Catechol-Based Hair Coloring System Reducing Toxic Side Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hair coloring methods rely on synthetic and toxic chemicals, leading to undesirable side effects and the inability to effectively return hair to its original color, with a need for environmentally friendly and efficient processes that do not use organic solvents or high concentrations of oxidizing agents.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising catechol-based color precursors, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and metal salts such as Fe(III), Fe(II), Co(II), and Cu(II), along with an oxidizing agent, is used to penetrate the hair cortex, allowing for semi-permanent or permanent coloration that approximates the hair's original color, with a kit and process that minimizes the use of harsh chemicals and organic solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic dye formulations with high concentration oxidizing agents and ammonia are used, then permanent hair coloration is achieved, but toxic side effects and environmental harm occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing high concentration oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide) with lower concentration alternatives, and substituting ammonia with plant-based alkalizing agents. This maintains the hair coloring function while reducing toxic side effects and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts harmful synthetic chemicals into beneficial natural compounds by using plant-based color precursors and natural alkalizing agents. The toxic ammonia and high-concentration peroxide are replaced with environmentally friendly alternatives that achieve the same coloring effect without harmful side effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If natural coloring formulations are used, then toxic side effects are reduced, but coloration consistency and permanency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite formulations combining multiple natural color precursors from different plant sources. This composite approach ensures consistent coloration results by compensating for variations in individual natural compounds, while maintaining the benefits of reduced toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent includes preliminary preparation steps such as activating the color precursors and preparing the hair shaft before applying the natural dye formulation. This ensures optimal conditions for color penetration and consistent results, overcoming the inconsistency issue of natural colorants.
3Productivity
If metal ion catalysts are used to speed up coloring process, then productivity increases, but harmful factors increase due to additional chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plant-based alkalizing agents as intermediaries to facilitate the coloring reaction without requiring additional metal ion catalysts. The natural alkalizing environment created by plant bases serves as a mediator that speeds up the oxidation and color development process while avoiding toxic metal exposure.
4Reliability
If conventional hair coloring processes are used, then coloration is achieved, but ability to return hair to original color is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inverted approach by using natural color precursors that can be selectively removed or faded without leaving permanent synthetic dye residues. The formulation allows for color reversal by utilizing the reversible binding characteristics of natural colorants, enabling hair to return to its original color.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively returns hair to its original color and shade, reducing side effects and environmental impact by using natural compounds and lower oxidizing agent concentrations, while also strengthening weakened hair fibers.
Implementation Method 1
Some coloring processes can take upwards of 60 minutes to reach the desired level of coloration. To speed up the process metal ion catalysts can be used.
Implementation Method 2
Both semi-permanent and permanent colorant formulations often involve the oxidation of toxic precursor molecules such as phenylenediamine or 2,5-diaminotoluene.
Implementation Method 3
Alkalizing agents cause the hair to swell and thus allow the pigment to penetrate the hair cuticle deep enough to reach and replace the natural melanin.
Implementation Method 4
Most permanent hair color products contain a developer and an alkalizing agent. The developer is usually an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide in water or a cream lotion.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed and claimed herein are a composition and a kit for coloring keratin fibers, and processes of their use. The composition includes a catechol-based color precursor.