HAIR COSMETIC COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING CATIONIC POLYMERS, ACRYLATE-BASED POLYMERS, GUMS, AND POLYOLS

Abstract

The instant disclosure relates to hair cosmetic compositions that impart desirable cosmetic properties to hair, in particular, curly hair. The hair cosmetic compositions typically include a nonionic gum, a cationic guar gum, a cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound, an acrylate-based polymer, a polyol and water.

Claims

1. A hair cosmetic composition comprising: (a) at least one nonionic gum; (b) at least one cationic guar gum; (c) at least one cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound; (d) at least one acrylate-based polymer; (e) at least one polyol chosen from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, pentylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3 propanediol, polyethylene glycols, caprylyl glycol, diglycerin, glycerin, and a mixture thereof and present in an amount of at least 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition; and (f) water; wherein the weight ratio of the cationic guar gum to the nonionic gum is less than 1.

2. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one nonionic gum comprises hydroxypropyl guar.

3. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one nonionic gum is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

4. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cationic guar gum comprises hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.

5. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cationic guar gum is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 2 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

6. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound is a copolymer of hydroxyethyl cellulose and of diallyldimethylammonium chloride.

7. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound comprises polyquaternium-4.

8. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

9. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one acrylate-based polymer is selected from VP/dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate copolymer, VP/VA copolymer, and a mixture thereof.

10. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one acrylate-based polymer is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

11. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one polyol is selected from butylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, glycerin, and a mixture thereof.

12. The hair cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one polyol is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

13. A hair cosmetic composition comprising: (a) at least one nonionic gum comprising hydroxypropyl guar; (b) at least one cationic guar gum comprising hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride; (c) at least one cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound selected from a copolymer of hydroxyethyl cellulose and of diallyldimethylammonium chloride; (d) at least one acrylate-based polymer selected from VP/dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate copolymer, VP/VA copolymer, and a mixture thereof; (e) at least one polyol chosen from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, pentylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3 propanediol, polyethylene glycols, caprylyl glycol, diglycerin, glycerin, and a mixture thereof and present in an amount of about 2 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition; and (f) water; wherein the weight ratio of the cationic guar gum to the nonionic gum is from about 0.01 to about 0.9.

14. A method of treating hair, the method comprising applying the composition of claim 1 to hair.

15. A method of treating hair, the method comprising applying a hair cosmetic composition comprising: (a) at least one nonionic gum; (b) at least one cationic guar gum; (c) at least one cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound; (d) at least one acrylate-based polymer; (e) at least one polyol chosen from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, pentylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3 propanediol, polyethylene glycols, caprylyl glycol, diglycerin, glycerin, and a mixture thereof and present in an amount of at least 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition; and (f) water; wherein the weight ratio of the cationic guar gum to the nonionic gum is less than 1.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one nonionic gum in the hair cosmetic composition is hydroxypropyl guar.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one nonionic gum is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one cationic guar gum in the hair cosmetic composition is hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one cationic guar gum is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 2 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound in the hair cosmetic composition is a copolymer of hydroxyethyl cellulose and of diallyldimethylammonium chloride.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound is polyquaternium-4.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one acrylate-based polymer in the hair cosmetic composition is selected from VP/dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate copolymer, VP/VA copolymer, and a mixture thereof.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one acrylate-based polymer is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

25. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one polyol in the hair cosmetic composition is selected from butylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, glycerin, and a mixture thereof.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one polyol is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair cosmetic composition.

27. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises providing to hair one or more of: shaping or styling benefits; curl definition; curl retention; long-lasting curl definition; humidity-resistant curl definition; frizz control; styling/shaping hold; long lasting or durable styling/shaping hold; smoothness; softness; natural feel; hydration; light-weight feel; or shine.

Description

EXAMPLES

[0122] The following Examples are intended to be non-restrictive and explanatory only. The ingredient amounts in the compositions/formulas described below are expressed in % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0123] Several formulas were produced having the ingredients as listed in the tables below. The balance of all formulas was water.

Example I: Compositions

[0124]

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1A Formulations INGREDIENT Invention Formulas Comparative Formulas TYPE US INCI INGRDIENT NAME A B C D E F G Gums and HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR (Nonionic) 1.6 1.5 — 1.7 1.7 0.3 0.3 other HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR 0.2 0.2 — — — — — polysaccharides HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (Cationic) XANTHAN GUM — — — — — 3 — ACACIA SENEGAL GUM — — — — — — 0.01 DEHYDROXANTHAN GUM — — — 0.1 — — 1 PECTIN — — — — — 0.4 0.4 Quaternary POLYQUATERNIUM-4 (Cationic 0.7 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.8 — — Ammonium Cellulosic Polymer) Compound CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (Cationic — — 0.3 — — — — surfactant; non-polymeric) Polymer VP/DIMETHYLAMINOETHYLMETHACRYLATE 1-2 — 0.1 — — — — COPOLYMER (Cationic Acrylate-based) VP/VA COPOLYMER (Nonionic) — 1-2 — 1.7 1.7 — — PVP (Nonionic) — — 2 — — — Polyol BUTYLENE GLYCOL AND/OR 4 6.5 4 — — 5 5 PROPYLENE GLYCOL AND/OR DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL AND/OR GLYCERIN Silicone PEG/PPG-22/24 DIMETHICONE — — 0.5 — — — — Additives - CALCIUM CARBONATE AND — — — — — 11.0 11.0 fillers, sugars, HYDROGENATED STARCH oils, plant/fruit HYDROLYSATE extracts, fragrance, pH GLUCOSE AND/OR SUCROSE — — — — — 2 2 adjusters, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL 0.3 0.4 0.9 0.2 0.2 — — Vitamins ONE OR MORE OF FRAGRANCE, CITRIC <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 ACID, TOCOPHEROL, PLANT AND/OR FRUIT EXTRACT, PLANT/VEGETABLE OILS Preservative PRESERVATIVE(S) <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 Organic C2 TO C22 MONOALCOHOLS <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 Solvent Solvent WATER QS 100 QS 100 QS 100 QS 100 QS 100 QS 100 QS 100

[0125] Process of making the invention composition: The inventive formula was prepared according to the following procedure: [0126] 1. Add water to suitably sized beaker. Sprinkle in PQ-4. Heat to 60-65C with mixing. Mix until uniform. [0127] 2. Cool batch to 40-45C, add guar and cationic guar. Mix until uniform. [0128] 3. To the main batch at 40-45C, add following ingredients one at a time mixing well between each addition: polymer, glycol and preservatives. [0129] 4. Cool batch down to room temperature. [0130] 5. In a side beaker premelt fragrance solubilizer at 40-45C. Once completely liquefied, add fragrance and mix until clear and uniform. Add to main batch. Mix until uniform. [0131] 6. Add citric acid to adjust pH 5.3 and mix until uniform.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1B Observations and cosmetic performance Formulas from TABLE 1A Cosmetic performance or effect on hair A Soft, conditioning, holds curls, long lasting B Soft, conditioning, higher hold for more texturized hair C Not very slippery to touch, not as conditioning D Conditioning but very wetting, still soapy, crunchy E Sticky to touch, soapy on hair, crunchy F Hair feels dry on application, not slippery due to lack of PQ-4; crunchy (similar to brittleness) G Non flowy texture results to uneven application; not as conditioning because does not contain cationic guar; crunchy

[0132] Table 1B above shows that the Inventive formulas A and B imparted to hair the cosmetic attribute of softness, conditioning, curl hold or higher (greater) hold, and long lasting benefits. On the other hand, some of the Comparative formulas (C and G) were not as conditioning. Hair treated with Comparative formula C did not have enough slip and hair treated with Comparative formula G felt crunchy, an effect that may be associated with a feeling of brittleness or a coating on that breaks when the hand is passed through the hair. Hair treated with Comparative formula F felt dry to the touch, did not have enough slip and was crunchy. Hair treated with Comparative formula E felt sticky and soapy and was crunchy. Hair treated with Comparative formula F felt conditioned but it felt soapy and wet. Thus, the Inventive formulas showed the best balance between softness/conditioning and hold without imparting a crunchy feel to the hair. In addition, the inventive formulas did not impart a sticky or soapy effect on the hair.

Example II Tests to Show the Contribution of Various Ingredients in the Inventive Compositions

[0133] The formulas/compositions of the invention can be considered to be a hybrid technology that relies on a combination of different cationic materials to achieve the most commonly desired attributes amongst people with curly hair such as smoothness and moisture without losing control and hold without the crunchy feel.

[0134] Tables 2A and 2B below depict the assessed hold and moisture on the hair on heads of human volunteers treated with different combinations of various ingredients using the general composition of Formula A as the base formula for making the formulas for the tests. The test formulas were applied as leave on products on the hair, i.e., the hair was not washed or rinsed with water. Table 3 shows a summary of the information in Tables 2A and 2B based on how each of the material used in the selected combination contributed to different attributes including moisture and hold. The assessments were made by salon hair dressers.

[0135] The salon hair dressers also used different techniques to assess the product performance. The test formulas were air dried on some models and manipulation techniques like finger coils, 2 strand technique, lacer technique were performed on the hair of some models. Various techniques were employed as some people with very texturized hair used these protective hair techniques so the performance of the invention was also confirmed using these various techniques. Finger coils is when the stylists apply the product to wet hair that is sectioned and coil the hair in each section with their fingers and let it dry to achieve more defined curls. 2 strand technique is a protective hair style used by people with highly texturized hair. In this technique, the stylist sections the hair and makes braids using 2 strands of each section resulting in multiple braids. Lacer technique is similar to 2 strand braiding but it uses a foam strip along with the hair in each section. This technique is used to create more defined curls.

[0136] One or more of the following benefits to hair were observed when hair was treated with the inventive formulas: [0137] Moisturizing, softness, hold was moveable. [0138] Can be used on all curl types—tight curls need more product while less tight or looser curls need less product. [0139] Hold, shine and slip. [0140] Good hold. [0141] Once dry, the hair is not matte and product does not flake. [0142] Has good shine. [0143] Hair exhibited a little bit of positive crunch. [0144] Less drying time, better slip and hold.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2A HOLD Polymer (VP/dimethyl- Cationic amino ethylmethacrylate Guar copolymer) Combination Control ✓ x ✓ Curl Definition ✓ ✓ ✓ Frizz/Static Control ✓ x ✓ Long Lasting x ✓ ✓ Curl Regularity x ✓ ✓

[0145] Table 2A shows that when only cationic guar was present, the composition imparted control, curl definition and frizz control to hair but did not impart long lasting hold or curl regularity. When only VP/dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate copolymer was present, the composition imparted curl definition long lasting hold, and curl regularity.

[0146] When both were present, all desired hold attributes were present.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2B MOISTURE Quaternary Ammonium Compound Guar (Polyquaternium-4) Combination Smooth ✓ ✓ ✓ Soft ✓ x ✓ Slip x ✓ ✓ Bounce x ✓ ✓ Flexible ✓ x ✓

[0147] Table 2B shows that when only guar was present, the composition imparted smoothness, softness, and flexibility to hair but did not impart slip or bounce. When only polyquaternium-4 was present, the composition imparted smoothness, slip, and bounce. When both were present, all desired hold attributes were present.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3 Ingredients/Combinations Polymer (VP/dimethylamino Quaternary Ammonium Cationic ethylmethacrylate Compound Final Formula Guar Guar copolymer) (Polyquaternium-4) (Invention) Control ✓ x x x ✓ High Hold x x ✓ x ✓ Smooth x ✓ x ✓ ✓ Slip x x x ✓ ✓ Frizz Control x ✓ x x ✓ Curl Definition x ✓ ✓ x ✓ Soft ✓ x x x ✓ Flexible ✓ x x x ✓ Moisture ✓ x x x ✓

[0148] Table 3 shows a summary of Tables 2A and 2B. When all four ingredients were present, all desired hold attributes were present

Example III Tests to Show the Contribution of the Combination of the Guar Ingredients in the Inventive Compositions

[0149] Experiments conducted with different materials led the inventors to employ a combination of guar and cationic guar using the general composition of Formula A as the base formula for making the various formulas for the tests. The use of cationic guar provided the benefit of smoothness and frizz reduction. Guar was used for hold and as a viscosity modifier, giving the product the consistency it needed for ease of application. The correct ratio of the guars was discovered in order to achieve the right balance between moisture and hold in a product. Different experiments were conducted to determine the correct ratio of these guars. The ratio of the two guars was also based on sustainability scoring and performance. So various trials were made to determine the exact ratio that gives the best performance. The ratio of the 2 guars works out the best at the weight ratio of 1:8 of the cationic guar to guar.

[0150] In addition, replacing cationic guar with xanthan gum resulted in inferior performance. The use of xanthan gum made the formula too wetting and soapy. On the other hand, the guars provided good hold and smoothness. The table below depicts the results of experiments done to pick the best gums.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 4 Testing Various Guars Attributes/ Cationic xanthan Cellulose Materials Guar Guar Gum Gum Light hold High Low Low None Definition Medium Low None Low Tack Low Low None High Smooth/Slip Low High Medium None Frizz Reduction None High Medium Low Soapy None Low High None Wetting Medium Low High Low Viscosity Medium Low High Low

[0151] From the above results it is very evident that the guars provided better attributes as compared to Xanthan Gum and Cellulose Gum.

[0152] A. Salon Test—Testing Different Gum Combinations

[0153] In a salon test, Comparative Formula D which contains guar, PQ-4, VP/VA copolymer, and dehydroxanthan gum was tested against another comparative, a commercial product benchmark. The commercial benchmark contained: Water, Horsetail, Chamomile, Nettle, Marshmallow, Aloe Vera Juice, Plant Extract, Vitamin, Pectin, Preservative(s), and Fragrance.

[0154] Formula D did not contain a cationic guar. The commercial product is a gel that the manufacturer claims to provide good curl definition and length. The two formulas were tested on hair on the head of human volunteers in a half head study. Each product was applied on the hair on each half of the head (left and right sides) and the hair was assessed. The treated hair on some of the volunteers were also deconstructed (unbraided or loosened) and assessed.

[0155] The first observation during application of the products showed that the Formula D on the left side was easy to apply and had some detangling properties but it was also very wetting and soapy on the hair. The comparative commercial product, which was applied to the right side of the head was hard to distribute and more product than Formula D was required to adequately cover the hair. Upon drying, the hair treated with the comparative commercial product exhibited more clumping while the hair treated with Formula D showed even distribution. On deconstruction, the final look of the hair for each side showed that Formula D provided good curl definition, light hold, no frizz and a moisturized feel. The comparative commercial product did not provide sufficient shape control and frizz control. Deconstruction means that curls are pulled apart to create a more natural look.

[0156] From these results, it was concluded that while Formula D performed much better on hair compared to the commercial product, the use of dehydroxanthan gum made the application on hair too wetting and soapy. Also, the shaping/styling hold was not long lasting. When dehydroxanthan gum was replaced with a cationic guar, hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, the resulting formula did not have a wetting and soapy effect during application on hair.

[0157] B. Salon Test

[0158] In another salon test, the inventive formula A was tested on curly hair. It was observed that the invention provided instant curls and curl definition, a good level of hold and control, long lasting performance (over two days), frizz control, shine, and does not leave hair crunchy.

[0159] Formulas A and B were also tested against the comparative, commercial product benchmark on hair on the head of human volunteers in a half head study. Each product was applied on the hair on each half of the head (left and right sides) and the hair was assessed. The treated hair was also deconstructed (unbraided or loosened) and assessed

[0160] The test shows that inventive Formula A had slip and applied smoothly. On the other hand, the comparative product required more product for application and made the ends of the hair sticky. Upon deconstructing the hair, the hair treated with the invention formula had no frizz, had sealed ends, was more disciplined, had more curl definition and control and the hair looked fuller. On the other hand, the hair treated with the comparative formula was frizzy, had open ends and low control of shape.

[0161] Similar results were obtained for inventive Formula B.

Example IV Tests to Show the Contribution of Polymers in the Inventive Compositions

[0162] Experiments were conducted using different polymers and different combinations of ingredients in the test formulas.

[0163] In a salon test, Formula C, a comparative formula containing PQ-4, and VP/VA copolymer was tested against another comparative, a commercial product benchmark. Formula C did not contain a hydroxypropyl guar nor a cationic guar, hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. The commercial benchmark contained: Water, Horsetail, Chamomile, Nettle, Marshmallow, Aloe Vera Juice, Plant Extract, Vitamin, Pectin, Preservative(s), and Fragrance. The commercial product is a gel that the manufacturer claims to provide good curl definition and length.

[0164] Below are the results. Each product was applied on the hair on each half of the head (left and right sides).

[0165] After drying the treated hair, the hair on the right side which was treated with the comparative commercial product showed that the curls were very frizzy even though more product was required as compared to the amount of Formula C that was applied to the hair on the left side. The deconstruction of the hair showed the final look of the hair after being treated with the 2 products. The hair treated with the comparative commercial product looked frizzy and had open ends, which shows a lack of curl definition. On the other hand, the hair treated with Formula C had no frizz, had sealed ends and a more disciplined look. However, the dry hair felt crunchy which led the inventors to seek a formula that produced a more flexible and less brittle coating on hair but still provided very good shaping/styling hold.

[0166] Thus, different polymers were used to test the degree of the hold provided by the various formulas while not losing the soft smooth touch and not creating a crunchy coating on hair. Below is the table depicting the results of the polymer study. A solution was made using each polymer at 8% to create a film of the solution which was air dried before observation.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 5 Testing Various Fixing Polymers VP/dimethylamino AMP-Acrylates VP/VA ATTRIBUTES/ ethylmethacrylate allyl/methacrylate PVP copolymer POLYMERS copolymer (Cationic) copolymer(Anionic) (Nonionic) (Nonionic) FLExIBLE ✓ x x ✓ STRETCHABLE ✓ x x x BRITTLE x x ✓ x

[0167] The above results show that VP/dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate copolymer exhibited favorable attributes for both flexibility and stretchability, thereby indicating that this polymer had the best potential to be combined with the guar gums and cationic cellulose-based compound. VP/VA copolymer also tested favorable for forming a flexible film.

[0168] Thus, in order to reduce the brittleness of the film formed by the polymer on hair, it was discovered by the inventors that the use of one or two lighter humectants, especially glycols and polyols, in the formula, helped to improve smoothness of the film and avoid flaking of the product on hair by plasticizing the film. It was thus found that the combination of polymers according to the invention produced on hair the softest film that was flexible and yet allowed the hair to hold its shape while still being very supple and free to move.

Example V Testing Various Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

[0169] It was found that polyquaternium-4 largely contributed to providing smoothness to the hair. It also made the application of the product easy and plush. When polyquaternium-4 is employed, the formula glided through the length of the hair and completely coated it to the end. This efficient film forming also helped in a uniform distribution of the product throughout the head. In comparison, the use of polyquaternium-11 (polymeric quaternary ammo N-Vinyl Pyrrolidone and dimethyl aminoethylmethacrylate) changed the viscosity of the product and the performance of the product because it felt “heavy” on the hair (weighed the hair down) and the use of Polyquaternium-7 (polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of Acrylamide and Diallyldimethyl Ammonium Chloride) made the hair appear less hydrated or moisturized (looked dry).

[0170] From all the studies and experiments illustrated above, it was concluded that the combination of guar, cationic guar, acrylates-based polymer, and cationic cellulosic quaternary ammonium compound would give the optimum performance.

TABLE-US-00008 CATIONIC CELLULOSIC COMBINATION ACRYLATES- QUATERNARY OF ALL 4 Attributes/ CATIONIC BASED AMMONIUM INGREDIENTS Materials GUAR GUAR POLYMER COMPOUND (FORMULA A) MOISTURE ✓ x x x ✓ HIGH HOLD x x ✓ x ✓ SMOOTH x x x ✓ ✓ FRIZZ CONTROL x ✓ x x ✓

Example VI Comparative Testing

[0171] A. Comparative Test

[0172] The invention Formula B from Table 1 was tested by stylists against comparative Formula E from Table 1. Formula E contains only one gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum. The two formulas were tested on the hair of 2 models (volunteers).

[0173] Formula E had a higher amount of residue on the hair.

[0174] Formula B dried faster, maintained better shape memory, felt smoother, was more moisturized, appeared to have slightly more volume, had more body, provided a more densifying effect, was more lightweight, had slightly more root-lift, was more individualized, provided better split end seal, provided better curl definition, had slightly better frizz control, slightly better static and fly-away control, appeared to have higher shine, was softer and more supple with slight positive crunch.

[0175] B. Comparative Test

[0176] The invention Formula A in Table 1 was tested by stylists against comparative Formula F from Table 1. Formula F is a gel that uses a combination of guar and xanthan gum. The two formulas were tested on the hair of 2 models. It was observed that the invention formula provided better shape and hold while still leaving the hair bouncy and soft. On the other hand, the comparative formula did not provide as much hold or control. In addition to this, the invention formula also provided frizz control and reduction in flaking residue.

[0177] C. Comparative Test

[0178] The invention formula A was also tested against another comparative formula, Formula G in Table 1. Formula G contained a combination of Acacia Senegal gum, dehydroxanthan gum and guar. It is in the gel category and claims to have good hold.

[0179] The test formulas were applied on the hair on the head of human volunteers in a half head study. It was observed that Formula G had great hold but it was found to deposit a coating that felt hard and crunchy on the hair. On the other hand, the invention formula provided hold, flexibility, and smoothness, as well as better shaping properties, i.e., one can move the hair around while still maintain the curl definition.

[0180] The foregoing description illustrates and describes the invention. The disclosure shows and describes only the preferred embodiments but it should be understood that the invention is capable to use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concepts as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings and/or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. The embodiments described herein above are further intended to explain best modes known by applicant and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses thereof. Accordingly, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein.

[0181] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” (or “comprise,” “have,” and “include”) are used in their open, non-limiting sense. The phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention.

[0182] The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are understood to encompass the plural as well as the singular.

[0183] Thus, the term “a mixture thereof” also relates to “mixtures thereof.” Throughout the disclosure, if the term “a mixture thereof” is used, following a list of elements as shown in the following example where letters A-F represent the elements: “one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, or mixtures thereof.” The term, “a mixture thereof” does not require that the mixture include all of A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A, B, C, D, E, and F may be included). Rather, it indicates that a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F can be included. In other words, it is equivalent to the phrase “one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F.”

[0184] Likewise, the term “a salt thereof” also relates to “salts thereof.” Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, or mixtures thereof,” it indicates that that one or more of A, B, C, D, and F may be included, one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included, or a mixture of any two of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included.

[0185] The salts referred to throughout the disclosure may include salts having a counter-ion such as an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammonium counterion. This list of counterions, however, is non-limiting.

[0186] The expression “one or more” means “at least one” and thus includes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

[0187] The term “plurality” means “more than one” or “two or more.”

[0188] The term “lasting” or “long lasting” or “durable” as used herein means that the cosmetic attribute or effect was observed up to about 30 minutes or up to about one hour or up to about two hours, or up to about three hours or up to about four hours or up to about five hours or up to about six hours or up to about seven hours or up to about eight hours or up to about 12 hours or after an overnight period from the time the composition of the present disclosure was applied to hair on the head of a person.

[0189] Some of the various categories of components identified for the hair-treatment compositions may overlap. In such cases where overlap may exist and the composition/product includes two overlapping components (or more than two overlapping components), an overlapping component does not represent more than one component.

[0190] For example, a fatty acid may be defined as both a “fatty compound” and a “surfactant/emulsifier.” If a particular composition/product includes both a fatty compound component and an emulsifier component, a single fatty acid can serve as only a fatty compound or a surfactant/emulsifier (a single fatty acid does not serve as both the fatty compound and the surfactant/emulsifier).

[0191] All percentages, parts and ratios herein are based upon the total weight of the compositions of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated.

[0192] All ranges and values disclosed herein are inclusive and combinable. For examples, any value or point described herein that falls within a range described herein can serve as a minimum or maximum value to derive a sub-range, etc. Furthermore, all ranges provided are meant to include every specific range within, and combination of sub-ranges between, the given ranges. Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically points 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as sub-ranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.; and points of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 includes ranges and sub-ranges of 1-5, 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

[0193] Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditions are understood to be modified by “about,” whether or not expressly stated. Additionally, all numbers are intended to represent exact figures as additional embodiments, whether or not modified by “about.” For example, “an amount of about 1%” includes an amount of exactly 1%. As a further example, “an amount of 1%” includes an amount of about 1%. The term “about” is generally understood to encompass a range of +/−10% from the stated number, and is intended to cover amounts of +/=1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8% , 9%, and 10%.

[0194] The term “surfactants” includes salts of the surfactants even if not explicitly stated. In other words, whenever the disclosure refers to a surfactant, it is intended that salts of the surfactant are also encompassed to the extent such salts exist, even though the specification may not specifically refer to a salt (or may not refer to a salt in every instance throughout the disclosure), for example, by using language such as “a salt thereof” or “salts thereof.” Sodium and potassium are common cations that form salts with surfactants. However, additional cations such as ammonium ions, or alkanolammonium ions such as monoethanolammonium or triethanolammonium ions, may also form salts of surfactants.

[0195] The term “substantially free” or “essentially free” as used herein means the specific material may be present in small amounts that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. For instance, there may be less than 2% by weight of a specific material added to a composition, based on the total weight of the compositions (provided that an amount of less than 2% by weight does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Similarly, the compositions may include less than 2 wt %, less than 1.5 wt %, less than 1 wt %, less than 0.5 wt %, less than 0.1 wt %, less than 0.05 wt %, or less than 0.01 wt %, or none of the specified material. Furthermore, all components that are positively set forth in the instant disclosure may be negatively excluded from the claims, e.g., a claimed composition may be “free,” “essentially free” (or “substantially free”) of one or more components that are positively set forth in the instant disclosure.

[0196] The term “substantially free” or “essentially free” as used herein may also mean that the specific material is not added to the composition but may still be present in a raw material that is included in the composition.

[0197] All publications and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference, and for any and all purposes, as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In the event of an inconsistency between the present disclosure and any publications or patent application incorporated herein by reference, the present disclosure controls.