Abstract: A composition for retarding water loss and/or heat loss from a body of water comprises a polyoxyethylene ether having the general structure of R—(OCH2CH2)nOH where R is an alkyl group or mixture of alkyl groups, and n is the average number of ethylene oxide units in the polyethylene glycol segment, wherein R is lauryl alcohol and n is 2. The composition can be delivered as a neat liquid, solution, or dispersion in a solvent or carrier, without additional dispersants or spreading agents, and without hazardous or flammable solvents. Embodiments may include a thickening agent to stabilize the dispersion until use. Preservatives, colorants and fragrance can be added. The range for delivery of the composition in dilution is from about 0.1% to about 90% by weight in one embodiment, and from about 0.5% to about 50% by weight, and from about 1% to about 20% by weight in other embodiments.

Abstract: By providing a neutralizing solution formulated with an alkaline pH, for use with a conventional reducing lotion, a long-lasting, permanently waved head of hair is attained. Furthermore, by employing the neutralizing solution of the present invention, substantially reduced hair damage and substantially improved curl retention and formation is attained. In the preferred embodiment, the alkaline pH neutralizing solution of the present invention is attained by employing a bromate salt in combination with at least one pH adjusting agent. If desired, hair conditioning and wave enhancing additives may also be employed. Preferably, the bromate salt employed comprises one selected from the group consisting of sodium bromate and potassium bromate, with sodium bromate.

Abstract: A highly effective, ammonia-free, permanent waving lotion is attained by employing one a reducing agent consisting of a thiol compound or mercaptan in combination with an alkalizing agent consisting of an alkanolamine and an alkali metal hydroxide. In accordance with this invention, the reducing agent is employed either independently as an aqueous solution or in association with desired additives for imparting additional benefits to the permanently waved hair. Preferably, the reducing agents of the present invention are employed in a permanent waving lotion having a pH ranging between about 5.5 and 10.0. By employing this invention, long lasting permanently waved hair is attained with substantially less malodor being produced, thereby providing increased comfort to the stylist and the person who undergoes permanent waving.

Abstract: An improved, highly effective permanent waving lotion is attained by employing a reducing agent which consists of a lower alkyl ester of cysteine in combination with a thiol compound selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts and glyceryl esters of thioglycolic acid, thiolactic acid and thiopropionic acid. By employing the reducing agent of this invention, the pH level at which the permanent wave is performed can be substantially reduced, thereby improving comfort and reducing adverse reactions. The reducing agent of this invention is employed either as an aqueous solution of the two components or in association with desired additives for imparting additional benefits to the permanently waved hair. Preferably, the reducing agents of the present invention are employed in a permanent waving lotion having a pH ranging between about 5.0 and 9.5.

Abstract: A highly effective permanent waving lotion is attained by employing one compound selected from the group consisting of glyceryl monothiopropionate, glyceryl thiolactate, and combinations of glyceryl monothiopropionate and glyceryl thiolactate as the sole reducing agent. In accordance with this invention, the reducing agent is employed either independently in an aqueous solution or in association with desired additives for imparting additional benefits to the permanently waved hair. Preferably, the reducing agents of the present invention are employed in a permanent waving lotion having a pH ranging between about 6.0 and 9.5. In this way, processing time is reduced and long lasting permanently waved hair is attained with substantially less malodor being produced.