Hair Curling Formulation Using Hydroxide and Keratin-Binding Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hair curling methods using lye or alkali-based relaxers cause hair strength reduction, potential breakage, and cannot be used for perming, while traditional perms involve foul-smelling thiol-based agents and may result in broken hair. There is a need for formulations that provide long-lasting moisturization, manageability, and controlled curl levels without the use of foul odors or thiol-based agents.
Innovation Solution
The use of hydroxide-containing agents in combination with active agents that interact with keratin through binding events, such as covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bonds, to curl hair and repair damage, while controlling the level of curl imparted, and maintaining curl retention through specific pH and weight ratios in formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If lye or alkali-based relaxers are used to curl hair, then hair can be relaxed and straightened, but hair strength is reduced and breakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the formulation by using hydroxide-containing agents at controlled concentrations (e.g., 0.1% to 5% sodium hydroxide) combined with active agents that bind to keratin. This parameter change allows the formulation to reshape hair while the binding agents protect hair strength by forming covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bonds with keratin, preventing the strength reduction and breakage associated with traditional lye-based relaxers.
2Shape
If traditional perm formulations are used, then hair can be curled, but foul-smelling thiol-based agents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the thiol-based reducing agents from the formulation, replacing them with hydroxide-containing agents combined with active agents that interact with keratin through binding events. This extraction eliminates the foul smell associated with traditional perms while maintaining the hair curling function through alternative chemical mechanisms.
3Shape
If lye-based relaxers are used, then hair straightening is achieved, but the formulations cannot be used for perming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal formulation that can perform multiple hair styling functions. By combining hydroxide-containing agents with active agents that bind to keratin, the formulation can be used for both straightening and perming depending on the application method and formulation variations, eliminating the limitation of traditional lye-based relaxers that cannot be used for perming.
4Shape
If traditional curling methods are used, then hair can be curled, but long-lasting moisturization and manageability are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces active agents as intermediaries that bind to keratin through covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bonds. These binding agents serve as mediators that not only facilitate the curling process but also provide long-lasting moisturization and manageability by remaining bound to the hair structure, addressing the deficiency of traditional curling methods that do not provide sustained conditioning benefits.
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 solution effectively curls hair, reduces damage, and maintains curl retention with improved moisturization and manageability, even after multiple wash cycles, without the drawbacks of lye-based relaxers or foul odors, and allows for tuning the level of curl imparted.
Implementation Method 1
Active agents that interact with keratin through one or more binding events (e.g., absorption, binding, etc.) and can also react with one or more nucleophiles, such as thiols, in the hair are described herein. 'Binding' as used herein refers to the formation of covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bonds.
Implementation Method 2
Binding as used herein refers to the formation of covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bonds.
Implementation Method 3
Binding as used herein refers to the formation of covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bonds.
Implementation Method 4
Active agents that interact with keratin through one or more binding events (e.g., absorption, binding, etc.) and can also react with one or more nucleophiles, such as thiols, in the hair
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, formulations, and kits for curling and/or preventing damage in the curling of hair are disclosed herein. Hair can be curled by treatment with hydroxide-containing agents, in combination with one or more active agents, without the need for thiol-based or peroxide-based agents. The active agent can be applied simultaneously with the hydroxide-containing agent, to impart curl to the hair. They may be applied as a combined formulation or as separate formulations applied simultaneously. Use of the active agent along with a hydroxide-containing agent can be used to control the level of curl imparted to hair, as compared to the natural amount of curl, if any, in the untreated hair.