flow path 14a when placed 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 when placed in the flow path 14a, i.e., so that the surface area is as large as possible. In this case, the substrate 111 may be formed, for example, from multiple flat plates. Furthermore, the substrate 111 may be formed so that the cross section perpendicular to the flow path 14a has a honeycomb shape or a spiral shape.

[0046] The conductive polymer film 112 is formed in a film shape using a conductive polymer compound, such as a thiophene-based conductive polymer compound. In this embodiment, the conductive polymer film is formed from PEDOT / PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) / poly(styrenesulfonic acid)), a thiophene-based conductive polymer. PEDOT / PSS has a core-shell structure in which a core made of water-insoluble PEDOT is surrounded by a hydrophilic PSS (shell), and the shape of each core-shell is roughly ellipsoidal. The conductive polymer film 112 is formed in a film shape by aligning such ellipsoidal particles (core-shell particles) to form a layered structure. Nanometer-sized gaps of about 2 nm are formed between adjacent core-shell particles, and these gaps connect to form nanochannels opening on the surface of the conductive polymer film 112. Furthermore, because the central core (PEDOT) of each core-shell particle is hydrophobic, many hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups are present on the periphery of the shell (PSS). For this reason, the nanochannels surrounded by the outer walls of the core-shell particles contain many sulfonic acid groups. Sulfonic acid groups are polar functional groups that are capable of hydrogen bonding. Therefore, moisture in the air inside the nanochannels can hydrogen bond with the sulfonic acid groups and be retained within the nanochannels as bound water.

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

[0048] Furthermore, increasing the temperature of the conductive polymer film 112 promotes water release more than when water is released 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 able to switch between an absorption state and a release state depending on the temperature.

[0049] Furthermore, the flow path width of the nanochannel is approximately 2 nm. Therefore, the water released from the nanochannel is in the form of nanoparticles of 2 nm or less in size. Even if nanoparticles (fine water particles) of 2 nm in size 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, the conductive polymer film 112 releases fine uncharged water particles of 50 nm or less in size.

[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 that supports the fine water particle emitting unit 10. These operation buttons are operated by the user to turn the power on and off, select an operation mode, etc.

[0051] Electric 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 convert the supplied electric power into electric power suitable for driving the motor of the fan 12 and output the converted electric power to the first electric wire 24. Furthermore, the power supply circuit 22 is configured to convert the supplied electric power into electric power suitable for supply to the base material 111 and output the converted electric power to the second electric wire 25.

[0052] A first normally open changeover switch 26 is disposed on the first electric wire 24, and a second normally open changeover switch 27 is disposed on the second electric wire 25. The first normally open changeover switch 26 cuts off the conduction of the first electric wire 24 when it is opened, and allows the conduction of the first electric wire 24 when it is closed. The second normally open changeover switch 27 cuts off the conduction of the second electric wire 25 when it is opened, and allows the conduction of the second electric wire 25 when it is closed.

[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 the "water intake mode" or the "water discharge mode". In this case, the mode may be automatically selected by assessing the condition of the hair or scalp, or the user may manually select the mode by operating the operation button on the operation unit 21. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the device so that the water intake mode and the water discharge mode are switched at a predetermined timing based on the user's operation. Note that there may be other operating 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 the first normally-open selector switch 26 and the second normally-open selector switch 27 so that both switches are closed. This causes power to be supplied from the power supply circuit 22 to both the motor of the fan 12 and the substrate 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 this, drawing air into the flow path 14a from the intake port 14in of the case 14. The air drawn into the flow path 14a passes through the fine water particle generating element 11 and is then discharged from the discharge port 14out. Furthermore, when electricity is applied to the substrate 111 of the fine water particle generating element 11, current flows through the conductive substrate 111, causing the substrate 111 to generate Joule heat and generate heat. The heat generated by the substrate 111 is transferred to the conductive polymer film 112 on the substrate 111, thereby increasing the temperature of the conductive polymer film 112. The conductive polymer film 112 may be heated and its temperature increased by passing current through the film itself, or the space in which the film 112 is located may be heated to increase its temperature. This increase in temperature of the film 112 promotes water discharge from the film 112. As a result, uncharged fine water particles having a size of 50 nm or less are discharged from the film 112. The discharged fine water particles mix 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 film 112 so that the temperature of the fine water particles discharged from the film 112 does not exceed 40°C (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably 25°C to less than 40°C). Specifically, the control unit 23 controls the amount of current passed through the substrate 111 so that the temperature of the fine water particles discharged from the film 112 does not exceed 40°C (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably 25°C to less than 40°C). Therefore, the conductive polymer film 112 emits fine 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., more preferably 25° C. or more and less than 40° C.).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 the switches so that the first normally-open selector switch 26 is closed and the second normally-open selector switch 27 is open. When the first normally-open switch 26 is closed, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 22 to the motor of the fan 12, causing the motor to rotate and the fan 12 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor. Air flows into the flow path 14a from the intake port 14in of the case 14. The air then passes through the fine water particle generating element 11 and is then discharged from the discharge port 14out. Furthermore, because the second normally-open selector switch 27 is open, no power is supplied to the substrate 111 of the fine water particle generating element 11. Therefore, the substrate 111 does not generate heat, and heat is not transferred from the substrate 111 to the conductive polymer film 112. Furthermore, the conductive polymer film 112 is cooled by the air blown by the rotation of the fan 12, thereby lowering the temperature of the conductive polymer film 112. This temperature drop in the conductive polymer film 112 promotes water absorption into the conductive polymer film 112. As a result, the 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 operating mode of the fine water particle emitting device 1 is in 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 between 25°C and 40°C) are emitted 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 operating 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 emitted from the fine water particle emitting device 1 is greater than 0.3 nm and less than 50 nm.

[0058] In this embodiment, the fine water particle supplying step can be performed at any timing. In particular, the fine water particle supplying step can be performed 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 has been completed but 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) above, the steps are performed in the following order as shown in Figure 4A(a): fine water particle application step → chemical application step → washing step → drying step. The hair care method in which the steps are 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), the steps are performed in the order of "chemical application step → fine water particle application step → washing step → drying step." A hair care method in which the steps are performed in this order is called Process B. In Process B, the fine water particle application step is performed between the end of the chemical application step and the start of the washing step, and may be performed approximately simultaneously with the leaving step after chemical application (i.e., within the waiting time after chemical application), or may be performed immediately after the leaving step (i.e., immediately after the waiting time after chemical application has elapsed). In Process B and Process A above, the fine water particle application step is performed before the start of the washing step. In addition, when the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing of (B) above, the steps may be performed in the order of "chemical 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 → washing step → drying step → fine water particle application step. A hair care method in which the steps are performed in this order and the fine water particle application step is performed immediately after the drying step is completed to before 6 hours has elapsed is called Treatment C. The order in which the steps of Treatment C are performed is shown in Figure 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 in which the steps of Treatment D are performed is shown in Figure 4A(d).

[0062] When the fine water particle application step is performed at the timing (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 in Process E is shown in Figure 4A(e).

[0063] Furthermore, the chemical application process may be performed multiple times in a series of processes. When the chemical application process is performed multiple times, the cleaning process may be performed after each chemical application process is completed, or may be performed only once after the final chemical application process is completed. Furthermore, when the chemical 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 chemical application processes. For example, when the chemical 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 Figure 4B(a)) First chemical application process → cleaning process → second chemical application process → fine water particle application process → cleaning process → drying process (see Figure 4B(b)) First chemical application process → cleaning process → fine water particle application process → second chemical application process → cleaning process → drying process (see Figure 4B(c)) Fine water particle application process → first chemical application process → cleaning process → second chemical application process → cleaning process → drying process (see Figure 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 Figures 4B(a), 4B(c), and 4C(e), the fine water particle application process is performed between the first chemical application process (one chemical application process) and the second chemical application process (the next chemical application process), i.e., after the first chemical application process (one chemical application process) is completed and before the second chemical application process (the next chemical application process) is started. According to the process sequence shown in Figures 4B(b) and 4C(f), the fine water particle application process is performed after the second chemical application process is completed. According to the process sequence shown in Figures 4B(d) and 4C(g), the fine water particle application process is performed before the first chemical application process is started. According to the process sequence shown in Figure 4C(g), the first chemical application process and the second chemical application process are performed consecutively, so these chemical application processes can be considered as a single chemical application process. In this case, the process performed in the process sequence shown in Figure 4C(g) is the same as process B in Figure 4A. It should be noted that the above example merely illustrates the order of steps when the drug application step is carried out multiple times, and the fine water particle application step can also be carried out in an order of steps other than that illustrated above.

[0065] Furthermore, 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. Even when chemical application is completed by applying chemicals multiple times, it can be said that the chemical application process is performed multiple times. For example, when using a two-component chemical such as a perm agent or a hair straightener, a chemical application process (first chemical application process) in which the first component (first chemical) is applied and a chemical application process (second chemical application process) in which the second component (second chemical) is applied are each performed. Furthermore, 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 with the same components may be used.

[0066] By performing the fine water particle application step at the above timing, uncharged fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less are applied to the hair, the temperature of which does not exceed 40°C (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably between 25°C and 40°C). Because the temperature of the fine water particles applied to the hair is 40°C or less (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably between 25°C and 40°C), this step does not expose the hair to high temperatures and cause damage. Furthermore, this step allows fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less to penetrate into the hair. Furthermore, because the fine water particles applied to the hair are uncharged, they are not attracted to static electricity or the like. This prevents static electricity or the like from adsorbing the fine water particles to the hair surface, which would otherwise inhibit their penetration into the hair. By applying fine water particles to the hair in this manner in the fine water particle application step of this embodiment, moisture can be supplied to the hair, thereby reducing hair damage or repairing damaged hair, and further enhancing the effectiveness of the chemical agent applied in the chemical application step.

[0067] The temperature of the fine water particles applied in the fine water particle application step is 40°C or less, preferably less than 40°C. Furthermore, the temperature of the fine water particles applied in the fine water particle application step is preferably 25°C or more. When hair is damaged, the damage is alleviated or the damaged tissue is repaired by causing a structural change in the tissue that constitutes the hair (hereinafter referred to as structural change of hair). Disclosure When fine water particles are supplied into the hair in the fine water particle application process, the fine water particles bind to the hair tissue or penetrate into the gaps in the tissue, causing a structural change in the hair. Whether or not a structural change occurs in the hair is related to the temperature (glass transition point) at which the protein structure of the hair changes. If the temperature of the protein structure of the hair is below the glass transition point, the structural change is unlikely to occur. When 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 approximately 25°C. This is because if the temperature of the fine water particles is below 25°C, it is difficult to achieve the effect of reducing hair damage or repairing damaged hair. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature of the fine water particles applied to the hair and scalp be 25°C or higher. Therefore, the most preferable temperature range for 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 (approximately 50 cm long and 25 g in weight) were prepared. The prepared samples were then colored. Treatments A, B, C, and D in Figure 4A were each performed on separate samples to produce Sample A1, which was colored using Treatment A; Sample B1, which was colored using Treatment B; Sample C1, which was colored using Treatment C; and Sample D1, which was colored using Treatment D. The procedures for each step in Treatments A to D were identical 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 completion of the chemical application step, the chemical is removed from the sample by rubbing the sample with fingers while washing it with water in the shower. Then, the sample is washed with shampoo for 1 minute, then rinsed with water for 1 minute, then rinsed with water for 1 minute, and finally rinsed 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 surface of the sample by blowing hot air onto the wet sample using a hair dryer for about 3 minutes. Fine water particle application step: Using the fine water particle discharging device 1 shown in FIG. 1, fine water particles (air flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of about 35°C were applied. 2 / min.) is applied to the sample for 20 minutes.

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

[0070] For comparison, a single strand of hair was prepared as a sample and colored using a conventional method to create a conventional sample. The conventional method refers to a hair care method in which coloring is performed by performing the same steps as described above, namely, the agent application step, washing step, and drying step, in that order. In other words, the conventional method is a hair care method that omits the fine water particle application step.

[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* Then, based on each measured value, the color difference between each sample A1, B1, C1, D1 and the conventional sample was quantified as the color difference for each sample. Here, the color difference for each sample A1, B1, C1, D1 is the difference between the value measured for each sample A1, B1, C1, D1 and the value measured for the conventional sample, L * a * b * It is the distance in the 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: b of 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 also shows that the color difference increases in the order of process A, process D, process B, and process C.

[0073] Furthermore, visual observation revealed 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 color adhesion and 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 conventional treatments. In other words, the hair care method according to this embodiment can further enhance the effects of the agent. In particular, coloring by treatment A or treatment D can further improve color development.

[0074] We consider why color development is good when hair is colored using processes A, B, C, and D. In the fine water particle application process performed in processes A, B, C, and D, the temperature does not exceed 40°C, and uncharged fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less are applied to the hair sample. Because the temperature of the fine water particles applied to the sample does not exceed 40°C, the application of these fine water particles does not expose the hair to high temperatures. Therefore, the execution of the fine water particle application process does not damage the hair or scalp. Furthermore, because the fine water particles applied to the sample are very small, the probability of the fine water particles meeting each other after being released from the fine water particle release device is very low, and therefore the probability of the fine water particles agglomerating is also low. Therefore, the fine water particles advance toward the hair while maintaining their size, i.e., remaining 50 nm or less in size. Furthermore, the cuticle that forms the surface of the hair has a multilayer structure, and cell membrane complexes (CMCs) exist between adjacent cuticles. This CMC serves as a pathway for water, chemicals, etc. Therefore, water and chemicals penetrate into the hair through the CMC. The width of this CMC is approximately 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 while remaining 50 nm or less in size without agglomerating. Furthermore, since the fine water particles applied to the hair in the fine water particle application process are uncharged, they are not attracted by static electricity on the hair, etc. 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, by carrying out the fine water particle application process, the fine water particles efficiently penetrate into the hair, thereby reducing damage to the hair or repairing damaged hair. Furthermore, because the fine water particles efficiently penetrate into the hair, the hair surface is almost dry. Therefore, the chemicals applied to the hair are not diluted by the fine water particles, and therefore, the occurrence of problems such as the reduction in the effectiveness of the chemicals due to dilution of the chemicals can be effectively prevented.

[0076] In the case of treatment A, fine water particles penetrate into the hair before application of the agent, reducing hair damage or repairing damaged hair, and providing moisture to the hair. Therefore, it is believed that the hair can sufficiently absorb the agent when the agent is subsequently applied, thereby improving color development. In the case of treatment B, the application of fine water particles and the penetration of the agent are carried out simultaneously, reducing hair damage or repairing damaged hair, and the penetration of the agent is promoted as the fine water particles penetrate into the hair. This allows the agent to sufficiently penetrate into the hair, resulting in improved color development. In the cases of treatments C and D, supplying moisture (fine water particles) to the hair after drying reduces hair damage or repairs damaged hair, closing the cuticle on the hair surface, which is believed to improve hair gloss and color development.

[0077] Furthermore, 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 washing process. During the time between the end of the chemical application process and the start of the washing process, a standing process (penetration and reaction process) is performed to allow the chemicals applied to the hair to penetrate and react with the hair. Therefore, this predetermined time (i.e., the standing process) must also be set in the other processes A, C, and D and the conventional process. 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 washing process (i.e., simultaneously with the standing 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 require 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 (approximately 50 cm long and 25 g in weight) were prepared, and each sample was colored using treatments A, C, and D as well as the conventional treatment in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, sample A2 colored using treatment A, sample C2 colored using treatment C, sample D2 colored using treatment D, and the conventional sample colored using 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 consecutively. Here, the shampooing and rinsing process refers to the process of washing with shampoo, rinsing with water, applying conditioner, 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 of Samples 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, D2, and the conventional sample for which the values were obtained seven times, the shampooing, rinsing, and drying processes were repeated seven more times in succession. As a result, for each of the samples A2, C2, D2, and 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 * The 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 the value or 14 times the value L0: L of each sample * Initial value of the value a: a of each sample * 7 times the value or 14 times the value a0: a of each sample * Initial value of the value b: b of each sample * 7 times the value or 14 times the value b0: b of each sample * Initial value of the value is. Fig. 6 is a graph comparing the color differences S7 and S14 for samples A2, C2, and D2 and the conventional sample, with the vertical axis representing color difference. In Fig. 6, the graph labeled "A2" represents the change from color difference S7 to color difference S14 for sample A2, the graph labeled "C2" represents the change from color difference S7 to color difference S14 for sample C2, the graph labeled "D2" represents the change from color difference S7 to color difference S14 for sample D2, and the graph labeled "Conventional" represents the change from color difference S7 to color difference S14 for the conventional sample.

[0082] Figure 6 shows that for the conventional sample, color difference S14 is significantly larger than color difference S7. In other words, the color difference increases as the number of repetitions of the shampooing, rinsing, and drying processes increases from 7 to 14. In contrast, for samples A2, C2, and D2, color difference S7 and color difference S14 are not significantly different. In other words, the color difference does not change significantly even when the number of repetitions of the shampooing, rinsing, and drying processes increases from 7 to 14. Furthermore, since repeated shampooing and rinsing of color-treated hair causes color fading, the magnitude of the change in color difference can be interpreted as the degree of color fading. In other words, the larger the color difference, the more the color applied to the sample fades after color treatment. Therefore, when coloring using the conventional process, color fading is greater with subsequent repeated shampooing, rinsing, and drying processes. In contrast, when coloring using processes A, C, and D, color fading with subsequent repeated shampooing, rinsing, and drying processes is smaller. From this, it was confirmed that color treatments using Treatments A, C, and D were effective in suppressing fading.

[0083] The reason why color treatments using Treatments A, C, and D are effective in suppressing color fading is thought to be because applying fine water particles to the hair before or after application of the colorant and distributing the fine water particles evenly throughout the hair restores the hair's internal structure and reduces damage to the hair. Specifically, in Treatment A, in which the application of fine water particles softens the hair without excessively wetting it, and then the colorant is applied, the application of the colorant to softened hair with reduced damage allows the colorant to penetrate the hair more effectively without diluting it, which is thought to result in reduced color fading. Furthermore, in Treatments C and D, in which fine water particles are applied to the hair after application of the colorant, damage to the hair is reduced and the hair cuticle is closed, preventing the colorant from leaking out, which is thought to suppress color fading.

[0084] (Example 3: Confirmation of wave formation effect when perming after bleaching) Three hair samples (approximately 50 cm long and 25 g in weight) were prepared. Each sample was bleached using a bleaching agent and then permed using a two-component perm solution (Component 1 + Component 2). This resulted in samples A3, B3, and C3, which were bleached and then permed. Sample A3 was prepared by bleaching using Process B in FIG. 4A and then perming using Process B in FIG. 4A. Sample B3 was prepared by bleaching using Process B in FIG. 4A and then perming using a conventional process. Sample C3 was prepared by bleaching using a conventional process and then perming using a conventional process. The outline of each step of the bleaching and perming process in Process B in FIG. 4A in this example is as follows. The conventional process is performed by omitting the step of applying fine water particles from the steps in Process B in FIG. 4A. Bleaching treatment Chemical (bleach) application process: Commercially available bleach is evenly applied to the sample with a brush. Fine water particle application step: Using the fine water particle release device 1 shown in FIG. 1, fine water particles (flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of about 35°C were applied. 2 / min.) is applied to the sample for 20 minutes. Washing step: 20 minutes after the completion of the chemical (bleach) application step, the chemical is removed from the sample by washing the sample with lukewarm water from the shower and rubbing it with your fingers. Drying step: After the cleaning step is completed, the moisture is removed from the sample surface by blowing warm air onto the wet sample using a dryer for about 2 minutes. Perm treatment Perm agent application process: After winding the hair sample (around a rod), the first agent of a commercially available perm agent is evenly applied to the sample with a brush and then left to stand 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 to stand for 20 minutes. Fine water particle application step: Immediately after the second agent was applied with a brush (i.e., during the 20-minute waiting 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. Washing process: 20 minutes after the end of the chemical (perm) application process (i.e., after the end of the fine water particle application process), the chemical is removed from the sample by rubbing it with your fingers while washing it with water in a shower. Drying step: After the cleaning step is completed, the moisture is removed from the sample surface by blowing warm 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. This shows that by using process B, it is possible to form waves in the hair by bleaching and then perming it.

[0086] The inability of sample C3 to form sufficient waves is believed to be due to the significant damage to the hair caused by the bleaching treatment, resulting in a loss of hair elasticity. In contrast, for sample A3, fine water particles measuring 50 nm or less, uncharged, and at a temperature of 40°C or less were applied to the sample during the bleaching and perming treatments. As described above, these fine water particles penetrate into the hair without remaining on the surface of the sample's hair. The moisture that penetrates into the hair then closes the cuticles, repairing damaged hair, for example. Therefore, the hair is less damaged after the bleaching treatment and retains sufficient elasticity. Additionally, the application of fine water particles to the hair during the perming treatment reduces hair damage. Therefore, it is believed that the perming treatment allows the hair to form sufficient waves.

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

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

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, it can be seen that the cuticles on the surface of hair A41 and A42 bleached using Process B are closed. In other words, there is little cuticle lifting. In contrast, as shown in Figure 9, the cuticles on the surface of hair N1 and N2 bleached using the conventional process are open. In other words, there is noticeable cuticle lifting. If the cuticle lifting is noticeable, there is a possibility that the hair is damaged. On the other hand, if there is little cuticle lifting, it is thought that the hair is not damaged. This shows that bleaching using Process B can reduce hair damage or repair damaged hair.

[0090] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a hair care method that does not involve the application of chemicals, i.e., a hair care method that does not include a chemical application step, will be described. Here, a hair care method that does not involve the application of chemicals refers to a method that reduces hair damage or repairs damaged hair and increases hair luster without using chemicals. Conventionally, in order to reduce hair damage or repair damaged hair, a treatment agent is 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 hair damage or repairs damaged hair. In contrast, in this embodiment, hair damage 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 the application of a chemical 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. An example of a washing method is 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 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 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 40°C), and are 50 nm or less in size are applied to the hair. In this case, the fine water particles can be applied to the hair using the fine water particle discharging device 1 shown in the first embodiment.

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

[0093] By carrying out the fine water particle application process, uncharged fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less are applied to the hair, the temperature of which does not exceed 40°C (preferably less than 40°C, more preferably between 25°C and 40°C). Because 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 this process. Furthermore, by carrying out this process, the fine water particles with a size of 50 nm or less penetrate into the hair through the CMC between the hair cuticles. Furthermore, because the fine water particles applied to the hair are uncharged, they are not attracted by static electricity or the like on the hair. This prevents the fine water particles from being adsorbed to the hair surface due to static electricity or the like, which would hinder the penetration of the fine water particles into the hair. By applying fine water particles to the hair in this manner in the fine water particle application process of this embodiment, moisture can be supplied to the hair, thereby moisturizing the hair and closing the cuticles 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), the fine water particle application process is carried out simultaneously with the drying process, and fine water particles are applied to the wet hair while drying the hair, thereby shortening the overall treatment time.

[0095] (Example 5...Subjective evaluation of hair gloss) Eight hair samples (approximately 50 cm long and 25 g in weight) were prepared, and each sample was washed and dried in that order. After that, the dried sample was subjected to the fine water droplet application process. The outline of each process is as follows: Washing process: A certain amount of commercially available shampoo is applied to the sample, and 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 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 warm air onto the wet sample using a dryer for about 3 minutes. Fine water particle application step: Using the fine water particle release device 1 shown in FIG. 1, fine water particles (flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of about 35°C were applied. 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-point 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 assigned 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 root portion 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 tip portion of each sample before and after the fine water particle application process. The numbers on the horizontal axis of the graphs in Figs. 11 and 12 represent the sample numbers (No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8). In the columns corresponding to each number, a bar graph (Graph A) showing the average score for the presence or absence of gloss evaluated before the start of the fine water particle application process is listed on the left, and a bar graph (Graph B) showing the average score for the presence or absence of gloss evaluated after the completion of the fine water particle application process is listed on the right. Furthermore, the bar graphs in each figure are drawn with a score of 3 as the base, extending upward for scores higher than 3 and downward for scores lower than 3.

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

[0099] Example 6: Subjective evaluation of hair stiffness before and after the fine water particle application step In addition, three hairdressers used their fingers to check 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 before and after the fine water particle application process. Then, subjective evaluations of the hardness of the samples before and after the fine water particle application process were conducted using the same five-point scale as above, and the average value was calculated. Here, the score was an integer of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, and each hairdresser subjectively assigned a score such that the harder the sample, the higher the score and the softer the score, 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 numbers on the horizontal axis of Fig. 13 represent the sample numbers (No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8). In the columns corresponding to each number, a bar graph (Graph C) showing the hardness ratings (average values) evaluated before the start of the fine water particle application process is listed on the left, and a bar graph (Graph D) showing the hardness ratings (average values) evaluated after the end of the fine water particle application process is listed on the right. The bar graphs in Fig. 13 are drawn with a rating of 3 as the base, with ratings higher than 3 extending upward and ratings lower than 3 extending downward.

[0101] As can be seen from Figure 13, in six out of eight 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 began. This confirms that in six out of eight 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 the 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 to the measuring part of a bending tester. The hair attached to the measuring part was subjected to bending at a curvature K of -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 K (k = 0.5 to 1.5 cm), and the bending stress was measured successively. After the measurement, the bending stress was measured successively according to the change in curvature, and the bending stress-curvature curve, which shows the relationship between bending stress and curvature K, was calculated. From the bending stress-curvature curve thus calculated, the curvature K was calculated as follows: -1 Range and curvature K = -1.5 to -0.5 cm -1The 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 rigidity was calculated for all the hairs constituting each sample. Then, values in the range of 10% to 20% from the highest calculated bending rigidity (the top 10% to 20% of bending rigidity) were extracted, and the average of the extracted values was calculated as the stiffness value before adding water.

[0103] Next, sample No. 9 was subjected to a fine water particle application process using the same procedure as in Example 5. On the other hand, sample No. 10 was subjected to a water immersion process in which the sample was immersed in water for 1 hour. Then, immediately after the fine water particle application process or the water immersion process was performed on each sample, a bending test similar to that described above was performed on each of the multiple hairs constituting each sample using a bending tester, and the bending rigidity of the hair root portion was calculated from the test results (bending stress-curvature curve) in the same manner as described above. Then, the values in the range of the highest bending rigidity, 10% to 20%, were extracted, and the average of the extracted values was calculated as the rigidity 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. After leaving the samples, the same bending test as above was performed on each of the multiple hairs constituting each sample, one by one, using a bending tester. The bending stiffness of the hair root was calculated from the test results (bending stress-curvature polarity) in the same manner as above. The values in the top 10% to 20% range of bending stiffness were extracted, and the average of the extracted values was calculated as the stiffness value one day after water application. Note that, based on the finding that hairs having values in the top 10% to 20% range of bending stiffness affect the stiffness (stiffness) of the entire sample, the average of the values in the top 10% to 20% range of bending stiffness was calculated as the stiffness value, as described above.

[0105] Fig. 14 is a graph showing the changes in stiffness before water is added, stiffness immediately after water is added, and stiffness one day after water is added, calculated for each sample. Here, the vertical axis of Fig. 14 represents the rate of change in bending stiffness (stiffness immediately after water is added, stiffness one day after water is added) for each sample, assuming that the stiffness before water is added for each sample is 1. Therefore, the stiffness before water is added is 1 for all samples. Furthermore, 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 addition was lower than the stiffness value before water addition for both Sample No. 9 and Sample No. 10. This is because the hair constituting the samples became softer as a result of the supply of moisture to the hair.

[0107] Furthermore, for sample No. 9, the stiffness value one day after adding water was smaller than the stiffness value before adding water. On the other hand, for sample No. 10, the sample was immersed in water, so the surface of the hair constituting the sample became wet. This resulted in a lower stiffness value immediately after adding water, but the stiffness value one day after adding water returned to the same level as the stiffness value before adding water. This is thought to be because all the moisture on the hair surface evaporated one day after being immersed in water.

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

[0109] (Example 8...Comparison of cuticle conditions) Three bundles of hair samples A5, B5, and C5 (approximately 30 cm long and 15 g in weight) were prepared. For sample A5, the washing and drying processes were performed in the same order as in Example 5. Then, hair a5 was removed from sample A5, and the removed hair a5 was subjected to the fine water particle application process. The surface of hair a5 was observed using SEM after the drying process was completed and before the fine water particle application process began, 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 a further 20 minutes (a total of 30 minutes). For sample B5, the washing and drying processes were performed in the same order as in Example 5. Then, hair b5 was removed from sample B5, and evaporated water was applied to the removed hair b5 using an evaporative humidifier for 30 minutes. In addition, the surface of hair b5 was observed by SEM after the drying process was completed, before the vaporized moisture was applied by the evaporative humidifier, and immediately after applying the vaporized moisture for 30 minutes. For sample C5, the washing process and drying process were performed in the same order as in Example 5, and then hair c5 was removed from sample C5. Fine particle ions containing negative ions were applied to the removed hair c5 for 10 minutes using a fine particle ion dryer. The surface of hair c5 was observed by SEM after the drying process was completed, 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. Furthermore, a fine water particle application process was performed for 10 minutes using the same procedure as in Example 5 for hair c5 to which fine particle ions had been applied for 10 minutes. The surface of hair c5 was observed by SEM after the fine water particle application process was completed.

[0110] FIG. 15 shows an SEM image (1000x magnification) 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 image of FIG. 15(a). FIG. 15(c) is an SEM image of hair a5 taken immediately after the image of FIG. 15(b) was taken and after the fine water particle application process was performed for another 20 minutes (30 minutes in total). As can be seen from FIG. 15, the cuticle lifting is less after the fine water particle application process has been completed (FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c)) compared to before the process started (FIG. 15(a)). Furthermore, comparing FIG. 15(b) and FIG. 15(c) reveals that the longer the fine water particle application process is performed, the less the cuticle lifting. This shows that the execution of the fine water particle application process according to this embodiment has the effect of reducing hair damage or repairing damaged hair, that is, the effect of suppressing cuticle lifting (closing the cuticle) and improving the condition of the cuticle. This is because the fine water particles applied to hair by the execution of the fine water particle application process according to this embodiment are very small, at 50 nm or less, and are non-charged, so the water particles enter the water channels (CMC) that exist between the hair cuticles and moisturize the hair.

[0111] Figure 16 is an SEM image (1000x magnification) of hair b5 extracted from sample B5. Figure 16(a) is an SEM image of hair b5 taken before vaporized water was applied using an evaporative humidifier, and Figure 16(b) is an SEM image of hair b5 taken immediately after vaporized water was applied using an evaporative humidifier for 30 minutes after the image in Figure 16(a) was taken. As can be seen from Figure 16, the cuticle is significantly raised both before and after the application of vaporized water. Furthermore, there is not much change in the condition of the cuticle before and after the application of vaporized water. Therefore, it can be said that applying vaporized water to hair using an evaporative humidifier does not have the effect of improving the condition of the hair cuticle (the effect of suppressing cuticle lifting). The vaporized water applied to hair by an evaporative humidifier is a single water molecule (size: approximately 0.3 nanometers). Although it enters the hair, it exists in a state (free water) that can freely move in and out due to temperature changes, etc., and is therefore thought to not contribute to conditioning the hair's internal structure. 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 can be said to exist in the hair in a state where they can remain within the hair without moving in or out due to temperature changes, etc., as shown in the graph of Sample No. 9 in Figure 14. This suggests 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 bound to biological tissue such as proteins (bound water), thereby serving to condition the hair's internal structure.

[0112] FIG. 17 is an SEM image (1000x magnification) of hair c5 extracted from sample C5. FIG. 17(a) is an SEM image of hair c5 taken before applying particulate ions using a particulate ion dryer. FIG. 17(b) is an SEM image of hair c5 taken immediately after applying particulate ions using a particulate ion dryer for 10 minutes after the image of FIG. 17(a) was taken. FIG. 17(c) is an SEM image of hair c5 taken immediately after performing the fine water particle application process of this embodiment for 10 minutes after the image of FIG. 17(b) was taken. As can be seen from FIG. 17, the cuticle is significantly raised both before and after the application of particulate ions. Furthermore, there is little change in the condition of the cuticle before and after the application of particulate ions. Therefore, applying particulate ions to hair using a particulate ion dryer does not have any effect on improving the condition of the hair cuticle. This is thought to be because the fine particle ions applied to hair by the fine particle ion dryer are electrically charged, and so are attracted to the hair surface by static electricity or the like before entering the water channel (CMC) between the hair cuticles, preventing them from penetrating into the hair. Furthermore, as can be seen by comparing Figures 17(b) and 17(c), applying fine water particles by carrying out the fine water particle application process according to this embodiment after applying the fine particle ions slightly reduces the lifting of the cuticle on the hair surface. This also shows that the execution of the fine water particle application process according to this embodiment suppresses the lifting of the cuticle.

[0113] (Example 9...Study on the direction of application of fine water particles) FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the orientation of cuticles on the surface of hair. As shown in FIG. 18, cuticles are formed on the surface of hair in a bamboo-shoot shape with the tips facing the ends. When hair is damaged and the cuticles are raised, the cuticles open toward the ends. Therefore, by applying fine water particles to the hair in a direction from the root to the ends (forward direction), the open cuticles are closed by the fine water particles or the airflow carrying the fine water particles, thereby straightening the cuticles. On the other hand, by applying fine water particles to the hair in a direction from the ends to the root (reverse direction), the fine water particles can be effectively penetrated into the CMC between the cuticles facing the ends. Therefore, to straighten the cuticles and improve the finish, it is preferable to apply fine water particles in the forward direction. On the other hand, when using a chemical, to efficiently penetrate the chemical into the hair, it is preferable to apply fine water particles in the reverse direction. For example, when the fine water particle application process is performed after the chemical application process and before the drying process, or more preferably, when the process is performed at the timing of step B of the first embodiment, i.e., after the chemical application process and before the cleaning process, it is recommended to apply the fine water particles in the reverse direction to promote chemical penetration. This allows the chemical applied to the hair to efficiently penetrate the hair along with the fine water particles. Furthermore, when the fine water particle application process is performed at the timings of steps C, D, and E of the first embodiment, or at the timings shown in (b) and (c) of Figure 10 of the second embodiment, i.e., when the fine water particle application process is performed simultaneously with or after the drying process, it is recommended to apply the fine water particles in the forward direction to smooth the cuticle. This allows the fine water particles to penetrate the hair, reducing damage or repairing damaged hair, and smoothing cuticles that open toward the hands. 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 (approximately 30 cm long and 15 g in weight), were prepared. Each sample was treated by carrying out the following 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) Applying the first agent (agent used: first agent (a mist-like treatment agent containing nutritional ingredients such as keratin and not containing silicone ingredients)) to the sample (first agent application step) 4) Applying the second agent (agent used: second agent (a liquid treatment agent containing nutritional ingredients such as keratin and no silicone ingredients or containing trace amounts of silicone ingredients (low silicone ingredients)) to the sample (second agent application step) 5) Applying the third agent (a 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 knead 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 washing step) 10) Drying with a dryer (drying process) 11) Set the hair into the desired shape (finishing process)

[0116] Furthermore, for sample A6, the fine water particle application process was performed after the above procedure 2) but 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) but 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) but 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) but 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 for the fine water particle application process performed for each sample were the same, and the fine water particle application time was 150 seconds. For sample N6, steps 1)-11) above were performed in order without performing the fine water particle application process. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the execution order of each step of the treatment, indicating the execution timing of the fine water particle application process performed in this example. Timings A6, B6, C6, D6, E6, and F6 shown in Figure 21 are the timings for executing the fine water particle application process for the samples corresponding to the numbers representing each timing.

[0117] For each sample that had undergone all of the steps, the condition of the root and tip of the hair was checked. Here, in the case of a conventional treatment (i.e., sample N6) in which steps 1)-11) were performed without applying fine water particles, the root of the hair became softer than before the treatment, but the tip of the hair became stiffer. In contrast, for samples A6, B6, C6, D6, and E6, in which the fine water particle application step was performed at the specified timing, the following effects were observed. Sample A6: The base of the hair feels good when scooped up with your hand. Sample B6: Prevents or suppresses the hardening of the bristles Sample C6: When scooped up with the hands, the base of the hair felt comfortable 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: When scooping with your hand, the tip of the bristles fits comfortably in your hand, preventing or minimizing the tip 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 effects to appear in different areas when fine water particles were applied before the application of a treatment agent containing a large amount of silicone ingredients (hereinafter referred to as the silicone-containing treatment agent) (i.e., before the start of the third agent application process) and when fine water particles were applied after the application of the silicone-containing treatment agent (i.e., after the end of the third agent application process). Specifically, samples in which the fine water particle application process was performed before the application of the silicone-containing treatment agent (i.e., samples A6, B6, and C6) achieved a hydrating effect on the roots, making the roots feel good to the touch, while samples in which the fine water particle application process was performed after the application of the silicone-containing treatment agent (i.e., samples D6 and E6) achieved a hydrating effect on the ends, making the ends feel good to the touch. This is thought to be due to the difference in the original damage to the hair. In areas where hair is less damaged and can retain moisture without the effect of chemicals (for example, the roots), moisture will remain in the hair even if fine water particles are applied before applying 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 more damaged (for example, the ends), the hair itself lacks the ability to retain moisture, so moisture is less likely to remain in the hair before applying 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 applying a silicone-containing treatment agent and utilizing the ingredients contained in the treatment agent makes it easier for moisture to remain in the hair, and the effect of applying fine water particles can be more pronounced.

[0120] Next, the bending rigidity reduction rate was calculated for each sample. Here, the bending rigidity reduction rate is the reduction rate of the bending rigidity value G2 after the treatment (after the finishing process) relative to the bending rigidity value G1 in the initial state (before the treatment), and is calculated using the following formula: 1-G2 / G1 The bending rigidity reduction rate can be calculated using the formula. A larger positive value of the bending rigidity reduction rate obtained from the formula indicates that the hair is softer after the treatment compared to its initial state, and a larger negative value indicates that the hair is stiffer after the treatment compared to its initial state. To calculate the bending rigidity reduction rate, 30 hairs were randomly selected from each sample, and the initial bending rigidity value G1 of each of the selected 30 hairs was measured. The top 20% of hairs with the highest bending rigidity values G1 were then selected, and the bending rigidity value G2 of each selected hair after the treatment was measured. The bending rigidity reduction rate was calculated using the bending rigidity values G1 and G2 calculated in this way. In other words, the calculated bending rigidity reduction rate is the value for the top 20% of hairs with the initial bending rigidity values G1. The bending rigidity values G1 and G2 were measured as described above, and the bending rigidity reduction rate was calculated for each of the hair tip and hair root portions of each sample.

[0121] FIG. 19 is a graph comparing the bending stiffness reduction rates determined for samples A6, B6, C6, D6, E6, and N6. The horizontal axis of this graph indicates the type of sample. A graph showing the bending stiffness reduction rate of each sample is shown in the column corresponding to each sample. Of the two graphs shown in the column corresponding to each sample, graph E on the left represents the bending stiffness reduction rate at the root, and graph F on the right represents the bending stiffness reduction rate at the tip. As can be seen from FIG. 19, for sample N6, which underwent a conventional treatment without the fine water particle application process, the tip became very stiff after the treatment. In contrast, for samples B6, C6, and E6, the bending stiffness reduction rates at the tip were positive, indicating that the tip became softer after the treatment. Note that undamaged (or minimally damaged) hair (e.g., the root) has a high water retention capacity. 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 the function of forming a film on the hair surface using silicone or the like (e.g., the third and fourth chemical agents), the fine water particles are likely to enter the hair, and the effect of applying the fine water particles is thought to be easily obtained. On the other hand, hair that is highly damaged (e.g., the ends of the hair) has a weak ability to retain water. Therefore, when fine water particles are applied to hair in a state where the moisture retention ability of the hair has been increased by a chemical agent, for example, after application of the third chemical agent or the fourth chemical agent, the fine water particles are likely to be retained in the hair, and the effect of applying the fine water particles is thought to be easily 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, for each of the 30 hairs that make up each sample, the curvature K was measured from 0 to +2.5 (cm -1) in the process of bending the hair, the bending stress αp measured when the curvature K = 1 and the bending stress αp measured when the curvature K was +2.5 to 0 (cm -1 ), 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 calculated. The average value S (= (Δα + Δβ) / 2) of the calculated differences Δα and Δβ is then calculated as the hysteresis of each hair. Furthermore, the average value S (hysteresis) calculated for the 30 hairs constituting each sample was calculated by subtracting the S value before treatment from the S value after treatment to calculate the difference, and the amount of change (difference in S value) for each of the 30 hairs was then calculated. The average value of these amounts of change was then taken as the hysteresis change width. The larger this hysteresis change width, the lower the bending rigidity value when unbending compared to the bending rigidity value when bending. In other words, 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 to the hand (the hair is highly flexible and its shape easily changes according to the amount of force applied when touched with a hand). Therefore, the magnitude of the hysteresis change width indicates 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, graph G on the left represents the hysteresis change width of the hair root, and graph H on the right represents the hysteresis change width of the hair tip.

[0124] As shown in Figure 20, Samples D6 and E6 have a large hysteresis change width at the ends of the hair. This confirms that applying a treatment agent containing silicon and then applying fine water particles can further improve the softness of the ends of the hair. Sample C6 also has a large hysteresis change width at the base of the hair. This is thought to be because the treatment agent was applied twice before the application of the fine water particles, further improving the condition of the base of the hair, allowing it to absorb sufficient moisture with the subsequent application of the fine water particles.

[0125] Figure 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 Figure 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 a silicone component and has a loose texture, the third agent is a cream-like agent that contains a large amount of a silicone component and has a hard texture, and the fourth agent is a cream-like agent that contains a large amount of a 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 performed at least at one of the following times: after completion of any of the agent 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 after the first chemical application process was completed (timing B6 in FIG. 21), the effect of the first chemical was enhanced, and if the fine water particle application process was performed after the second chemical application process was completed (timing C6 in FIG. 21), the effect of the second chemical was enhanced. Furthermore, if the fine water particle application process was performed after the third chemical application process was completed (timing D6 in FIG. 21), the effect of the third chemical was enhanced, and if the fine water particle application process was performed after the fourth chemical application process was completed, the effect of the fourth chemical was enhanced. Furthermore, if the fine water particle application process was performed after the drying process was completed (timing E6 in FIG. 21) or after the finishing process was completed (timing F6 in FIG. 21), the effect of the fourth chemical was enhanced and the finish feel could be adjusted.

[0128] FIG. 23 is a table showing the effects on hair after treatment, the finish feel, and the hair types suitable for applying fine water particles at those times when the fine water particle application process is performed at timings C6, D6, E6, and F6 in FIG. 21 . As shown in FIG. 23 , when the fine water particle application process is performed at timing C6, the hair becomes softer and has a lighter finish feel. For lightly damaged hair, applying fine water particles to the hair at timing C6 is recommended. At timing C6, only a treatment agent containing no silicone components or with a low silicone component content has been applied to the hair. Since lightly damaged hair is sufficiently repaired at this stage, applying fine water particles to the hair can retain moisture within the hair, thereby enhancing the effect of the second agent, which has a loose, creamy texture, and ultimately softening the hair.

[0129] Furthermore, when the fine water particle application step is performed at timing D6, the effect of the third agent, which has a hard, creamy texture, is enhanced, so that the body of the hair, especially the roots, is strengthened and the finished hair has a light feel. Therefore, for hair that lacks body, it is best to apply fine water particles at timing D6.

[0130] Furthermore, when the fine water particle application step is performed at timing E6 or timing F6, the effect of the smooth, creamy fourth agent is enhanced, improving hair softness. Furthermore, timing E6 or timing F6 is the timing after all agents have been applied, so even for severely damaged hair, the hair is sufficiently repaired and protected when fine water particles are applied. Therefore, for highly damaged hair, it is preferable to apply fine water particles at timing E6 or timing F6. Furthermore, by applying fine water particles to dried hair at timing E6, the entire hair can be expanded, resulting in a fluffy, soft-textured hair finish. Furthermore, by applying fine water particles to finished hair at timing F6, that is, by absorbing moisture into the hair at the end of the treatment, it is possible to achieve a heavier, more manageable, and moist-textured hair finish.

[0131] FIG. 24 shows 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 represents the hysteresis change width, and as it increases from 0 in a positive direction, it becomes more difficult for the hair to unbend (i.e., it is more flexible to the hand (easy to fit)), and as it increases from 0 in a negative direction, it becomes easier for the hair to unbend (i.e., it is less flexible to the hand (difficult to fit)). The vertical axis of FIG. 24 represents the bending stiffness reduction rate, and as it increases from 0 in a positive direction, it becomes easier for the hair to bend, and as it increases from 0 in a negative direction, it becomes more difficult for the hair to bend. Furthermore, the circular points in FIG. 24 represent the relationship between the hysteresis change width and the bending stiffness reduction rate at the hair root, and the square points represent the relationship between the hysteresis change width and the bending stiffness reduction rate at the hair tip. Furthermore, the sample number corresponding to each point is shown near each point in FIG. 24.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 24, in sample N6, for which the fine water particle application process was not performed, the hair tips are difficult to bend and the hair roots are easy to bend. Furthermore, in sample C6, the hair roots are difficult to unbend (easy to manage). Generally, hair that bends easily and hair that does not unbend easily (easy to manage) can be said to be soft hair. Therefore, by performing the fine water particle application process after the second chemical application process and before the third chemical application process, soft hair can be achieved. Furthermore, in sample D6, both the hair tips and the hair roots are difficult to bend. In particular, the hair roots of sample D6 are difficult to bend and easy to unbend. Hair that is difficult to bend and easily unbends when bent can be said to have strong hair. Therefore, by performing the fine water particle application process after the third chemical application process and before the fourth chemical application process, hair can be achieved with strong hair roots. Furthermore, in sample F6, the hair tips are difficult to unbend. Therefore, by performing the fine water particle application step at timing F6 after the finishing step is completed, hair can be finished with soft ends. Also, by applying fine water particles to the hair after the finishing step is completed, a moist feeling is added to the hair, and the hair can be finished with a heavy, manageable shape.

[0133] In this way, in a treatment procedure, by carrying out the fine water particle application process at least at 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 carry out an appropriate treatment procedure and further enhance the effect of the treatment agent.

[0134] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, a hair care method that can reduce damage to hair during a perm treatment will be described.

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

[0136] FIG. 25A shows the steps of a conventional perm treatment using two solutions (a first agent and a second agent). As shown in FIG. 25A, in a conventional perm treatment using two solutions, 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, a 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, cutting the internal tissue within the hair and allowing the hair shape to be freely changed. After the first leaving step is completed, the hair is washed in the washing step (first washing step), and then, in the second agent application step, a second agent is applied to the hair, 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, reconnecting the cut internal tissues in the hair, allowing the hair to conform to the desired shape and harden into that conformed shape. The first predetermined time in the first leaving step and the second predetermined time in the second leaving step are generally each about 15 minutes. After the second leaving step is completed, the hair is washed in a washing step (second washing step), and then dried in a drying step.

[0137] Fig. 25B shows an example of the order of execution of each step 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, the fine water particle application step is executed after the first standing step shown in Fig. 25A is completed and before the second agent application step begins (specifically, after the cleaning step (first cleaning step) after the first standing step is completed and before the second agent application step begins). The order of other steps is the same as the order of steps shown in Fig. 25A.

[0138] According to this embodiment, fine water particles are applied to hair that has been wetted by the first agent applied during the first agent application process, or to hair that has been wetted during the washing process following the first agent application process. The applied fine water particles penetrate the hair and adhere to the internal tissue of the hair that has been cut by the first agent. When the fine water particles adhere to the internal tissue of the cut hair, the tissue becomes more mobile. As a result of this increased mobility of the internal tissue, the shape of the hair becomes more easily adapted to the desired winding shape. This reduces the time required for the hair to adapt to the desired winding shape after application of the second agent. This allows the second predetermined time in the second leaving step to be shortened. For example, as shown in FIG. 25B, while the first predetermined time in the first leaving step is approximately 15 minutes, the second predetermined time in the second leaving step can be shortened to approximately 5 minutes. In this case, if the time for applying fine water particles during the fine water particle application process is 10 minutes, a two-liquid perm treatment including the fine water particle application process can be performed without extending the treatment time compared to the perm treatment shown in FIG. 25A. The application of fine water particles to the hair during the perm treatment enhances the effectiveness of the perm agent. Also, the shortening of the time during which the hair is exposed to the second agent (the second predetermined time) reduces the damage to the hair caused by the second agent.

[0139] (Example 11: Comparison of wave efficiency) Four hair samples (approximately 50 cm long and 25 g in weight) A7, B7, C7, and N7 were prepared, and each sample was permed using two solutions (a first solution and a second solution). The first solution cuts the internal hair tissue, and the second solution binds the internal hair tissue cut by the first solution. 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 are described below.

[0140] FIG. 26 shows the steps of the conventional process, process F1, process F2, and process F3. As shown in FIG. 26, the conventional process is a process that performs the following steps in this order: rod winding process, first chemical application process, first standing process, first cleaning process, second chemical application process, second standing process, second cleaning process, and drying process. In other words, the conventional process does not include the fine water particle application process. Process F1 is a process that performs the following steps in this order: rod winding process, first chemical application process, first standing process + fine water particle application process, first cleaning process, second chemical application process, second standing process, second cleaning process, and drying process. According to process F1, the fine water particle application process is performed during the first standing process. Specifically, the first standing process is performed for 15 minutes, and the fine water particle application process is performed simultaneously with the first standing process within 10 minutes of the start of the first standing process. Therefore, after the fine water particle application process is completed, only the first standing process is performed for 5 minutes. Process F2 is a process that performs the following steps in this order: rod winding process, first chemical application process, first leaving process, first cleaning process, second chemical application process, second leaving process + fine water particle application process, second cleaning process, and drying process. According to process F2, the fine water particle application process is performed while the second leaving process is being performed. Specifically, the second leaving process is performed for 15 minutes, and the fine water particle application process is performed simultaneously with the second leaving process within 10 minutes of the start of the second leaving process. Therefore, after the fine water particle application process is completed, only the second leaving process is performed for 5 minutes. Process F3 is a process that performs the following steps in this order: rod winding process, first chemical application process, first leaving process, first cleaning process, fine water particle application process, second chemical application process, second leaving process, second cleaning process, and drying process. According to process F3, the fine water particle application process is performed after the first cleaning process is completed and before the second chemical application process is started.

[0141] In the rod winding process, a rod is wrapped around the hair sample, and the hair is bent into a predetermined winding shape. In the first agent application process, the first agent is evenly applied to the rod-wound sample. In the first leaving process, the sample with the first agent applied is left for 15 minutes. In the first washing process, the first agent is washed off the sample by rubbing the sample with fingers and rinsing with water in a shower. In the second agent application process, the second agent is evenly applied to the sample. In the second leaving process, the sample with the second agent applied is left for a predetermined time (second predetermined time). Here, the second predetermined time in the second leaving process is 15 minutes for the conventional process, process F1, and process F2, and 5 minutes for process F3. In the second washing process, the second agent is washed off the sample by rubbing the sample with fingers and rinsing with water in a shower. In the drying process, moisture on the sample surface is removed by blowing warm air onto the wet sample for approximately 2 minutes using a hair dryer. In the fine water particle application process, fine water particles (flow rate: 0.07 m) at a temperature of approximately 35°C were applied using the fine water particle discharging 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] Figure 27 compares the wave efficiency of samples A7, B7, C7, and N7, which were permed using each treatment. Here, wave efficiency is the percentage obtained by dividing the diameter of the rod used in the rod winding process by the diameter of the waves formed on the sample after treatment. A higher wave efficiency indicates a greater effect of the perm agent. As shown in Figure 27, the wave efficiency of samples A7, B7, and C7, which were permed using treatments F1, F2, and F3, was higher than that of sample N7, which was permed using the conventional treatment. The high wave efficiency of samples A7, B7, and C7 can be attributed to the application of fine water particles to the hair, which reduced damage to the hair and thereby enhanced the effectiveness of the perm agent.

[0143] Furthermore, among samples A7, B7, and C7, which were permed using treatments F1, F2, and F3, sample C7 had the highest wave efficiency. The reason for the highest wave efficiency of sample C7 is believed to be that the second predetermined time in the second leaving step of treatment F3 was the shortest at 5 minutes, minimizing hair damage caused by exposure to the second agent, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the perm agent. In other words, by performing a perm using treatment F3 and shortening the second predetermined time (leaving time) in the second leaving step, hair damage can be minimized, resulting in a perm treatment with sufficient wave efficiency and shortening the perm treatment time, including the fine water particle application step. The reason the leaving time (second predetermined time) in the second leaving step in treatment F3 can be shortened is believed to be that, as described above, applying fine water particles to the sample after application of the first agent but before application of the second agent facilitates the movement of the internal tissues that have been cut within the hair, making it easier for the hair to conform to the desired shape. Similarly to process F3, process F1 also applies fine water particles to the sample after application of the first agent but before application of the second agent. The difference between process F1 and process F3 is that process F1 applies the fine water particle application step simultaneously with the first standing step after application of the first agent, whereas process F3 applies the fine water particle application step after the first standing step. In process F1, in which fine water particles are applied during the first standing step, many of the fine water particles are used to efficiently penetrate the first agent into the hair, which is thought to reduce the contribution of the fine water particles to the effect of facilitating the movement of internal hair tissue. Therefore, it is thought that process F1 cannot sufficiently shorten the second standing time. On the other hand, in process F3, in which fine water particles are applied after the first standing step, the fine water particles are applied after the first agent has penetrated the hair through the first standing step, so many of the applied fine water particles are used to facilitate the movement of internal hair tissue 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 required for leaving the hair after application of the second agent (the time required for carrying out the second leaving step) to be sufficiently shortened.

[0144] In Example 11, the first cleaning step is performed after the first standing step is completed, but the first cleaning step may be omitted. In this case, the fine water particle application step is performed after the first standing step is completed and before the second chemical application step is started. Furthermore, the fine water particle application step may be performed before the first chemical application step is started, in addition to the timing after the first standing step is completed and before the second chemical application step is started. In this way, the fine water particles that have already penetrated into the hair when the first chemical application step is performed promote the penetration of the first chemical into the hair, thereby facilitating the cutting of the internal tissue of the hair. This allows the standing time (first predetermined time) in the first standing step to be shortened. Additionally, shortening the time the hair is exposed to the first chemical can further reduce damage to the hair.

[0145] Fifth Embodiment In the fifth embodiment, a hair care method that can reduce curliness of hair during bleaching treatment 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, in this order, a chemical (bleaching agent) application step, a leaving step, a washing step, a fine water particle application step, and a drying step. 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 the frizz of hair after the bleaching treatment.

[0147] Example 12: Confirmation of the effect of reducing hair curl after bleaching Three hair samples (A8, B8, and C8) (approximately 50 cm long and 25 g in weight) collected from the same individual were prepared. Each sample was bleached using a commercially available bleaching agent. Sample A8 was bleached using the process shown in FIG. 28 (hereinafter, the process of this example). Sample B8 was bleached using the process shown in FIG. 29A (hereinafter, the first comparative process). Sample C8 was bleached using the process shown in FIG. 29B (hereinafter, the second comparative process). The first comparative process shown in FIG. 29A involves a first fine water particle application step, a chemical (bleach) application step, a leaving step, a washing step, a drying step, and a second fine water particle application step, in this order. The second comparative process shown in FIG. 29B involves a chemical (bleach) application step, a leaving step, a washing step, a drying step, and a fine water particle application step, in this order.

[0148] In the present example 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 applied 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 example treatment 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 each. In the leaving step, the hair was left for 20 minutes after application of the chemical (bleaching agent). In the washing step, after the leaving step was completed, the sample was washed with a lukewarm shower while rubbing the sample with the fingers to remove the chemical from the sample. In the drying step, moisture on the sample surface was removed by blowing warm air onto the wet sample using a hair dryer for about 2 minutes.

[0149] FIG. 30 shows photographs of samples A8, B8, and C8 bleached using each treatment (the present example treatment, the first comparative treatment, and the second comparative treatment). In FIG. 30, the sample on the left is sample B8 bleached using the first comparative treatment, the sample on the right is sample C8 bleached using the second comparative treatment, and the sample in the center is sample A8 bleached using the present example treatment. As shown in FIG. 30, sample A8 bleached using the present example treatment has straighter hair than samples B8 and C8. Because samples A8, B8, and C8 were collected from the same individual, only sample A8 has straighter hair. Furthermore, in the present example treatment performed on sample A8, fine water particles were applied to wet hair before drying. Therefore, it was confirmed that, in a bleaching treatment, fine water particle application after the completion of the washing step and before the start of the drying step can reduce hair frizz.

[0150] We consider why applying fine water particles to wet hair after the washing step and before the drying step in a bleaching treatment can reduce hair frizz. When bleach is applied to hair and penetrates into the hair, the bleach cuts the internal tissue of the hair. When fine water particles then enter the hair, the internal tissue becomes more mobile within the hair. This removes frizz from the hair. Furthermore, when hair is wet, there is less resistance to the movement of the internal tissue. Therefore, it is thought that applying fine water particles to hair after application of the agent and while the hair is wet, i.e., after the washing step and before the drying step, can make the cut tissue inside the hair more mobile, thereby reducing frizz.

[0151] (Sixth embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, a case where a fine water particle application step is performed during a treatment involving a heat treatment will be described.

[0152] Hair straightening, digital perm, and styling treatments involve a heat treatment process. By applying heat to the hair in this heat treatment process, the hair can be shaped into a desired shape. Furthermore, the heat treatment process removes moisture from the hair, causing it to become dry and 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 a heat treatment step, and the heating step in Fig. 31(b) is a heat treatment step.

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

[0155] By performing 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 bound to biological tissues such as proteins, i.e., as bound water, and is therefore difficult to remove from the hair during the subsequent heat treatment process. In other words, the hair does not dry out even when the heat treatment process is performed. Therefore, the hair contains sufficient moisture at the end, which has the effect of making the hair soft. Furthermore, by replenishing moisture in the hair before the heat treatment process, the tissue structure within the hair becomes more mobile. This makes it easier to shape the hair during the subsequent heat treatment process.

[0156] In addition, a fine water particle application step may be performed after the heat treatment step is completed. That is, the fine water particle application step may include a first fine water particle application step performed before the heat treatment step is started and a second fine water particle application step performed after the heat treatment step is completed. By performing the fine water particle application 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 of the finished hair 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 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, rinsing with water (cleaning), drying, applying fine water particles, ironing (heat treatment), applying a second agent (second agent), leaving it for a second time, rinsing (cleaning), applying a treatment agent, and finishing. According to this order, the applying fine water particles 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 breaking the bonds between the internal tissues of the hair, making the hair more mobile. Therefore, by applying the first agent to the hair and allowing it to penetrate the hair, the shape of the hair can be straightened, for example. The second agent has the function of reconnecting the internal tissues of the hair that were cut by the first agent. Therefore, by applying the second agent and allowing it to penetrate the hair, the internal tissues that were cut are connected and the shape of the hair is fixed in the straightened shape.

[0159] Furthermore, samples B9, C9, and D9 were produced by performing hair straightening treatment by executing the steps shown in Fig. 32, except that the timing of executing 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. In addition, sample N9 was produced by performing hair straightening treatment in the order of the steps shown in Fig. 32, omitting the fine water particle application step.

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

[0161] Figure 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 representing the bending stiffness reduction rate. Of the two graphs shown in the column corresponding to each sample, graph I on the left represents the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair root, and graph J on the right represents the bending stiffness reduction rate of the hair tip.

[0162] As shown in Figure 33, in sample A9, both the bending stiffness reduction rate at the root and the bending stiffness reduction rate at the tip are large. In addition, when producing sample A9, the fine water particle application process was 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, making the hair softer and easier to style.

[0163] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above embodiments. 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. However, the fine water particle application process may also be performed at other times, for example, after the first agent application process has been completed and before the second agent application process has begun. By applying fine water particles after applying the first agent, moisture enters the parts of the hair tissue that are not bound, softening the hair, which is thought to have the effect of making the tissue more mobile. Therefore, by performing the fine water particle application process between the first agent application process and the second agent application process, the effect of making it easier to change the shape of the hair into a desired shape is obtained.

[0164] Furthermore, when using a hair straightening agent containing the above-described 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 believed that applying fine water particles after the application of the second agent to supply moisture to the hair softens the hair and alleviates the distortion of the hair tissue that occurs when the hair shape is fixed. Therefore, by performing such a fine water particle application process after the second agent application process is completed, the hair becomes softer and the texture of the hair after the finishing process can be improved.

[0165] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which fine water particles are applied to hair as the target part of the head was described. However, fine water particles may also be applied to the scalp as the target part of the head. In this case, scalp treatment can be performed using process A or process B of the first embodiment. This allows the fine water particles to penetrate the scalp, thereby alleviating irritation caused by the chemical solution and improving the condition of the hair. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the case in which processes A, B, C, and D in FIG. 4A were mainly described. However, even if the fine water particle application process is performed simultaneously with the drying process, as in process E in FIG. 4A, substantially the same effect as process C can be obtained. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the case in which the fine water particle application process is performed after the completion of the drying process was mainly described. However, 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, the same effect can be obtained. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a hair care method without the application of chemicals was described. However, a chemical such as a treatment may also be applied to the hair in addition to the application of the fine water particles. This provides additional moisture to the hair and allows for smoother hair treatment. 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 step of drying the target area of the head washed in the washing step; a fine water particle application step of applying fine water particles that are uncharged, have a temperature not exceeding 40°C, and have a size of 50 nanometers or less to the target area on the head; Including, The fine water particle applying step is carried out after the drying step is completed. How to care for your hair and scalp.

2. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 1, further comprising: A drug application step of applying a drug to the target area on the head, The hair and scalp care method, wherein the cleaning step is performed a predetermined time after the completion of the drug application step.

3. 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 after the drying step is completed; 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.

4. 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 style the hair. The hair and scalp care method, wherein the fine water particle applying step is performed during a period after the finishing step is completed.

5. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 1 or 2, The target part of the head is hair, A hair and scalp care method comprising a heat treatment step of heat treating the hair.

6. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 5, The hair and scalp care method, wherein the fine water particle application step is performed before the heat treatment step is started.

7. The hair and scalp care method according to claim 2, The hair and scalp care method, wherein the chemical applied in the chemical application step includes at least one of a coloring agent, a treatment agent, a perm agent, a bleaching agent, and a hair straightener.

8. a fine water particle generating element that, when its temperature drops, goes into an absorbing state where it absorbs moisture on its surface, and when its temperature rises, goes into an emitting state where it emits the absorbed moisture as fine water particles that are uncharged, have a temperature not exceeding 40°C, and have a size of 50 nanometers or less; an application means for applying the fine water particles emitted by the fine water particle generating element to a target part of the head, which is either or both of the hair and the scalp of the human body; a control means for controlling the fine water particle generating element and the applying means; and an operating unit that is operated to apply the fine water particles to the target part of the head after drying the target part of the head. Hair and scalp care device.

9. The hair and scalp care device according to claim 8, The hair and scalp care device, wherein the control means applies fine water particles having a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition point of the protein structure of the hair to the target area on the head.

10. The hair and scalp care device according to claim 8, This hair and scalp care device is configured so that the target area of the head to which the fine water particles are applied by the application means includes hair, and the fine water particle generating element releases the fine water particles that are larger than a single water molecule, causing the fine water particles to remain within the hair and improve the condition of the hair cuticle.

11. The hair and scalp care device according to claim 8, The target area of the head to which the fine water particles are applied by the application means includes hair, and the fine water particle generating element emits uncharged fine water particles, allowing the fine water particles to penetrate into the hair and improve the condition of the hair cuticle.

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