Hair Fortifying Composition for Oxidative Bleaching Damage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Chemical treatments for hair bleaching and coloring cause damage to hair, leading to issues like dryness, split ends, and frizz, and existing hair treatments provide only limited improvement.

Innovation Solution

A method using a fortifying composition and a conditioning composition in conjunction with the oxidative bleaching or coloring process, which includes citric acid, cyclodextrin, polyols, and other ingredients to improve hair fiber elasticity, strength, and thermal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If oxidative bleaching or coloring is performed on hair, then the desired color change is achieved, but the hair becomes damaged and weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehair colorVSAvoidhair strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fortifying composition is applied to the hair before the oxidative bleaching or coloring treatment to pre-strengthen the hair structure. This preliminary action allows the hair to better withstand the damaging effects of the subsequent chemical treatment while still achieving the desired color change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful oxidative effect into a beneficial dual-purpose process. The oxidative composition not only achieves the desired color change but also, when combined with the fortifying composition, provides strengthening effects. The citric acid and cyclodextrin system converts the potentially damaging oxidation into a process that simultaneously fortifies the hair through cross-linking and protection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Strength

If conventional hair treatments are applied to damaged hair, then some improvement is achieved, but the improvement is limited and temporary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehair strengthVSAvoidduration of treatment effect

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fortifying composition uses a composite system of citric acid and cyclodextrin that work synergistically. The cyclodextrin forms inclusion complexes with hair proteins and the oxidative agents, while citric acid provides cross-linking and pH control. This composite material system provides both immediate strengthening and long-lasting protection that persists through multiple washes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the hair treatment system by controlling pH (using citric acid to maintain acidic conditions) and using cyclodextrin to modify the solubility and reactivity of oxidative agents. These parameter changes enable the treatment to provide sustained strengthening effects rather than temporary improvements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If oils are used for hair treatment, then conditioning effect is achieved, but the hair feels greasy and effects are temporary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconditioning effectVSAvoidduration of conditioning effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Cyclodextrin acts as an intermediary that binds to both the hair proteins and the conditioning agents, creating a stable complex that provides sustained conditioning without greasiness. The cyclodextrin inclusion complexes allow for controlled release of conditioning components, providing long-lasting effects without the immediate greasy feel of conventional oil treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method significantly improves hair fiber elasticity, strength, and resistance to frizz, providing statistically significant improvements in hair health and reducing damage from oxidative bleaching or coloring.

Implementation Method 1

The fortifying composition typically includes (a) citric acid, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof; (b) cyclodextrin, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplex formation:

Implementation Method 2

improves physical and mechanical properties, and thermal integrity of the hair fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

Methods for oxidatively bleaching or coloring hair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS12257331B2Methods for oxidatively bleaching or coloring hair without damaging the hair

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 LOREAL SA

AI summary

The present disclosure is drawn to methods for oxidatively bleaching or coloring hair. The methods employ a fortifying composition and a conditioning composition, which are used in various routines. Treating hair according to the routines prevent, minimize, or mitigate damage to the hair caused by the oxidative bleaching or coloring process. The fortifying composition includes: (a) citric acid, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof; (b) cyclodextrin, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof; (c) one or more polyols; and (d) water. The conditioning composition includes: (a) one or more cationic surfactants; (b) one or more non-silicone fatty compounds; (c) one or more silicone oils; and (d) and water. The methods strengthen the hair, improve curl retention of the hair, prevent frizz of the hair, and remediate damage to the hair caused by chemical bleaching or coloring of the hair.