Hair treatment method

Abstract

A method for treating hair on the scalp of a person is provided herein. The method includes the steps of providing an aqueous hair treatment composition containing at least one surfactant and at least one fatty compound, wherein the aqueous hair treatment composition has a density ranging from 0.9 g / cm³ to 1.2 g / cm³; agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition by using a frothing means to form a frothy hair treatment composition having a density of no more than 0.5 g / cm³; wherein the frothing means is configured to be hand-held; and applying the frothy hair treatment composition to the hair.

Description

[0001] HAIR TREATMENT METHOD

[0002] Field

[0003] The invention is directed to a method for treating hair on the scalp of a person comprising providing an aqueous hair treatment composition and agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition to form a frothy hair treatment composition.

[0004] Background

[0005] Human hair is damaged by daily routines such as brushing and combing, external influences like sun light and pollution and application of hair treatment compositions. The hair and scalp are particularly susceptible to damage in a wet state, due to the water swelling resulting in more cuticle uplift in hair leading to more inter fibre friction. Any mechanical rubbing, squeezing etc. commonly used during a shampoo or other treatment for activating, applying and distributing contribute to more friction on any type of hair. Specific hair types, such as curly hair, are even more vulnerable due to its twisted form (geometry), different hair alignment and usually longer hair history with same visual length.

[0006] The cuticle, the outermost region that protects the cortex, is a multi4ayered region particularly important to the hair's frictional characteristics because it is this structure, which comes in contact with other hair, skin, or combing devices. Because hair fibers are composed of dead cells, self-repair is impossible. Therefore, an objective of hair care product development is to inhibit damage by reducing wear on the fibers. The use of conditioners on hair can cause drastic changes in the frictional properties of hair, both quantitatively and by human perception of feel. Lubrication of the hair fibers results in a softer, smoother change in feel for the consumer. This layer of lubrication also provides a protective coating to the hair surface for prevention of future damage.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, there is a need for a method for treating hair on the scalp of a person which allows for reducing damage to the hair caused during treatment. Particularly, there is a need for a hair treatment method which allows for reducing hair friction during treatment.

[0008] Summary

[0009] The inventors have surprisingly found out that at least some of these needs may be met by the method for treating hair according to independent claim 1. Further aspects, advantages, and features are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.Hence, in an aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for treating hair on the scalp of a person is provided. The method comprises the steps of:

[0010] A) providing an aqueous hair treatment composition containing at least one surfactant and at least one fatty compound, wherein the aqueous hair treatment composition has a density of at least 0.9 g / cm3, and in particular no more than 1.2 g / cm3;

[0011] B) agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition by using a frothing means to form a frothy hair treatment composition having a density of no more than 0.5 g / cm3; wherein the frothing means is configured to be hand-held; and

[0012] C) applying the frothy hair treatment composition to the hair.

[0013] Description of the figures

[0014] The components in the Figures are not necessarily to scale, instead emphasis being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the disclosure and are described in the following:

[0015] Figure 1 shows an image illustrating an exemplary step of agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition by using a frothing means according to embodiments of methods described herein;

[0016] Figure 2 shows an image illustrating an exemplary step of applying the frothy hair treatment composition to the hair according to embodiments of methods described herein;

[0017] Figure 3 shows another image illustrating an exemplary step of applying the frothy hair treatment composition to the hair according to embodiments of methods described herein;

[0018] Figure 4 shows an image of half-head tests. Figure 4 shows ease of wet combability for two samples according to embodiments of methods described herein;

[0019] Figure 5 shows another image of half-head tests. Figure 5 shows ease of wet combability for two samples according to embodiments of methods described herein;

[0020] Figures 6A-8C show images illustrating compositions obtained after step B) according to embodiments of methods described herein.

[0021] Figure 9 is a side view of a frothing means according to embodiments of methods described herein;

[0022] Figure 10 is a graph summarising the performance of various foam compositions tested;

[0023] Figure 11 is a graph summarising the performance of various foam compositions tested;Figure 12 is a graph summarising the performance of various foam compositions tested;

[0024] Figure 13A shows a series of images taken for a foam composition recorded at different points in time;

[0025] Figure 13B shows a series of images taken for a foam composition recorded at different points in time.

[0026] Detailed description

[0027] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the presently claimed invention or the application and uses of the presently claimed invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary or the following detailed description.

[0028] Definitions

[0029] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] Before the composition and / or method of the presently claimed invention are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular compositions and / or methods described, since such compositions and / or methods may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the presently claimed invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0031] If hereinafter a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this is meant to also encompass a group which preferably consists of these embodiments only. Furthermore, the terms 'first', 'second', 'third' or 'a', 'b', 'c', etc. and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the presently claimed invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. In case the terms 'first', 'second', 'third' or '(A)', '(B)' and '(C)' or '(a)', '(b)', '(c)', '(d)', 'i', 'ii' etc. relate to steps of a method or use or assay there is no time or time interval coherence between the steps, that is, the steps may be carried out simultaneously or there may be time intervals of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or even years between such steps, unless otherwise indicated in the application as set forth herein above or below.

[0032] Furthermore, the ranges defined throughout the specification include the end values as well,i.e., a range of 1 to 10 implies that both 1 and 10 are included in the range. For the avoidance of doubt, applicant shall be entitled to any equivalents according to applicable law.

[0033] In the following passages, different aspects of the presently claimed invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

[0034] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presently claimed invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Further, as used in the following, the terms "preferably", “more preferably”, “even more preferably”, “most preferably” and “in particular” or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features, without restricting alternative possibilities. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims in any way.

[0035] Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the presently claimed invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0036] Further, it shall be noted that the terms “at least one”, “one or more” or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once typically will be used only once when introducing the respective feature or element. In the following, in most cases, when referring to the respective feature or element, the expressions “at least one” or “one or more” will not be repeated, non-withstanding the fact that the respective feature or element may be present once or more than once.

[0037] As used herein the term "hair" may be "living", i.e., on a living body, or may be "non-living", i.e., in a wig, hairpiece or other aggregation of non-living keratinous fibres.

[0038] By “substantially free of’ is meant a composition comprising 0.1 wt.-% or less, preferably 0.01 wt.-% or less, more preferably 0 wt.-%, of a compound, related to the total weight of the composition.All percentages are by weight of the composition of the presently claimed invention, i.e., of the ready-to-use composition, which is the composition to be applied on hair, unless otherwise specified. Also ratios are weight ratios unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0039] For the purposes of the presently claimed invention, ‘% by weight’ or ‘wt.% ‘as used in the presently claimed invention is with respect to the total weight of the composition. Further, the sum of wt.% of all the compounds, as described herein, in the respective components adds up to 100 wt.%.

[0040] Method for treating hair

[0041] The present invention is generally concerned with a method for treating hair on the scalp of a person. The method includes agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition to form a frothy or foamy treatment composition before application to hair. Step B) of the method may also be referred to as a pre-activation step. For example, the pre-activation step can be carried out in a bowl or the like, or in other words separate from the human hair to be treated and without contacting the human hair. This allows for agitating the treatment composition until it has the desired foam properties, and only then applying the frothy treatment composition to the hair. The presently disclosed method allows for reducing the mechanical force and time needed to foam up the treatment composition on the head, which leads to less friction. The frothy treatment composition according to the present disclosure may already have the desired foam properties, and therefore can be poured over the hair and may be gently applied and distributed over the hair.

[0042] As a result of pre-activation step B), the frothy treatment composition has substantially lower density or substantially increased volume compared to the aqueous hair treatment composition prior to pre-activation. Pre-activation therefore not only results in foam formation at a liquid-to-air interface, but rather transforms substantial portions or even the entire aqueous hair treatment composition into a foam.

[0043] The pre-activation step allows for generating a substantial amount of rich and small pored foam that lubricates the hair, helping to cushion inter fibre friction and thereby reduce damage to the hair caused during treatment.

[0044] Preferably, pre-activation also allows for generating a foam that is relatively stable over time. This allows a user or a professional hair stylist working in a salon with sufficient time to apply the frothy treatment composition to the hair.The pre-activation according to step B) may also allow for a foam that is flowable and can be poured over the hair. According to the present disclosure, it is preferred that the frothy treatment composition is not too thick or entirely immobile.

[0045] The method disclosed further allows for reducing the amount of aqueous hair treatment composition required to perform the hair treatment. Pre-activation of the composition prior to application to hair allows for a more efficient foam generation, thus requiring less aqueous hair treatment composition to be used for the hair treatment, and reducing waste.

[0046] The inventors also found that the method disclosed herein improves the combability (wet and dry combability) of the hair as well as the hair feel (wet and dry feel). The wet / dry feel may improve especially in smoothness in that the hair may slide through the fingers without any problem. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that inter fibre friction is reduced, which in turn improves the combability and the smoothness of the hair.

[0047] Step A)

[0048] The type of aqueous hair treatment composition provided in step A) is not particularly limited. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition is a shampoo or a conditioner, more preferably a shampoo.

[0049] The methods disclosed herein are not provided for the treatment of animals. The methods disclosed herein are preferably also not for shaving hair. In other words, the aqueous hair treatment composition is preferably not a shaving composition and / or step C) may include applying the frothy hair treatment composition only to hair on the scalp of a person, e.g. not to regions of the body of a person other than the scalp.

[0050] The aqueous hair treatment composition can be a rinse-off or a leave on composition, such as a rinse-off or leave on conditioner. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition is a rinse-off composition.

[0051] The aqueous hair treatment composition may be a single-purpose composition or mixed-purpose composition. For example, the composition may be a shampoo containing additives such scrubbing particles, effect particles (such as glitter), direct dyes / colorants, conditioning agents, perfumes, or the like.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition is a ready to use composition, such as a commercial bottled product.

[0053] In other embodiments, providing the aqueous hair treatment composition includes mixing a liquid hair treatment formulation with water. In other words, the aqueous hair treatmentcomposition may be formed by mixing the liquid hair treatment formulation with water and optionally auxiliary components. In this embodiment, a water-reduced liquid hair treatment formulation may be used. Many consumers and stylists are requesting more sustainable products with a positive impact on carbon dioxide emission and water footprint reduction. A compact or water-reduced treatment composition can reduce transportation weight, result in less packaging waste and an overall better carbon dioxide footprint.

[0054] The water used for mixing with the liquid hair treatment formulation may be tap water. Preferably, distilled or carbonated water may be used. This may result in improved foam qualitiy and foam characteristics.

[0055] Illustratively, the liquid hair treatment formulation may be mixed with water at a ratio of from about 1:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:3.

[0056] The aqueous hair treatment composition may include water at a concentration range of at least 10 wt%, preferably of at least 30 wt%, more preferably of at least 40 wt%, and even more preferably of at least 50 wt%.

[0057] Advantageously, the aqueous hair treatment composition may be individualised, for example depending on client wishes or hair needs. Providing the aqueous hair treatment composition may include mixing in one or more auxiliary components. The auxiliary component may be a powder additive composition and / or a shampoo gel paste. Illustratively, the powder additive composition may be a dry shampoo, such as a starch-based dry shampoo, and / or the powder additive composition may include a water-instable compound, such as Vitamin C or a hair texture modifying compound, such as charcoal, for modifying the hair texture during frothing. The auxiliary component may allow for further improving the hair feel. The dry shampoo powder, such as a starch-based dry shampoo, may enable increasing the power of absorption and texturising the hair feel for a more lightweight result (e.g. for finer hair that needs more volume). The shampoo gel paste may be a glycerine-based concentrated shampoo paste. The shampoo gel paste may allow for increasing the moisturised, smooth hair feel for a more aligned result to the hair treatment composition mixture.

[0058] The aqueous hair treatment composition has a density of at least 0.9 g / cm3, and preferably of no more than 1.2 g / cm3. The aqueous hair treatment composition may have a density close to water, such as about 1.0 g / cm3.

[0059] The aqueous hair treatment composition may be provided in the form of an emulsion.

[0060] The aqueous hair treatment composition includes at least one surfactant. The “at least one surfactant” may also be referred to as “surfactant component”. The surfactant component may facilitate forming the frothy or foamy texture when pre-activation is carried out in step B). Further,the surfactant component may facilitate stabilising the frothy or foamy texture of the composition and prevent the foam cells from collapsing.

[0061] The aqueous hair treatment composition may include the surfactant component at a concentration range of at least 2 wt%, preferably at least 3 wt% and more preferably at least 5 wt %.

[0062] Non-sulfate anionic surfactant

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least one non-sulfate (or sulfate-free) anionic surfactant.

[0064] In an embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition is a shampoo, and the surfactant component comprises one or more sulfate-free anionic surfactants. Preferably, the shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo. Utilising one or more (and preferably two or even three) sulfate-free anionic surfactants enables excellent foaming behaviour in the pre-activation step B).

[0065] The one or more sulfate-free anionic surfactant(s) of the surfactant component may be selected from the group of acyl isethionates / methyl isethionates, acyl glycinates, acyl taurates, acyl amino acids, acyl sarcosinates, sulfosuccinates and sulfonates, wherein the acyl groups of all these surfactant classes comprise from 6 to 30 carbon atoms. The sulfate-free anionic surfactant(s) may also comprise more than one of these surfactants and may comprise mixtures thereof. The sulfate-free anionic surfactant(s) may also comprise the alkaline and alkaline earth salts of one or more or mixtures of individual compounds of any of these surfactant classes and mixtures thereof.

[0066] In one embodiment, the surfactant component includes two or more sulfate-free anionic surfactants or even three or more sulfate-free anionic surfactants.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the non-sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of acyl isethionates / methyl isethionates, more preferably the non-sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters of 2-hydroxyethyl sulfonate and 2-hydroxy-2-methylethyl sulfonate.

[0068] These acyl isethionates / methyl isethionates are respectively represented by the following chemical formulas: RCO2CH2CH2SO3X and RCO2CH(CH3)CH2SO3X;

[0069] wherein the substituent X is hydrogen or an alkaline or alkaline earth metal.

[0070] The acyl group may be a saturated or unsaturated C6 to C30 acyl (RCO-) group preferably a linear or branched saturated or unsaturated C6 to C30 acyl (RCO-) group, more preferably an acyl group selected from the group consisting of linear saturated C5 to C29 alkyl group and / or alinear unsaturated C5 to C29 alkyl group with 1 to 3 unsaturation sites. In other words, the acyl group (RCO-) corresponds to the acyl derivative of a C6-C30 fatty acid, including but not limited to a C6-C30 fatty linear or branched, preferably linear alkyl carboxylic acid and / or a C6-C30 alkenyl carboxylic acid with 1, 2 or 3 unsaturation sites in which the carboxylic acid group of the alkyl carboxylic acid and the alkenyl carboxylic acid is positioned at a terminus.

[0071] For example, the acyl isethionates and methyl isethionates are esters formed with isethionic acid and / or methyl isethionic acid and one or more C6-C30 fatty acids. The acyl group , derived from a C6-C30 fatty acid, may be selected from the group consisting of saturated acyl groups including but not limited to hexoyl, heptoyl, capryloyl, caproyl, lauroyl, myristoyl, palmitoyl (cetoyl), stearoyl, arachidoyl, behenoyl, lignoceroyl, cerotoyl, nonoyl, undecoyl, tridecoyl, pentadecoyl, heptadecoyl, nonadecoyl; and from unsaturated acyl groups including but not limited to sapienoyl, oleyl, elaidoyl, vaccenoyl, linolenoyl, linoelaidoyl, arachidonoyl, eicosapentaenoyl, erucoyl, docosahexaenoyl group and any combination of saturated and / or unstaturated groups thereof. While the trivial name acyl groups are derived from natural fatty acids, the systemically nomenclature acyl groups such as nonoyl, undecoyl, tridecoyl, pentadecoly, heptadecoyl, nonadecoyl are semi-synthetic fatty acids which may be derived from petroleum sources.

[0072] The acyl isethionates and methyl isethionates may also comprise fatty acid mixtures derived from vegetable oils. The fatty acid mixtures may include mixtures of one or more of the single C6-C30 fatty acids, selected embodiments of which correspond to the above-named acyl groups.

[0073] For example, the vegetable fatty acid mixtures may be selected from the group consisting of those derived from coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, safflower oil, flax oil, and similar vegetable oils. The resulting exemplary fatty acid mixtures include but are not limited to coconut fatty acids, palm fatty acids, olive fatty acids, corn oil fatty acids, safflower fatty acids, sunflower fatty acids, flax fatty acids and similar vegetable fatty acids. These fatty acid mixtures esterify the isethionic acid and / or methyl isethionic acid to form the fatty acyl isethionate and / or acyl methyl isethionate ester mixtures.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the isethionate and / or methyl isethionates is selected from the group consisting of sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium oleoyl methyl isethionate or mixtures thereof; preferably from the group consisting of sodium cocoyl isethionate and sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the non-sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of N-acyl glycinates, N-acyl amino acids and their salts thereof; including C6-C30 fatty acid amides of the amino acid, glycine, as well as the C6-C30 fatty acid amides of other natural and synthetic amino acids, and the alkaline and alkaline earth metal salts thereof.The N-acyl glycinates is represented by the following chemical formula: RCO-NHCH2CO2X; wherein X is hydrogen or an alkaline or alkaline earth metal.

[0076] The N-acyl amino acids is represented by the following chemical formula: RCO-NH(CH2)nCHR’CO2X;

[0077] wherein R’ is any of the other natural and well-known synthetic amino acid substituents, n is zero or an integer of 1 to 4, and X is hydrogen or an alkaline or alkaline earth metal.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the N-acyl amino acids provide R’ as the a-substituent of a natural amino acid such as alanine, valine, methionine, phenyl alanine, threonine, serine, asparagine, tyrosine, lysine. Preferred as the amino acid portion of the N-acyl amino acid are alanine, phenyl alanine, threonine, serine and glutamine. In addition, for synthetic amino acids, R’ may be hydrogen as well as the a-substituent of a natural amino acid and n is an integer of 1 to 4. Preferable synthetic amino acids include those in which R’ is hydrogen and n is 1 or 2.

[0079] The acyl group, RCO-, of N-acyl glycinate and N-acyl amino acids of the foregoing formulas may comprise the fatty acyl group RCO- as described above for the acyl isethionate / methyl isethionate class. The acyl group may be a single acyl group or it may comprise a mixture of acyl groups as described above for the acyl isethionate / methyl isethionate class. The mixture may be derived from vegetable fatty acids as described above for the isethionate / methyl isethionate class.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the non-sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of acyl taurates and acyl sarcosinates; more preferably from the group consisting of N-fatty acyl taurate salts, N-fatty acyl sarcosinate salts and their N-alkyl derivatives thereof.

[0081] The acyl taurates are represented by the following chemical formula: RCO-NR’CH2CH2SO3M;

[0082] wherein RCO- represents the fatty acyl substituent, R’ is hydrogen or alkyl and M represents an alkaline or alkaline earth metal, preferably sodium and potassium, more preferably sodium.

[0083] The acyl taurates are represented by the following chemical formula: RCO-NR’CH2CO2M; wherein RCO- represents the fatty acyl substituent, R’ is hydrogen or alkyl and M represents an alkaline or alkaline earth metal, preferably sodium and potassium, more preferably sodium.

[0084] The N-fatty acyl group for the taurate salt may be any longer chain saturated or unsaturated fatty group. Preferably, the fatty acyl group for the taurate salt is an unsaturated fatty acyl C6 to C30 group of C6 to C30, preferably of C12 to C22, more preferably of C14 to C20, especially more preferably of C14 to C18 including myristoyl, palmitolyl, sapienoyl, oleyl, elaidoyl and vaccinoyl acyl groups, most preferably oleyl and palmitoyl acyl groups, especially most preferably the oleyl group. The N-alkyl group is a linear or branched C1 to C6 alkyl group, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl and more preferably methyl.The N-fatty acyl group for the sarcosinate salt may be any shorter chain saturated fatty group. Preferably the fatty acyl group for the sarconinate salt is a saturated fatty acyl group of C6 to C30, especially preferably of C6 to C14 including caproloyl, enanthoyl, capryloyl, pelargonoyl, caproyl, undecyloyl, lauroyl, tridecyloyl and myristoyl groups, more preferably of C8 to C12, and most preferably the lauroyl (C12) acyl group. The N-alkyl group is the same as that for the taurate salt except that R’ as hydrogen is excluded. R’ for the sarconsinate salt is preferably methyl.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the non-sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sulfosuccinates and sulfosulfonates; preferably from the group consisting of alkyl sulfosuccinates, polyalkoxylated sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates and the sulfosulfonates thereof. The alkyl group may be a C6-C30 alkyl group. The polyalkoxylate group may be formed of from 2 to 30 units of an ethylene or propylene glycol monomer.

[0086] For example, the alkyl, polyalkoxylated and alkylamide sulfosuccinates and sulfosulfonates may be selected from the group consisting of disodium laureth sulfosucciniate, disodium laureth sulfosulfonate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium lauryl sulfosulfonate, disodium oleth-3 sulfosuccinate, disodium oleth-3 sulfosulfonate, disodium deceth-6 sulfosuccinate, disodium deceth-6 sulfosulfonate, disodium polyethylene glycol (10) sulfosuccinate, disodium polyethylene glycol (10) sulfosulfonate, disodium polypropylene glycol (10) sulfosuccinate, disodium polypropylene glycol (10) sulfosulfonate, disodium cetylamide sulfosuccinate, disodium cetylamide sulfosulfonate, disodium stearylamide sulfosuccinate, disodium stearylamide sulfosulfonate, disodium palmylamide sulfonsuccinate, disodium palmylamide sulfosulfonate, disodium dodecylamide sulfosuccinate and disodium dodecylamide sulfosulfonate.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least one non-sulfate anionic surfactant being selected from the group consisting of isethionates / methyl isethionates and optionally an at least one additional non-sulfate anionic surfactant. In this embodiment, the majority of the non-sulfate anionic surfactants is the acyl isethionates / methyl isethionates. The acyl isethionate / methyl isethionate may be present in the composition relative to the other non-sulfate anionic surfactants in a weight ratio of from about 19:3 to about 17:6, preferably about 19:3.5 to about 17:6, more preferably about 18.5:3.5 to about 17.4:5.8.

[0088] Non-ionic and amphoteric surfactant

[0089] Additionally, or alternatively, the surfactant component may include an amphoteric and / or a non-ionic surfactant. It has been found that the foaming properties can be further increased by combining one or more sulfate-free anionic surfactant(s) with a non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant.In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant component comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of acyl-amino deoxy sugars, acyl-amino sugar alcohols and alkyl glycosides.

[0090] The non-ionic surfactant may comprise one or more of lauroyl / myristyl methyl glucamide, capryloyl / caproyl methyl glucamide, capryloyl / caproyl glucamide, lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, coco glucoside, and any combination thereof.

[0091] The acyl amino deoxy sugars and acyl amino sugar alcohols alcohols are represented by the following chemical formula: R1-CO-NX-R2;

[0092] wherein R1-CO is a linear or branched C6 to C30 fatty acyl group with R1being a linear or branched C5 to C29 alkyl group;

[0093] R2is hydrogen or C1 to C6 alkyl;

[0094] the moiety -NX is amino deoxy sugar or amino sugar alcohol.

[0095] The amino deoxy sugar group is represented by the following chemical formula CHO-CH(NH2)-CHOH-(CHOH)m-CHOH-CH2OH;

[0096] wherein m is zero or 1.

[0097] The amino sugar alcohol group is represented by the following chemical formula =N-CH2-CHOH-CHOH-(CHOH)m-CHOH-CH2OH;

[0098] wherein m is zero or 1.

[0099] For example, amino sugars and amino sugar alcohols are selected from the group consisting of the -NH2derivatives of deoxy pentose, deoxy hexose, di-deoxyhexose and their corresponding alcohols. The corresponding deoxy sugar core may be selected from the group consisting of deoxyglucose, deoxymannose, deoxyidose, deoxytalose, deoxygalactose, deoxyribose deoxyxylose, doxyarabinose, deoxylyxose. The sugar alcohol core may be selected from the group consisting of xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol. Preferably, the amino deoxy sugars and amino sugar alcohols are selected from the group consisting of glucosamine, amino deoxy mannose, amino deoxy galactose, aminosorbitol, aminomannitol and amino deoxyribose. More preferably, the amino sugar alcohol isglucosamine. More preferably, the amino deoxy sugars are selected from the group consisting of lauroyl / myristyl methyl glucamide, capryloyl / caproyl methyl glucamide, capryloyl / caproyl glucamide or mixtures thereof.

[0100] For example, the alkyl glycoside is selected from the group consisting of C8-C30 linear and branched alkyl glycosides. The glycoside cores may be selected from the group of sugar moieties consisting of glucosides, fructosides, glucuronides, mannosides, galactosides, ribosides, polyglycosides (such as polyglucoside, polyfructoside, polymannoside, polygalactoside and polyglucuronic acid). The alkyl group may be derived from a C8-C30 fatty alcohol and forms a glycosidic bond with the anomeric carbon (the carbonyl carbon) of the sugar through formation of a ketal group from the carbonyl group. Exemplary glycosides may be selected from the groupconsisting of lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, coco glucoside, octyl glucoside, capryl glucoside, caprylyl / capryl glucoside, decyl polyglucoside, cocopolyglucoside, lauryl polyglucoside or mixtures thereof.

[0101] The amphoteric surfactant may comprise fatty acid amidoalkylbetaines and / or fatty acid amidoalkylsulfobetaines. For example, the amphoteric surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of lauramidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, and 3-(3-coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl)dimethylammonium-2-hydroxypropane sulfonate.

[0102] Sulfate anionic surfactant

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least one sulfate anionic surfactant.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a branched and / or linear C8 to C20 alkyl and / or alkenyl sulfate, a linear and / or branched C8 to C20 alkyl benzene sulfate, a linear and / or branched C8 to C20 alkyl benzyl sulfate or the corresponding ether and / or glyceryl and / or sugar alcohol derivatives obtained from ethylene epoxide / ethylene glycol, propylene epoxide / 1,2-propylene glycol, glycerin and / or sugar alcohol monomers. The linear and / or branched alkyl and / or alkenyl group may be a single chain length or may be a mixture of chain lengths. The alkenyl group may have 1 or 2 sites of unsaturation. The ether and glyceryl derivatives may comprise mono, di, tri, tetra, penta monomers to < 100, preferably to < 50, more preferably to < 20 monomeric units. The sugar alcohol derivatives may comprise mono, di, tri, tetra, penta monomers to < 100, preferably to < 50, more preferably to < 20 monomeric units of a C4-C6 sugar alcohol including but not limited to examples such as erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, isomalt and maltitol.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the counterion of the sulfate anionic surfactant may be an alkali metal, ammonia and / or a primary, secondary or tertiary C1-C6 alkyl amine or aminoalcohol such as but not limited to ammonium cation, sodium, potassium, trimethyl amine, triethyl amine, ethanolamine, triethanolamine, diethanolamine.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants represented by the following chemical formulas: ROSO3M, RC-6H4OSO3M, RC6H4CH2OSO3M, RO(C2H4O)XOSO3M, RO(C2H4O)XC6H4OSO3M, RO(C2H4O)XC6H4CH2OSO3M, RO(CH2CH(Me)O)xOSO3M, RO(CH2CH(Me)O)xC6H4OSO3M,RO(CH2CH(Me)O)xC6H4CH2OSO3M, RO(CH2CHOHCH2O)xOSO3M, RO(CH2CHOHCH2O)XC-6H4OSO3M, RO(CH2CHOHCH2O)XC6H4CH2OSO3M, RO(sugar alcohol)xOSO3M, RCO2(C2H4O)XOSO3M, RCO2(C2H4O)XC6H4OSO3M, RCO2(C2H4O)XC6H4CH2OSO3M, RCO2(CH2CH(Me)O)xOSO3M, RCO2(CH2CH(Me)O)xC6H4OSO3M, RCO2(CH2CH(Me)O)xC6H4CH2OSO3M, RCO2(CH2CHOHCH2O)xOSO3M, RCO2(CH2CHOHCH2O)XC6H4OSO3M, RCO2(CH2CHOHCH2O)XC6H4CH2OSO3M and RCO2(sugar alcohoQxOSOsM;

[0107] wherein the R group of these formulas is a linear or branched C8 to C20 alkyl and / or alkenyl group derived from a fatty alcohol and is a single chain length or is a mixture of chain lengths;

[0108] the RCO2group is a fatty acid derivative corresponding to the fatty alcohol derivative RO-; the designator x of the ether / polyether / polyglyceryl / polysugar alcohol unit is an integer in the range of > 1 to < 100, preferably to < 50, more preferably to < 20;

[0109] Me is methyl; and

[0110] M is a counterion as described above.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of linear and / or branched sulfate anionic surfactants of the formulas ROSO3M, RC6H4OSO3M, RO(C2H4O)XOSO3M and / or RO(CH2CHOHCH2O)xOSO3M;

[0112] wherein the R group of these formulas is a linear or branched C8 to C20 alkyl group (more preferably a linear or branched C10 to C18 alkyl group), a linear or branched C14 to C20 alkenyl group (more preferably a linear C14 to C20 alkenyl group) and their mixtures.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl and alkenyl group is selected from the group consisting of capryl, undecyl, lauryl, myristyl, palmityl, cetyl, stearyl oleyl, myristolyl, palmitolylsapienyl and mixtures of alkyl and alkenyl groups such as cocoyl. Cocoyl is a mixture of alkyl groups derived from coconut oil and includes caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic and oleic groups.

[0114] For example, the at least one anionic surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethylamine laureth sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine laureth sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine laureth sulfate, diethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine laureth sulfate, lauric mono glyceride sodium sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, potassium laureth sulfate, ammonium cocoyl sulfate, sodium cocoyl sulfate, potassium cocoyl sulfate, monoethanolamine cocoyl sulfate, sodium tridecyl benzene sulfate and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfate.

[0115] Fatty compound

[0116] The aqueous hair treatment composition further includes at least one fatty compound (or fatty substance). The fatty compound may advantageously enhance the texture, such as facilitate thickening of the foam, and lubricity of the froth generated in the pre-activation step B). Fattycompounds, such as fatty alcohols, may further provide emulsifying and / or thickening properties to the hair treatment composition.

[0117] The fatty compound is preferably selected from a fatty alcohol, a fatty ester and a fatty acid.

[0118] In an embodiment, the fatty compound includes a fatty ester. The fatty ester may be a fatty acid ester of a C10-C30 saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and a C3-C6 mono-ol, diol or triol. In one embodiment, the fatty acid ester is a fatty acid ester of a C16-C18 saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid which is esterified with a C3-C6 mono-ol (a monoalcohol), a diol or a triol, preferably a triol, more preferably a C3 or C4 triol, and preferably glycerine. Preferred fatty acid esters are glyceryl mono-palmitoleate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl stearate, glycol distearate or a combination thereof with glyceryl monooleate alone being more preferred.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting of C8 to C40 alkanyl mono or diol or alkenyl mono or diol. Preferably the fatty alcohol of these groups may be the mono alcohol. For the fatty alkenyl alcohols, the number of unsaturations may be in the range of > 1 to < 6, preferably in the range of > 1 to < 3, more preferably in the range of > 1 or < 2, most preferably 1. Preferable fatty alcohols may be selected from C8 to C30 alkanyl or alkenyl mono alcohols. More preferably fatty alcohols may be selected from C10 to C26 alkanyl or alkenyl mono alcohols. Especially preferably fatty alcohols may be selected from C10 to C26 alkanyl mono alcohols. While it is not a requirement of the invention, the fatty alcohol may be a combination of lower and higher carbon number fatty alcohols. An exemplary combination may include a C10-C16 fatty alcohol and a C16-C22 fatty alcohol with the higher carbon number fatty alcohol constituting about a 2 to 3-fold more in wt% than the lower carbon number fatty alcohol.

[0120] For example, the fatty alcohol may be selected from the group consisting of octanol, plargonic alcohol, decanol, undecyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, pentadecyl alcohol, cetyl (palmitic) alcohol, heptadecyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, nonadecyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, heneicoyl alcohol behenyl alcohol, lighnocyeryl alcohol, ceryl alcohol, montanyl alcohol, nonacesanol, myricyl alcohol as well as unsaturated alcohols selected from and / or including pamitoleyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, arachidonic alcohol, linoleic alcohol, and farnesyl alcohol.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty compound includes the fatty alcohol and mixtures thereof having a linear or branched carbon chain of from about 12 to about 30 carbons, in particular one or more fatty C20-C30 alcohols. The fatty alcohols may be saturated or unsaturated. Preferred fatty alcohols include lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol and mixtures thereof such as cetearyl alcohol (mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols).In one embodiment, the fatty compound includes a fatty acid and mixtures thereof having at least one C10-C30 saturated or unsaturated, in particular monocarboxylic, acid. In one embodiment, the fatty acid is preferably at least one C16-C22 saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid. In another embodiment, the at least one C16-C22 saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid and linoleic acid. In another embodiment, the at least one C16-C22 monocarboxylic acid is monounsaturated. In another embodiment, the fatty acid is palmitoleic acid or oleic acid, in particular oleic acid.

[0122] In an embodiment, the fatty substance may include one or more of natural and synthetic waxes, ceramides, mineral oils, vegetable oils, animal oils and synthetic oils. In another embodiment, the fatty substance may include one or more of isododecane, hydrogenated polyisobutene, squalane, isononyl isononanoate, cyclotetra- and - pentadimethicones, phenyltrimethicone, ethylene homopolymers, ethoxylated fats and oils, fluoroalkanes, seracite, shea butter and arachidyl propionate. For the definition of waxes, mention may be made, for example, of P. D. Dor-gan, Drug and Cosmetic Industry, December 1983, pp. 30-33.

[0123] The fatty compound may be provided at a concentration range of from about 0.01 wt% to about 5.0 wt%, preferably from about 0.1 wt% to about 3.0 wt%, and more preferably from about 0.5 wt% to about 2.0 wt%.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty substance may be selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated vegetable oils. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are preferred due to their ability to avoid oxidation and rancidity.

[0125] Any of the canola, coconut, corn, cottonseed, flaxseed, grape seed, olive, palm, peanut, safflower, sesame, soybean and sunflower oils and any mixture thereof may be included as an optional luster and anti-brittleness enhancer.

[0126] For example, the hydrogenated oil is selected from the group consisting of coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and flaxseed oil; more preferably coconut oil, olive oil and safflower oil; most preferably coconut oil and olive oil.

[0127] Optionally, the vegetable oil may also be the complex of hydrogenated ethyl hexyl trans-esterified vegetable oil C14-C20 esters, preferably hydrogenated C16-C18 ethyl hexyl trans-esterified vegetable oil esters. An especially preferred component of this complex is hydrogenated ethyl hexyl olivate / olive oil. This complex may provide a tactile response to hair similar to that provided by silicones such as dimethicone without the need to include a difficult-to-remove silicone polymer. The complex may be formed by hydrogenating the C14-C20 vegetable oilfollowed by acidic transesterification with ethyl hexyl alcohol. The alcohol replaces the glycerin of the vegetable oil so as to convert the tri-ester oil into multiple mono-esters of the multiple fatty acids making up the carboxylic ester portion of the oil.

[0128] Polyols

[0129] The aqueous hair treatment composition may further include a polyol. The polyol may be a polyhydric alcohol, a trihydric alcohol, a dihydric alcohol, or a combination thereof. The polyol may preferably be liquid. The inventors have observed that a trihydric, dihydric or small polyhydric polyol (e.g. a C4 to C8 per-hydroxy alkane) in conjunction with the surfactant component concentration results in an excellent product performance and allows for obtaining a stable composition without causing precipitation of any component. For example, it has been observed that glycerine is particularly well suited for dissolving the surfactant component used, while resulting in a composition which is stable over a long period of time. It was found that non-sulfate anionic surfactants, such as isethionate compounds, allow to formulate stable and skin compatible compositions even at high surfactant concentrations.

[0130] The polyhydric alcohol may be a C4-C8 alkane with each carbon substituted by a hydroxyl group or a dimer or trimer thereof. The trihydric alcohol may be a C3 to C8 alkane substituted by three hydroxyl groups or a dimer or trimer thereof. The dihydric alcohol may be a C2 to C8 alkane substituted by two hydroxyl groups or a dimer or trimer thereof. Exemplary polyhydric alcohols include sugar alcohols such as but not limited to erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol. Exemplary triols may be selected from propylene triol (glycerine), 1,2,3-butylene triol, 1,2,5-pentylene triol and / or 1,3,6-hexylene triol and any combination thereof. Exemplary diols may be selected from ethylene glycol, 1 ,2- propylene diol, 1 ,3 propane diol, 1 ,2- and 1 ,3-butane diol, 1 ,2 pentane diol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and any combination thereof.

[0131] Preferred polyols include sorbitol, glycerine (propyl triol), 1,2,3-butanetriol, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol and any combination thereof. A more preferred polyol is sorbitol, glycerine, 1,2 propylene diol, 1,3 propylene diol and any combination thereof. An even further preferred polyol is glycerine.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition comprises a combination of a trihydric alcohol and a dihydric alcohol such as a combination of glycerin and ethylene glycol.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition is a shampoo comprising:

[0134] a) water;

[0135] b) a liquid polyol at a concentration range of at least 1 wt%;c) the surfactant component at a concentration range of at least 2 wt%; wherein the surfactant component comprises one or more sulfate-free anionic surfactants; and

[0136] d) the fatty compound at a concentration range of from about 0.01 wt% to about 5.0 wt%, preferably from about 0.1 wt% to about 3.0 wt%, and more preferably from about 0.5 wt% to about 2.0 wt%.

[0137] In one illustrative embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition is a shampoo including:

[0138] a) water;

[0139] b) a liquid polyol, preferably a trihydric alcohol being a C3 to C8 alkane substituted by three hydroxyl groups;

[0140] c) the surfactant component at a concentration range of at least 5 wt%; wherein the surfactant component comprises at least two sulfate-free anionic surfactants, preferably at least three sulfate-free anionic surfactants; and wherein the surfactant component comprises at least one amphoteric surfactant;

[0141] d) the fatty compound at a concentration range of from about 0.01 wt% to about 5.0 wt%, preferably from about 0.1 wt% to about 3.0 wt%, and more preferably from about 0.5 wt% to about 2.0 wt%, wherein the fatty compound includes a fatty acid ester of a C10-C30 saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and a C3-C6 mono-ol, diol or triol.

[0142] In another illustrative embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition is a shampoo including:

[0143] a) water;

[0144] b) a liquid polyol, preferably a trihydric alcohol being a C3 to C8 alkane substituted by three hydroxyl groups;

[0145] c) the surfactant component at a concentration range of at least 3 wt%; wherein the surfactant component comprises at least two sulfate-free anionic surfactants, preferably at least three sulfate-free anionic surfactants; and wherein the surfactant component comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant;

[0146] d) the fatty compound at a concentration range of from about 0.01 wt% to about 5.0 wt%, preferably from about 0.1 wt% to about 3.0 wt%, and more preferably from about 0.5 wt% to about 2.0 wt%, wherein the fatty compound includes a fatty acid.

[0147] In a further illustrative embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition is a shampoo including:

[0148] a) water;

[0149] b) a liquid polyol, preferably a trihydric alcohol being a C3 to C8 alkane substituted by three hydroxyl groups, at a concentration range of at least 1 wt%;

[0150] c) the surfactant component at a concentration range of at least 4 wt%; wherein the surfactant component comprises at least two sulfate-free anionic surfactants, preferably at least three sulfate-free anionic surfactants; and wherein the surfactant component comprises at least one amphoteric surfactant;d) the fatty compound at a concentration range of from about 0.01 wt% to about 5.0 wt%, preferably from about 0.1 wt% to about 3.0 wt%, and more preferably from about 0.5 wt% to about 2.0 wt%, wherein the fatty compound includes a fatty acid ester of a C10-C30 saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and a C3-C6 mono-ol, diol or triol.

[0151] Embodiments of the aqueous hair treatment composition may further include organic acidifying and basifying agents such as citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, hydrochloric acid and alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. These agents enable balance of the pH of the composition so that it is not an irritant to humans such as human scalp and / or face.

[0152] Additional components for embodiments of the hair treatment composition depend at least in part upon the purpose and function of the hair treatment composition. For example, if the hair treatment composition is to be a part of a rinse off or leave on conditioner, cationic surfactants and / or cationic polymers may be included. Moisturizers, humectants, thickeners, emulsifiers as well as other additives for delivering advantageous qualities may be included in the hair treatment composition.

[0153] Cationic surfactants

[0154] The hair treatment composition of the presently claimed invention may comprise a cationic surfactant system, especially when the composition of the presently claimed invention is to deliver conditioning properties. The cationic surfactant system may comprise one cationic surfactant or a mixture of two or more cationic surfactants.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cationic surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, amido ammonium and tertiary amine compounds and mono, di and polysaccharides with quaternary ammonium or tertiary amine groups. Non-limiting classes of these cationic surfactants include mono or di fatty alkyl or alkenyl quaternary ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, mono or di polyol quaternary ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, mono or di fatty alkyl or alkenyl benzyl quaternary ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, fatty alkyl or alkenyl aryl, polyol quaternary ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, polyol mono, di or tri saccharide alkyl quaternary ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, tertiary or quaternized amino alkyl fatty alkyl or alkenyl ester or amide compounds, phenoxy-alkyl fatty alkyl or alkenyl quaternary ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, hydrolyzed starch with terminally quaternized ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, multi-polyol cellulose with terminal quaternized ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, sucrose, lactose mono and disaccharides, arabic, ghatti, guaicum, guar, karaya, locust bean and xanthan gums derivatized with terminal quaternized ammonium and tertiary amine compounds, and similar hydrophobic tail with cationic head organic compounds. The classes of cationic surfactants with tertiary amine groups may be protonated by the media or by organic acid to form cationic groups.For example, the at least one cationic surfactant may be selected from and / or include cetrimonium chloride, steartrimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, behenamidopropyltrimonium methosulfate, stearamidopropyltrimonium chloride, arachidtrimonium chloride, distearyldimonium chloride, dicetyldimonium chloride, tricetylmonium chloride, oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, linoleamidopropyl dimethylamine isostearamidopropyl dimethylamine, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, stearamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldiethyl-amine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamido-propyidiethylamine, arachidamidoethyidiethylamine, arachidamidoethyidimethylamine, benzalkonium chloride, benzodidecinium bromide, cetalkonium chloride, dicedyldimenthlammonium chloride dimethyldioctadecylamminum chloride, dioleoyl-3-trimethyl ammonium propane, lauryl methyl gluceth-10 hydroxylpropyl dimonium chloride N-oleyl-1,3-propane diamine and stearalkonium chloride. Additional cationic surfactants may also be selected from the group consisting of cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, hydrogenated tallow alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, stearyl propyleneglycol phosphate dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearoyl amidopropyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, stearoyl amidopropyl dimethyl (myristylacetate) ammonium chloride, and N-(stearoyl colamino formyl methyl) pyridinium chloride; hydrophilically substituted cationic surfactants having the following INCI designations: quaternium-16, quaternium-26, quaternium-27, quaternium-30, quaternium-33, quaternium-43, quaternium-52, quaternium-53, quaternium-56, quaternium-60, quaternium-61, quaternium-62, quaternium-70, quaternium-71, quaternium-72, quaternium-75, quaternium-76 hydrolyzed collagen, quaternium-77, quaternium-78, quaternium-79 hydrolyzed collagen, quaternium-79 hydrolyzed keratin, quaternium-79 hydrolyzed milk protein, quaternium-79 hydrolyzed silk, quaternium-79 hydrolyzed soy protein, and quaternium-79 hydrolyzed wheat protein, quaternium-80, quaternium-81, quaternium-82, quaternium-83, quaternium-84, and any combination thereof.

[0156] When present, the cationic surfactant system may be included in the composition at a level by weight of from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 8%, more preferably from about 0.8% to about 5%, still more preferably from about 1.0% to about 4% relative to the total weight of the composition. Embodiments of cationic surfactants useful in the hair treatment composition of the invention include common and ordinary quaternary ammonium salts of C14-C30 linear alkyl amines quaternized with three methyl groups. Examples include behentrimonium chloride, stearyl trimonium chloride and similar trimonium compounds.

[0157] Direct dyesIn an embodiment, the composition comprises at least one direct dye. The direct dye may be selected from the group consisting of anionic direct dyes, nonionic direct dyes, cationic direct dyes and nitrobenzene derivatives.

[0158] For example, the anionic direct dyes may be selected from the group consisting of disodium bis[4-(N-ethyl-N-3-sulfonatophenylmethyl)aminophenyl]phenylmethylium (Acid Blue 9), benzenesulfonic acid, 2-[(9, 10-Dihydro-4-hydroxy9, 10-Dioxo-1 -anthracenyl)amino]-5-methyl-, monosodiumsalt (Ext. Violet 2), p-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulfonic acid sodium salt (Orange 4), 2,2'-(1,4-Anthraquinonylenediimino)bis(5-methylbenzenesulfonic acid) disodium salt (ACID GREEN 25), Acides 2-(2-quinoleyl) 1,34ndanedione mono, di, trisulfoniques, sodium salt (Yellow 10), 5-amino-4-hydroxy-3-0-(phenylazo)-2,7-naphthalenesulfonic acid and disodium salt (Acid Red 33).

[0159] For example, the nonionic direct dyes may be selected from the group of 1 ,4-di-[(2,3 -dihydroxypropyl)amino]-9,10-anthraquinone, 1,4-di-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-9,10-anthraquinone (C161545, Disperse Blue 23), 1-amino-4-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (C160710, Disperse Red 15), 1-hydroxy-4-[(4-methyl-2-sulfophenyl)amino]-9,10-anthraquinone, 7-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-1-methyl-9, 10-dioxo-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-2-anthracenecarboxylic acid (C175470, Natural Red 4), 2-((4-(di-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)phenyl)amino)-5-((2-hydroxyethyl)amino)-2,5-cyclohexadien- 1,4-dione (HC Green No. 1), 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (C175480, Natural Orange No. 6), 1,2-dihydro-2-(1,3-dihydro-3-oxo-2H-indol-2-ylidene)-3H-indol-3-one (C173000), 1-[di-(2 -hydroxyethyl)amino]-4-[(4-nitrophenyl)azo]benzene, (Disperse Black No. 9), 4-[(4-aminophenyl)azo]-1[di-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-3-methylbenzene (HC Yellow No. 7), 2), tri-(4-amino-3-methylphenyl)carbenium chloride (CI42520; Basic Violet No. 2), 1-[(4-aminophenyl)azo]-7 (trimethylammonio)-2-naphthol chloride (CI12250; Basic Brown No. 16), 3-[(4-amino-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)azo]-N,N,N-trimethylbenzolaminium chloride (C11 12605, Basic Orange No.

[0160] 69), 1-[(4-amino-2-nitrophenyl)azo]-7-(trimethylammonio)-2-naphthol chloride (Basic Brown No.

[0161] 17), and 1-methyl-4-((methylphenyl-hydrazono)methyl)pyridinium methyl sulfate (Basic Yellow No. 87).

[0162] For example, the cationic direct dyes may be selected from the group of benzenamine, 4-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)(4-imino-3,5-dimethyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)methyl]-2,6-dimethyl-, phosphate) (HC Blue No. 15), 1-(2-morpholiniumpropylamino)-4-hydroxy-9,1-O-anthraquinone methylsulfate, and 1-[(3-(dimethylpropylaminium)propyl)amino]4-(methylamino)-9,10-anthraquinone chloride.

[0163] For example, the nitrobenzene derivatives may be selected from the group consisting of 4-hydroxypropylamino-3-nitrophenol, 1-amino-5 chloro-4-[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]-2-nitrobenzene (HC Red No. 10), and 5-chloro-1,4-[di-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]-2-nitrobenZene (HC Red No. 11) or 4-hydroxypropylamino-3-nitrophenol. Nonionic nitro dyes useful herein include, for example, 1,4-bis-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-nitrobenzene, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-2-nitro-4-[di-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]benzene (HC Blue No. 2), 1-amino-3-methyl-4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-6-nitrobenzene (HC Violet No. 1), 2-amino-4,6-dinitrophenol, 1,4-diamino-2-nitrobenzene (C176070), 4-amino-2-nitrodiphenylamine (HC Red No. 1), 1-amino-4-[di-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-nitrobenzenehydrochloride (HC Red No. 13), 1-amino-5-chloro-4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-nitrobenzene, 4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-3-nitrophenol, 4-[(2-nitrophenyl)amino]phenol (HC Orange No. 1), 1-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]-4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-nitrobenzene (HC Orange No. 2), 4-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-1-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-nitrobenzene (HC Orange No. 3), 1-amino-2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-5 nitrobenzene (HC Yellow No. 5), 1-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-[(2 hydroxyethyl)amino]-5-nitrobenzene (HC Yellow No. 4), 1-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-nitrobenzene (HC Yellow No. 2), 2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-1-methoxy-5-nitrobenzene as well as similar variations and derivatives thereof as known in the dye literature.

[0164] Lipids

[0165] In an embodiment, the composition comprises at least one lipid.

[0166] In a preferred embodiment, the lipid includes one or more long chain “fatty” saturated and / or unsaturated hydrocarbons, preferably having multiple pendant methyl groups.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting of linear or branched, preferably branched, comprising a hydrocarbon chain of C10 to C40, preferably C20 to C40. The branching may be provided by methyl groups pendant to the hydrocarbon chain.

[0168] For example, the hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting of liquid petroleum comprising a mixture of C20 to C30 hydrocarbon chains, squalane, squalene, tri and tetra terpenes, liquid hydrogenated polyisoprene, isoparaffin, mineral oil and liquid olefin polymer wherein the hydrocarbon polymer is liquid at standard pressure and temperature.

[0169] Silicones

[0170] The hair treatment composition of the presently claimed invention may comprise a silicone component.

[0171] The hair treatment composition of the presently claimed invention may also comprise one or more silicone conditioning agents. Examples of the silicones include dimethicones, dimethiconols, cyclic silicones, and modified silicones with various functional groups such as amino groups, quaternary ammonium salt groups, and amine silicones such as Amodimethicone. Such silicones may be soluble or insoluble in the aqueous (or aqueous-organic) medium.Suitable further ingredients include, but not limited to: alkalizing agents; oxidative dye precursors, direct dyes; chelating agents; radical scavengers; pH modifiers and buffering agents; thickeners and / or rheology modifiers; carbonate ion sources; polymers; fragrances; enzymes; dispersing agents; antioxidants; natural ingredients (such as proteins, protein compounds, and plant extracts); preserving agents; opacifiers and pearling agents (such as titanium dioxide and mica); and mixtures thereof.

[0172] Anti-dandruff agent

[0173] In an embodiment, the composition comprises at least one anti-dandruff agent.

[0174] For example, the anti-dandruff agent may be selected from the group consisting of ketoconazole, climbazole, zinc pyrithione selenium disulfide, octopirox , salicylic acid, selenium dioxide, azole antimycotics and coal tar or sulfur

[0175] Thickening and rheology-modifying agents

[0176] In an embodiment, the composition comprises at least one thickening and rheologymodifying agent.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, the thickening and rheology-modifying agent may be selected from the group consisting of acetamide MEA; acrylamide / ethalkonium chloride acrylate copolymer; acrylamide / ethyltrimonium chloride acrylate / ethalkonium chloride acrylate copolymer; acrylamides copolymer; acryla-mide / sodium acrylate copolymer; acrylamide / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer; acrylates / acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate copolymer; acrylates / beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer; acrylates / C10-C30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer; acrylates / ceteth-20 itaconate copolymer; acrylates / ceteth-20 methacrylate copolymer; acrylates / laureth-25 methacrylate copolymer; acrylates / palmeth-25 acrylate copolymer; acrylates / palmeth-25 itaconate co-polymer; acrylates / steareth-50 acrylate copolymer; acrylates / steareth-20 itaconate copoly-mer; acrylates / steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer; acrylates / stearyl methacrylate copoly-mer; acrylates / vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer; acrylic acid / acrylonitrogens copolymer; adipic acid / methyl DEA crosspolymer; agar; agarose; alcaligenes polysaccharides; algin; alginic acid; almondamide DEA; almondamidopropyl betaine; aluminum / magnesium hy-droxide stearate; ammonium acrylates / acrylonitrogens copolymer; ammonium acrylates copolymer; ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / vinyl formamide copolymer; ammonium ac-ryloyldimethyltaurate / VP copolymer; ammonium alginate; ammonium chloride; ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate; ammonium sulfate; amylopectin; apricotamide DEA; aprico-tamidopropyl betaine; arachidyl alcohol; arachidyl glycol; arachis hypogaea (peanut) flour; ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate; astragalus gummifergum; attapulgite; avena sativa (oat) kernel flour; avocadamide DEA; avocadamidopropyl betaine; azelamide MEA; babassua-mide DEA; babassuamide MEA; babassuamidopropyl betaine; behenamide DEA; behena-mide MEA;behenamidopropyl betaine; behenyl betaine; bentonite; butoxy chitosan; caes-alpinia spinosa gum; calcium alginate; calcium carboxymethyl cellulose; calcium carragee-nan; calcium chloride; calcium potassium carbomer; calcium starch octenylsuccinate; C20-40 alkyl stearate; canolamidopropyl betaine; capramide DEA; capryl / capramidopropyl beta-ine; carbomer; carboxybutyl chitosan; carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate; carboxyme-thyl chitin; carboxymethyl chitosan; carboxymethyl dextran; carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl-cellulose; carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar; carnitine; cellulose acetate propionate carbox-ylate; cellulose gum; ceratonia siliqua gum; cetearyl alcohol; cetyl alcohol; cetyl babas-suate; cetyl betaine; cetyl glycol; cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose; chimyl alcohol; cholester-ol / HDI / pullulan copolymer; cholesteryl hexyl dicarbamate pullulan; citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel extract; cocamide DEA; cocamide MEA; cocamide MIPA; cocamidoethyl beta-ine; cocamidopropyl betaine; cocamidopropyl hydroxy sultaine; coco- betaine; coco-hydroxysultaine; coconut alcohol; coco / oleamidopropyl betaine; coco-Sultaine; cocoyl sar-cosinamide DEA; cornamide / cocamide DEA; cornamide DEA; croscarmellose; crosslinked bacillus / glucose / sodium glutamate ferment; cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar) gum; decyl alcohol; decyl betaine; dehydroxanthan gum; dextrin; dibenzylidene sorbitol; diethanola-minooleamide DEA; diglycol / CHDM / isophthalates / SIP copolymer; dihydroabietyl behenate; dihydrogenated tallow benzylmonium hectorite; dihydroxy aluminum aminoacetate; dime-thicone / PEG-10 crosspolymer; dimethicone / PEG-15 crosspolymer; dimethicone propyl PG-betaine; dimethylacrylamide / acrylic acid / polystyrene ethyl methacrylate copolymer; dimethylacrylamide / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate crosspolymer; disteareth-100 IPDI; DMAPA acrylates / acrylic acid / acrylonitrogens copolymer; erucamidopropyl hydroxysul-taine; ethylene / sodium acrylate copolymer; gelatine; gellan gum; glyceryl alginate; glycine soya (soybean) flour; guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride; hectorite; hyaluronic acid; hy-drated silica; hydrogenated potato starch; hydrogenated tallow; hydrogenated tallow amide DEA; hydrogenated tallow betaine; hydroxybutyl methylcellulose; hydroxyethyl acry-late / sodium acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer; hydroxyethylcellulose; hydroxyethyl chi-tosan; hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose; hydroxyethyl stearamide-MIPA; hydroxylau-ryl / hydroxymyristyl betaine; hydroxypropylcellulose; hydroxypropyl chitosan; hydroxypropyl ethylenediamine carbomer; hydroxypropyl guar; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; hydroxypro-pyl methylcellulose stearoxy ether; hydroxypropyl starch; hydroxypropyl starch phosphate; hydroxypropyl xanthan gum; hydroxy stearamide MEA; isobutylene / sodium maleate copol-ymer; isostearamide DEA; isostearamide MEA; isostearamide mIPA; isostearamidopropyl betaine; lactamide MEA; lanolinamide DEA; lauramide DEA; lauramide MEA; lauramide MI-PA; lauramide / myristamide DEA; lauramidopropyl betaine; lauramidopropyl hydroxysul-taine; laurimino bispropanediol; lauryl alcohol; lauryl betaine; lauryl hydroxysultaine; lau-ryl / myristyl glycol hydroxypropyl ether; lauryl sultaine; lecithinamide DEA; linoleamide DEA; linoleamide MEA; linoleamide MIPA; lithium magnesium silicate; lithium magnesium sodi-um silicate; macrocystis pyrifera (kelp); magnesium alginate; magnesium / aluminum / hydroxide / carbonate; magnesium aluminum silicate; magnesium silicate; magnesium trisilicate; methoxy PEG-22 / dodecyl glycol copolymer; methylcellulose; methyl ethylcellu-lose; methyl hydroxyethylcellulose; microcrystalline cellulose; minkamidopropyl betaine; minkamide DEA; minkamidopropyl betaine; MIPA-myristate;montmorillonite; Moroccan lava clay; myristamide DEA; myristamide MEA; myristamide MIPA; myristamidopropyl beta-ine; myristamidopropyl hydroxysultaine; myristyl alcohol; myristyl betaine; natto gum; non-oxynol hydroxyethylcellulose; oat amide MEA; oatamidopropyl betaine; octacosanyl glycol isostearate; octadecene / MA copolymer; oleamide DEA; oleamide MEA; oleamide MIPA; oleamidopropyl betaine; oleamidopropyl hydroxysultaine; oleyl betaine; oliveamide DEA; oliveamidopropyl betaine; oliveamide MEA; palmamide DEA; palmamide MEA; palmamide MIPA; palmamidopropyl betaine; palmitamide DEA; palmitamide MEA; palmitamidopropyl betaine; palm kernel alcohol; palm kernelamide DEA; palm kernelamide MEA; palm ker-nelamide MIPA; palm kernelamidopropyl betaine; peanutamide MEA; peanutamide MIPA; pectin; PEG-800; PEG-crosspolymer; PEG-150 / decyl alcohol / SMDI copolymer; PEG-175 diisostearate; PEG-190 distearate; PEG-15 glyceryl tristearate; PEG-140 glyceryl tristearate; PEG-240 / HDI copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 ether; PEG-100 / IPDI copolymer; PEG-180 / laureth-50 / ™MG copolymer; PEG-10 / lauryl dimethicone crosspolymer; PEG-15 / lauryl dimethicone crosspolymer; PEG-2M; PEG-5M; PEG-7M; PEG-9M; PEG-14M; PEG-20M; PEG-23M; PEG-25M; PEG-45M; PEG-65M; PEG-90M; PEG-115M; PEG-160M; PEG-180M; PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate; PEG- 180 / octoxynol-40 / ™MG copolymer; PEG- 150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate; PEG-4 rapeseedamide; PEG-150 / stearyl alcohol / SMDI copol-ymer; phaseolus angularis seed powder; polianthes tuberosa extract; polyacrylate-3; poly-acrylic acid; polycyclopentadiene; polyether- 1 ; polyethylene / isopropyl maleate / MA copol-yol; poly glyceryl- 3 disiloxane dimethicone; poly glyceryl- 3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dime-thicone; polymethacrylic acid; polyquaternium- 52; polyvinyl alcohol; potassium alginate; potassium aluminum polyacrylate; potassium carbomer; potassium carrageenan; potassi-um chloride; potassium palmate; potassium polyacrylate; potassium sulfate; potato starch modified; PPG-2 cocamide; PPG-1 hydroxyethyl caprylamide; PPG-2 hydroxyethyl co-camide; PPG-2 hydroxyethyl coco / isostearamide; PPG-3 hydroxyethyl soyamide; PPG- 14 laureth-60 hexyl dicarbamate; PPG-14 laureth-60 isophoryl dicarbamate; PPG-14 palmeth-60 hexyl dicarbamate; propylene glycol alginate; PVP / decene copolymer; PVP montmorillo-nite; pyrus cydonia seed; pyrus malus (apple) fiber; rhizobian gum; ricebranamide DEA; ricinoleamide DEA; ricinoleamide MEA; ricinoleamide MIPA; ricinoleamidopropyl betaine; ricinoleic acid / adipic acid / AEEA copolymer; rosa multiflora flower wax; sclerotium gum; sesamide DEA; sesamidopropyl betaine; sodium acrylate / acryloyldimethyl taurate copoly-mer; sodium acrylates / acrolein copolymer; sodium acrylates / acrylonitrogens copolymer; sodium acrylates copolymer; sodium acrylates crosspolymer; sodium acrylate / sodium acrylamidomethylpropane sulfonate copolymer; sodium acrylates / vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer; sodium acrylate / vinyl alcohol copolymer; sodium carbomer; sodium carbox-ymethyl chitin; sodium carboxymethyl dextran; sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan; sodium carboxymethyl starch; sodium carrageenan; sodium cellulose sulfate; sodium chloride; so-dium cyclodextrin sulfate; sodium hydroxypropyl starch phosphate; sodium isooctylene / MA copolymer; sodium magnesium fluorosilicate; sodium oleate; sodium palmitate; sodium palm kernelate; sodium polyacrylate; sodium polyacrylate starch; sodium polyacryloyldime-thyl taurate; sodium polygamma- glutamate; sodium polymethacrylate; sodium polystyrene sulfonate; sodium silicoaluminate; sodium starch octenylsuccinate; sodium stearate;sodi-um stearoxy PG-hydroxyethylcellulose sulfonate; sodium styrene / acrylates copolymer; sodium sulfate; sodium tallowate; sodium tauride acrylates / acrylic acid / acrylonitrogens co-polymer; sodium tocopheryl phosphate; solanum tuberosum (potato) starch; soyamide DEA; soyamidopropyl betaine; starch / acrylates / acrylamide copolymer; starch hydroxypro-pyltrimonium chloride; stearamide AMP; stearamide DEA; stearamide DEA- di stearate; stearamide DIBA-stearate; stearamide MEA; stearamide MEA-stearate; stearamide MIPA; stearamidopropyl betaine; steareth-60 cetyl ether; steareth-100 / PEG-136 / HDI copolymer; stearyl alcohol; stearyl betaine; sterculia urens gum; synthetic fluorphlogopite; tall amide DEA; tallow alcohol; tallowamide DEA; tallowamide MEA; tallowamidopropyl betaine; tal-lowamidopropyl hydroxysultaine; tallowamine oxide; tallow betaine; tallow dihydroxyethyl betaine; tamarindus indica seed gum; tapioca starch; TEA-alginate; TEA-carbomer; TEA-hydrochloride; trideceth-2 carboxamide MEA; tridecyl alcohol; triethylene glycol dibenzoate; trimethyl pentanol hydroxyethyl ether; triticum vulgare (wheat) germ powder; triticum vul-gare (wheat) kernel flour; triticum vulgare (wheat) starch; tromethamine acry-lates / acrylonitrogens copolymer; tromethamine magnesium aluminum silicate; undecyl alcohol; undecylenamide DEA; undecylenamide MEA; undecylenamidopropyl betaine; we-lan gum; wheat germamide DEA; wheat germamidopropyl betaine; xanthan gum; yeast be-ta-glucan; yeast polysaccharides; zea mays (corn) starch; and blends thereof.

[0178] In a more preferred embodiment, the thickening and rheology-modifying agent is selected from the group consisting of celluloses, xanthan gum, carrageenan, gellan gum, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers, hydrophobically modified cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymers, alkali swellable crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers, polyethylene glycol dialkanoates and polypropylene glycol trialkyl trialkenoates.

[0179] Solubilizing Agents

[0180] In an embodiment, the composition comprises at least one solubilizing agent.

[0181] The solubilizing agents may be but are not limited to polyol C8-C20 fatty acid esters from fatty acids such as caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, behenic acid esters, combinations thereof and fatty acid mixtures such as a fatty acid mixture from coconut oil, palm oil and / or safflower oil as well as optional monohydric alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol, butanol and / or isobutanol at small to very small concentrations. The alcohol part of the ester is formed from a short number of monomeric units of a polyol such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and / or polyglycerol of 3 to 20, preferably 4 to 10 units. Preferable solubilizing agents include caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic acid and coconut acid esters of 4-8 polyethylene glycol and 4-8 polyglycerol. More preferable agents include caprylic, capric, lauric, palmitic acid and coconut acid esters of 4 or 6 polyethylene glycol and 4-6 polyglycerol.Preservatives

[0182] In an embodiment, the composition comprises preservatives selected from, but are not limited to, triazoles, imidazoles, naphthalene derivatives, benzimidazoles, morpholine derivatives, di-thiocarbamates, benzisothiazoles, benzamides, boron compounds, formaldehyde donors, isothiazolones, thiocyanates, quaternary ammonium compounds, iodine derivates, phenol derivatives, Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol microbicides, pyridines, dialkyl thiocarba-mates, nitriles, parabens, alkyl parabens and salts thereof.

[0183] Active ingredients

[0184] In an embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition comprises one or more active ingredients.

[0185] Preferably, the auxiliary component, in particular the powder additive composition, may include one or more active ingredients.

[0186] The active ingredients may be selected from the group consisting of biotin, panthenol (provitamin B5), niacinamide (vitamin B3), keratin, hydrolyzed silk protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed rice protein, arginine, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, tea tree oil, rosemary extract, saw palmetto extract, peppermint oil, collagen, vitamin E, and squalane.

[0187] Perfumes or fragrance

[0188] In an embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition comprises a perfume or fragrance obtained from natural or synthetic source. The fragrance may be used along with a suitable solvent, diluents or carrier. Fragrances may be added in any conventionally known method, for example, admixing to a composition or blending with other ingredients used to form a composition, in amounts which are found to be useful to increase or impart the desired scent characteristics to the disinfectant or cleaning compositions. Fragrances for the present application can be one or more selected from the following non-li miting group of compounds such as essential oils, absolutes, resinoids, resins, concretes, hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, acids, esters, acetals, ketals, nitriles, including saturated and unsaturated compounds and aliphatic, carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds.

[0189] Moisturizing and / or humecting agents

[0190] In an embodiment, the aqueous hair treatment composition comprises a moisturizers or humectants, preferably selected from the group consisting of glycols, glycerols, propylene glycol, diethylene gly-col monoethyl ether, sorbitol, sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid, glycerol, glycerol derivatives, glycerin, Trehalose, sorbitol, maltitol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, sodium hyalu-ronate, and the like. Further, it is known that moisturizers that binds well with water, thereby

[0191] 1retaining it on the hair surface are called humectants. Examples of humectants which can be incorporated into a product of the present application are glycerine, propyl-ene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, lactic acid, sodium lactate, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, urea, phospholipids, collagen, elastin, ceramides, lecithin sorbitol, PEG-4, and mixtures thereof. Additional suitable moisturizers are polymeric moisturizers that be-long to water soluble and / or water swellable in nature. Polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid, chitosan can also be employed along with moisturizers of the present application as binder to enhance their property.

[0192] Step B)

[0193] Step B) is carried out after step A). Step B) may be carried out immediately after step A), or at least 1 minute after step A). Preferably, step B) is carried out no more than 24 hours after step A), or no more than 1 hour after step A).

[0194] Agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition is carried out such that a frothy hair treatment composition is obtained. Thereby, the density of the aqueous hair treatment composition is reduced from a density of at least 0.9 g / cm3(prior to pre-activation step B)) to a density of no more than 0.5 g / cm3. The density of the frothy hair treatment composition can be derived from a volume measurement, for example, by using a measuring cylinder. Preferably, the density of the frothy hair treatment composition is no more than 0.4 g / cm3, more preferably no more than 0.3 g / cm3, and even more preferably no more than 0.2 g / cm3.

[0195] Forming the frothy hair treatment composition with a density of no more than 0.5 g / cm3may ensure that the foam generation is fully or at least largely finalised such that it is no longer required to enhance the formation of foam on the scalp or hair of the person to be treated. This allows the frothy treatment compositions according to the present disclosure to be poured over the hair without the need for rubbing the composition into the hair. Instead, the frothy hair treatment composition may be gently applied and distributed over the hair, thereby reducing inter-fibre friction.

[0196] It is to be understood that the density properties defined herein relate to the entire aqueous hair treatment composition used in pre-activation step B), and e.g. not just a portion of foam generated at the surface of the aqueous hair treatment composition. According to the present disclosure, pre-activation step B) should transform a large part or even the entirety of the aqueous hair treatment composition into a foam or froth.

[0197] Additionally, or alternatively to the aqueous hair treatment composition and the frothy hair treatment composition having a particular density, a volume increase between the frothy hair treatment composition after step B) and the aqueous hair treatment composition prior to step B) may be determined. Illustratively, a ratio between a volume of the frothy hair treatmentcomposition and a volume of the aqueous hair treatment composition may be at least 2, preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 4, and most preferably at least 5.

[0198] In an embodiment, a half-life of the frothy hair treatment composition at 25 °C is at least 1 minute, preferably at least 2 minutes, and more preferably at least 3 minutes or at least 5 minutes, or even at least 10 minutes. The half-life of the foam corresponds to the time it takes for the volume of the frothy treatment composition to decline half its initial volume. The initial volume may be understood as the volume of the frothy treatment composition after completion of pre-activation step B). Preferably, pre-activation also allows for generating a foam that is relatively stable over time. A half-life of at least 1 minute, preferably at least 5 minutes, and more preferably at least 10 minutes may ensure that the foam is sufficiently durable or stable. This allows a user or a professional hair stylist working in a salon with sufficient time to apply the frothy treatment composition to the hair without having carry out application step C) overly hasty.

[0199] According to an embodiment, a viscosity of the frothy hair treatment composition at 25 °C is at least 500 mPa s and / or no more than 8000 mPa s. The viscosity may be regarded a measure of the foam stiffness or resistance to flow. Typically, the viscosity increases as the number of air bubbles increases. According to the present disclosure, it is preferred that the frothy hair treatment composition is sufficiently flowable such that the frothy hair treatment composition can be poured over the hair of the person to be treated. Contrary to a rather stiff foam, the frothy hair treatment composition of the present disclosure may require less rubbing in or massaging in of the foam to reach all of the hair to be treated. When the viscosity of the frothy composition is less than 500 mPa.s, the frothy hair treatment composition may be too runny, and dripping may occur when applied to hair. When the viscosity of the frothy composition exceeds 8000 mPa.s, the composition may be too thick and pasty, and may no longer be sufficiently flowable. The viscosity may be determined using a commercial viscometer, such as Brabender viscosimeter. In a preferred embodiment, the viscosity of the frothy hair treatment composition at 25 °C may be at least 1000 mPa s, more preferably at least 2000 mPa s, and even more preferably at least 3000 mPa s. Additionally, or alternatively, the viscosity of the frothy hair treatment composition at 25 °C may be no more than 7000 mPa s, preferably no more than 6000 mPa s, more preferably no more than 5000 mPa s, and even more preferably no more than 4000 mPa s. A desired viscosity may vary within the abovementioned limits depending on the particularities of the hair to be treated. For example, a more flowable and less viscous frothy hair treatment composition may be desirable for straight hair, and a less flowable and more viscous frothy hair treatment composition may be desirable for curly hair.

[0200] According to an embodiment, a yield stress of the frothy hair treatment composition at 25 °C is at least 5 Pa, preferably at least 6 Pa, and more preferably at least 7 Pa or at least 8 Pa or even at least 9 Pa. The yield stress is preferably determined as detailed below. A yield stress in accordance with the aforementioned lower limit ensures that the frothy hair treatment composition deforms elastically and retains its structure as a foam even when elevated stress is applied. Priorart foam compositions tend to plastically deform already at lower stress which results in the foam composition collapsing and the composition flowing like a liquid which can then run off or drip off the hair.

[0201] For the determination of the yield stress, a portion of the frothy hair treatment to be tested is transferred to a shear rheometer with a pipette. For example, a rheometer manufactured by Malvern may be used. The shear rheometer is used to measure shear stress as a function of shear rate.

[0202] The yield stress is determined from the measured rheogram (shear stress versus shear rate data) according to the Bingham model. The yield stress or apparent yield stress is determined by utilizing the measured rheology data in the shear rate range of 200 s-1to 600 s-1and extrapolating to zero shear rate. The Bingham model can be written mathematically as:

[0203]

[0204] where Oo is the yield stress or apparent yield stress and QB is the Bingham viscosity or plastic viscosity.

[0205] Preferably, the yield stress is determined by repeating the rheological measurements several times, for example 3 times, and calculating an average yield stress. Similar remarks relating to the calculation of an average value also apply to the other parameters described below.

[0206] According to an embodiment, an apparent viscosity or slope of the shear stress-shear rate curve of the frothy hair treatment composition is at least 60 Pa s, preferably at least 70 Pa s, and more preferably at least 80 Pa s or at least 90 Pa s or even at least 100 Pa s. The apparent viscosity qo is preferably determined as detailed below. An apparent viscosity in accordance with the aforementioned lower limit ensures that the frothy hair treatment composition is sufficiently rigid and retains its shape when stress is applied to the frothy composition.

[0207] The apparent viscosity or slope of the shear stress-shear rate curve is determined from a measured rheogram (shear stress versus shear rate data). The sample preparation is carried out in the same manner as described above for the yield stress. For example, a rheometer manufactured by Malvern may be used.

[0208] The apparent viscosity qo is determined from the measured rheogram (shear stress versus shear rate data) as the linear slope of the measured rheology data in the shear rate range of up to 100 s-1(0-100 s-1).

[0209] According to an embodiment, the frothy hair treatment composition has a shear stress of at least 14.0 Pa, preferably of at least 16.0 Pa, and more preferably of at least 17.0 Pa or of at least 18.0 Pa or even of at least 20.0 Pa, measured by shear rate sweep at a shear rate of 400 s-1at25°C. The shear stress at a shear rate of 400 s-1is determined from a measured rheogram (shear stress versus shear rate data). The sample preparation is carried out in the same manner as described above for the yield stress. A shear stress at a shear rate of 400 s-1in accordance with the aforementioned lower limit ensures that the frothy hair treatment composition is particularly stable having substantial viscosity and strong structure when stress is applied to the frothy composition.

[0210] According to an embodiment, the frothy hair treatment composition has a viscosity of at least 0.035 Pa s, preferably of at least 0.040 Pa s, and more preferably of at least 0.045 Pa s or of at least 0.050 Pa s or even of at least 0.060 Pa s, measured by shear rate sweep at a shear rate of 400 s-1at 25 °C. The viscosity is preferably determined as detailed below. A viscosity in accordance with the aforementioned lower limit ensures that the frothy hair treatment composition is particularly stable when stress is applied to the frothy composition.

[0211] A portion of the frothy hair treatment to be tested is transferred to a shear rheometer with a pipette. For example, a rheometer manufactured by Malvern may be used. The shear rheometer is used to measure viscosity as a function of shear rate.

[0212] According to an embodiment, the frothy hair treatment composition has a complex shear modulus of at least 3.0 Pa, preferably of at least 3.5 Pa, and more preferably of at least 4.0 Pa or of at least 4.5 Pa or even of at least 5.0 Pa, measured by frequency sweep at a frequency of 1.5 Hz at 25°C. The complex shear modulus is preferably determined as detailed below. A complex shear modulus in accordance with the aforementioned lower limit ensures that the frothy hair treatment composition has an improved overall resistance to flow.

[0213] A portion of the frothy hair treatment to be tested is transferred to an oscillatory rheometer with a pipette. For example, a rheometer manufactured by Malvern may be used. The oscillatory rheometer is used to measure the complex shear modulus as a function of oscillatory frequency.

[0214] According to an embodiment, an average cell size of the foam or froth cells of the frothy hair treatment composition may be less than 1000 pm, preferably less than 500 pm, and more preferably less than 200 pm. This may ensure that a substantial amount of rich and small pored foam cells are present that lubricate the hair, helping to cushion inter fibre friction and thereby reduce damage to the hair caused during treatment.

[0215] Frothing means

[0216] The frothing means is not particularly limited and may be any frothing means suitable for agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition such that a frothy hair treatment composition is obtained with a density of no more than 0.5 g / cm3.The inventors of the present disclosure have found that some devices used for foam formation are less suitable in that the foam quality may be inferior. For example, the frothing means is preferably none of an aerosol device, a squeeze foamer or a pump foamer. These devices may generate foam with inferior foam quality, such as low flowability, high viscosity, large average poor size, or low stability / durability. Moreover, these devices are typically not suitable for tailoring the foam to have bespoke foam characteristics. Rather, devices such as the aerosol device, the squeeze foamer or the pump foamer only allow to generate a predefined (e.g. predefined by a supplier) foam quality without the ability of tuning the foam characteristics. Preferably, the frothing means of the present application is configured to form the frothy hair treatment composition based on at least one user-controllable agitating parameter. For example, the agitating parameter may be an agitation time, or an agitation speed. This enables a highly bespoke method to create seamless levels of conditioning and resulting hair feel, depending on individual hair type, damage level and client wish.

[0217] Step B) may include operating the frothing means to form a stable and flowable foam. The time required for obtaining the desired froth characteristics may vary depending on the composition used as well as the frothing means used for agitating. In one embodiment, step B) further includes agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition for at least 10 seconds, preferably at least 20 seconds, and more preferably at least 30 seconds. The inventors have found that a high foam quality, in particular with improved flowability / viscosity properties and / or improved stability / durability, can be obtained when agitating repeatedly and for a substantial amount of time, such as for 30 seconds, or for 40 seconds or even longer. This enables a new form of personalisation depending on hair type as well as stylist and client preferences to ensure easier, more targeted & more economical application.

[0218] Preferably, the frothing means is portable and / or a hand-held device.

[0219] The frothing means may be configured to introduce air into the aqueous hair treatment composition while agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition. Agitating may be carried out based on mechanical means, such as beating, whisking, shaking or the like. Alternatively, nonmechanical means, such as injection of steam or hot gas, may be utilised.

[0220] According to an embodiment, the frothing means is a mechanical, manually operated frothing means, such as a whisk.

[0221] In another embodiment, the frothing means is a mechanical, motorised frothing means. The inventors have found that a particularly high-quality foam can be obtained by utilising a mechanical, motorised frothing means. The quality of the foam may be improved in that a substantial increase in density and / or an improved flowability and / or a rich foam with a small average pore size and / or an improved stability / durability of the foam may be realised.According to an embodiment, the frothing means includes a rotatable mechanical frothing element configured to be immersed in the aqueous hair treatment composition. Figure 9 is a side view of a frothing means 100 including a rotatable mechanical frothing element 101 according to embodiments described herein. The frothing element 101 may also be referred to as an immersing portion. The frothing means 100 is preferably a mechanical, motorised frothing means.

[0222] In one implementation, the frothing element 101 includes a ring member 103 and at least one coil 102 wound around the ring member 103.

[0223] The frothing means 100 may further include a handle 110 having a motorised driving means 130 arranged therein. The frothing means 100 may further include a rotating shaft 120 coupled to the driving means 130 at a first end portion of the rotating shaft and coupled to the ring member 103 at a second end portion 121 of the rotating shaft 120. The frothing means may be powered by a battery 140 disposed in the handle. The battery 140 may be electrically connected to the driving means 130 to provide power supply thereto. The frothing means 100 may further include a control unit 150 disposed within the handle 110 for controlling the driving means.

[0224] The motorised driving means 130 may be configured to drive the rotating shaft 120 to rotate. Rotation of the rotating shaft 120 is configured to cause the ring member 103 to rotate. The frothing element 101, and in particular the at least one coil 102 may be configured to increase a contact surface area between the frothing element 101 and the aqueous hair treatment composition. This may allow for introducing air into the hair treatment composition during agitation, thereby enabling foam or froth formation.

[0225] The motorised driving means 120 may be configured to operate at a plurality of operation modes and / or may be capable of variable speed control. Illustratively, a rotational speed of the driving means may be at least 2000 rpm and / or no more than 10,000 rpm. Preferably, the rotational speed of the driving means may be at least 3000 rpm and / or no more than 8,000 rpm.

[0226] According to another embodiment, the frothing means includes a cylinder having an immersing portion disposed at a first end portion of the cylinder. The cylinder may provide a flow path for a fluid, such as for pressurised air or preferably steam. For example, the fluid may be provided at a temperature of about 60 °C.

[0227] The immersing portion may include a spout configured to be immersed into the aqueous hair treatment composition. The spout may be configured for introducing air or steam into the aqueous hair treatment composition during agitation. A user may immerse the immersing portion of the cylinder into a receptacle, such as a bowl, containing the aqueous hair treatment composition. Preferably, the cylinder is arranged at an angle with respect to the receptacle. The cylinder may be configured to introduce air or steam into the aqueous hair treatment compositionsuch that the aqueous hair treatment composition is swirled in the receptacle by the force of the air or steam. As a result, bubbles may be formed and trapped in the aqueous hair treatment composition, thereby forming the frothy composition.

[0228] The cylinder may be hand-held. Preferably, the entire frothing means is hand-held and / or portable.

[0229] The frothing means may include a pump connected to a second end portion of cylinder. The frothing means may include a handle to be grasped by a user. The handle may include the pump, and optionally at least a portion of the cylinder, disposed therein. The pump may be a piston for pumping air or steam into the cylinder and discharging the air or steam via the spout. The pump may be manually actuatable or motorised. The cylinder may provide an airtight space in which air or steam can be compressed when the pump and the spout are connected to the cylinder. The cylinder may be filled with water, preferably hot water. The frothing means may also be configured to heat the water. The hot water in the cylinder may warm the air in a space formed above the hot water. The pump may be used to manually pump air or steam into the cylinder, for example by repeatedly moving the piston toward and away from the cylinder. The spout may further include a discharge valve and one or more openings. The discharge valve may be opened and the pressurised air or steam can be ejected from the openings in the spout and introduced into the aqueous hair treatment composition.

[0230] According to another embodiment, the frothing means is portable, and preferably manually actuatable. The frothing means includes a receptacle for retaining the aqueous hair treatment composition. The receptacle may be sealable, preferably an air tight container. The frothing means further includes a gas injection device fluidly connected to the receptacle for providing pressurised gas to the receptacle. The gas injection device may be configured to receive a disposable gas capsule. The gas capsule may be filled with a pressurised gas, such as nitrous oxide. The gas injection device may be configured to be operated such that gas contained in the gas capsule is injected into the aqueous hair treatment composition. The gas injection device may be configured to pierce a seal of the gas capsule. As a result of the gas injected into the aqueous hair treatment composition, bubbles may be formed and trapped in the aqueous hair treatment composition, thereby forming the frothy composition. To facilitate froth formation, a user may in addition shake the frothing means, preferably repeatedly. The frothing means may include a headpiece in fluid communication with the receptacle, the headpiece including an outlet opening for pouring out the frothy hair treatment composition onto the hair. The headpiece may further include an outlet valve for opening and closing a froth flow from the receptacle to the outlet opening.

[0231] Step C) and further stepsThe frothy hair treatment composition may be applied to a portion of the hair on the scalp of the person, or may preferably be applied all over the hair. Preferably, the frothy hair treatment composition may be poured over the portion of the hair to be treated.

[0232] The frothy hair treatment composition may be applied in one go or step-by-step to the hair.

[0233] Step C) is carried out after steps A) and B). Step C) may preferably be carried out immediately after step B). Alternatively, step C) can also be carried out a short while after step B). For example, step C) may be carried out no more than 1 hour after step B), preferably no more than 10 minutes after step B), and more preferably no more than 3 minutes after step B).

[0234] Preferably, step C) further includes applying the frothy hair treatment composition to the hair at a temperature of at least 30 °C, preferably at least 35 °C and / or no more than 50 °C, preferably no more than 45 °C. This allows for a more pleasant experience for the person to be treated.

[0235] The method may further comprise a step E) of washing and / or rinsing the hair, preferably with a liquid selected from the group consisting of a cosmetically acceptable solvent, a solution comprising a cosmetically acceptable solvent and a cosmetically acceptable salt, more preferably with water. Step E) may preferably be carried out immediately or shortly after step C). Further, step E) may be carried out after step C) before any other treatment step may be carried out.

[0236] Before, during or after steps C) and / or E), the method may further include the step or substep of removing the excess of the frothy composition with fingers and / or a towel.

[0237] Before, during or after steps C) and / or E), the method may further include the step or substep of applying energy to the hair in the form of heat, ultrasound, infrared and / or microwaves. This step or sub-step may be carried out either after the application of the composition to the hair or after removing the excess of the respective composition from the hair. The hair may be heated to a temperature ranging from 20°C to 70°C, alternatively 30°C to 60°C, alternatively 40°C to 60°C.

[0238] The method may further comprise a step F) of applying a further hair treatment composition to the hair. Step F) is carried out after step C), and preferably after step E). For example, the further hair treatment composition may be a hair colouring composition or a rinse-off conditioner composition. Step F) may be carried out immediately after step C) or E), and / or no more than 24 hours after step C) or E), or no more than 1 hour after step C) or E).

[0239] Additionally, or alternatively, the method may further comprise a step D) of applying a applying a scalp treatment composition to the scalp of the person. This embodiment is particularly preferred in case the frothy hair treatment composition is a shampoo composition. Step D) can be carried out at any point in time of performing the methods disclosed herein. According to anembodiment, step D) is carried out before step C), and preferably before step B) or before step A). After step D), the method may further include a step or sub-step of washing and / or rinsing the hair, and / or a step or sub-step of removing the excess of the frothy composition with fingers and / or a towel, and / or a step or sub-step of applying energy to the hair in the form of heat, ultrasound, infrared and / or microwaves as previously described. Preferably, the scalp treatment composition is not pre-activated and / or is not applied as a frothy composition. Step D) may also include applying a combination of two or more scalp products layered on the scalp.

[0240] Illustratively, the scalp treatment composition may include a starch, for example rice starch and / or corn starch and / or tapioca starch. The scalp treatment composition may further include a solvent, such as water. The scalp treatment composition may further include one or more skin conditioning agent(s), such as sodium hyaluronate.

[0241] Examples

[0242] The exemplified compositions can be prepared by conventional formulation and mixing techniques, he examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. All parts, percentages, and ratios herein are by weight unless otherwise specified. Some components may come from suppliers as dilute solutions.

[0243] Example compositions

[0244] Example liquid hair treatment formulations suitable for use in embodiments of methods described herein are listed below.

[0245] The hair treatment compositions described in the following are shampoo compositions.

[0246] Each of examples 1 to 3 can be used as the aqueous hair treatment composition for step B). Alternatively, the aqueous hair treatment composition may be formed by mixing any of examples 1 to 3 with water, and optionally one or more auxiliary components, such as a powder additive composition and / or a shampoo gel paste. For example, the aqueous hair treatment composition may be formed by mixing 5 g of any of examples 1 to 3 with 10 g water.

[0247] Example 1.

[0248]

[0249]

[0250] Example 2.

[0251]

[0252]

[0253] Example 3.

[0254]

[0255]

[0256] Figure 1 is an image showing a user carrying out the process of forming a frothy hair treatment composition in accordance with step B) by using a hand-held frothing means 100 with a rotatable mechanical frothing element and a motorised driving means. The frothing means 100 includes a rotatable mechanical frothing element immersed in the aqueous hair treatment composition (not visible in Figure 1). The frothing means 100 is a mechanical, motorised frothing means. The frothing element includes a ring member and at least one coil wound around the ring member (not visible in Figure 1).

[0257] The frothing means 100 has a handle 110 having a motorised driving means arranged therein. The frothing means 100 further includes a rotating shaft 120 coupled to the driving means at a first end portion and to the ring member at a second end portion. The frothing means 100 may be powered by a battery disposed in the handle 110. The battery may be electrically connected to the driving means to provide power supply thereto.Figures 2 and 3 are images showing examples of the frothy hair treatment composition after step B). In Figure 3, the frothy composition is applied to more curly hair and was prepared during step B) to be less flowable and more viscous (in comparison with the frothy composition shown in Figure 2). The frothy composition was made more viscous by increasing the time for frothing (in comparison with the frothy composition shown in Figure 2).

[0258] Further, Figures 2 and 3 show the frothy composition being applied to hair of a person in accordance with step C). The frothy composition is poured over the hair and may be gently applied and distributed over the hair. Conventional hair treatment methods require more intense rubbing of the composition leading to more inter fibre friction.

[0259] The performance of the methods disclosed herein was examined by half head comparisons on humans / panelists. The hair of the panelists was parted in the middle into two sections from brow to neck. One of the sections (right half of Figures 4 and 5) was treated with an inventive frothy composition derived from an aqueous hair treatment composition prepared from mixing a liquid hair treatment formulation with water. The other section (left half of Figures 4 and 5) was treated with a frothy composition derived from an aqueous hair treatment composition prepared from mixing a liquid hair treatment formulation with water and a dry shampoo.

[0260] This examination is termed half-head test respectively half-head comparison because the test and reference samples are applied to one half of the head of a panelist respectively, thus enabling a direct comparison under absolutely identical test conditions (identical hair structure, degree of hair damage, hair colour etc.).

[0261] Figures 4 and 5 are images showing results of half-head tests after applying the frothy hair treatment composition to the hair according to step C) and during combing of the hair. As becomes apparent from each of Figures 4 and 5, the comb no longer goes through the hair as far in the left half of Figures 4 and 5. Preparing the aqueous hair treatment composition by including an auxiliary component, such as a dry shampoo, lends more texture and grip to the hair.

[0262] Figures 6A to 8C are various images showing inventive frothy hair treatment compositions obtained after step B) of the methods discloses herein. Each of the compositions shown were derived from an aqueous hair treatment composition prepared from either mixing 5g of example 1 with 10 g water (Figures 6 and 8) or by using 5 g of example 1 as the aqueous hair treatment composition (Figure 7).

[0263] Figure 6 shows frothy hair treatment compositions obtained by agitating in step B) with an electrical, i.e. motorised, hand-held frothing means with a rotatable mechanical frothing element (as shown in Figure 1). Figure 6B shows an image taken from above of an example frothy composition obtained after 20 seconds of frothing / foaming. Figure 6C shows an image taken from above of another example frothy composition obtained after 40 seconds of frothing / foaming.Figure 6A shows an image of the same samples recorded from the side (left hand side of Figure 6A: sideview of Figure 6B; right hand side of Figure 6A: sideview of Figure 6C).

[0264] Figure 7 shows frothy hair treatment compositions obtained by agitating in step B) with an electrical, i.e. motorised, hand-held frothing means with a rotatable mechanical frothing element (as shown in Figure 1). Figure 7B shows an image taken from above of an example frothy composition obtained after 20 seconds of frothing / foaming. Figure 7C shows an image taken from above of another example frothy composition obtained after 40 seconds of frothing / foaming. Figure 7A shows an image of the same samples recorded from the side (left hand side of Figure 7A: sideview of Figure 7B; right hand side of Figure 7A: sideview of Figure 7C).

[0265] Figure 8 shows frothy hair treatment compositions obtained by agitating in step B) mechanically by hand, i.e. without the use of a motorised frothing means. Figure 8B shows an image taken from above of an example frothy composition obtained after 20 seconds of frothing / foaming. Figure 8C shows an image taken from above of another example frothy composition obtained after 40 seconds of frothing / foaming. Figure 8A shows an image of the same samples recorded from the side (left hand side of Figure 8A: sideview of Figure 8B; right hand side of Figure 8A: sideview of Figure 8C).

[0266] As becomes apparent from Figures 6 to 8, the foam quality may be improved by increasing the time of foaming, both when agitating mechanically or electrically. With time, the flowability improves (or viscosity increases), the foam structure becomes richer and the average size of the pores decreases. Moreover, the examples utilising an electrical, i.e. motorised, hand-held frothing means result in a higher foam quality (larger increase in density, average size of the pores, improved viscosity) as compared to agitating or beating the composition mechanically by hand.

[0267] Figure 10 is a graph summarising the performance of various frothy hair treatment compositions tested. The three data sets illustrated by squares (labelled “Device Mix Run 1”, “Device Mix Run 2” and “Device Mix Run 3”) represent data acquired for inventive frothy hair treatment compositions. The inventive compositions were prepared by mixing 2 mL of an aqueous hair treatment composition with 10 mL water and agitating for 1 min with a hand-held frothing means similar to the frothing means depicted in Figure 1. The three data sets illustrated by circles (labelled “Hand Shake Run 1”, “Hand Shake Run 2” and “Hand Shake Run 3”) represent data acquired for comparative frothy hair treatment compositions. The comparative compositions were prepared by mixing 2 mL of an aqueous hair treatment composition with 10 mL water and hand shaking for 1 min. A portion of the foam was transferred to the rheometer by pipette.

[0268] The graph of Figure 10 shows a measured rheogram (shear stress versus shear rate data). As explained further above, the measured rheology data (shear stress versus shear rate) can be utilised in the shear rate range of 200 s-1to 600 s-1and extrapolated to zero shear rate for determining the yield stress. An average yield stress Oo of the three inventive samples was 6.48 Pa. An average yield stress Oo of the three comparative samples was 4.89 Pa. Thus, the inventivesamples were found to have an average yield stress Oo which is increased by 32% in comparison to the average yield stress of the comparative samples.

[0269] As further explained above, the measured rheology data (shear stress versus shear rate) can be utilised in the shear rate range of up to 100 s-1(0-100 s-1) for determining the linear slope of the measured rheology data (apparent viscosity qo). An average apparent viscosity r|o of the three inventive samples was 79.8 Pa s. An average apparent viscosity po of the three comparative samples was 52.7 Pa s. Thus, the inventive samples were found to have an average apparent viscosity po which is increased by 51% in comparison to the average apparent viscosity po of the comparative samples.

[0270] At a shear rate of 400 s-1, the three inventive samples had an average shear stress of 18.0 Pa, while the three comparative samples had an average shear stress of 13.0 Pa. Thus, the inventive samples were found to have an average shear stress which is increased by 39% in comparison to the average shear stress of the comparative samples.

[0271] Figure 11 is a graph summarising the performance of various frothy hair treatment compositions. The six samples tested (three inventive samples, three comparative samples) are identical to the samples tested in Figure 10. The graph of Figure 11 shows a measured rheogram (viscosity versus shear rate data) measured with the same rheometer described above relating to Figure 10.

[0272] At a shear rate of 400 s-1the three inventive samples had an average viscosity of 0.045 Pa s, while the three comparative samples had an average viscosity of 0.033 Pa s. Thus, the inventive samples were found to have an average viscosity at a shear rate of 400 s-1which is increased by 38% in comparison to the average viscosity of the comparative samples.

[0273] Figure 12 is a graph summarising the performance of various frothy hair treatment compositions. The two data sets illustrated by squares (labelled “Device Mix Run 1” and “Device Mix Run 2”) represent data acquired for inventive frothy hair treatment compositions. The inventive compositions were prepared by mixing 2 mL of an aqueous hair treatment composition with 10 mL water and agitating for 1 min with a hand-held frothing means similar to the frothing means depicted in Figure 1. The two data sets illustrated by circles (labelled “Hand Shake Run 1” and “Hand Shake Run 2”) represent data acquired for comparative frothy hair treatment compositions. The comparative compositions were prepared by mixing 2 mL of an aqueous hair treatment composition with 10 mL water and hand shaking for 1 min. A portion of the foam was transferred to an oscillatory rheometer by pipette.

[0274] The graph of Figure 12 shows a rheogram measured by frequency sweep (complex shear modulus versus oscillatory frequency) recorded with an oscillatory rheometer.The frequency sweep curve in Figure 12 shows that the inventive foam composition is higher in G* (complex shear modulus) over the entire frequency range measured in comparison with the comparative foam compositions demonstrating an improved overall resistance to flow.

[0275] At an oscillatory frequency of 1.5 Hz, the two inventive samples had an average complex shear modulus of 3.9 Pa, while the two comparative samples had an average complex shear modulus of 2.3 Pa. Thus, the inventive samples were found to have an average complex shear modulus at an oscillatory frequency of 1.5 Hz which is increased by 69% in comparison to the average complex shear modulus of the comparative samples.

[0276] Figure 13A shows a series of images taken for a comparative foam composition recorded at different points in time. The comparative sample was prepared by mixing 1 ml of an aqueous hair treatment composition with 10 mL water and hand shaking for 1 minute. The foam composition was poured into the glass which is depicted in each of the images. The time specified in the time axis corresponds to the time that has elapsed after preparing the sample. Figure 13A shows, for every point in time depicted, an image of the foam composition disposed in the glass recorded from the side and an image of the foam composition disposed in the glass recorded from the top.

[0277] Figure 13B shows a series of images taken for an inventive foam composition recorded at different points in time. The inventive sample was prepared by mixing 1 ml of an aqueous hair treatment composition with 10 mL water and agitating for 1 min with a hand-held frothing means similar to the frothing means depicted in Figure 1. The foam composition was poured into the glass which is depicted in each of the images. The time specified in the time axis corresponds to the time that has elapsed after preparing the sample. Figure 13B shows, for every point in time depicted, an image of the foam composition disposed in the glass recorded from the side and an image of the foam composition disposed in the glass recorded from the top.

[0278] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

Claims

Claims1. A method for treating hair on the scalp of a person, comprising the steps of:A) providing an aqueous hair treatment composition containing at least one surfactant and at least one fatty compound, wherein the aqueous hair treatment composition has a density of at least 0.9 g / cm3, and in particular no more than 1.2 g / cm3;B) agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition by using a frothing means to form a frothy hair treatment composition having a density of no more than 0.5 g / cm3; wherein the frothing means is configured to be hand-held; andC) applying the frothy hair treatment composition to the hair.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein step B) further includes agitating the aqueous hair treatment composition for at least 10 seconds, preferably at least 20 seconds, and more preferably at least 30 seconds.

3. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a yield stress of the frothy hair treatment composition is at least 5 Pa, preferably at least 6 Pa, and more preferably at least 7 Pa.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein an apparent viscosity of the frothy hair treatment composition is at least 60 Pa s, preferably at least 70 Pa s, and more preferably at least 80 Pa s.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the frothy hair treatment composition has a complex shear modulus of at least 3.0 Pa, preferably of at least 3.5 Pa, and more preferably of at least 4.0 Pa, measured by frequency sweep at a frequency of 1.5 Hz at 25°C.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the frothy hair treatment composition has a shear stress of at least 14.0 Pa, preferably of at least 16.0 Pa, and more preferably of at least 17.0 Pa, measured by shear rate sweep at a shear rate of 400 s-1at 25°C.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the frothy hair treatment composition has a viscosity of at least 0.035 Pa s, preferably of at least 0.040 Pa s, and more preferably of at least 0.045 Pa s, measured by shear rate sweep at a shear rate of 400 s-1at 25°C.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the density of the frothy hair treatment composition is no more than 0.4 g / cm3, preferably no more than 0.3 g / cm3, and more preferably no more than 0.2 g / cm3.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a viscosity of the frothy hair treatment composition at 25 °C is at least 1000 mPa s and / or no more than 8000 mPa s.4410. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a half-life of the frothy hair treatment composition at 25 °C is at least 1 minute, preferably at least 3 minutes, and more preferably at least 3 minutes.

11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the frothing means (100) includes a rotatable mechanical frothing element (101).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the frothing means (100) includes a motorised driving means (130), in particular wherein the frothing element (101) includes a ring member (103) and at least one coil (102) wound around the ring member (103), and the frothing means (100) includes a handle (110) having the motorised driving means (130); and a rotating shaft (120) coupled to the driving means (130) at a first end portion and to the ring member (101) at a second end portion.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the frothing means includes a cylinder, a pump connected to a first end portion of cylinder, and a spout connected to a second end portion of the cylinder; wherein the spout is configured for introducing air or steam into the aqueous hair treatment composition during agitation.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the frothing means includes a receptacle for retaining the hair treatment composition, and a gas injection device for providing pressurised gas to the receptacle.

15. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the aqueous hair treatment composition is selected from a shampoo and a conditioner, preferably the aqueous hair treatment is a shampoo.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the aqueous hair treatment composition is a shampoo comprising:a) water;b) a liquid polyol at a concentration range of at least 1 wt%;c) the at least one surfactant at a concentration range of at least 2 wt%; wherein the at least one surfactant comprises one or more sulfate-free anionic surfactants; andd) the fatty compound at a concentration range of from about 0.01 wt% to about 5.0 wt%, preferably from about 0.1 wt% to about 3.0 wt%, and more preferably from about 0.5 wt% to about 2.0 wt%,wherein the fatty compound is selected from a fatty alcohol, a fatty ester and a fatty acid.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one surfactant further includes two or more sulfate-free anionic surfactants, preferably three or more sulfate-free anionic surfactants,45and / or wherein the at least one surfactant further includes at least one non-ionic surfactant and / or at least one amphoteric surfactant.

18. The method of any preceding claim, wherein, in step A), providing the aqueous hair treatment composition includes mixing a liquid hair treatment formulation with water and preferably a powder additive composition and / or a shampoo gel paste.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the powder additive composition is a starch-based dry shampoo, and / or the powder additive composition includes at least one active ingredient and / or a hair texture modifying compound.

20. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the aqueous hair treatment composition further comprises at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting of biotin, panthenol (provitamin B5), niacinamide (vitamin B3), keratin, hydrolyzed silk protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed rice protein, arginine, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, tea tree oil, rosemary extract, saw palmetto extract, peppermint oil, collagen, vitamin E, and squalene; and / orwherein the aqueous hair treatment composition further comprises at least one thickening agent selected from the group consisting of guar gum, xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium alginate, agar, acacia gum (gum arabic), konjac glucomannan, carrageenan, maltodextrin, polyquaternium-10, carbomer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), tapioca starch.46

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