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.