Enthusiasts of hair color and styling aids like curling tongs or straightening irons can now get added protection through innovative silicone solutions from Dow Corning.
Hair damage can be caused in so many different ways that conditioning is no longer considered enough. Damage can be caused by repeated chemical exposure, such as hair perming, straightening and coloring. It can also be caused by physical damage such as repeated use of heat appliances like curling or straightening irons or hair dryers. Frictional forces from daily combing and styling also take their toll on hair.
"Consumers are now increasingly looking for products that go beyond conditioning (PDF size = 606 KB) to help repair the damage caused by these treatments and maintain the beauty of their hair", said Beth Johnson, associate industry scientist and global hair care technology leader for Dow Corning. "We are working closely with our customers to develop several innovative silicone solutions that help repair and protect hair from everyday damage".
Some of the silicone materials that Dow Corning has developed for use in hair care products are Dow Corning CE 8401 Emulsion, Dow Corning AP-8087 Fluid, Dow Corning 2-8566 Amino Fluid, and Dow Corning 5-7113 Silicone Quat Microemulsion. With their excellent spreading properties, these silicones deposit on the hair shaft to offer protection in several ways.
- Color protection: Specialty silicones can help protect color-treated hair from discoloration and fading, when used in rinse-off or leave-in conditioners.
- Protection from heat: Silicones conduct heat very slowly, and hence can help minimize the damage caused due to over-use of curling irons and blow dryers. In addition, silicones also help reduce moisture loss and make the hair cuticle lay flat, giving hair a smoother, softer and healthier appearance.
- Enhanced hair strength: Silicones also help seal the hair cuticle. They can enhance the strength of hair, making hair less prone to damage and breakage. Silicones can also protect the hair cuticle from damage associated with daily combing and styling.