Hair Science: August 2008 Archives

I recently created a channel on YouTube, so from now on, please be sure to check here and my YouTube channel for new videos. Here are a few YouTube clips from the latest FiberGuard Bridge Conditioning Serum DVD:

Chapter 1:

Here's a paper I helped author back in 1998 regarding recent advances in the treatment of excessively curly hair. While I know that 1998 was ten years ago, the paper contains good content regarding the history of relaxers as well as how modern-day relaxers work.

Recent Advances in Treating Excessively Curly Hair

Cationic polyamines and starch hydrolysates

Ali N. Syed, Hasan Ayoub and Anna Kuhajda

Avlon Industries Inc., Bedford Park, IL USA

In literature, innovation is defined as the initiation or adoption of new products, processes or ideas by organizations. Such innovations have taken place in the care of excessively curly hair. These developments did not catch the attention of the masses in the US because a relatively small segment of the population possesses curly hair. On a worldwide scale, however, the number becomes larger when we include individuals from Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, Asia and North America, According to some estimates, this segment with excessively curly hair has grown to equal a $1.5 billion (US) industry.

A History

Before discussing the history of the curly hair-care industry, it is necessary to understand the nature of excessively curly hair. Compared to straight hair, excessively curly hair is like a twisted ribbon in terms of its physical configuration. It is difficult to comb both in its wet and dry states, is hard to style and is highly unmanageable. More fragile than straight hair, excessively curly hair breaks more readily upon stretching, excessive combing and brushing. Thus, excessively curly hair requires special handling and specially formulated products that are different from Caucasian hair-care formulas.

I know the taboo in the industry, that relaxing and coloring on the same day is a big no-no, but we at Avlon aren't worried about what can't be done; we are focused on bringing professional stylists new possibilities and new solutions.

Our hottest and latest solution, the FiberGuard Bridge Conditioning Serum will enable stylists to relax and color the same day when using the serum with a FiberGuard relaxer system and our MoisturColor permanent color system. I'd say over 20 years of research have gone into the creation of this tiny yet potent product.

Since you've had ample time to study my slides, I think it is time for a quiz.

The first person to answer correctly in the comments section will receive a free 8 oz. KeraCare Intensive Restorative Masque.

Now for the question:

During the relaxing process, what percentage range does the hair fiber swell upto and what does this swelling cause? (Hint: check slides 26 - 46 on the Hair Damage presentation)

Please be sure to leave your email address with your response so that I can contact you in the event that you answer correctly.