Abstract: Disclosed herein is an agent for shaping or altering the shape of hair, such as by straightening or relaxing hair, the agent comprising: A. a hair treatment composition containing an alkaline material selected from a hydroxide-containing compound and a carbonate compound; a cationic polymer selected from a quaternary diammonium polycondensate; an amphoteric polymer selected from a quaternary ammonium compound; an organic solvent, and water; and optionally, B. an activator component; wherein the pH of the composition is equal to or greater than 12 and wherein the weight ratio of (b) to (c) ranges from about 1 up to about 3.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an agent for shaping or altering the shape of hair, such as by straightening or relaxing hair, the agent comprising: A. a hair treatment composition containing an alkaline material selected from a hydroxide-containing compound and a carbonate compound; a cationic polymer selected from a quaternary diammonium polycondensate; an amphoteric polymer selected from a quaternary ammonium compound; an organic solvent, and water; and optionally, B. an activator component; wherein the pH of the composition is equal to or greater than 12 and wherein the weight ratio of (b) to (c) ranges from about 1 up to about 3.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composition for straightening or relaxing hair containing: (a) at least one hydroxide-containing active ingredient; (b) at least one polyhydric alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms and two hydroxyl groups; (c) optionally, at least one nonionic surfactant having an HLB of from about 8 to about 20; (d) optionally, at least one amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant; and (e) remainder, to 100%, of a cosmetically suitable medium.

Abstract: A process for straightening or relaxing hair comprising the following steps: (a) providing a hair straightening or relaxing composition having a pH ranging from 8 to 11.5, and containing, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one weak acid chosen from monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic and tricarboxylic acids, their salts, and mixtures thereof; (b) contacting the hair with the hair straightening or relaxing composition to form treated hair; and (c) straightening or relaxing the treated hair by applying heat, wherein hydroxide-containing compounds are not used. Disclosed herein is also a preferred hair straightening or relaxing composition.

Abstract: A process for straightening or relaxing hair comprising the following steps: (a) providing a hair straightening or relaxing composition having a pH ranging from 8 to 11.5, and containing, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one weak acid chosen from monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic and tricarboxylic acids, their salts, and mixtures thereof; (b) contacting the hair with the hair straightening or relaxing composition to form treated hair; and (c) straightening or relaxing the treated hair by applying heat, wherein hydroxide-containing compounds are not used. Disclosed herein is also a preferred hair straightening or relaxing composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composition for straightening or relaxing hair containing: (a) at least one hydroxide-containing active ingredient; (b) at least one polyhydric alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms and two hydroxyl groups; (c) optionally, at least one nonionic surfactant having an HLB of from about 8 to about 20; (d) optionally, at least one amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant; and (e) remainder, to 100%, of a cosmetically suitable medium.

Abstract: A composition and process for treating a keratinous substrate involving contacting the keratinous substrate with a composition containing: a) at least one quaternary ammonium polymer; b) at least one fatty quaternary agent; c) at least one nonionic surfactant; and d) optionally, at least one ceramide, and wherein the composition is substantially anhydrous.

Abstract: A composition and process for treating a keratinous substrate involving contacting the keratinous substrate with a composition containing: (a) at least one alkoxylated alkyl phosphate ester; (b) at least one ester oil component; and (c) optionally, at least one non-ester oil component.