Abstract: The present invention relates to a no-mix hair relaxer formulation and methods of its use. The relaxer includes a synergistic combination of sodium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide and has a pH of between about 12.7 and about 13.2. These no-mix hair relaxers provide excellent hair straightening performance, in 30 minutes or less, with reduced irritation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an activator for use in a two-component hair relaxer system. The activator includes an alkaline material such as calcium hydroxide mixed with mineral oil. Preferably, the activator exists as a suspension, emulsion or gel. Hair relaxer systems including a mineral oil containing activator and a cream base, hair relaxers made by mixing these two components, and methods of using such systems to straighten hair are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a no-mix hair relaxer formulation and methods of its use. The relaxer includes a synergistic combination of sodium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide and has a pH of between about 12.7 and about 13.2. These no-mix hair relaxers provide excellent hair straightening performance, in 30 minutes or less, with reduced irritation.

Abstract: A topically applied shaving composition for use by a human subject suffering from or prone to development of pseudofolliculitis barbae is disclosed. The composition comprises as its active ingredient about 0.01-5% by weight of a bacteriostatic/hemostyptic agent, and an aqueous or water-miscible solvent, a volatile silicone and a thickening agent. A method of removing hair from a hairy skin area of such a subject comprising the application of a topical shaving composition containing about 0.01-5% by weight of a bacteriostatic/hemostyptic agent prior to removal of the hair by shaving, tweezing or waxing, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved highly alkaline hair straightening emulsion and a two component system for preparing the emulsion are provided. The emulsion employs a combination of strong nitrogenous organic base and alkali metal hydroxide in the presence of an alkaline earth metal cation. Neither the amount of the alkali metal hydroxide nor the amount of organic base present in the emulsion is sufficient by itself to effectively permanently straighten naturally curly hair. Alkaline earth metal hydroxides are characteristically ineffective as permanent hair straighteners. However, surprisingly, the combination is effective for achieving permanent straightening of hair within a treatment time of not more than about 30 minutes. In use, the emulsion also substantially avoids scalp skin irritation. Also, hair discoloration and hair breakage are minimized.