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: 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: 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.