Hair Coloring Polymeric Layer Removal Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hair coloring methods, particularly oxidative and direct dye compositions, cause damage to hair and scalp, are difficult to reverse, and have undesirable odors, with standard oxidative methods being harsh and temporary methods offering weak washfastness and lengthy color removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving successive applications of cationic and anionic polymers to form a polymeric layer on hair, which can be easily removed using a composition with a pH of at least 8.5, allowing for easy reversal of artificial coloration without damaging the hair or scalp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If oxidative hair coloring compositions are used to permanently change hair color, then the desired permanency of color is achieved, but the high pH and oxidizing agent cause damage to hair structure and scalp irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the hair coloring system into two separate compositions: a direct dye composition and a developer composition. This segmentation allows the direct dye to be applied first to deposit color on the hair surface, followed by the developer which contains the oxidizing agent. This separation reduces the simultaneous exposure to high pH and oxidizing agents, thereby minimizing hair damage and scalp irritation while still achieving permanent color change.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the pH parameters of the coloring compositions. The direct dye composition is formulated at a lower pH (3.0-6.0) compared to traditional oxidative compositions, reducing scalp irritation and hair damage. The developer composition contains the oxidizing agent at controlled concentrations (1-10% hydrogen peroxide) with pH adjusted to optimize the oxidation reaction while minimizing damage. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between permanency and harm reduction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If direct dye compositions are used for temporary hair color change, then the composition is less aggressive for hair and scalp, but the coloration fades quickly after regular washing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite coloring system that combines direct dyes (for low aggressiveness) with oxidative agents (for enhanced durability). The direct dye provides the color at low pH, and the subsequent application of the developer composition with hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the direct dye molecules, forming larger, more durable color molecules that resist washing out. This composite approach achieves both low aggressiveness and improved washfastness.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If standard oxidative hair coloring compositions are used, then permanent color change is achieved, but it is difficult to remove the color or retrieve natural hair color
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the oxidizing agent from the initial coloring application, applying it separately in a second step. This allows the direct dye to be deposited on the hair surface first, and only then oxidized. For color removal, the user can apply the developer composition alone (without direct dye) to gradually break down and remove the oxidized color molecules through repeated applications, enabling color fading while preserving natural hair health.
4Reliability
If oxidative hair coloring compositions are used regularly to maintain hair color, then even coverage including new hair growth is achieved, but the repeated exposure to high pH and oxidizing agents causes cumulative damage
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented two-step system allows for maintained even coverage through the direct dye's ability to penetrate and deposit uniformly, while the separate developer application minimizes cumulative damage. The direct dye composition at low pH is gentler on the scalp and hair structure during repeated applications, and the developer can be applied less frequently or at lower concentrations to maintain color while reducing oxidative stress on the hair.
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
This method allows for easy removal of artificial hair color, reduces damage to hair and scalp, and provides a low-odor, long-lasting color solution with improved washfastness compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first composition comprising one or more first cationic polymer(s) to a first portion of the hair; and applying a second composition comprising one or more first anionic polymer(s) to a second portion of the hair
Implementation Method 2
removing the polymeric layer by means of applying a third composition having a pH of at least 8.5 to a third portion of hair
Data Source
AI summary
Method for treating hair comprising the successive application onto hair of polymeric layers which can be removed to a large extent or even totally in an easy manner upon request of the user by using a composition having a pH of at least 8.5