Abstract: Process to simultaneously color and permanently restructure hair, wherein (a) an oxidative hair colorant is applied to the hair based on at least one developer substance and least one coupler substance, (b) the oxidative hair colorant is left on for 5 to 60 minutes, (c) the oxidative hair colorant is rinsed out of the hair, (d) an acidic intermediate treatment agent with a pH of from 2 to 6 is applied to the hair, (e) after an action period of from 1 to 10 minutes, the intermediate treatment agent is rinsed out, if necessary, and the hair is then rolled up onto curlers, (f) a keratin-reducing permanent restructuring agent is applied to the hair, (g) after an action period of from 1 to 30 minutes, the keratin-reducing agent is rinsed out, if necessary, (h) the hair is fixed with an oxidative material, (i) after an action period of from 3 to 15 minutes, the hair is rinsed with water, if necessary and then treated with an acidic rinse.

Abstract: A method to gently and permanently relax or straighten hair utilizes a protease enzyme, and preferably the enzyme kerA. The hair is optionally treated with a swelling agent, after which it is treated with the enzyme in an aqueous solution. The hair is then physically manipulated, such as by ironing, to remove unwanted curl, wave, and or kink. The enzyme has the ability to cleave inter-peptide bonds, allowing the hair fiber to be relaxed or straightened with less damage to the fiber than would have occurred using traditional or existing straightening methods.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hair straightening formulation consisting of a hair fixative that will straighten the hair for at least 2-3 months after one application despite frequent washings of the hair as well as methods for obtaining said formulation. The formulation comprises as active ingredients one or more keratin hydrolysates and an aldehyde. Hair straightening system comprising shampoo and one or more conditioners are also provided. The invention is further directed to a method for straightening hair using said formulation.

Abstract: A two-stage treatment process suitable for the permanent deformation and/or shaping of keratinous substances and, in particular, the hair includes the application of a reducing composition containing, in addition to a reducing agent, an organic absorbing agent followed, after an optional rinsing, by the application of a neutralizing composition and by the rinsing of the keratinous substances thus treated.

Abstract: A process for straightening or relaxing hair involving the steps of: (a) pre-alkalizing the hair by contacting it with an alkaline composition having a pH of from about 8.0 to about 10.5 to form pre-alkalized hair; (b) optionally, rinsing the alkaline composition from the pre-alkalized hair; (c) providing a hair straightening/relaxing composition containing: (i) from about 0.1 to about 50% by weight of at least one weak non-hydroxide base; and (ii) remainder, to 100%, a cosmetically acceptable medium, all weights based on the weight of the hair straightening/relaxing composition; (d) contacting the hair with the hair straightening/relaxing composition to form treated hair; (e) optionally, rinsing the hair straightening/relaxing composition from the treated hair; (f) optionally, contacting the treated hair with a non-volatile oil; and (g) smoothing the treated hair using a combination of heat and means for physically smoothing hair.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for permanently deforming keratinic fibers, in particular hair, which comprises: applying to the keratinic fibers a reducing composition, to reduce keratin disulfide linkages, the keratinic fibers being placed under mechanical tension before, during or after said application, preferably before, then applying to the keratinic fibers an intermediate rinsing composition comprising at least one salt of a monovalent metallic cation and/or at least one ammonium salt, and at least one organic acid, said one or more monovalent salts not being one or more salts of said one or more organic acids present in the intermediate rinsing composition, and said one or more salts not being surfactants, then applying to the keratinic fibers an oxidative composition in an oxidation fixing step, to recreate said linkages, said process being free of any water rinsing step either between the reducing composition application step and the intermediate rinsing composition application step, or between

Abstract: A process for permanently deforming keratin fibers and compositions suitable for use in this process are provided. The process includes treating keratin fibers, before and/or after mechanically deforming the keratin fibers, with an aqueous reducing composition containing a keratin reducing substance, rinsing the keratin fibers with a rinse after contact with the reducing composition, and applying to the keratin fibers an aqueous fixing composition containing an oxidizing agent, where at least one of the reducing composition, the fixing composition, or the rinse is in the form of a two-phase or multiphase system. The two phase or multiphase system contains at least one oil component and/or at least one alcohol having limited miscibility with water and is capable of being converted at least temporarily with mechanical agitation into a homogeneous system for application to hair.

Abstract: A second agent composition for permanent wave treatment having a dyeing effect and a method for dyeing the hair which has been permanently waved. More particularly, a second agent composition for permanent wave treatment comprising a cationic dye having a quaternary nitrogen atom, which is optionally delocalizable, and a —X?N— bond wherein X represents a nitrogen atom or a —CH— bond, and a method for dyeing the hair which has been subjected to a permanent wave treatment using the cationic dye.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hair relaxing composition for the straightening of hair. The composition includes a calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate. The present invention further includes a method for using the hair relaxing composition with the addition of heat to straighten hair.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one hydroxide compound and at least one complexing agent effective for dissociating the at least one hydroxide compound in sufficient quantity to effect lanthionization of keratin fibers. The at least one complexing agent is chosen from compounds comprising at least one group of formula (I) and salts thereof. Also disclosed is a method for lanthionizing keratin fibers to achieve relaxation of the keratinous fibers and a multicompartment kit comprising an activating composition and at least one hydroxide compound.

Abstract: The oxidative hair treatment composition is made by mixing several components immediately prior to application on the hair. One component contains dehydroascorbic acid, its derivatives or salts or their mixture, is anhydrous or contains up to 10% by weight of water, and is a powder, granulate or tablet or micro-encapsulated or a suspension and another component is an aqueous, alcoholic or aqueous alcoholic preparation. In order to avoid an unpleasant mercaptan odor and provide a uniform treatment the method for permanently waving hair includes putting the hair into the desired form, treating it with a keratin-reducing agent, and then rinsing it, after which it is treated oxidatively with the above-described oxidative treatment composition and rinsed once again.

Abstract: A subject-matter of the invention is a process for the permanent deformation of the hair comprising the successive application of a reducing composition and then of a neutralizing composition, at least one of these compositions comprising at least one cationic polymer, in which, before the application of the reducing composition, a third separate composition, which is distinct from the reducing and neutralizing compositions and comprises at least one anionic polymer, is applied to the hair in a preliminary way. The hair is rinsed, preferably only after having applied the (or at least one of the) composition(s) comprising the cationic polymer(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for permanently shaping hair, in which an N,N-disubstituted mercaptoacetamide of the formula I: or a salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of straight-chain alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, branched-chain alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, monohydroxyalkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, polyhydroxyalkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and carboxyalkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, is employed as keratin reducing agent. A process for making these mercaptoacetamides is also described as well as a novel mercaptoacetamide, N-ethyl-2′-hydroxyethyl-mercaptoacetamide. The mercaptoacetamides provide gentle and uniform shaping of hair in a pH range of 4.5 to 9.5 and do not cause allergic or sensitizing reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel vesicle-free composition for the first stage of a process of permanent reshaping of keratin fibres, this composition comprising, in a suitable cosmetic support, at least one compound of ceramide type in a specific amount and at least one reducing agent. The invention also relates to a novel process of permanent reshaping of keratin fibres using the composition defined above.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for reducing odors associated with permanent hair waving by contacting the hair with a disulfide before, during, or after application of a sulfur-based reducing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polymers containing at least some units of formula (I): in which: A1⊕ and A2⊕; which may be identical or different, denote: a) a quaternary unsaturated heterocycle; or b) a quaternary ammonium and at least one of the groups A1⊕ and A2⊕ denotes a quaternary unsaturated heterocycle; p denotes an integer or fraction from 0 to 50; B1 denotes an &agr;, &ohgr;-bis(alkyl)polysiloxane group or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon-based chain containing upto 6 consecutive carbon atoms, which can contain one or more hydroxyl groups and can be interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms and/or several aromatic rings; B2 denotes a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon-based chain containing upto 6 consecutive carbon atoms, which can contain one or more hydroxyl groups and can be interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms and/or several aromatic rings; R1, R2, R3 and R4, which may be identical or different, de

Abstract: The present invention provides a hair treatment composition (I) comprising the following components (a) and (b), or a hair treatment composition (II) comprising the following components (c) and (b), and a method for imparting elasticity to the hair using the composition: (a) an organic solvent; (b) at least one aromatic sulfonic acid selected from naphthalenesulfonic acids, azulenesulfonic acids, tetralin-sulfonic acids, indansulfonic acids and benzophenonesulfonic acids or salts thereof; and (c) a reducing agent.

Abstract: An improved hair repair, styling, and straightening process wherein the optimal reaction point of the hair with the straightening solution is more accurately controlled and monitored. The hair straightening solution has a unique jell-like consistency to more completely and easily be rinsed from the hair. A unique pre-oxidizing set is applied to the hair by application of heat and compression while the hair remains in an elastic condition. The pre-oxidizing set provides the ability to make fine styling adjustments to the hair. A substantial improvement in straightening, styling, and repairing damaged hair is achieved.

Abstract: A mild wave and hair styling reducing agent-containing composition and method of bodifying, styling, or permanently waving or straightening human hair that provides a strong, long lasting curl, or long lasting straight hair formation, while minimizing hair damage. The composition includes two ionic compounds, one cationic and the other anionic, that complex in solution over a molar ratio of cationic compound to anionic compound in the range of about 1:1.2 to about 1.2:1, preferably in the range of about 1:1.1 to about 1.1:1, to provide synergy in waving efficiency, thereby providing a strongly reconfigured hair configuration (curled or straightened). At least one of the ionic compounds functions as a reducing agent for hair, capable of breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair so that the bonds later can be reformed via oxidation, when the hair is in the desired configuration.

Abstract: A hair brightening process and aqueous hair brightening compositions therefor are disclosed effective for removing discolorations from hair which is undesirably discolored due to chemical processes and environmental exposure or natural aging to provide a substantially more natural tone. The hair brightening compositions of the invention comprise certain hair brightening activating salts and organic colorants as active brightening ingredients which surprisingly remove discoloration without imparting an unnatural tone to the hair. The inventive hair brightening compositions provide a significant improvement over conventional prior-art hydrogen peroxide-based hair brightening compositions in effectiveness, are less damaging to the hair, and more varied in their useful product forms. The invention is also directed to compositions and methods for alkali relaxing and brightening hair, especially naturally gray hair, and single-use kits comprising the inventive hair brightener compositions.

Abstract: A leave-on oxidizing solution useful for permanent waving of hair containing water, an oxidant which is capable of being left on the hair and dried on the hair without damage to the hair, and an acidic agent to provide the solution with a pH value of less than about 7. The use of the leave-on oxidizing solution decreases the amount of time required for carrying out a permanent waving of hair process.

Abstract: A permanent-wave treatment method which can give a permanent-wave comfortably without using a cap or a turban, and a treatment auxiliary agent used in this method. The permanent-wave treatment method comprises a winding step of applying permanent-wave treatment liquid to hair and winding the hair around rollers, and a liquid drop prevention step of sprinkling a powdery treatment auxiliary agent on the wound hair so as to prevent the permanent-wave treatment liquid from dropping. The treatment auxiliary agent comprises powder which adsorbs or partially dissolves in permanent-wave treatment liquid, and serves to increase the viscosity of the powder-sprinkled permanent-wave treatment liquid and prevent the permanent-wave treatment liquid from dropping.

Abstract: A method for the same-day permanent waving and coloring of hair ("same-day" meaning during a twenty-four hour period and preferably during a single session of only a few hours), which can provide to the hair improved shape retention, color receptivity, color stability, color retention, color evenness, color depth, shine, strength, softness, luster, and/or elasticity. After initial preparation (shampooing, treating with a pre-wrap, and placing on rods if the hair is to be curled), the hair is processed using a waving agent (e.g., thioglycolate), the excess is preferably removed, contacted with a first composition, the excess preferably removed, optionally but preferably contacted with a second composition, heated to dry the hair, and then contacted with a coloring composition containing an oxidative colorant and an oxidizing agent, the oxidizing agent helping develop the color and rebond the hair. The first and second compositions each contain a biologically acceptable metal (preferably a polyvalent metal, e.

Abstract: Method for extracting malodorous compounds present in a liquid formulation containing at least one compound bearing a thiol functional group of formula:HS--A--Y--B (I)in which said formulation is placed in contact with a pulverulent absorbing agent, in order to obtain a deodorized composition, intended for a subsequent use, said absorbing agent being such that, when it is suspended in an aqueous solution containing 92 g/l of thioglycolic acid, said aqueous solution also contains at least 30% by weight of the initial thioglycolic acid after contact for 15 minutes.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions, well suited for the permanent deformation of keratinous fibers, for example permanent waves for topical application to human hair, comprise at least one reducing agent and/or at least one oxidizing agent other than a peroxide or cresol, at least one of reducing and/or oxidizing agents normally eliciting a skin irritating side effect, and an effective skin irritant-attenuating/eliminating amount of at least one substance P antagonist and/or at least one CGRP antagonist, in a physiologically acceptable medium therefor.

Abstract: A process and composition for waving or straightening hair by treating the hair with an acidic reducing solution containing an amine sulfite, having a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.95, followed by applying an alkaline oxidizing solution containing hydrogen peroxide, and having a pH in the range of 7.50 to 10.0 The process and composition solves certain problems which are commonly encountered in waving or straightening products, such as loss of hair color, and hair damage.

Abstract: A process for permanent waving of hair by a reaction in which cystine bridges are reduced to cysteine, the hair reshaped, and the reaction reversed. The improvement in the process resides in the step of reducing or reversing the reaction by applying to hair a composition which includes an emulsion polymerized mercapto functional silicone. Permanent hair waving with waving lotions, neutralizing solutions, or both, containing such emulsion polymerized mercapto functional silicones, provide waved hair with improved conditioning benefits.

Abstract: A mild permanent wave reducing agent-containing composition and method of permanently waving or straightening human hair that provides a strong, long lasting curl, or long lasting straight hair formation, while minimizing hair damage. The composition includes two ionic compounds, one cationic and the other anionic, that complex in solution over a molar ratio of cationic compound to anionic compound in the range of about 1:1.2 to about 1.2:1, preferably in the range of about 1:1.1 to about 1.1:1, to provide synergy in waving efficiency, thereby providing a strongly reconfigured hair configuration (curled or straightened). At least one of the ionic compounds functions as a reducing agent for hair, capable of breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair so that the bonds later can be reformed via oxidation, when the hair is in the desired configuration. Examples of cationic compounds include thiocholine, choline, cysteineamide, cysteamine, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A treatment process for the permanent reshaping of keratinous material, of the type comprising a reduction phase and an oxidation phase, the reduction phase being performed by application onto the keratinous material to be treated of a reducing composition containing at least one thiol, the keratinous material being impregnated with at least one manganese salt prior to/or during the reduction step, the process being characterized in that the keratinous material is treated, during or after the reduction phase and before the oxidation phase, in the presence of at least one agent which neutralizes the activity of the manganese salt in oxidation dyeing processes.

Abstract: An improved highly alkaline hair straightening emulsion and a two component system for preparing the emulsion are provided. The emulsion employs a combination of strong nitrogenous organic base and alkali metal hydroxide in the presence of an alkaline earth metal cation. Neither the amount of the alkali metal hydroxide nor the amount of organic base present in the emulsion is sufficient by itself to effectively permanently straighten naturally curly hair. Alkaline earth metal hydroxides are characteristically ineffective as permanent hair straighteners. However, surprisingly, the combination is effective for achieving permanent straightening of hair within a treatment time of not more than about 30 minutes. In use, the emulsion also substantially avoids scalp skin irritation. Also, hair discoloration and hair breakage are minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel pulverulent cosmetic compositions for bleaching hair, containing at least one oxidizing agent selected from peroxidized compounds, and at least one polymer selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, a derivative of polyethylene glycol, and a derivative of polypropylene glycol, where the polymer is present in an amount of 10 to 27% by weight, the polymer is anhydrous and, at room temperature, both liquid and water-soluble. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such compositions and to their use for bleaching hair.

Abstract: A process for treating keratinous material, in particular the hair, for the purpose of obtaining a permanent reshaping of the latter, in particular in the form of permanent-waved hair. The process includes the following steps: (i) a so-called "acidic composition" containing at least one carboxylic acid and/or one of the associated salts thereof is applied to the keratinous material to be treated, the pH of the acidic composition ranging from 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for relaxing hair fibers that comprises applying to the hair fibers a lanthionizing composition that comprises a hydrogenated starch hydrolysate and/or a sugar. The present invention also provides a lanthionizing composition that comprises hydrogenated starch hydrolysate and/or a sugar which decreases the amount of damage that occurs to hair fibers during the lanthionization process.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the treatment of hair. Treating compositions comprising cysteine and/or another active shaping compound, cysteamine and a non-reducing disaccharide are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise application of the composition to the hair for permanently altering the natural shape of the hair.

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: Methods for preparing hair relaxer compositions which comprise a lithium salt and an alkaline earth hydroxide, wherein the lithium salt is in molar excess to the alkaline earth hydroxide. Compositions, kits containing the compositions, and methods for using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The aqueous-alcoholic hair treatment composition contains 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of one or more film-forming ionic, anionic and/or amphoteric polymer; 0.1 to 9 percent by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactant; 0.1 to 40 percent by weight of one or more alcohol having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and 0.01 to 2.0 percent by weight of one or more organic acid. The aqueous-alcoholic hair treatment composition is also free of cationic surfactants. The aqueous-alcoholic hair treatment composition can be used as a permanent wave pre-treatment agent for treating hair prior to winding the hair on permanent wave curlers.

Abstract: A single formula, mild permanent wave reducing composition and method of permanently waving or reshaping human hair that provides a strong, long lasting curl and leaves the hair soft while minimizing further damage to already damaged hair. The composition contains a cysteamine reducing agent compound selected from the group consisting of cysteamine, a cysteamine salt, and mixtures thereof. The cysteamine compound should be present in an amount of at least about 7.8% by weight and preferably in the range of about 7.8% to about 12.5% by weight; and sufficient additional alkali, if necessary, to bring the pH of the composition to at least about 7.8 preferably about 7.8 to about 8.8. Optionally, a hair softening and/or moisturizing agent, such as glycerine is included in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the composition. The composition can be lotion or water wrapped and can be used with or without heat.

Abstract: A novel treatment process for keratinous material, in particular the hair, for the purpose of obtaining a permanent reshaping of the hair, in particular in the form of permanent-waved hair, the process being characterized in that it contains the following steps: (i) applying a reducing composition to the keratinous material to be treated, which composition contains a thiol chosen from (a) cysteine, (b) cysteamine, (c) thioglycolic acid, (d) thiolactic acid, (e) 3-mercaptopropionic acid, (f) the salts of any of (a)-(e), and (g) the esters of the acids (a) and (c)-(e); a means (rollers) for placing the keratinous material under mechanical tension being used before, during or after the application of the reducing composition; optionally, the treated keratinous material is then subjected to a thermal treatment (heating); (ii) the keratinous material thus treated is then rinsed; (iii) the keratinous material thus rinsed is then left to stand; (iv) a so-called "acidic composition" is applied to the keratinous mater

Abstract: A composition for permanently straightening and/or waving hair comprises 10-25 weight percent sodium bisulfite, 10-25 weight percent urea, and 0.1-10 weight percent morpholine. The composition is applied in a primarily aqueous solution at near neutral pH (5-8) and at tepid temperatures (35.degree.-55.degree.C.) for a period of time ranging between 10 and 30 minutes.

Abstract: The hair shaping composition for permanent shaping of hair has a pH of from 6 to 9 and contains one or more conventional cosmetic additives, which can include water; perfume oil and/or a surface active compound, and from 5 to 25 percent by weight of 2-hydroxy-3-mercaptopropionic acid and/or its salts as active keratin-reducing agent. Preferably the 2-hydroxy-3-mercaptopropionic acid and/or its salts are the only keratin-reducing components in the composition. The method for permanent shaping of hair using this hair shaping composition allows a ready and uniform shaping of the hair without allergic or sensitizing reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment process for obtaining a non-permanent reshaping of keratinous fibres, especially the setting of hair, comprising the steps of (i) contacting the fibres, which are maintained under mechanical tension and to which has been applied a composition containing at least one oil, with a gas containing water vapour, the gas having a temperature of at least 75.degree. C., for a time not exceeding 2 minutes to non-permanently reshape the fibres, (ii) cooling the fibres thus contacted, and lastly (iii) removing the mechanical tension which was applied to the fibres, in order to obtain fibres having long-lasting, attractive curls and exceptional cosmetic properties of softness and smoothness.

Abstract: A permanent wave composition having a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 comprising 10-20% by weight of a cysteamine reducing agent compound in an aqueous carrier, and a method and kit for permanent waving hair using the composition of the invention.

Abstract: A hair relaxing composition used in high alkaline conditions comprising at lease one active hair relaxer ingredient, moisturizers, emollients, and emulsifier, with polymethacrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride included in the formula.

Abstract: A single formula, mild permanent wave reducing composition and method of permanently waving or reshaping human hair that provides a strong, long lasting curl and leaves the hair soft while minimizing further damage to already damaged hair. The composition contains a cysteamine reducing agent compound selected from the group consisting of cysteamine, a cysteamine salt, and mixtures thereof; preferably alone (without a monothioglycolate; a monothioglycolic acid ester, e.g., thioglycerol; a thiolactic acid; a sulfite; a hyposulfite, or a bisulfite second reducing agent). The cysteamine compound should be present in an amount of about 7.8% to about 9.0% by weight; and sufficient additional alkali, if necessary, to bring the pH of the composition to about 7.8 to about 8.5. Optionally, a hair softening and/or moisturizing agent, such as glycerine is included in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A single formula, mild permanent wave reducing composition and method of permanently waving or reshaping human hair that provides a strong, long lasting curl and leaves the hair soft while minimizing further damage to already damaged hair. The composition contains a cysteamine reducing agent compound selected from the group consisting of cysteamine, a cysteamine salt, and mixtures thereof. The cysteamine compound should be present in an amount of at least about 7.8% by weight and preferably in the range of about 7.8% to about 12.5% by weight; and sufficient additional alkali, if necessary, to bring the pH of the composition to at least about 7.8 preferably about 7.8 to about 8.8. Optionally, a hair softening and/or moisturizing agent, such as glycerine is included in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the composition. The composition can be lotion or water wrapped and can be used with or without heat.

Abstract: Post permanent wave hair odor is reduced by treating the hair fiber with an aqueous bicarbonate/carbonate salt solution and then with an acidic aqueous solution. After allowing sufficient time for this lotion to penetrate the fiber, the acidic aqueous solution is directly applied to the fiber so that a reaction with the bicarbonate/carbonate salts occurs. This reaction results in the formation of gaseous carbon dioxide. Evolution of this gas from deep within, as well as the surface, of the fiber serves to release any trapped volatile malodorous mercaptans and byproducts.

Abstract: The process for permanent shaping of hair including the steps of treating the hair with a hair shaping agent, bringing the hair into a desired shape before and/or after treating the hair with the shaping agent, rinsing with water as needed, subjecting the hair to an oxidative aftertreatment, setting the hair to form a permanent wave and drying. To provide a permanent shaping which does not leave the hair with an unpleasant odor and is safe for the hair, the hair shaping agent consists essentially of an aqueous composition containing from 0.1 to 30% by weight of at least one Bunte-salt and from 0.5 to 30% by weight of at least one sulfite or hydrogen sulfite. The sulfites and hydrogen sulfites are selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and ammonium sulfites and hydrogen sulfites and alkanolamine salts of sulfurous acid. The Bunte-salts include various thiosulfate-containing compounds.

Abstract: A composition for treating hair comprised of a thiol compound that is a superior hair reductant and hair cosmetic, especially in terms of waving effect, odor, hair damage, texture and safety and where the thiol compound has the formula HS--(CH2)n--NH--(CH2)-m-NH2 and the n and the m are integers from 1 to 4. The composition may include the salts of the compound. The composition is useful for a method of treating hair by applying the composition to the hair; leaving the composition on the hair for a sufficient period of time, depending on the desired effect; and then removing the composition. The invention, in particular, relates to hair reductants as well as primary agents for permanent waving, pretreatment agents for hair dyeing, cosmetics for heated hair curling, cosmetics for frizzy hair and cosmetics for human hair removing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the treatment of hair. Treating compositions comprising shaping agent and a non-reducing disaccharide are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise application of the composition to the hair for permanently altering the natural shape of the hair.