Abstract: Formulations, kits, and methods for coils, curls, and waves in hair are disclosed. The formulations provide coils, curls, and/or waves that are visibly repaired, healthier, defined, and/or smoother. For example, the formulations disclosed herein provide curls that are shinier, bouncier, and/or more defined, with results that last through multiple washes, compared to when the curls are not treated with the formulations. In some forms, at least two formulations are used for treating curly hair to provide the afore-mentioned results, including a bond shaping formulation and a bond building formulation. The bond shaping formulation contains a peptide capable of penetrating within the cortex to help replenish keratin. The bond building formulation contains a binding agent capable of strengthening disulfide bonds. The bond shaping formulation and bond building formulation may be provided in a kit for defining curls. Improved methods of defining curls are also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of increasing the volume of a fiber by applying to the fiber a chitosan cross linked with or complexed to an aldehyde-bearing compound, and a polyanion. The fiber is then dried forming a chitosan polyelectrolyte complex on the hair that increases the dimension of the fiber. The fiber may be wet prior to application and may be a mammalian hair. Also included are method of semi-permanently altering the structure of hair that includes topically applying to hair a chitosan cross linked with or complexed to an aldehyde-bearing compound, and a polyanion. Also contemplated within the scope of the invention is a hair care polyelectrolyte complex that includes a chitosan cross linked with or complexed to an aldehyde-bearing compound, and a polyanion.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of increasing the volume of a fiber by applying to the fiber a chitosan cross linked with or complexed to an aldehyde-bearing compound, and a polyanion. The fiber is then dried forming a chitosan polyelectrolyte complex on the hair that increases the dimension of the fiber. The fiber may be wet prior to application and may be a mammalian hair. Also included are method of semi-permanently altering the structure of hair that includes topically applying to hair a chitosan cross linked with or complexed to an aldehyde-bearing compound, and a polyanion. Also contemplated within the scope of the invention is a hair care polyelectrolyte complex that includes a chitosan cross linked with or complexed to an aldehyde-bearing compound, and a polyanion.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming a semi-permanent film on a fiber comprising topically applying an effective amount of a composition to the hair and exposing the hair to a temperature of about 50° C. or greater thereby forming a film on the hair. The composition comprises a chitosan, an aldehyde-bearing compound, and an organic acid. Also included are the compositions that form the film, specifically compositions that form a semi-permanent film on a fiber in the presence of heat comprising a chitosan, an aldehyde-bearing compound, and an organic acid. Other, related methods are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A hair care composition comprising: a crosslinking component comprising an inorganic fluoride; and a conditioning component, wherein the composition has a ratio of crosslinking component to conditioning component in the range of about 10:90 to about 95:5.

Abstract: A hair care composition containing inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, and/or relaxing hair, and a method for using the hair care composition a hair care composition containing an inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, defrizzing, curling and/or relaxing of hair, and its method of use in a variety of hair care products, e.g., straightener solution, shampoo, conditioner, color binding treatment, volumizing treatment, a combination thereof, etc. The hair care composition is formaldehyde-free, even when heated.

Abstract: A hair care composition containing inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, and/or relaxing hair, and a method for using the hair care composition a hair care composition containing an inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, defrizzing, curling and/or relaxing of hair, and its method of use in a variety of hair care products, e.g., straightener solution, shampoo, conditioner, color binding treatment, volumizing treatment, a combination thereof, etc. The hair care composition is formaldehyde-free, even when heated.

Abstract: A hair care composition comprising: a crosslinking component comprising an inorganic fluoride; and a conditioning component, wherein the composition has a ratio of crosslinking component to conditioning component in the range of about 10:90 to about 95:5.

Abstract: A hair care composition containing inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, and/or relaxing hair, and a method for using the hair care composition a hair care composition containing an inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, defrizzing, curling and/or relaxing of hair, and its method of use in a variety of hair care products, e.g., straightener solution, shampoo, conditioner, color binding treatment, volumizing treatment, a combination thereof, etc. The hair care composition is formaldehyde-free, even when heated.

Abstract: A hair care composition containing inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, and/or relaxing hair, and a method for using the hair care composition a hair care composition containing an inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, defrizzing, curling and/or relaxing of hair, and its method of use in a variety of hair care products, e.g., straightener solution, shampoo, conditioner, color binding treatment, volumizing treatment, a combination thereof, etc. The hair care composition is formaldehyde-free, even when heated.