Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber elasticity conserving hair relaxer composition having an alkalinity of at least pH 12 comprising a fiber elasticity conserving amount of at least one hair fiber elasticity conserving agent selected from the group consisting of poly-organosiloxanes containing, per molecule, at least one siloxyl unit substituted with at least one group having one or more of a sterically hindered piperidinyl functional group. The composition substantially ameliorates the loss of hair fiber elasticity that frequently occurs during the hair relaxing step of a process for relaxing the natural curl of hair under such strongly alkaline conditions.

Abstract: This invention describes a hair relaxer system and method that ameliorates and inhibits the adsorption and retention by alkaline, chemically-relaxed hair of exogenous multivalent metal ion present in the chemical relaxer, in the rinse water or both employed during the process of relaxing naturally curly hair with compositions containing strong chemical base. In a preferred relaxer method aspect, the alkaline, chemically relaxed hair was contacted with an aqueous metal ion chelating composition containing at least one multivalent metal ion chelating agent employing a disclosed delivery system adapted for practical salon use. In another preferred relaxer method embodiment, wipes impregnated with multivalent metal ion chelating composition were employed during the relaxer process.

Abstract: A hair brightening process and aqueous hair brightening compositions therefor are disclosed effective for removing discolorations from hair which is undesirably discolored due to chemical processes and environmental exposure or natural aging to provide a substantially more natural tone. The hair brightening compositions of the invention comprise certain hair brightening activating salts and organic colorants as active brightening ingredients which surprisingly remove discoloration without imparting an unnatural tone to the hair. The inventive hair brightening compositions provide a significant improvement over conventional prior-art hydrogen peroxide-based hair brightening compositions in effectiveness, are less damaging to the hair, and more varied in their useful product forms. The invention is also directed to compositions and methods for alkali relaxing and brightening hair, especially naturally gray hair, and single-use kits comprising the inventive hair brightener compositions.

Abstract: A composition for treating hair includes at least one of the following:a) a cationic polymer made from the reaction of secondary amines and epihalohydrin and further cross-linked with the addition of a small amount of ethylene diamine;b) dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate and one of a precomponent of an active hair relaxing ingredient, guanidine hydroxide or a shampoo base;c) polyquaternium 10 and at least one of an active hair relaxing ingredient and an active hair relaxing ingredient; andd) polyquaternium 32 and mineral oil.A method of using at least one of a cationic polymer, dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate, polyquaternium 10 or polyquaternium 32 includes the steps of applying one of the above to hair that is in risk of damage from a cosmetic procedure and exposing the hair to a cosmetic procedure.

Abstract: A method for protecting previously chemically processed hair fibers from damage during subsequent chemical processing comprising the steps of: (a) applying to the previously processed hair fibers a protectorant composition comprising (i) a sugar; a starch hydrolysate, sorbitol, glycerol, propylene glycol, or a polyol, and (ii) and at least one cationic or non-ionic polar polymer; and thereafter, (b) processing the hair fibers with the same chemical process previously used; and thereafter (c) rinsing the hair for a time sufficient to remove all chemicals from the hair. Also claimed is a composition for protecting previously chemically treated hair and a kit for processing previously processed hair using the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A method of strengthening hair in need of strengthening includes the steps of applying a hair swelling component to the hair and applying a cationic polymer that is the reaction product of a lower dialkylamine (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3), a difunctional epoxy-type reactant and a third reactant selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, alkylene diamines having two to six carbon atoms and polyamines to the hair.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for relaxing hair fibers that comprises applying to the hair fibers a lanthionizing composition that comprises a hydrogenated starch hydrolysate and/or a sugar. The present invention also provides a lanthionizing composition that comprises hydrogenated starch hydrolysate and/or a sugar which decreases the amount of damage that occurs to hair fibers during the lanthionization process.

Abstract: A hair strengthening relaxing composition comprising a cationic polyquaternary polymer that is the product of a condensation reaction of a lower dialkylamine (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3), a difunctional epoxy compound and a third reactant selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, alkylene diamines having two to six carbon atoms, and polyamines; and a high-alkalinity hair relaxing agent.

Abstract: A process for relaxing hair in which the hair fibers undergo minimal swelling is provided, using a composition that decreases the swelling of hair fibers. Use of the composition or process decreases hair fiber swelling during the relaxing process, thereby decreasing structural damage to the hair while increasing hair fiber strength.