WO2014037906A1

WO2014037906A1 - Hair product

Info

Publication number: WO2014037906A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/058335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elzette WESSELS
Original assignee: Design Nutrition And Aesthetics Products (Pty) Limited
Priority date: 2012-09-06
Filing date: 2013-09-06
Publication date: 2014-03-13

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair product. The hair product consists of a leave-in aerated cleanser that at least partially sheathes at least one hair shaft, the cleanser simultaneously and synergistically absorbing sebum from the surface of the hair shaft and providing a volumising effect and an applicator for applying the cleanser to the hair. The leave in aerated cleanser is a protein-based cleanser and more specifically an albumin cleanser. The albumin utilised in the manufacture of the hair product is typically egg-white derived albumin. In addition to the cleansing effect exhibited by the hair product the aerated cleanser, once applied to the at least one hair shaft, also functions to shield keratin fibres in the at least one hair shaft from external damage which may be caused by heat or by exposure to the elements. Furthermore, the hair product also imparts a conditioning effect to the hair shaft surface. The hair product may contain at least one additional agent. The additional agent being selected from the group including: preservative agents, cosmetic agents, fragrance agents, medicaments, conditioning agents, moisturizing agents and colouring agents.

Description

HAIR PRODUCT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a hair product. More particularly, the invention relates to a leave-in hair product and, in particular, the invention relates to a leave-in hair care product and volumiser.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A variety of hair products are known in the market. These products are used for a variety of functions including; styling hair, cleaning hair, dyeing hair and conditioning hair. Furthermore, these products can be formulated as sprays, powders, mousses, creams and gels, for application to the hair.

Hair care products, particularly dry shampoos, are well known and function to absorb excessive sebum from the hair, without the concomitant need to lather the product with water, as with a conventional shampoo. Dry shampoos are typically powder-based products of starch, activated carbon, alumina, silica, clay or talc which is applied to dry hair and functions to physically absorb excess sebum before being brushed out of the hair. The use of cocoa powder and carob powder as the powder-base in a dry hair shampoo intended for the treatment and cleansing of dark hair is also disclosed. Due to the fact that dry shampoos absorb excess sebum from the hair, the effect of the application of such a shampoo is similar to the effect seen after washing with a conventional shampoo, in that the hair appears oil free and therefore cleaner. Dry shampoos are appealing to consumers, since the application of a product of this nature is much less time consuming than washing your hair in the conventional manner. Such dry shampoos are particularly appealing to consumers who have oily hair that would ordinarily require washing on a very frequent basis, or those who are unable to wash their hair, given their particular circumstances, for example, campers, travellers and hospital patients.

Due to the fact that the known dry shampoos are powder-based products, it is clear that when these products are applied to the hair, powder particles intersperse between the hair follicles and cling to the hair shafts from which excess sebum is absorbed, with the powder particles thereafter being removed from the hair by vigorous brushing. Making particular reference to silica based dry hair shampoos; these powders are heavy and may place strain upon the hair follicles which can lead to the breakage thereof, which is exacerbated by the need to vigorously brush the dry hair shampoo out of the hair. Furthermore, in addition to the disadvantages described above, the powder based products cling to the hair when applied but are later brushed out, and hence in no manner serve to sheathe or protect the hair shafts to which they are applied.

The currently known dry hair shampoos are purely hair care products that function as cleansing agents. These products are not intended to remain in the hair and hence are unable to simultaneously and synergistically act as styling and/or volumising agents. This is a disadvantage since a user is forced to use the dry hair shampoo to cleanse their hair and then they must apply a second product to create the volumising effect and to style their hair. Additional products must also be applied to create cosmetic effects, such as hair glitter or hair shimmer, within the hair. Therefore it would be an advantage to provide for a dry hair shampoo that remains in the user's hair, acting both to absorb excess sebum and to provide volumizing, styling, conditioning and/or additional cosmetic benefits. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair product that, at least in part, obviates the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there may be provided a hair product including a leave-in aerated cleanser that at least partially sheathes at least one hair shaft, the cleanser simultaneously and synergistically absorbing sebum from the surface of the hair shaft and providing a volumising effect and an applicator for applying the cleanser to the hair.

There may also be provided that the leave-in aerated cleanser is a protein-based cleanser and, in particular, an albumin cleanser.

There may further be provided that the albumin cleanser is an egg-white derived albumin cleanser.

There may also be provided that the aerated cleanser once applied to the at least one hair shaft may also function to shield keratin fibres in the at least one hair shaft from external damage which may be caused by heat, alternatively by exposure to the elements.

There may also be provided that the aerated cleanser imparts a conditioning effect to the hair shaft surface upon application.

There may also be provided that the applicator is an applicator that facilitates the aerosoiization of the cleanser, in particular there may also be provided that the applicator contains a propellant which aerosolizes the cleanser, thereby facilitating its application on to the at least one hair shaft. Alternatively there may be provided that the applicator is a manual applicator, whereby a user dispenses the containerised cleanser and applies the cleanser to the at least one hair shaft manually.

The invention may further provide for the inclusion of at least one preservative agent, alternatively a cosmetic agent, alternatively a fragrance agent, alternatively a medicament, alternatively a conditioning agent, alternatively a moisturizing agent, further alternatively a colouring agent, still further alternatively a combination of any two or more of the aforementioned.

There may further be provided that the cosmetic agent may be a shimmer agent.

There may further be provided that the medicament is an anti-parasitic or antifungal medicament, in particular, an anti-parasitic medicament for use in the treatment of lice infestations, alternatively an antifungal medicament for use in the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp.

There may also be provided that the hair product may be incorporated into a preparation for application to at least one hair shaft. The preparation may be selected from the group including a gel preparation, a liquid preparation, a mousse and a hair wipe.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there may be provided a formulation for use in the manufacture of the hair product, described above. The formulation comprising between 20 % and 30 % (w/v) protein-based cleanser, 1 % (v/v) preservative, between 0.5 % and 1 % (v/v) fragrance agents, the protein-based cleanser, the preservative and the fragrance agents being dissolved in a liquid carrier of between 30% and 70% (v/v).

There is also provided that the formulation may have between 46% to 49% (v/v) propellant included therein upon containerization of the formulation. There is further provided that the protein-based cleanser may be an albumin cleanser, more particularly an egg-white derived albumin cleanser, that the liquid carrier may be water and that the propellant may be butane.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing the hair product described above. The method may include mixing a liquid carrier with a preservative and fragrance agent and dissolving a protein-based cleanser into this mixture.

There may also be provided that the liquid carrier is mixed with between 1 % to 2% (v/v) preservative and 1 % (v/v) fragrance agent, the mixture having 30% (w/v) protein-based cleanser dissolved therein.

There may also be provided that the liquid carrier is water and that the protein- based cleanser is an egg-white derived albumin cleanser.

There may also be provided that 30% (v/v) liquid carrier is utilised and a propellant of between 46 % and 49 % (v/v) is added to the containerised hair product the propellant functioning, in use, to aerosolize the hair product thereby facilitating its application. In an alternative embodiment there may be provided that between 68 % and 70% liquid carrier is utilised in preparing the hair product the aforementioned hair product being indicated for manual application.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a hair product having a medicament incorporated therein as contemplated above, for use in the treatment of lice infestations, alternatively fungal infections of the scalp.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention there may be provided a medicament for use in the manufacture of the hair product contemplated above, the hair product being indicated in the treatment of lice infestations where the incorporated medicament is indicated in the treatment of lice infestations, alternatively in the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp where the incorporated medicament is indicated in the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention there may be provided a method of treating lice infestations, the method including applying the hair product having a medicament incorporated therein, as contemplated above, to the hair of a person suffering from a lice infestation, alternatively where the medicament incorporated therein is indicated for the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp applying the hair product to the scalp of a person suffering from a fungal infection of the scalp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a single shaft of hair; and

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hair product in accordance with the invention, in use, in comparison to hair products of the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of additional background, Figure 1 details the structure of hair. Hair is a filamentous biomaterial, more particularly a protein-based biomaterial and in particular an a-keratin, growing from cells found in the dermis of humans and mammals. Structurally, a hair shaft is made up of three distinct regions, as illustrated in Figure 1 , namely, the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla. The cuticle consists of several layers of flat thin cells which overlap each other. The cortex contains the keratin bundles and the medulla is a disorganised and open area at the fibre^'s centre. Hair is primarily a dead cell structure, the only region of the hair containing living cells being the hair follicle. Due to the fact that hair is made up of dead cells it cannot be repaired on the cellular level when damaged and hence the advent of a variety of hair care products to minimise damage and to assist in the cleansing of hair.

The sebaceous gland is located in the area of the hair follicle and this gland is responsible for producing sebum which lubricates the hair shaft. Sebum is an oil based substance which lubricates the hair but also attracts atmospheric pollutants and other substances, these substances causing the hair to become dirty and to require washing. Furthermore, the production of excess sebum can cause the hair to appear oily and such excess sebum is usually removed by washing the hair with a detergent-based shampoo or treating the hair with a dry shampoo which absorbs the excess oil and which is then brushed out of the hair.

Turning to the subject matter as given in the first aspect of the invention and making particular reference to Figure 2. The first aspect of the invention provides for a hair product that consists of a leave-in aerated cleanser that at least partially sheathes at least one hair shaft, the cleanser simultaneously and synergistically absorbing sebum from the surface of the hair shaft and providing a volumising effect and an applicator for applying the cleanser to the hair. The cleanser is a protein-based cleanser and more particularly an albumin-based cleanser, the albumin being obtained from egg whites, although it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other sources of the protein albumin or other proteins which have properties similar to albumin may be employed in the manufacture of the hair product.

The cleanser functions in a manner similar to a dry shampoo. Figure 2A shows the dry shampoo of the prior art, in use, while Figure 2B shows the cleanser, in use. The dry shampoos of the prior art consist of powder particles (1 ) which intersperse between the hair shafts (5) and cling to the cuticle of the hair shaft. These particles (1 ) absorb excess oil from the surface of the hair shaft and from the scalp, thereby causing the hair to appear less oily. However, these particles are relatively heavy, making particular reference to silica powder or starch-based products, which when are applied, may create strain on the surface of the hair shafts which can lead to breaking and damage which is exacerbated by the vigorous brushing that is required to remove the dry shampoo from the hair. The prior art dry shampoos are produced and sold in either a powder form which is manually applied to the hair or alternatively they are produced in a spray form, such that the powder is aerosolized and can be applied to the surface of the hair much like hair spray. There is a significant disadvantage associated with the spray version of the prior art dry shampoos, since these allow for a user to inhale potentially noxious chemicals, such as silica, when applying the product to their hair.

Referring to Figure 2B, the cleanser functions both as a dry shampoo and as a volumising agent. In use, the albumin forms a sheath (3) around at least part of the cuticle of the hair shaft (5) as the albumin dries. When the hair product is optimally applied it takes approximately three minutes for the albumin to dry. This sheath (3) remains on the hair shaft until it is subsequently washed out, hence the cleanser being intended to remain in the hair unlike the dry shampoos of the prior art. The sheath is multi-functional in that the albumin functions to absorb the excess sebum from the surface of the hair shaft, thereby resulting in a less oily appearance. Synergistically and simultaneously, the physical sheathing of the hair shafts causes the volumising effect, which makes the hair appear as if it has more body. This physical sheathing of the cuticle also protects the outside of the hair shaft from damage to the keratin (located in the cortex layer) associated with the application of heat to the hair surface or with the exposure of the hair to the elements. It is also accepted that the albumin has a conditioning effect. It is damage to the cortex that results in the development of split ends which, due to the fact that hair cells are dead, cannot be remedied by treatment and can only be removed by cutting off the affected portions of the hair. When compared to the dry shampoos of the prior art, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the cleanser is intended to be a hair product that remains in the hair and is not brushed out. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the albumin that sheathes the hair is significantly lighter than the powder particles of the prior art dry shampoos, thereby causing significantly less strain to be placed on the hair and hence minimising hair breakage, and in contrast with heavier particles in prior art dry shampoos, contributing to hair volume.

The hair product may be a gel product, alternatively a liquid product, further alternatively a mousse or still further alternatively a hair wipe. It is envisaged that the product will be containerised and will be applied by a user either manually, where a user is required to apply the product to their hands and subsequently massage or comb it into their hair, or in a spray format, such as an aerosolised mousse or foam or by means of a spritzer device. Where a spray format is used it is envisaged that a propellant, such as butane, will be used to aerosolize the hair product. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other propellants may also be used. Albumin is non-noxious and hence, when aerosolised, the hair product will not cause the potential health risks that are associated with the inhalation of the silica spray products of the prior art.

In a preferred example embodiment of the spray form of the hair product, it is envisaged that the hair product will be manufactured by including two egg whites with sufficient propellant to aerosolize the hair product in a 100 ml container having an actuator designed so as to facilitate the dispensing of the product. As detailed above it is clear that additional agents may also be added to the product prior to its containerization.

It is envisaged that the hair product may include at least one preservative agent to increase the shelf life of the cleanser. It is envisaged that preservatives, such as, sodium chloride or potassium sorbate may be used, but it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a variety of different preservatives could be used. Furthermore, it is also envisaged that the hair product may also include a cosmetic agent, for example a shimmer agent, which will, like a shimmer spray, cause the hair to shimmer upon application. The shimmer in the hair will be associated with the adherence of the albumin to the cuticle and the sheathing of the hair shafts. In a similar manner it is envisaged that colouring agents may be included in the hair product so as to provide with a temporary dyeing of the hair upon application, the dye like the shimmer being associated with the adherence of the albumin to the cuticle and the sheathing of the hair shafts. The first aspect of the invention also contemplates the addition of a fragrance to the hair product which will scent the hair upon application. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a variety of combinations of the abovementioned agents is possible when manufacturing such a hair product.

The first aspect of the invention also envisages a hair product that may have dual application as a cleanser/volumiser and a medicament, by the addition of a medicament to the hair product. It is envisaged that anti-parasitic agents and/or antifungal agents may be added to the hair product with the intention of treating head lice or fungal infections while simultaneously and synergistically cleansing and volumising the hair.

The second aspect of the invention refers to a formulation utilised in the manufacture of the hair product, described above. The formulation consisting of between 20 % and 30 % (w/v) protein-based cleanser, 1 % (v/v) preservative, between 0.5 % and 1 % (v/v) fragrance agents, the protein-based cleanser, the preservative and the fragrance agents being dissolved in a liquid carrier of 30% to 70% (v/v). The formulation may also include a propellant between 46% to 49% (v/v) which propellant is included in the formulation after the containerization of the formulation. The protein-based cleanser is generally an albumin-based cleanser, more specifically an egg-white derived albumin cleanser. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other sources of the protein albumin or other proteins which have properties similar to albumin may be employed as the protein-based cleanser compound in the formulation. Furthermore, the propeilant is generally butane and more specifically butane gas. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other suitable propellants can also be utilised.

The third aspect of the invention refers to a method of manufacturing the hair product described above. The method including mixing a liquid carrier with a preservative and fragrance agent and dissolving a protein-based cleanser into this mixture. The percentages of the compounds included in the hair product will vary dependant on the type of product manufactured, be it an aerosolized product or alternatively a product indicated for manual application. In the instance that an aerosolized hair product is desired between about 1 % to about 2% (v/v) preservative and about 1 % (v/v) fragrance agent is mixed with about 30% (v/v) water and about 30% (w/v) egg-white derived albumin powder is dissolved in the mixture. This mixture is containerised and between about 46 % to 49 % (v/v) propeilant, more specifically butane, is added to the containerised mixture to produce the final hair product. The propeilant functions to aerosolize the mixture which facilitates the application of the hair product.

Where the product is manufactured as a product for manual application between about 1 % to about 2% (v/v) preservative and about 1 % (v/v) fragrance agent is mixed with about 68% to 70% (v/v) water and about 30% (w/v) egg-white derived albumin powder which albumin powder is dissolved in the mixture. This product maybe packaged in sachets or together with hair wipes and this product is indicated for manual application to the hair by a user. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the composition of the formulation may vary and furthermore that this composition may need to be adjusted to facilitate the manufacture of hair products in different preparation formats for example the exact composition for a gel preparation may differ from the composition for an aerosolized formulation. 1.2

The hair product and the formulation utilised in the hair product, as deait with in the second aspect of the invention, are manufactured at standard ambient temperature and pressure. Standard ambient temperature and pressure is defined by 25°C and 0.987 atmospheres.

The fourth aspect of the invention refers to a hair product, such as the hair product described above having reference to the first aspect of the invention, having a medicament incorporated therein for use in the treatment of lice infestations or alternatively for the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp.

The fifth aspect of the invention refers to a medicament for use in the manufacture of a hair product such as the hair product contemplated above having reference to the first aspect of the invention. Such medicament being indicated for the treatment of lice infestations or alternatively in the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp.

The sixth aspect of the invention provides for a method of treating lice infestations, the method including applying the hair product having a medicament incorporated therein, as contemplated above, to the hair of a person suffering from a lice infestation, alternatively where the medicament incorporated therein is indicated for the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp applying the hair product to the scalp of a person suffering from a fungal infection of the scalp.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the current description is by no means an exhaustive account of all embodiments falling within the spirit of the invention as described herein and that, as such, the invention should not be limited to the few examples contained in the description.

Claims

A hair product comprising: a leave-in aerated cleanser that at least partially sheathes at least one hair shaft, the cleanser simultaneously and synergistically absorbing sebum from the surface of the hair shaft and providing a volumising effect; and an applicator for applying the cleanser to the hair.

The hair product, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the leave-in aerated cleanser is a protein-based cleanser.

The hair product, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protein-based cleanser is an albumin cleanser.

The hair product, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the albumin cleanser is an egg-white derived albumin cleanser.

The hair product, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the aerated cleanser, once applied to the at least one hair shaft, also functions to shield keratin fibres in the at least one hair shaft from external damage which may be caused by heat or by exposure to the elements.

The hair product, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the aerated cleanser, once applied to the at least one hair shaft, imparts a conditioning effect to the hair shaft surface.

The hair product, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the applicator applicator that facilitates the aerosolization of the cleanser thereby facilitating its application on to the at least one hair shaft.

8. The hair product, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the applicator contains a propellant which aerosolizes the cleanser, thereby facilitating its application on to the at least one hair shaft.

9. The hair product, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the applicator is a manual applicator, whereby a user dispenses the containerised cleanser and applies the cleanser to the at least one hair shaft.

10. The hair product, as claimed in claim 1 , the hair product including at least one additional agent, the at least one additional agent being selected from the group including: preservative agents, cosmetic agents, fragrance agents, medicaments, conditioning agents, moisturizing agents and colouring agents.

1 1. The hair product, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cosmetic agent is an agent that provides for a shimmer effect.

12. The hair product, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the medicament is an antiparasitic medicament.

13. The hair product, as claimed in claim 12, wherein the anti-parasitic medicament is utilized in the manufacture of the hair product, the hair product being indicated for use in the treatment of lice infestations.

14. The hair product, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the medicament is an antifungal medicament.

15. The hair product, as claimed in claim 14 wherein the antifungal medicament is utilized in the manufacture of the hair product, the hair product being indicated for use in the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp.

16. The hair product, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hair product is incorporated into a preparation for application to at least one hair shaft, the preparation being selected from the group including: a gel preparation, a liquid preparation, a mousse and a hair wipe.

17. A formulation for use in the manufacture of the hair product, as claimed in claim 1 , the formulation comprising between 20 % and 30 % (w/v) protein- based cleanser, 1 % (v/v) preservative, between 0.5 % and 1 % (v/v) fragrance agents the protein-based cleanser, the preservative and the fragrance agents being dissolved in a liquid carrier of 30% to 70% (v/v).

18. The formulation, as claimed in claim 17, wherein the protein-based cleanser is an albumin cleanser.

19. The formulation, as claimed in claim 18, wherein the albumin cleanser is an egg-white derived albumin cleanser.

20. The formulation, as claimed in claim 17, wherein the liquid carrier is water.

21 . The formulation, as claimed in claim 17, having between 46% to 49% (v/v) propellant included therein upon containerization of the formulation.

22. The formulation, as claimed in claim 21 wherein the propellant is butane.

23. A method of manufacturing the hair product, as claimed in claim 1 , the method comprising mixing a liquid carrier with a preservative and fragrance agent and dissolving a protein-based cleanser into this mixture.

24. The method, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the liquid carrier is mixed with between 1 % to 2% (v/v) preservative and 1 % (v/v) fragrance agent, the mixture having 30% (w/v) protein-based cleanser dissolved therein.

25. The method, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the liquid carrier is water.

26. The method, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the protein-based cleanser is an egg-white derived albumin cleanser.

27. The method, as claimed in claim 23, wherein 30% (v/v) liquid carrier is utilised and a propellant of between 46 % and 49 % (v/v) is added to the containerised hair product the propellant functioning, in use, to aerosolize the hair product thereby facilitating its application.

28. The method, as claimed in claim 23, wherein between 68 % and 70% liquid carrier is utilised in preparing the hair product.

29. A medicament for use in the manufacture of the hair product, as claimed in claim 10, the hair product being indicated in the treatment of lice infestations.

30. A medicament for use in the manufacture of the hair product, as claimed in claim 12, the hair product being indicated in the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp.

31 . A method of treating lice infestations, the method comprising applying the hair product having a medicament incorporated therein, as claimed in claim 12, to the hair of a person suffering from a lice infestation.

32. A method of treating fungal infections of the scalp, the method comprising applying the hair product having a medicament incorporated therein, as claimed in claim 14, to the scalp of a person suffering from a fungal infection of the scalp.