Abstract: A process for reinforcing fragile or brittle nails comprises applying to the nail surface a composition containing a cationic polymer.

Abstract: A packaged, self-heating neutralizing composition for use in the second stage of a permanent waving operation comprises a first component selected from a water-soluble sulfite, bisulfite, metabisulfite or thiourea stored in one compartment of a two-compartment package and a second component comprising H.sub.2 O.sub.2 separately stored in the second compartment of said two compartment package. Just before use, the said components are mixed together with an accompanying evolution of sensible heat. The resulting mixture contains free H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in amounts of about 0.5-3 percent by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition to strengthen the hair which comprises (a) a cosmetic vehicle containing a member selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol or mixtures thereof (b) 0.2 to 25 percent by weight of a cationic polymer and (c) 0.01 - 0.5 mole per gram of cationic polymer of a divalent metal salt selected from the carbonate, silicate, nitrate, acetate, gluconate, pantothenate and lactate of calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, strontium, zinc and cadmium.

Abstract: Polycondensable compound and a process for treating hair employing a composition containing said polycondensable compound having the formula ##EQU1## wherein X is O or S; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are ethyl or together form the divalent radical --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- or ##EQU2## R.sub.3 and R.sub.3 ' are hydrogen or taken together form the divalent radical --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, Y is hydrogen, ##EQU3## --C.sub.12 H.sub.25 and --C.sub.18 H.sub.37 and an acid catalyst in an amount effective to polymerize the compound on the hair and then drying the hair.

Abstract: A packaged, self-heating neutralizing composition for use in the second stage of a permanent waving operation comprises a first component selected from a water-soluble sulfite, bisulfite, metabisulfite or thiourea stored in one compartment of a two-compartment package and a second component comprising H.sub.2 O.sub.2 separately stored in the second compartment of said two compartment package. Just before use, the said components are mixed together with an accompanying evolution of sensible heat. The resulting mixture contains free H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in amounts of about 0.5-3 percent by weight of the composition.