Made by nature, styled by you

Styling polymers are products which, when applied, form a thin film over the surface of the hair, causing adjacent strands to be attracted to one another through capillary forces. These forces hold the hair together until they are broken by washing or combing. Styling polymers are used in hair sprays, setting or styling gels, waxes and other styling aids.

Trends in the global hair styling market include the customisation of products and the use of natural ingredients in on-the-go hair styling products. Globally, the hair fixative market is showing a clear trend towards natural alternatives over the commonly used styling polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). This trend is expected to continue to grow exponentially over the next few years, as consumers become more aware of the ingredients incorporated in the products they buy, and the origin thereof. Concerns associated with PVP include flaking in dry conditions and tackiness in hot, humid conditions, leading to a dull appearance of the hair.

MaizeCare’s benefits in hair styling applications:

• improved curl retention

• frizz control

• style durability

• maintains humidity resistance

• enhances volume

• provides sebum absorption.

Hair stiffness analysis by Dia-Stron. Comparable stiffness is noted between MaizeCare Style and PVP, as well as increased stiffness as a function of polymer loading

MaizeCare versus PVP

MaizeCare has undergone extensive performance testing in various formulations. It was compared to PVP in a styling gel formulation at various percentages. A hair stiffness analysis was done, which showed that the stiffness between MaizeCare and PVP was comparable.

When comparing humidity resistance, MaizeCare showed to be superior to PVP, with significant increased curl retention as a function of polymer loading.

MaizeCare can be used in waxes, styling creams, gels and sprays. Featured in Table 1, Maizecare is used in a sprayable format which delivers exceptional performance.

MaizeCare Style exhibits superior humidity resistance to PVP

In testing, the Tame Me Turmeric spray was compared to a commercial benchmark containing maltodextrin/ VP copolymer. A dry combing test was also performed, comparing the spray formulation to a control containing no Dowsil CE-8411 and a commercial benchmark. An Instron tensile instrument was used during the test and the results showed a 67% improvement in dry combing with the Tame Me Turmeric spray compared with the commercial benchmark.

A half-head test was also analysed. A total of 0.75g of the spray and a commercial benchmark were applied to oily, damp hair. The panellist reported easier combing and detangling with the Tame Me Turmeric spray, with more overall volume and less fly-aways. •

Before treatment

After treatment

Panellist reported easier combing and detangling with Tame Me Turmeric compared to the commercial benchmark

AECI Specialty Chemicals – Karen.meyer@aeciworld.com