Polymers and Polymer Chemistry in Hair Products

Over the past several years, the use of silicone polymers in two-in-one shampoos has become increasingly important commercially. Several different types of silicone polymers have been introduced into the cosmetic industry in the past decade. As a result, a new section summarizing the literature on silicone polymers has been added to this chapter. Because of environmental concerns, a great deal of research has taken place to develop polymers that release water more readily. The goal is to provide polymers that are more compatible with water with the purpose of developing spray products that can be formulated with lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and as a consequence more water. The driving force at this time has become the standards proposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that has proposed that the maximum allowable VOC emissions for hairsprays be 

55% first proposed for January 1,1998, and later extended to June 1,1999 

Companies that find creative distribution can market hairsprays with 55% VOC in California and 80% VOC in the rest of the United States. When this is not feasible, creative formulation and science is necessary to market 55% VOC hairsprays. VOCs in hairsprays in the United States have become an issue, even though hydrocarbon propellants with ethanol solvent are commonly used in Europe and other parts of the world. Thus, the section on hairsprays has been expanded to summarize issues and concerns created by this regulation and to describe how these are being addressed. Other 

The following areas are of special relevance to the application of polymers in hair products  

The binding interactions of polymers to hair The chemical nature of polymers used in hair products In situ polymerization reaction mechanisms Rheological or flow properties of polymer solutions Film formation and adhesional properties of polymers 

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