WO2023287973A1

WO2023287973A1 - Plant based hair fibers

Info

Publication number: WO2023287973A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/037112
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mary Ellen MOORE; Ashley Nicole DAVIS
Original assignee: Aja Labs, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-07-14
Filing date: 2022-07-14
Publication date: 2023-01-19

Abstract

Provided herein are hair fibers and methods of making and using the same. In one aspect, provided herein are hair fibers that comprise a core fiber (e.g., cellulosic core fiber), an outer coating, and a nourishing component. The nourishing component can be added to a hair fiber in a carrier vehicle comprising particles.

Description

PLANT BASED HAIR FIBERS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/221,756, filed on July 14, 2021 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Hair extensions are a part of daily life for many women around the globe. However, the materials and processes to mass produce such fibers can cause skin toxicity for the wearer, plastic pollution in the environment, and human exploitation of the laborers who produce these hair extensions. The inventors here recognize that there is a clear need for an environmentally sound and safer alternative for hair extensions. The present disclosure is directed to this very important objective.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, provided herein is a hair fiber comprising a core fiber, an outer coating associated with the core fiber, and a nourishing component associated with the outer coating. In one aspect, provided herein is a hair fiber comprising a cellulosic core comprising a surface modification, and an outer coating. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a surface modification affixed to the core fiber. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a material affixed to the core fiber. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a surface modification. In some embodiments, the core comprises a surface modification. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a material affixed to the cellulosic core. In some embodiments, the weight ratio between the fiber and outer coating can be about 100:1, 101:1, 105:1, 110:1, 120:1, 130:1, 140:1, 150:1, 160:1, 170:1, 180:1,

190: 1, 200: 1, or greater than about 200: 1. In some embodiments, the surface modification comprises one or more surface accessible end groups selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, acetate, acetate butyrate, carbamate, carboxylate, hydroxyl, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, ester, ether, epoxide, amine, amide, nitrate, nitrite, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, imine, azo, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfmic acid, sulfonic acid, sulfonate ester, thial, thioketone, and phosphine. In some embodiments, the surface modification comprises one or more surface accessible end groups selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, acetate, hydroxyl, acetate butyrate, ester, ether, carbamate, and carboxylate. In some embodiments, the surface modification comprises a nourishing component that can include plant extracts, alcohols, emollients, humectants, preservatives, emulsifiers, antimicrobials, stabilizers, lipids, coenzymes, amino acid derivatives, antioxidants, hydrolized proteins, proteins, polymers, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the outer coating is affixed to the fiber core by covalent bonding or mechanical adhesion to one or more of the surface accessible end groups. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core fiber is a regenerative fiber. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core comprises a plant-derived fiber. In some embodiments, the plant-derived fiber is derived from cellulose, banana, pineapple, phragmites, sisal, cotton, kapok, jute, flax, hemp, ramie, kenaf, abaca, henequen, palm, roselle, sunn, urena, cantala, maguey, phormium, seaweed, akund floss, sugar cane bagasse, fique, bamboo, coir, sunhemp, milkweed floss or floss-silk tree. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises one or more layers of the material. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises one or more layers of polymers. In some embodiments, the layers of polymers comprise modacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, nylon, siloxane, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the outer coating confers at least one human hair-like attribute selected from the group consisting of strength, thermal stability, flame retardance, sheen, texture, elasticity, smoothness, volume, and softness. In some embodiments, the outer coating further comprises a nourishing component. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises anti-microbial activity. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises one or more of an essential oil, a metal, botanical extracts, botanical oils, proteins, and peptides. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is comprised in controlled-release particle such as cyclodextrin particle, a hydrogel, a sol-gel, liposomal structures, or a halloysite nanotube. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is encapsulated in particles. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is comprised in a carrier vehicle. In some embodiments, wherein the particles comprise cyclodextrin or a hydrogel. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nourishing component is embedded within the outer coating material. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over time. In some embodiments, 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over 48 hours after the hair fiber is applied to an individual. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released in response to pH, temperature, physical manipulation, or the level of moisture or humidity. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a strength of about 115 MPa to about 315 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hair fiber is tested with a strain rate of 10^-4 s^-1. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hair fiber is tested under 20°C and 20% RH. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a strength of at least 150 MPa. In some embodiments, wherein the hair fiber maintains at least 80% of its tensile strength at 250°F, 300°F, 350°F, 400°F, or 450°F. In some embodiments, wherein the hair fiber is dyed or pigmented during fiber core processing. In some embodiments, the hair fiber is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core has a strength of 110 MPa to 1,980 MPa. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core has a strength of 115 MPa to 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core is dyed or pigmented. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray. In one aspect, a hair extension comprises the hair fiber.

[0004] In one aspect, provided herein is a wig comprises a herein described hair fiber.

[0005] In one aspect, provided herein is a hair piece comprises a herein described hair fiber.

[0006] In one aspect, provided herein is a coating for a hair fiber comprising an outer coating material and a nourishing component. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nourishing component is embedded within or associated with the outer coating material. In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more of polymers, conditioning agents, and anti-static agents. In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more conditioning agents. In some embodiments, the conditioning agents comprises cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearamidopropylamine, behenyltrimonium chloride, PPG3 caprylyl ether, polyester-11, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG- 15 cocopolyamine, glycerol, glycerin, argan oil, hydrolyzed proteins, amodimethicone, bis-aminopropyl dimethicone, dimethicone, cetyl esters, avocado oil, soybean oil, jojoba oil, macadamia oil, almond oil, olive oil, sesame oil, rose oil, shea butter, or coconut oil. In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more anti-static agents. In some embodiments, the anti-static agents comprise long chain (e.g., C9-C36 or C12-C12) aliphatic amines, long-chain (e.g., C9-C36 or Co- Co) aliphatic amides, quaternary ammonium salts, silicones, ceramides, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-static agents comprise behentrimonium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, esters of phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol esters, polyethylene glycol polyols, ethoxylated amines, glycerol monostearate, apricotamidpropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, apricotamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, lauramidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, lauramidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, oleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, oleamidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, steamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more polymers. In some embodiments, wherein the polymers comprises modacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, nylon, siloxane, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, wherein the nourishing component comprises one or more of an essential oil, a metal, botanical extracts, botanical oils, proteins, and peptides. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is comprised in controlled-release particle such as cyclodextrin particle, a hydrogel, a sol-gel, liposomal structures, or a halloysite nanotube. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over time. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released in response to pH, temperature, physical manipulation, or the level of moisture or humidity. In one aspect, a hair fiber comprises a coating and a core fiber. In some embodiments, the core fiber is a cellulosic core fiber. In some embodiments, the core fiber is a plant-derived fiber from banana, pineapple, phragmites, sisal, cotton, kapok, jute, flax, hemp, ramie, kenaf, abaca, henequen, palm, roselle, sunn, urena, cantala, maguey, phormium, seaweed, akund floss, sugar cane bagasse, fique, bamboo, coir, sunhemp, milkweed floss or floss-silk tree. In some embodiments, the core fiber is derived from cellulose. In some embodiments, the core fiber comprises a biobased synthetic fiber. In some embodiments, the biobased synthetic fiber is starch-based, cellulose-based, protein-based, a lipid-derived polymer, genetically modified feedstock-derived, a bio-derived polyethylene, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polyhydroxyurethane, polylactic acid, poly-3 -hydroxybutyrate, or polyamide 11. In some embodiments, core fiber comprises synthetic material.

[0007] In one aspect, provided herein is a method of producing a hair fiber, the method comprises obtaining a core fiber; and applying a nourishing component to the core fiber. In one aspect, provided herein is a method of producing a hair fiber, the method comprises performing a chemical surface treatment on a cellulosic fiber to produce a surface modified core fiber and coating the core fiber with a polymer composition comprising one or more of reactive groups to obtain the hair fiber. In some embodiments, the method comprises exposing the core fiber to a dye to obtain a dyed core fiber. In some embodiments, the hair fiber is exposed to a dye to obtain dyed or pigmented hair fiber. In some embodiments, the one or more reactive groups in the polymer composition covalently bind or mechanically adhere with the surface modified core fiber. In some embodiments, the surface modified core fiber comprises surface accessible end groups. In some embodiments, the one or more reactive groups in the polymer composition reacts with the surface accessible end groups of the core fiber. In some embodiments, the surface modification comprises one or more surface accessible end groups selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, acetate, acetate butyrate, carbamate, carboxylate, hydroxyl, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, ester, ether, epoxide, amine, amide, nitrate, nitrite, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, imine, azo, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfmic acid, sulfonic acid, sulfonate ester, thial, thioketone, and phosphine. In some embodiments, the surface modification comprises one or more surface accessible end groups selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, acetate, hydroxyl, acetate butyrate, ester, ether, carbamate, and carboxylate. In some embodiments, the outer coating is affixed to the fiber core (e.g., cellulosic core) by covalent bonding or mechanical adhesion to one or more of the surface accessible end groups. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core comprises a plant-derived fiber. In some embodiments, the plant-derived fiber is derived from banana, pineapple, phragmites, sisal, cotton, kapok, jute, flax, hemp, ramie, kenaf, abaca, henequen, palm, roselle, sunn, urena, cantala, maguey, phormium, seaweed, akund floss, sugar cane bagasse, fique, bamboo, coir, sunhemp, milkweed floss or floss-silk tree. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises one or more layers of the material. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises one or more layers of polymers. In some embodiments, the one or more layers of polymers comprise modacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, nylon, siloxane, silicone, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the outer coating confers at least one human hair-like attribute selected from the group consisting of strength, thermal stability, flame retardance, sheen, texture, elasticity, smoothness, volume, and softness. In some embodiments, the outer coating further comprises a nourishing component. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises one or more of an essential oil, a metal, botanical extracts, botanical oils, proteins, lipids, or peptides, hydrolized protein, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is comprised in controlled-release particle such as cyclodextrin particle, a hydrogel, a sol-gel, liposomal structures, or a halloysite nanotube. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is encapsulated in particles. In some embodiments, the particles comprise cyclodextrin or a hydrogel. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nourishing component is embedded or associated within the outer coating material. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over time. In some embodiments, at least 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over 48 hours after the hair fiber is applied to an individual. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released in response to pH, temperature, physical manipulation, the level of moisture or humidity, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a strength of about 115 MPa to about 315 MPa. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a strength of at least 150 MPa. In some embodiments, the hair fiber maintains at least 80% of its tensile strength at 250°F, 300°F, 350°F, 400°F, or 450°F. In some embodiments, the hair fiber is dyed or pigmented during fiber core processing. In some embodiments, the hair fiber is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core has a strength of 110 MPa to 1,980 MPa. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core has a strength of 115 MPa to 315 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is tested with a strain rate of 10^-4 s^-1. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is tested under 20°C and 20% RH. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core is dyed or pigmented. In some embodiments, the cellulosic core is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray. In one aspect, a hair extension comprises the hair fiber.

[0008] In one aspect, provided herein is a hair fiber comprising: (i) a core fiber; (ii) an outer coating associated with the core fiber; and (iii) a nourishing component associated with the outer coating, wherein the hair fiber is produced by a method comprising following steps: (a) obtaining a core fiber; (b) optionally, coating the core fiber with an outer coating to obtain a hair fiber comprising a coated core fiber, wherein the outer coating optionally comprises one or more of reactive groups; and (c) applying a nourishing component to the core fiber. [0009] In some embodiments, the nourishing component is applied to the coated core fiber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method comprises applying a nourishing component to the hair fiber in a solution. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is dissolved in a solution at about 0.5 % to 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is applied to the hair fiber at a temperature of about 20 °C to about 60 °C. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is applied to the hair fiber in a carrier vehicle. In some embodiments, step (b) and (c) are performed simultaneously. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 90% to about 99.9% by weight. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight.

[0011] In one aspect, provided herein is a hair extension comprises a hair fiber as described in this disclosure. [0012] In one aspect, provided herein is a wig comprises a hair fiber as described in this disclosure.

[0013] In one aspect, provided herein is a hair piece comprises a hair fiber as described in this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein) of which:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows an example of a fiber attached a tin card mount.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows an example of results for concentration versus absorbance for

Trichogen VEG UL 9922.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows example spectrophotometry results for absorbance over time for modacrylic fibers coated with nourishing coatings.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows example spectrophotometry results for release of Trichogen VEG UL 9922 from nourishing coatings applied to modacrylic fibers.

[0019] FIG. 5 shows example spectrophotometry results for absorbance over time of banana fibers coated with nourishing coatings.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows example spectrophotometry results for release of Trichogen VEG UL 9922 from nourishing coatings applied to banana fibers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Certain specific details of this description are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and/or methods have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” Further, headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed disclosure. The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0022] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”

“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] The term “optional” or “optionally” denotes that a subsequently described event or circumstance can but need not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not.

[0024] The term “about” means within ±10% of a value. For example, if it is stated, “a strength of about 100 MPa”, it is implied that the strength may be from 90 MPa to 110 MPa. [0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth.

Hair fiber

[0026] In one aspect, described herein is a hair fiber that comprises a core fiber and an outer coating. In some embodiments, hair fibers disclosed herein comprise a core fiber, an outer coating associated with the core fiber, and a nourishing component associated with the outer coating. In one aspect, described herein is a hair extension comprising the hair fiber. In one aspect, described herein is a wig comprising the hair fiber. In one aspect, described herein is a hair piece comprising the hair fiber. The core fiber can be a cellulosic core fiber. The core fiber can be a plant-based fiber. The core fiber can also be a synthetic fiber. In some embodiments, the core fiber is a regenerative fiber. In some embodiments, the core fiber is a cellulosic core comprising a surface modification. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a material affixed to the core fiber. The hair fiber optionally comprises a nourishing component. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is partially or fully embedded or encapsulated in the outer coating.

[0027] The hair fiber described herein can have human hair-like tensile strength, e.g., ranging from about 115 MPa to about 315 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hair fiber is about 10 MPa to about 2000 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hair fiber is about 50 MPa to about 1000 MPa, about 75 MPa to about 750 MPa, about 100 MPa to about 500 MPa, about 125 MPa to about 300 MPa, or about 150 MPa to about 250 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hair fiber is at least about 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300, or 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hair fiber is at most about 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 1000, or 1500 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hair fiber is at least about 150 MPa. The tensile strength of the hair fiber can be tested under a range of strain rate, e.g., 10^-4 s^-1 to 10^-0 s^-1 In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hair fiber is tested with a strain rate of 10^-4 s^-1. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hair fiber is tested under 20°C and 20% RH. [0028] The hair fiber described herein can be heat, humidity, and/or pH stable. In some embodiments, the hair fiber is stable at a temperature of up to 450°F. In some embodiments, the hair fiber is stable at a temperature of up to 200°F, 300°F, 400°F, 500°F, or 600°F. In some embodiments, the hair fiber maintains at least 80% of its tensile strength at 100°F, 150°F, 200°F, 250°F, 300°F, 350°F, 450°F, or 500°F. In some embodiments, the hair fiber maintains at least 80% of its tensile strength at 450°F. In some embodiments, the hair fiber maintains 60% to 100% of its tensile strength at 450°F. In some embodiments, the hair fiber maintains at least 80% of its tensile strength at 300°F. In some embodiments, the hair fiber maintains 60% to 100% of its tensile strength at 300°F.

[0029] The hair fiber can be dyed or pigmented during fiber core processing. In some embodiments, a colorant such as pigment or dye is added to the hair fiber. The hair fiber can have any suitable color including all human hair color. In some embodiments, the hair fiber is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has two or more colors. In some embodiments, the colorant is a natural pigment, an inorganic mineral, or a reactive dye.

[0030] The hair fiber can further comprise additives such as flame retardant, heat resistance improver, light stabilizer, fluorescent agent, antioxidant, antistatic agent, pigment, dye, plasticizer, lubricant and the like. In some embodiments, the hair fiber comprises a flame retardant. Exemplary flame retardant includes bromine compound, halogen compound, phosphorus-halogen compound, nitrogen compound, metal hydroxide, and phosphorus- nitrogen compound. In some embodiments, the flame retardant is a bromine-based flame retardant. In some embodiments, the flame retardant is a phosphorus-based flame retardant.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant is a nitrogen-based flame retardant.

[0031] The hair fiber can be worn by a human. In some embodiments, a hair piece, a wig, or a hair extension that comprises the hair fiber is worn by a human. In some embodiments, the hair fiber is used in making a toy.

[0032] A fiber can be tested by methods set forth in ASTM D3822. In some embodiments, linear density of a fiber can be measured according to ASTM D1577. In some embodiments, a single-fiber specimen can be broken on an tensile testing machine at a predetermined gauge length and rate of extension according to an ASTM method.

[0033] In some embodiments, tensile strength and elongation properties can be tested on natural fibers and synthetic fibers. In some embodiments, tensile strength and elongation properties can be tested under knotted conditions. In some examples, a fiberb can be tied in knots prior to adhesion to tin card mount. Explemerary tensile strength properties can include peak load, break load, elongation at peak load, elongation at break load, % strain at peak load, % strain at break load, energy to break, fiber modulus, fiber density, and fiber toughness, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, tensile strength and elongation properties calculation methods can be performed according to ASTM D3822.

Method for Processing Raw plant Fiber

[0034] Described herein is a method of processing a raw plant fiber. In some embodiments, a core fiber described herein is a raw fiber. In some embodiments, a core fiber described herein is a raw plant fiber. A fiber prewash can be administered to a fiber. In some embodiments, a raw fiber can be processed (e.g., wetted) through agitating in a solution of water, a carbonate salt, and a surfactant. The solution can be at a temperature of at least about 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C, or more than 100°C. In some embodiments, the solution can be at a temperature of at most about 100°C, 90°C, 80°C, 70°C, 60°C, 50°C, 40°C, 30°C, 20°C, or less than 20°C. In some embodiments, a carbonate salt can be potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, or any other metal carbonate salt. In some embodiments, a surfactant can be a detergent, soap, or shampoo. In some embodiments, the surfactant can be a detergent comprising ethoxylated and sulfated aliphatic alcohols (e.g., Synthrapol ), sodium carbonate (e.g., soda ash), or any other detergent sufficient to remove loose (e.g., chemically unbonded) dye particles from adhering to surfaces that are not part of the fiber.

[0035] In some embodiments, wetted raw fiber that has been in contact with a solution of water, carbonate salt, and a surfactant can be contacted with a solution comprising a mordant (e.g., mordant solution). In some embodiments, a mordant can be a material that can be used to set dyes on the fiber (e.g., dye fixative). Exemplary mordants can include, but are not limited to, potassium aluminum sulfate, aluminum acetate, calcium acetate, or sodium acetate. Exemplary mordants further include tannic acid, sodium chloride, and salts of aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, iodine, potassium, sodium, and tin. In some embodiments, a mordant can be an ionic material that can form a coordination complex with a dye molecule (e.g., Retayne

. A solution comprising mordant can be configured to comprise at least about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt% or more than 50 wt% of mordant per gallon of water. A solution comprising mordant can be configured to comprise at most about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70wt%, or 80wt% or more than 80wt% of mordant per gallon of water. In some embodiments, a solution comprising mordant can be configured to comprise about 5 wt% to about 10 wt% of mordan per gallon of water. A solution comprising mordant can be configured to comprise at least about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt% or more than 50 wt% of mordant in the solution. A solution comprising mordant can be configured to comprise at most about 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70wt%, or 80wt% or more than 80wt% of mordant in the solution. A solution comprising mordant can be at a temperature of at least about 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C, or more than 100°C. A solution comprising mordant can have a temperature of at most about 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C, or more than 100°C. In some embodiments, the wetted raw fiber can soak in the mordant solution for at least about 5 minutes (min), 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min, 35 min, 40 min, 50 min, 60 min, 1.5 hours (hrs), 2 hrs, 3 hrs, 4 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 24 hrs, or more than 24hrs prior to rinsing. In some embodiments, the wetted raw fiber can be contacted in the mordant solution for at most about 5 minutes (min), 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min, 35 min, 40 min, 50 min, 60 min, 1.5 hours (hrs), 2 hrs, 3 hrs, 4 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 24 hrs, 1 week, 2 weeks, or more than 2 weeks prior to rinsing.

[0036] In some embodiments, fibers can be contacted with a solution of at least about 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt% 7 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, or more than 20 wt% of calcium carbonate. In some embodiments, fibers can be contacted with a solution of at most about 20 wt%, 10 wt%, 7 wt%, 5 wt%, 3 wt%, 1 wt%, or less than 1 wt% of calcium carbonate. In some embodiments, the fibers can soak in a solution of calcium carbonate for at least about 1 minute, 3 min, 5 min, 7 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min, 45 in, 60 min, or more than 60 min prior to rinsing. In some embodiments, the fibers can soak in a solution of calcium carbonate for at most about 60 min, 45 min, 30 min, 25 min, 20 min, 15 min, 10 min, 7 min, 5 min, 3 min, 1 min, or less than 1 min prior to rinsing. In some embodiments, fibers can further be contacted with a surfactant for at least about 1 minute, 3 min, 5 min, 7 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min, 45 in, 60 min, or more than 60 min prior to rinsing. In some embodiments, the fibers can be further contacted with a surfactant for at most about 60 min, 45 min, 30 min, 25 min, 20 min, 15 min, 10 min, 7 min, 5 min, 3 min, 1 min, or less than 1 min prior to rinsing.

[0037] In some embodiments, fibers can be dried. In some embodiments, drying can occur in ambient atmosphere indoors, outdoors, using a fan, or within an oven. In some embodiments, the oven can be an air-circulating oven. In some embodiments, fibers can be dried at a temperature of at least about 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, or more than 75°C for a period of time of at least about 1 hour (hr), 3 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 15 hrs, 20 hrs, 24 hrs, 30 hrs, 40 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 96 hrs, or more than 96 hrs. In some embodiments, fibers can be dried at a temperature of at most about 75°C, 70°C, 65°C, 60°C, 55°C, 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, 20°C, or less than 20°C for a period of time of at least about 1 hour (hr), 3 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 15 hrs, 20 hrs, 24 hrs, 30 hrs, 40 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 96 hrs, or more than 96 hrs. In some embodiments, fibers can be dried at a temperature of about 40°C to about 60°C. In some embodiments, fibers can be dried at a temperature of about 50°C.

Core Fiber

[0038] Provided herein are hair fibers that comprise a core fiber. In some embodiments, hair fibers disclosed herein comprise a core fiber, an outer coating, and optionally a nutritional component. In some embodiments, hair fibers disclosed herein comprise a core fiber, an outer coating associated with the core fiber, and a nourishing component associated with the outer coating. In one aspect, provided herein is a hair fiber comprising: a cellulosic core comprising a surface modification; and an outer coating, wherein the outer coating comprises a material affixed to the cellulosic core. In one aspect, provided herein is a hair fiber comprising a coating and a core fiber, wherein the core fiber can be a cellulosic core fiber, a biobased synthetic fiber, or a synthetic material. In some embodiments, the core fiber is selected from the group consisting of a human hair fiber, an animal fiber, a synthetic hair fiber, a man-made cellulosic fiber, a biobased synthetic fiber, plant-derived fiber, a cellulosic fiber, a fiber blend, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the core fiber comprises a man-made cellulosic fiber. In some embodiments, the man-made cellulosic fiber comprises viscose, lyocell, modal, cupro or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the core fiber comprises an animal fiber selected from the group consisting of wool, down, silk or a combination thereof.

[0039] The core fiber can be derived from a plant source. In some embodiments, the core fiber comprises a plant-derived fiber. In some embodiments, the core fiber is derived from cellulose. In some embodiments, the core fiber is derived from banana, pineapple, phragmites, sisal, cotton, kapok, jute, flax, hemp, ramie, kenaf, abaca, henequen, palm, date palm, roselle, sunn, urena, cantala, maguey, phormium, seaweed, akund floss, sugar cane bagasse, fique, bamboo, coir, sunhemp, milkweed floss, or floss-silk tree. In some embodiments, the core fiber is derived from banana, pineapple, sisal, jute, hemp, seaweed, sugar cane bagasse, flax, fique, coir, abaca, kenaf, or ramie. In some embodiments, the core fiber is a banana fiber. In some embodiments, the core fiber is a cellulosic fiber derived from banana fiber. The core fiber can also be comprised of cellulose-based materials or compositions such as cellulose-based rayon or cellulose fibers mixed with heat melt fibers.

In some embodiments, the core fiber is a regenerative fiber. In some embodiments, the core fiber is a cotton derived regenerative fiber. In some embodiments, the core fiber is a banana derived regenerative fiber. In some embodiments, the core fiber is raw banana fiber (bleached, unwashed), banana hair yarn, royal society banana fiber, nettle fiber (bleached), nettle fiber (natural), pineapple fiber, pineapple (smooth) fiber, pineapple (hair) yarn, ramine, seaweed fiber, or sisal fiber.

[0040] The core fiber can comprise a biobased synthetic fiber. In some embodiments, the biobased synthetic fiber is starch-based, cellulose-based, protein-based, a lipid-derived polymer, genetically modified feedstock-derived, a bio-derived polyethylene, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polyhydroxyurethane, polylactic acid, poly-3 -hydroxybutyrate, or polyamide 11.

[0041] The core fiber can comprise a synthetic material. In some embodiments, the core fiber comprises polyamide. The core fiber can comprise a synthetic fiber, such as acrylic, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and modacrylic (sold with the tradename Kanekalon). [0042] The core fiber described herein can have a tensile strength ranging from 110 MPa to 1,980 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is about 10 MPa to about 2000 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is about 50 MPa to about 1000 MPa, about 75 MPa to about 750 MPa, about 100 MPa to about 500 MPa, about 125 MPa to about 300 MPa, or about 150 MPa to about 250 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is at least about 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300, or 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is at most about 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 1000, or 1500 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is at least about 150 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is 115 MPa to 315 MPa. The tensile strength of the core fiber can be tested under a range of strain rate, e.g., 10^-4 s^-1 to 10-° s^-1. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is tested with a strain rate of 10^-4 s^-1. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is tested under 20°C and 20% RH. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is tested under ASTM D3822. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the core fiber is tested at 25 °C and 65% relative humidity.

[0043] The core fiber described herein can have a peak load of at least about 10 gram force (gf), 20 gf, 30 gf, 40 gf, 50 gf, 60 gf, 70 gf, 80 gf, 90 gf, 100 gf, 150 gf, 200 gf, 250 gf, 300 gf, 350 gf, 400 gf, 450 gf, 500 gf, 550 gf, 600 gf, 650 gf, 700 gf, or more. In some embodiments, the core fiber as described herein can have a peak load of at most about 700 gf, 650 gf, 600 gf, 550 gf, 400 gf, 300 gf, 200 gf, 150 gf, 100 gf, 90 gf, 80 gf, 70 gf, 60 gf, 50 gf, 40 gf, 30 gf, 20 gf, 10 gf, or less. In some embodiments, fibers can be dried at a temperature of at least about 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, or more for a period of time. In some embodiments, fibers can be dried for a period of at least about 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour (hr), 3 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 15 hrs, 20 hrs, 24 hrs, 30 hrs, 40 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 96 hrs, or more. In some embodiments, fibers can be dried at a temperature of at most about 75°C, 70°C, 65°C, 60°C, 55°C, 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, 20°C, or more for a period of time. In some embodiments, fibers can be dried for a period of at least about 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour (hr), 3 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 15 hrs, 20 hrs, 24 hrs, 30 hrs, 40 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 96 hrs, or more than about 96 hrs. In some embodiments, a fiber described herein is dried for a period of at least 0.5 hours. In some embodiments, a fiber described herein is dried for a period of at least 2 hours. In some embodiments, a fiber described herein is dried for a period of at least 4 hours. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have an elongation at peak load of at least about 0.1 millimeters (mm), 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm. 5.0 mm, 10.0 mm, 15.0 mm, 20.0 mm, 25.0 mm, 30.0 mm, 35.0 mm, or more. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have an elongation at peak load of at most about 35mm, 30 mm, 25mm, 20mm 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, 1 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, or less. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have an elongation at peak load of at most about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have an elongation at peak load of at least about 0.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 120%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 300%, 350%, 400%, 450%, or more. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have an elongation at peak load of at most about 450%, 400%, 350%, 300%, 250%, 200%, 150%, 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 1%, or less. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have a percent strain at peak load of at least about 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, 120%, or more. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have a break load of at least about 10 gf, 20 gf, 30 gf, 40 gf, 50 gf, 60 gf, 70 gf, 80 gf, 90 gf, 100 gf, 150 gf, 200 gf, 250 gf, 300 gf, 350 gf, 400 gf, 450 gf, 500 gf, 550 gf, 600 gf, 650 gf, 700 gf, 750 gf, 800 gf, 850 gf, 900 gf, or more. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have a break load of at most about 1000 gf, 950 gf, 900 gf, 800 gf, 750 gf, 700 gf, 600 gf, 500 gf, 400 gf, 300 gf, 200 gf, 150 gf, 100 gf, 90 gf, 80 gf, 70 gf, 60 gf, 50 gf, 40 gf, 30 gf, 20 gf, 10 gf, or less. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have an elongation at break of at least about 0.1 millimeters (mm), 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm. 5.0 mm, or more. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have an elongation at break of at least about 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have an elongation at break of at most about 5 mm, 1 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0. 5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, or less. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have a percent strain at break of at least about 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, 120%, or more. In some embodiments, the core fiber can have a percent strain at break of at most about 120%, 110%, 100%, 90% , 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less. In some embodiments, the tensile properties of the fiber is determined according to ASTM D3822.

[0044] The core fiber described herein can have a suitable modulus elasticity. In some embodiments, the modulus elasticity is 500 to 15000 N/mm². In some embodiments, the core fiber has a modulus elasticity of 2400 to 3000 N/mm². In some embodiments, the modulus elasticity is 2000 to 3500 N/mm² or 2600 to 2800 N/mm².

[0045] The core fiber described herein can have a fiber modulus of at least about 10 gram force per denier (gf/den), 20 gf/den, 30 gf/den, 40 gf/den, 50 gf/den, 60 gf/den, 70 gf/den, 80 gf/den, 90 gf/den, 100 gf/den, 200 gf/den, 300 gf/den, 400 gf/den, 500 gf/den, 600 gf/den,

700 gf/den, 800 gf/den, 900 gf/den, 1000 gf/den, 1200 gf/den, 1400 gf/den, 1500 gf/den,

1600 gf/den, 1800 gf/den, 2000 gf/den, 2200 gf/den, 2400 gf/den, or more. The core fiber described herein can have a fiber tenacity of at least about 0.1 gf/den, 0.5 gf/den, 1 gf/den, 2 gf/den, 3 gf/den, 4 gf/den, 5 gf/den, 6 gf/den, 7 gf/den, 8 gf/den, 9 gf/den, 10 gf/den, 15 gf/den, 20 gf/den, 25 gf/den, 30 gf/den, 35 gf/den, 40 gf/den, 45 gf/den, 50 gf/den, 55 gf/den, 60 gf/den, 65 gf/den, 70 gf/den, 75 gf/den, or more. In some embodiments, the core fiber has a tenacity of about 1 cN/dtex to about 5 cN/dtex. In some embodiments, the core fiber has a tenacity of about 1 to 10, about 0.5 to 20, about 0.5 to 2, about 0.5 to 3, about 0.5 to 5, about 0.1 to 1, about 1 to 2, or about 1 to 3 cN/dtex. In some embodiments, the core fiber has a tenacity of at least 2 cN/dtex. In some embodiments, the core fiber has a tenacity of at least 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5, 3, or 5 cN/dtex. The hair fiber described herein can have a fiber tenacity of at least about 0.1 gf/den, 0.5 gf/den, 1 gf/den, 2 gf/den, 3 gf/den, 4 gf/den, 5 gf/den, 6 gf/den, 7 gf/den, 8 gf/den, 9 gf/den, 10 gf/den, 15 gf/den, 20 gf/den, 25 gf/den, 30 gf/den, 35 gf/den, 40 gf/den, 45 gf/den, 50 gf/den, 55 gf/den, 60 gf/den, 65 gf/den, 70 gf/den, 75 gf/den, or more.

In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a tenacity of about 0.1 to 10 cN/dtex. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a tenacity of about 1 to 15 cN/dtex. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a tenacity of about 1 cN/dtex to about 5 cN/dtex. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a tenacity of about 1 to 10, about 0.5 to 20, about 0.5 to 2, about 0.5 to 3, about 0.5 to 5, about 0.1 to 1, about 1 to 2, or about 1 to 3 cN/dtex. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a tenacity of at least 2 cN/dtex. In some embodiments, the hair fiber has a tenacity of at least 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5, 3, or 5 cN/dtex. The core fiber described herein have a fiber toughness of at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, or more.

[0046] The core fiber described herein can have an average linear density of at least about 5 denier (den) units, 10 den, 15 den, 20 den, 25 den, 30 den, 35 den, 40 den, 45 den, 50 den,

55 den, 60 den, 65 den, or more. The core fiber described herein can have an average linear density of at most about 65 den, 60 den, 55 den, 50 den, 45 den, 40 den, 35 den, 30 den, 20 den, 15 den, 10 den, 5 den, or less. The core fiber described herein can be heat, humidity, and/or pH stable. In some embodiments, the core fiber is stable at a temperature of up to 450°F. In some embodiments, the core fiber is stable at a temperature of up to 200°F, 300°F, 400°F, 500°F, or 600°F. In some embodiments, the core fiber maintains at least 80% of its tensile strength at 100°F, 150°F, 200°F, 250°F, 300°F, 350°F, 450°F, or 500°F. In some embodiments, the core fiber maintains at least 80% of its tensile strength at 450°F. In some embodiments, the core fiber maintains 60% to 100% of its tensile strength at 450°F. In some embodiments, the core fiber maintains at least 80% of its tensile strength at 300°F. In some embodiments, the core fiber maintains 60% to 100% of its tensile strength at 300°F. In some embodiments, no more than 5% of the core fiber is degraded at a temperature of up to 450°F. In some embodiments, no more than 15% of the core fiber is degraded at a temperature of up to 450°F. In some embodiments, no more than 2% of the core fiber is degraded at a temperature of up to 450°F. In some embodiments, no more than 1% of the core fiber is degraded at a temperature of up to 450°F. In some embodiments, no more than 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% or 20% of the core fiber is degraded at a temperature of up to 450°F.

[0047] The core fiber can be dyed or pigmented during fiber core processing. In some embodiments, a colorant such as pigment or dye is added to the core fiber. The core fiber can have any suitable color including all human hair color. In some embodiments, the core fiber is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray. In some embodiments, the core fiber has two or more colors. In some embodiments, the core can be dyed or pigmented to resemble a human hair-like color such as black, brown, blond, gray, or red, as well as shades and hues within. In some embodiments, the core can be dyed or pigmented to other colors such as orange, yellow, green, violet, or white, as well as shades and hues within.

[0048] The core fiber can be surface modified (or comprising surface modification). In some embodiments, the surface modification herein comprises one or more surface accessible end groups such as carboxylic acid, acetate, acetate butyrate, carbamate, carboxylate, hydroxyl, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, ester, ether, epoxide, amine, amide, nitrate, nitrite, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, imine, azo, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfinic acid, sulfonic acid, sulfonate ester, thial, thioketone, and phosphine. In some embodiments, the one or more surface accessible end groups comprise carboxylic acid, acetate, hydroxyl, acetate butyrate, ester, ether, carbamate, and carboxylate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the surface accessible end groups can be used to affix the outer coating to the core fiber, e.g., through covalent bonding or mechanical adhesion. In some embodiments, the surface accessible end groups affix the core fiber to the outer coating through covalent bonding.

Outer coating

[0049] A hair fiber provided herein can comprise a core fiber and an outer coating of the core fiber. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a surface modification affixed to the core fiber. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a material affixed to the core fiber. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a nourishing component. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises two or more nourishing components. In some embodiments, the outer coating confers at least one human hair-like attribute such as strength, thermal stability, flame retardance, sheen, texture, elasticity, smoothness, volume, UV light protection, decreased photosensitivity, and softness.

[0050] In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises one or more layers of polymers. The outer coating can comprise plant-based polymers, biobased synthetic fibers, or synthetic polymers. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a plastic component. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises one or more layers of polymers that comprise modacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, chitosan, nylon, siloxane, silicone, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more layers of polymers comprise polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, nylon, siloxane, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a plastic component. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises one or more layers of the material. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises one or more layers of polymers. [0051] In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more of polymers, conditioning agents, and anti-static agents. In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more of polymers. In some embodiments, the one or more polymers comprise modacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, nylon, siloxane, silicone, or a combination thereof.

[0052] In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more conditioning agents. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a conditioning agent. In some embodiments, the one or more conditioning agents comprise a fatty acid, fatty alcohol, quaternary ammonium salt, or oil. The one or more conditioning agents can comprise cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearamidopropylamine, behenyltrimonium chloride, PPG3 caprylyl ether, polyester-11, argan oil, hydrolyzed proteins, amodimethicone, bis-aminopropyl dimethicone, dimethicone, dimethicone silicone, non-ionic amino-functinal silicone, non-ionic dimethione silicone, cetyl esters, avocado oil, soybean oil, cerimi dejojoba oil, macadamia oil, almond oil, olive oil, sesame oil, rose oil, shea butter, or coconut oil. In some embodiments, the one or more conditioning agents comprise a humectant, alcohol, or a combination thereof. The humectant can comprise hydrolized proteins or acidified alcohol, or a combination thereof. Hydrolyzed proteins can comprise hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed silk proteins, or a combination thereof. Acidified alcohols can comprise tripropylene glycol citrate, sorbitol, 1,2,6 hexanetriol, tri ethylene glycol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the conditioning agents comprises cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearamidopropylamine, behenyltrimonium chloride, PPG3 caprylyl ether, polyester- 11, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG- 15 cocopolyamine, glycerol, glycerin, argan oil, hydrolyzed proteins, amodimethicone, bis-aminopropyl dimethicone, dimethicone, cetyl esters, avocado oil, soybean oil, jojoba oil, macadamia oil, almond oil, olive oil, sesame oil, rose oil, shea butter, or coconut oil.

[0053] In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more antistatic agents. In some embodiments, the anti-static agents comprise long-chain (e.g., C₉-C₃₆ or C₁₂-C₁₂) aliphatic amines, long-chain (e.g., C₉-C₃₆ or C₁₂-C₁₂) aliphatic amides, quaternary ammonium salts, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-static agents comprise silicone, behentrimonium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, esters of phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol esters, polyethylene glycol polyols, ethoxylated amines, glycerol monostearate, apricotamidpropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, apricotamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, lauramidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, lauramidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, oleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, oleamidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, steamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, or stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate.

[0054] In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises a surface modification affixed to the core fiber. In some embodiments, the surface modification comprises functional end groups at the surface of the core fiber. The end groups can comprise a reactive functional group. In some embodiments, the end groups comprise groups such as carboxylic acid, acetate, acetate butyrate, carbamate, carboxylate, hydroxyl, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, ester, ether, epoxide, amine, amide, nitrate, nitrite, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, imine, azo, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfmic acid, sulfonic acid, sulfonate ester, thial, thioketone, and phosphine. In one aspect, the outer coating is affixed to the fiber core (e.g, cellulosic core) by covalent bonding or mechanical adhesion to one or more of the surface accessible end groups. In some embodiments, the surface modification comprises one or more surface accessible end groups selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, acetate, hydroxyl, acetate butyrate, ester, ether, carbamate, and carboxylate.

[0055] In some embodiments, a hair fiber provided herein can comprise a core fiber and an outer coating of the core fiber, and there is a weight ratio between the core fiber and the outer coating. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount of about 60 to about 99.999% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 89% to about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.9% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 20%, 30%, or 40% to about 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 99% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 30% to 50% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 40% to 80% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 50% to 90% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 90% to 100% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 85% to 99% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 95% to 99.9% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 90% to 99.9% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 92% to 99.9% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 95% to 99.9% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 96% to 99.9% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 97% to 99.9% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 98% to 99.9% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 90% to 98% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 85% to 99% by weight. In some embodiments, the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 90% to 95% by weight. In some embodiments, a weight ratio between the core fiber and the outer coating is about 100:1, 101:1, 105:1, 110:1, 120:1, 130:1, 140:1, 150:1, 160:1, 170:1, 180:1, 190:1, 200:1, or greater than about 200: 1. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount of about 0.001% to about 15% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount of about 1% to about 90% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating comprises the nourishing component. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, or 0.5% to about 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, or 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 12% or 15% to about 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 15% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 25% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 30% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 15% to about 50% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 40% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the outer coating is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 80% by weight.

Nourishing components

[0056] In one aspect, the hair fiber described herein can comprise a nourishing component. In some embodiments, the hair fiber comprises two or more nourishing components. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises anti-microbial activity. In some embodiments, the nourishing component can deliver human hair-like properties such as sheen to the fiber. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is embedded in the outer coating.

[0057] The nourishing component can comprise essential oils, metals, botanical extracts, botanical oils, proteins, and peptides. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises essential oil. In some embodiments, the essential oil comprises one or more oils selected from lavender oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, clary sage oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, macadamia oil, nutmeg kernel oil, almond oil, sesame oil, rose oil, eucalyptus oil, commiphora myrrha oil, bay leaf oil, lemon oil, lemongrass oil, thyme oil, juniper berry oil, pine oil, cedarwood, oil, neroli oil, sandalwood oil, geranium oil, ylang, ylang oil, bergamot oil, fennel oil, orange oil, vertiver oil, palmarosa oil, grapefruit oil, tea tree oil, patchouli oil, chamomile oil, clove leaf oil, and limonene. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises Aloe Vera. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises Tussilago Farfara flower extract, Achillea Millefolium extract, Cinchona Succirubra bark extract, Arnica Montana flower extract, Alpinia Officinarum root extract, Ferula Galbaniflua resin oil, Canarium Luzonicum gum nonvolatiles, Curcuma Zedoaria root oil, Zingiber Officinale (ginger) root oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum bark oil, turpentine, menthol, camphor, linalool, eugenol, etc. In some embodiments, a nourishing component comprises a flame retardant. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises a carrier vehicle. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises a protein or peptides. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises hydrolyzed silk proteins, hydrolyzed keratin, etc. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises amino acids. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises carnitine, etc. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises a preservative. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, etc. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises an antimicrobial agent. In some embodiments, the nourishing component comprises imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, hydroxyethyl urea, etc. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nourishing component is embedded within the outer coating material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nourishing component is encapsulated within the outer coating material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nourishing component is affixed to the core fiber.

[0058] A nourishing component can comprise two or more ingredients. For example, a nourishing component can comprise an essential oil and a flame retardant. In some embodiments, a nourishing component comprises one or more selected from an essential oil, a protein, and a flame retardant.

[0059] The nourishing component described herein can be encapsulated in particles. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is comprised in a carrier vehicle. The carrier vehicle can be a particle. The nourishing component described herein can be comprised in controlled-release particles. In some embodiments, the particles, controlled-release particles, or carrier vehicles can comprise cyclodextrin, hydrogels, sol-gels, liposomal structures, or halloysite nanotubes. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle comprises cyclodextrin or a liposomal structure. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle comprises cyclodextrin particles. The cyclodextrin particles can be controlled-relese particles. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle comprises liposomal particles. In some embodiments, the particles or controlled-release particles comprise cyclodextrin. In some embodiments, the cyclodextrin is an alpha, beta, or gamma cyclodextrin, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is encapsulated in particles such as cyclodextrin or a hydrogel. In some embodiments, a nourishing component described herein comprises phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine. In some embodiments, a nourishing component described herein is configured to nourish hair and/or scalp.

[0060] A nourishing component described herein can be a chitosn-based nourishing component. A nourishing component described herein can be a silicone-based nourishing component. The chitosan used in the present disclosure can be a low, medium or high molecular weight chitosan. In some embodiments, the chitosan has a Mw of about 50 kDa- 2000 kDa. In some embodiments, the chitosan has a Mw of about 100 kDa-1000 kDa. In some embodiments, the chitosan has a Mw of higher than 1000 kDa. In some embodiments, the chitosan has a Mw of lower than 100 kDa. In some embodiments, the chitosan is present in the hair fiber at about 0.01% to about 2%, about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.01% to about 1%, about 0.1% to about 1%, about 0.5% to about 5%, or about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight.

[0061] A liposome particle described herein can comprise one or more surfactants. Exemplary surfactants include, but are not limited to, anionic surfactants such as fatty acid sodium, monoalkyl sulfate, and monoalkyl phosphate; cationic surfactants such as alkyl trimethyl ammonium salt; ampholytic surfactants such as alkyl dimethylamine oxide; and nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkylether, alkyl monoglyceryl ether, and fatty acid sorbitan ester. In some embodiments, the surfactants comprise phospholipids.

Exemplary phospholipids include lecithin. Other ingredients which can be used to synthesize liposomes include, but are not limited to, naturally occurring and synthetic amphipathic lipids such as fatty acids, lysolipids, glucolipids, phospholipids with short chain fatty acids of 6-8 carbons in length, synthetic phospholipids. A liposome particle described herein can comprise a stabilizing agent. Some exemplary polymers useful as liposome stabilizing agents include commercially available quatemized polysaccharides, e.g., celluloses, laurdimonium hydroxyethylcellulose, cocodimonium hydroxyethylcellulose, and steardimonium hydroxyethylcellulose. In some embodiments, the stabilizing agent is starch or chitosan; modified or substituted proteins, polypeptides of adequate molecular weight, or non- biological polymers. [0062] In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle particles have a particle size. In some embodiments, the D50 value of the carrier vehicle particles is from about 100 nm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the D50 value of the carrier vehicle particles is at least about 10 nm, 100 nm, 200 nm, 300 nm, 400 nm, 500 nm, 600 nm, 700 nm, 800 nm, 900 nm, 1 pm, 10 pm, 50 pm, 100 pm, 500 pm, or 1 mm. In some embodiments, the D50 value of the carrier vehicle particles is at most about 10 nm, 100 nm, 500 nm, 1 pm, 10 pm, 50 pm, 100 pm, 500 pm, or

1 mm. In some embodiments, the D50 value of the carrier vehicle particles ranges from 10 nm to about 500 pm. In some embodiments, the D50 value of the carrier vehicle particles ranges from 100 nm to about 100 pm. In some embodiments, the D50 value of the carrier vehicle particles ranges from 100 nm to about 10 pm. In some embodiments, the D50 value of the carrier vehicle particles ranges from 10 nm to about 1 pm. A D50 value referes to a diameter, where 50% of the total particles are smaller than this size, and 50% of the particles are larger than the size. Particle size can be measured by any suitable method known in the art, e.g, the method described in Example 7.

[0063] The nourishing component can be released from the particles over time. In some embodiments, at least 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over the time frame of 48 hours after the hair fibers are applied to an individual. In some embodiments, at least 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt% or 90 wt%, or more than 90 wt% of the nourishing component is released within about 1 hour (hr),

2 hrs, 3 hrs, 4 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 15 hrs, 20 hrs, 24 hrs, 36 hrs, 48 hrs, or more than 48 hrs after the hair fibers are applied to an individual. In some embodiments, at least about 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt% or 90 wt%, or more than 90 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of about 1 hour (hr), 2 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 24 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 96 hrs, 1 week (wk), 2 wks, 3 wks, 4 wks, 6 wks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 12 months, or more than 12 months after the hair fiber is applied to an individual. In some embodiments, at least 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 hour to 1 month after the hair fiber is applied to an individual.

In some embodiments, at least about 50 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 hour to 1 month after the hair fiber is applied to an individual. In some embodiments, at least about 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 hour to 12 months after the hair fiber is applied to an individual.

[0064] In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released as a response to the pH of the environment, the temperature of the environment, the level of moisture or humidity of the environment, or physical manipulation of the fibers. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released as a response to physical manipulation of the fibers. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released as a response to temperature. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released in response to multiple stimuli. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released in response to a stimulus. In some embodiments, the stimulus comprises pH, temperature, physical manipulation, the level of moisture or humidity, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the stimulus comprises a pH change. In some embodiments, at least 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over 48 hours after the initiation of the stimulus. In some embodiments, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, or at least 95 wt% of the nourishing component is released over 48 hours after the initiation of the stimulus. In some embodiments, at least 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 hour to 1 month after initiation of the stimulus. In some embodments, a nourishing component can be applied to a fiber to provide hydrophobicity. In some embodiments, a fiber can comprise a contact angle with water of at least about 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°,

130°, 140°, 150°, or greater. In some embodiments, a fiber can comprise a contact angle with water of at least about 70°. In some embodiments, a fiber can comprise a contact angle with water of at least about 80°. In some embodiments, a fiber can comprise a contact angle with water of at least about 90°. In some embodiments, a fiber can comprise a contact angle with water of at least about 100°. In some embodiments, a fiber can comprise a contact angle with water of at least about 120°. In some embodiments, a fiber can comprise a contact angle with water of at least about 150°. In some embodiments, a nourishing component can be applied to a fiber to provide protection to the fiber during a thermal process (e.g., application of heat). Hydrophobicity and/or thermal protection of a fiber can be provided through the application of a waterproofing solution. In some embodiments, waterproofing solution can comprise silicone, epoxy, polyurea, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polydimethylsiloxane, clay, clay additives, ceramic, or a combination thereof. In some embdiments, a waterproofing solution comprises aqueous amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. In some embodiments, a water proofing solution comprises clay additives. In some embodiments, a water proofing solution can comprise clay additives and amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane.

[0065] In some embodiments, a nourishing component can be applied to a fiber to provide decreased flammability (e.g., flame retardant). In some embodiments, the flammability of a fiber can be reduced by at least about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200%, 300%, or more through the application of a nourishing component which can comprise flame retardant properties. In some embodiments, a nourishing component comprises a flame retardant. In some embodiments, a flame retardant comprises 10%-99% of the total weight of the nourishing component. In some embodiments, a flame retardant comprises 20%-90% of the total weight of the nourishing component. In some embodiments, a flame retardant comprises 85%-98% of the total weight of the nourishing component. In some embodiments, a flame retardant comprises 30%-99%, 50%- 95%, 70%-98%, or 40%-98% of the total weight of the nourishing component. A flame retardant can comprise chitosan, poly(phosphonate-co-carbonate), polyphosphonate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a nourishing component comprises chitosan. In some embodiments, a nourishing component comprises silicone.

[0066] In some embodiments, a nourishing component can be integrated into a fiber in a carrier vehicle (i.e., in the form of an inclusion complex). In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle comprises cyclodextrin such as beta-cyclodextrin. In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle comprises microparticles. In some embodiments, the nourishing components comprise a flame retardant.

[0067] In some embodiments, the nourishing component described herein is a mixture resulting from the mixing of hydrolyzed jojoba protein HP (Making Cosmetics) with Trichogen® VEG UL LS 9922 (BASF) at about 10 wt% . In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle is formed by stirring and heating to an elevated temperature (e.g., 40°C±3°C), stirred further until cooling to room temperature, and pH adjustment using citric acid. In some embodiments, a resulting nourishing mixture is stored at 4°C until incorporation into a carrier vehicle. In some embodiments, a nourishing component described herein is a mixture resulting from the mixing of hydrolyzed jojoba protein HP (Making Cosmetics) with Trichogen® VEG UL LS 9922 (BASF). In some embodiments, the hydrolyzed jojoba protein HP is present in the mixture in an amount of at least about 90 wt%, 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 33 wt%, 25 wt%, 20 wt%, 17 wt%, 14 wt%, 13 wt%, 11 wt%, 10 wt%, 9 wt%, 5 wt%, or 5 wt%. In some embodiments, the hydrolyzed jojoba protein HP is present in the mixture in an amount of at most about 90 wt%, 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 33 wt%, 25 wt%, 20 wt%, 17 wt%, 14 wt%, 13 wt%, 11 wt%, 10 wt%, 9 wt%, 5 wt%, or 5 wt%. In some embodiments, the hydrolyzed jojoba protein HP is present in the mixture in an amount of about 10% to 20% by weight. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle is formed by mixing the nourishing component in a liquid, such as water, alcohol or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle is formed by mixing the nourishing component in water. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle is formed by mixing the nourishing component in a water/alcohol mixture. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle is a solution or suspension.

[0068] In some embodiments, the nourishing component is present on the hair fiber at about 0.0001% to about 80% by weight. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is present on the hair fiber at about 0.001% to about 2%, about 0.005% to about 2%, about 0.01% to about 5%, about 0.05% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 2%, about 0.1% to about 1%, or about 0.5% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is present on the hair fiber at about 1% to about 10%, about 5% to about 15%, about 10% to about 25%, about 15% to about 30%, about 20% to about 50%, about 30% to about 60%, about 40% to about 55%, or about 50% to about 70% by weight. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is present on the hair fiber at about 1% to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is present on the hair fiber at about 5% to about 20% by weight. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is present on the hair fiber at about 40% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is present on the hair fiber at about 50% to about 70% by weight. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is present on the hair fiber at about 60% to about 80% by weight. The weight ratio between the nourishing component and the hair fiber can be determined by any suitable means, e.g., methods described in Example 9.

Coating for hair fiber

[0069] Provided herein are coatings for a core fiber comprising an outer coating material and a nourishing component. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nourishing component is embedded within the outer coating of the material.

[0070] In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more of polymers, conditioning agents, and anti-static agents. In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more of polymers. In some embodiments, the one or more polymers comprise silicone, modacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, nylon, or a combination thereof.

[0071] In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more conditioning agents. In some embodiments, the one or more conditioning agents comprise a fatty acid, fatty alcohol, quaternary ammonium salt, or oil. The one or more conditioning agents can comprise cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, panthenol, glycerol, glycerin, stearamidopropylamine, behenyltrimonium chloride, PPG3 caprylyl ether, polyester-11, argan oil, hydrolyzed proteins, amodimethicone, bis- aminopropyl dimethicone, dimethicone, laureth-4, laureth 23, morpholinom ethyl silsesquioxane copolymer, trideceth-5, glycerin, cetyl esters, avocado oil, soybean oil, jojoba protein, jojoba oil, macadamia oil, olive oil, almond oil, sesame oil, rose oil, shea butter, coconut oil, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more conditioning agents comprise dimethicone, non-ionic amino-functional silicone, or non-ionic dimethicone silicone.

[0072] In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises one or more anti- stattic agents. In some embodiments, the anti-static agents comprise long-chain (e.g., C₉-C₃₆ or C₁₂-C₁₂) aliphatic amines, long-chain (e.g., C₉-C₃₆ or C₁₂-C₁₂) aliphatic amides, quaternary ammonium salts, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-static agents comprise long-chain aliphatic amines, long-chain aliphatic amides, quaternary ammonium salts, silicone, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-static agents comprise behentrimonium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, esters of phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol esters, polyethylene glycol polyols, ethoxylated amines, glycerol monostearate, apricotamidpropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, apricotamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, lauramidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, lauramidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, oleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, oleamidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, steamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, or stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate. In some embodiments, the anti-static agents comprise behentrimonium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, esters of phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol esters, polyethylene glycol polyols, ethoxylated amines, glycerol monostearate, apricotamidpropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, apricotamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, lauramidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, lauramidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, oleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, oleamidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, steamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, or a combination thereof.

[0073] In some embodiments, the outer coating material comprises a nourishing component such as an essential oil, a metal, a botanical extract, a botanical oil, a protein, or a peptide. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nourishing component is embedded within the outer coating material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nourishing component is encapsulated in particles. The nourishing components can be comprised in controlled-release particles such as cyclodextrin, hydrogels, sol-gels, liposomal structures, or halloysite nanotubes.

[0074] The nourishing component can be released from the particles or the coating over time. In some embodiments, at least 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over the time frame of 48 hours after the hair fibers are applied to an individual. In some embodiments, at least 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 90 wt% or more than about 90 wt% of the nourishing component is released within 1 hour (hr), 2 hrs, 3 hrs, 4 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 20 hrs, 24 hrs, 36 hrs, 48 hrs, or more than 48 hrs after the hair fibers are applied to an individual. In some embodiments, 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 hour to 1 month after the hair fiber is applied to an individual. In some embodiments, 50 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 hour to 1 month after the hair fiber is applied to an individual. In some embodiments, 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 hour to 12 months after the hair fiber is applied to an individual.

In some embodiments, about 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 12 hour to 1 month after the hair fiber is applied to an individual. In some embodiments, about 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 day hour to 3 weeks after the hair fiber is applied to an individual. In some embodiments, less than 5 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 day. In some embodiments, less than 25 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or 1 month. In some embodiments, less than 50 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or 1 month. In some embodiments, less than 75 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or 1 month. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over a period of at least 48 hours. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over a period of at least 96 hours. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over a period of at least 1 week. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over a period of at least 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over a period of at least 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over a period of at least 2 months. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released over a period of at least 3 or 6 months. [0075] In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released from the coating as a response to the pH of the environment, the temperature of the environment, the level of moisture or humidity of the environment, or physical manipulation of the fibers. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released as a response to physical manipulation of the fibers. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is released as a response to temperature.

Method for producing hair fiber

[0076] A method for producing a hair fiber is described herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of performing a chemical surface treatment on a cellulosic fiber to produce a surface modified core fiber, optionally exposing the core fiber to a dye or pigment to obtain a dyed or pigmented core fiber, and coating the core fiber with a polymer composition comprising one or more reactive groups to obtain the hair fiber. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of (i) obtaining a core fiber and (ii) applying a nourishing component to the core fiber. In one aspect, a method includes the step of exposing the hair fiber to a dye or pigment to obtain a dyed or pigmented hair fiber. In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing a chemical surface treatment on the core fiber to produce a surface modified core fiber. In some embodiments, the method further comprises coating the core fiber with an outer coating comprising one or more of reactive groups to obtain the hair fiber to obtain a coated core fiber. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is applied to the coated core fiber. In some embodiments, the method further comprises heating the hair fiber that is coated with the outer coating and/or nourishing component. In some embodiments, the method further comprises curing the hair fiber that is coated with the outer coating and/or nourishing component. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determing the weight of the outer coating and/or nourishing component after curing or heating. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is comprised in a carrier vehicle. For example, the carrier vehicle can be a particle. In some embodiments, the nourishing component is applied to the core fiber in a solution. For example, the nourishing component can be applied to the core fiber via spray drying, brushing, dip coating, mixing, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle comprising nourishing component is prepared from water, optionally a alcohol (e.g, ethanol), and/or oil (e.g, jojoba oil), combined with beta cyclodextrin to create a beta cyclodextrin secondary structure via process such as filtration, drying, and rehydration at room temperature. In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle comprising nourishing component is prepared from water, optionally a alcohol (e.g, ethanol), and/or oil (e.g, jojoba oil), combined with chitosan to create a chisosan based nourishing component. In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle comprising nourishing component is prepared by combining water with a surfactant such as phosphatidylcholine (e.g., 20 final wt% ) (e.g, for an hour at 37°C) and then the mixture is added to a separate solution of water, propylene glycol (e.g, 10 final wt%), and a beta-cyclodextrin nourishing mixture (10 final wt%). In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle comprising nourishing component is prepared by combining water, a surfactant such as phosphatidylcholine, beta- cyclodextrin and the nourishing component. In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle comprising nourishing component is prepared by combining water, a surfactant such as phosphatidylcholine, chitosan and the nourishing component. In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle comprising nourishing component is prepared by combining water, a surfactant such as phosphatidylcholine, silicone and the nourishing component.

[0078] In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle is heated to an elevated temperature, e.g., 30°C±5°C, 40°C±5°C, 50°C±5°C, 60°C±5°C, 70°C±5°C, 80°C±5°C, or 90°C±5°C. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle is cooled to room temperature after heating. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle is pH adjusted using an acid such as citric acid. In some embodiments, the carrier vehicle is pH adjusted using a base. In some embodiments, a resulting nourishing mixture is stored at about 0 to 40°C (such as 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, or about more than 20°C) until incorporation into a carrier vehicle.

[0079] In some embodiments, a nourishing component can be dissolved in water. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in an alcohol. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in an alcohol-water mixture. The mixture may then be extruded with a lOOnm, 200nm, 300nm, 400 nm, or more than 400nm pore size polycarbonate membrane filter (Advantec) to create a dispersion. An additive such as benzyl alcohol (5 final wt%) may then be added. Thereafter, the mixture may be further placed in an ultrasonic bath at 37°C for an hour and refrigerated at 4° for further use. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in a solution at about 1% to 15%, 5% to 20%, 10% to 30%, or 20% or 50% by weight. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in a solution at about 10% or 25% by weight. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in a solution at about 0.0001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or more than about 50% by weight. In some embodiments, a nourishing component may be applied to a hair fiber at a temperature ranging from 5 to 40°C. In some embodiments, a nourishing component may be applied to a hair fiber at a temperature ranging from 15 to 60°C. In some embodiments, a nourishing component may be applied to a hair fiber at a temperature ranging from 20 to 65°C. In some embodiments, a nourishing component may be applied to a hair fiber at a temperature of about 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C, or more than about 100°C.

[0080] In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in a carrier solution at about 0.0001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or more than about 50% by weight. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in a carrier solution at about 1% to 30% by weight. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in a carrier solution at about 5% to 50% by weight. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in a carrier solution at about 1% to 10% by weight. In some embodiments, a nourishing component is dissolved in a carrier solution at about 0.5% to 25% by weight. In some embodiments, a nourishing component may be applied to a hair fiber at a temperature of about 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C, or more than about 100°C. In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle may comprise Beta-Cyclodextrin (BCD). In some embodiments, a carrier solution can comprise a solution of alcohol. In some cases, a carrier vehicle can comprise a solution of ethanol. In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle can comprise a solution of water. In some embodiments, a carrier vehicle can comprise a solution of water and alcohol. In some cases, a carrier vehicle can comprise a solution of water and ethanol. In some embodiments, a nourishing component can be dissolved in a carrier vehicle with a volume of about lmL, 2mL, 5mL, lOmL, 20mL, 30mL, 40mL, 50mL, 60mL, 70mL, 80mL, 90mL, lOOmL, or more than about lOOmL. In some embodiments, a nourishing component can be dissolved in a carrier solution at a temperature of about 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C, or more than about 100°C.

[0081] In some embodiments, a nourishing component in a carrier solution can be applied to the core fiber by mixing the core fiber and the carrier solution. In some embodiments, a nourishing component in a carrier solution can be applied to the core fiber by soaking the core fiber in the carrier solution. In some embodiments, a nourishing component in a carrier solution can be applied to the core fiber by brushing the carrier solution to the core fiber. In some embodiments, a nourishing component in a carrier can be applied to the hair fiber as a powder.

[0082] In some embodiments, a lipid can be added to the mixture of a nourishing component dissolved in a carrier solution. In some cases, a conditioning oil can be added to the mixture of a nourishing component dissolved in a carrier solution. In some cases, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, panthenol, glycerol, glycerin, stearamidopropylamine, behenyltrimonium chloride, PPG3 caprylyl ether, polyester-11, argan oil, hydrolyzed proteins, amodimethicone, bis-aminopropyl dimethicone, dimethicone, cetyl esters, laureth-4, laureth 23, morpholinomethyl silsesquioxane copolymer, trideceth-5, glycerin, avocado oil, soybean oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, jojoba protein, macadamia oil, olive oil, almond oil, sesame oil, rose oil, shea butter, coconut oil, or a combination thereof can be added to the mixture of a nourishing component dissolved in a carrier solution. In some cases, jojoba oil can be added to the mixture of a nourishing component dissolved in a carrier solution. In some embodiments, a lipid or conditioning oil can be added to the mixture dropwise at a weight ratio of about between 1 wt% to about 50 wt% (e.g. about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%).

[0083] In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be stirred constantly from about 1 hour to about 20 hours (e.g. 1 hour (hr), 2 hrs, 3 hrs, 4 hrs,

5 hrs, 10 hrs, 15 hrs, 20 hrs), or more than about 20 hrs. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be stirred at from about 0 to 100°C (e.g. about 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 50°C,

60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C), or more than about 100°C. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be stirred at a temperature of about 10-40°C, 20-50°C or 30-60°C. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be removed from the water bath and refrigerated for a period time. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be refrigerated for about 1 hour to about 96 hours (e.g. 1 hour (hr), 3 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 15 hrs, 20 hrs, 24 hrs, 30 hrs, 40 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 96 hrs), or more than about 96 hrs. In some embodiments, the refrigeration temperature can be in a range of about 0 to 20°C (e.g. about 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C), or more than about 20°C.

[0084] In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be removed from refrigeration after a period time. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture is removed from refrigeration after about 1 hour and about 96 hours (e.g. 1 hour (hr), 3 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 15 hrs, 20 hrs, 24 hrs, 30 hrs, 40 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 96 hrs), or more than about 96 hrs. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be thawed. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be vacuum filtrated to remove cold precipitation. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be dried in a conventional oven. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be dried via fans. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be dried at a temperature of about 10 to about 100°C (e.g., 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, or 100°C. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be dried at a temperature of about 1 hour to about 96 hours (e.g., 1 hour (hr), 3 hrs, 5 hrs, 10 hrs, 15 hrs,

20 hrs, 24 hrs, 30 hrs, 40 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 96 hrs), or more than about 96 hrs. In some embodiments, the dried carrier solution and nourishing component mixture powder can be allowed to reach moisture equilibrium. In some cases, the dried carrier solution and nourishing component mixture powder can be allowed to reach moisture equilibrium at room temperature. In some cases, the dried carrier solution and nourishing component mixture powder can be allowed to reach moisture equilibrium at a a temperature of about 0 to about 40°C (e.g., 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C), or more than about 40°C.

[0085] In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be recovered. In some cases, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be recovered at room temperature. In some cases, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be recovered at a temperature of about 0 to about 40°C, (e.g., about 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C), or more than about 40°C.

In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be stored at room temperature. In some embodiments, the carrier solution and nourishing component mixture can be stored at a temperature of about 0 to about 40°C (e.g., about 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C), or more than about 40°C.

[0086] In some embodiments, the nourishing component can be prepared and applied to the fiber. In some cases, the nourishing component can be chitosan-based and silicone-based. In some cases, the nourishing component comprises a loaded oleosome and a polymer binder. In some cases, the oleosome can comprise Hydresia SF2 Safflower Oleosome. In some cases, the nourishing component can comprise one or more of Tidal Tex FR solution (e.g, 1.5 wt%), BELSIL ADM 8301 E, BELSIL DM 5102 E, water, Hydresia SF2 Safflower Olesome, Optiphen Plus, Trichogen VEG UL LS 9922, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the loaded oleosome can be dispersed throughout an aqueous silicone-based polymer binder material. In some embodiments, the carrier solution can be heated to a temperature range of about 10°C to about 100°C (e.g., about 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C or more than about 100°C). In some cases, the mixture can be stirred while heating. In some cases, the stirring can be at a rate in the range of about 10 RPM to about 10000 RPM (e.g., a range of at least, or about 10 RPM, 20 RPM, 50 RPM, 100 RPM, 200 RPM, 300 RPM, 400 RPM, 500 RPM, 1000 RPM, 2000 RPM, 3000 RPM, 4000 RPM, 5000 RPM, 6000 RPM, 7000 RPM, 8000 RPM, 9000 RPM, 10000 RPM, 15000 RPM, or more than about 10000 RPM). In some embodiments, the solution can be cooled to a temperature ranging from 0 to about 100°C (e.g., about 0°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C or more than about 100°C). In some cases, the solution can be cooled in a sealed container. In some cases, the solution can be cooled in darkness.

[0087] In some embodiments, the polymer binder can be applied and cured to the fiber. In some cases, the fiber can be a banana fiber. In some cases, the fiber can be a modacrylic fiber. In some embodiments, the fibers can be pre-washed, e.g., in a cider vinegar wash. In some embodiments, the fibers can be agitated in a range of about 0.1% to about 50% apple cider vinegar wash (e.g., about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or more than about 50% apple cider vinegar wash). In some embodiments, the fiber can be agitated in an acidic solution such as apple cider vinegar wash for about 1 second to 12 hours (e.g., 1 second, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes,

5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or more than about 1 hour). In some embodiments, the apple cider vinegar wash solution can be exchanged with DI water until a pH of about between 5.0 and 9.0 is obtained (e.g., pH 6.0-8.0, 6.5-7.5, or 6.7-7.5). In some embodiments, the fibers can be removed from the solution and air dried for a period of time (e.g., 1-3 hours, 3-9 hours, 6-12 hours, about 1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours, 10 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, or more than about 48 hours). In some embodiments, the nourishing component solutions can be heated to about 10-90°C. In some embodiments, the nourishing component solutions can be heated to about 30-60°C. In some embodiments, the nourishing component solutions can be heated to about 10°C ±2°C, 20°C ±2°C, 30°C ±2°C, 40°C ±2°C, 50°C ±2°C, 60°C ±2°C, 70°C ±2°C, 80°C ±2°C, 90°C ±2°C, 100°C ±2°C or more than about 100°C ±2°C. In some embodiments, the nourishing component solution is brushed onto the fibers. In some embodiments, the nourishing component solution is sprayed onto the fibers. In some embodiments, the nourishing component solution is applied to the fibers via dip coating. In some embodiments, the fibers can be cured at an elevated temperature. In some embodiments, after applying the nourishing component, the fibers are cured at a temperature of about 20-80 °C, about 40-70 °C, about 55-65 °C, about 20-50 °C, about 40-90 °C, or about 30-70 °C. In some embodiments, after applying the nourishing component, the fibers are cured at a temperature of about 60 °C. In some embodiments, after applying the nourishing component, the fibers are cured for a period of time. In some embodiments, the fibers are cured for 1 minutes to about 12 hours. In some embodiments, the fibers are cured for 1 minutes to about 2 hours. In some embodiments, the fibers can be cured at a temperature from about 0 to about 100 °C (e.g. about 0°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C or more than about 100°C) for about 1 minute to about 1 hour (e.g. 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or more than about 1 hour). In some embodiments, the fibers can cool at from about 0 to about 100°C, (e.g. 0°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C or more than about 100°C). [0088] In some embodiments, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can be used to measure the thermal characteristics of the nourishing component. In some embodiments, the samples can be heated under nitrogen gas flow of about 1 mL/min, 2 mL/min, 5 mL/min, 10 mL/min, 20 mL/min, 30 mL/min, 50 mL/min, or more than about 50 mL/min. In some embodiments, thermogravimetric analysis can be conducted on the nourishing component, the uncoated fibers, or the fibers coated with the nourishing component or a combination thereof.

[0089] In some embodiments, the coated fibers can be conditioned prior to tensile testing. In some embodiments, the fibers can be conditioned at a temperature from 0 to about 100 °C (e.g., about 0°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C) or more than about 100°C. In some embodiments, the fibers can be conditioned at a relative humidity of about 20 to 80%. In some embodiments, the fibers can be conditioned at a relative humidity in the range of about 5% to about 80% (e.g., 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or more than 80%). In some embodiments, MTS-Q mechanical testing systems can be used to tensile test conditioned fibers. In some embodiments, in vitro release experiments can be performed to evaluate the release profile for embedded nourishing complexes.

[0090] EXAMPLES

[0091] These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the scope of the claims provided herein.

Example 1: Raw Fiber Processing [0092] Dry sisal fibers (Conifer Handmade) were weighed and gently agitated in a hot water solution of 5.5mL Synthrapol^® and 3.75 g sodium carbonate each, per 1 lb (454 kg) of dry sisal fiber. Fibers were removed from prewash and rinsed thoroughly. Wet fibers were submerged in a mordant bath composed of 10 wt% of dry fiber weight of potassium aluminum sulfate dissolved in 3 gallons of hot water. After 30 minutes, fibers were removed from the bath and rinsed thoroughly. Wet fibers were submerged in a solution of 5 wt% of dry fiber weight of calcium carbonate stirred into 3 gallons of hot water. After 5-10 minutes, fibers were removed from bath and rinsed thoroughly. Fibers were submerged for ten minutes in 5.5 mL Synthrapol per 1 lb dry fiber weight in hot water. Fibers were removed from wash and rinsed with cold running water until water was clear of color and then placed in an air circulating oven at 50°C for 24 hours. The procedure can be repeated with pineapple fibers (Conifer Handmade), or any other plant-based fiber.

Example 2: Benchmark Testing

[0093] Bench mark testing was performed following methods set forth in ASTM D3822. The linear density of each fiber was measured according to ASTM D1577. Single-fiber specimens were broken on an MTS Q-tester constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) type tensile testing machine at a. The MTS Q-tester was set to a 5 lb load cell set with fixed clamps. Fibers were superglued to tin card mounts (see FIG. 1) and allowed to set for 24 hrs at 65% RH and 72°F. Samples were loaded into clamps with a 25.4 mm gap. The jaws were aligned and the slack in the fiber was removed. The rate of loading was 15 mm/min as determined by ASTM D3822, as shown in TABLE 1. For best comparison, tensile properties of filaments were measured at the same rate of extension. All fibers were tested dry.

TABLE 1: Estimated Elogation and Rate of Extension

[0094] Tensile strength and elongation properties were tested on natural fibers and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers tested for tensile strength and elongation properties included raw banana fiber (bleached, unwashed), banana hair yam, royal society banana fiber, nettle fiber (bleached), nettle fiber (natural), pineapple fiber, pineapple (smooth) fiber, pineapple (hair) yarn, ramine, seaweed fiber, sisal fiber, human hair (black). Synthetic fibers tested for tensile strength and elongation properties included Kanekalon RastAfri™ - black, Kanekalon RastAfri™ - blonde, Kanekalon & Toyokalon RastAfri™ Malibu Afro kinky - black, Kanekalon and Toyokalon RastAfri™ Malibu Afro Kinky - blonde, Brazilian Yaki Straight - black (lOin), Brazilian Kinky Straight - black (12in), Brazilian Natural Straight (lOin), Freetress^® clean therapy - black, Freetress^® clean therapy - 613 blonde, Freetress^® futura - black, Freetress^® futura bulk 144 - blonde. However, this method can be applied to test tensile strength and elongation properties of any fiber.

[0095] Tensile strength and elongation properties were tested under knotted conditions following the same protocol. Fibers were first tied in knots prior to adhesion to tin card mount. The subsequent protocol remained the same as stated above. Fibers tested under knot- test conditions included Freetress futura - black, Kanekalon & Toyokalon RastAfri™ Malibu Afro kinky - black, Kanekalon RastAfri™ - black, Brazilian Natural Straight (lOin). However, tensile strength and elongation properties can be tested under knotted conditions for any fiber. Tensile strength properties tested included peak load, break load, elongation at peak load, elongation at break load, % strain at peak load, % strain at break load, energy to break, fiber modulus, fiber density, and fiber toughness. Results are summarized on the following TABLE 2 and TABLE 3.



[0096] Tensile strength and elongation properties calculation methods were performed according to ASTM D3822.

Example 3: Preparation of a Nourishing Complex Mixture

[0097] Hydrolyzed jojoba protein HP (Making Cosmetics) was combined with a hair restoration complex Trichogen^® VEGUL LS 9922 (BASF) at a 10 wt%. The nourishing complex mixture was stirred and brought to 40°C±3°C. The mixture was stirred for additional 35-45 minutes, cooled to room temperature (23°C ±3°C), and the pH was adjusted to between 4.5-5.0 using citric acid. The nourishing complex was stored at 4°C until incorporation into a carrier vehicle.

[0098] Trichogen^® VEG UL LS 9922 (BASF) is a composition containing water, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Arginine, Acetyl Tyrosine, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Polyquatemium-11, PEG- 12 Dimethicone, Calcium Pantothenate, Zinc Gluconate, Niacinamide, Ornithine HC1, Citrulline, Glucosamine HC1, Biotin.

Example 4: Preparation of Nourishing Components in a Carrier Vehicle (Beta- Cyclodextrin (BCD))

[0099] 50ml of ethanol and deionized (DI) water mixture (16.6 grams of ethanol and 33.3 grams of DI water) was prepared in a flask and set in a water bath on a stirring hotplate at a temperature of 50-55°C. 5 grams of beta-cyclodextrin was slowly added to the ethanol/water mixture and allowed to dissolve. 10 wt% of jojoba oil (1.27 g/mL) was added dropwise to the solution . Once all jojoba oil was added, the temperature was decreased to 25°C. The mixture was stirred constantly for four hours at 25 °C, removed from the water bath and refrigerated overnight at 4°C. The following day, the solution was thawed and vacuum filtrated to remove cold precipitation. The filtered nourishing powder was dried in a conventional oven at 25°C for 24 hours, then allowed to reach moisture equilibrium at room temperature. The mixture was recovered and stored at room temperature.

Example 5: Preparation of of Nourishing Components in a Carrier Vehicle (Liposomal Microparticles)

[0100] A solution of distilled water (42.5 final wt%), phosphatidylcholine (4.00 final wt%) (Phospholipon^® 90G) (Lipoid, alternatively Lipoid HI 00) is placed into a flask and the flask is submerged in an ultrasonic bath (Branson 2510MT Ultrasonic Cleaner) for 60 minutes at 37°C on continuous mode.

[0101] In a separate flask, distilled water (42.50 final wt%), propylene glycol (10.00 final wt%), and nourishing complex of Example 3 (0.50 final wt%) is stirred for 30 minutes at 30°C ±3°C at moderate speed. [0102] The nourishing complex solution is added to phosphatidylcholine solution and the mixture is extruded from a plastic syringe equipped with a 400 nm pore size polycarbonate membrane filter (Advantec) ten times to create a dispersion. Benzyl alcohol (0.5 final wt%) is added to the extruded dispersion and the mixture submerged in the ultrasonic bath for 60 minutes at 37 °C on continuous mode. The sonicated solution is freeze dried (Labonoco Freeze Zone) and stored at 4°C.

Example 6: Particle Testing (Particle Size Analysis)

[0103] Microscope: carrier vehicle particles are suspended in distilled water at a 4: 1 ratio. Microscope is set to 1 cm path length, scattering angle of 165, pinhole set to 20 mm, and refractive index of 1.3328 for 120 continuous accumulation times.

[0104] DSC: A 5 mg of carrier vehicle samples is weighted into a pan that is covered by a lid with a pinhole. Samples are measured at a scanning rate of 90°C /min from 25 to 120°C, maintained at 120°C for 1 minute to ensure even sample heating, then heated to 400°C at a rate of 10°C /min under an oxygen atmosphere (ultra-pure air). The thermal scanning range is from 25 to 250°C with a heating rate of 10°C /min. The purge gas is nitrogen.

[0105] Entrapment efficiency (EE): The amount of active compound entrapped in the carrier vehicle particles is measured spectrophotometrically (UV-Vis) at 280 nm. A 5 mg sample of carrier vehicle is dissolved in 5 mL of 95 g/100 mL acetonitrile and left for 24 hrs. Prior to measurement, the solutions are centrifuged at 3200 X g for 15 min to remove any free BCD from the solution, leaving only the active compound. Entrapment efficiency can be calculated by the following formula:

EE=100 x (amount of active compound entrapped)/(initial active compound amount), where “amount of active compound entrapped” is the compound amount present in the carrier vehicle particles and “initial active compound amount” indicates the compound amount initially used to manufacture the carrier vehicle particles.

[0106] Example 7: Impregnate Fibers for Hydrophobicity and/or Enhanced Thermal Processes Using Clay Additive

[0107] Impregnate fibers for hydrophobicity and/or enhanced thermal processes: An aqueous solution of 1.5 mass percent of a water-based silicone emulsion (e.g, Wacker^® HC 303E (Wacker Chemical, cat# 211699) (aqueous amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane emulsion)) was prepared by stirring the mixture at room temperature for 5 minutes. The solution was heated to 45°C ±5°C. One pound of fibers was added to four liters of the aqueous solution and the solution covered with a lid. The solution was allowed to diffuse into fibers with very mild agitation for 10 minutes. Fibers were removed from the aqueous solution and placed in a washing machine spin cycle. Fibers were removed from the washing machine, placed on an aluminum tray and inserted into the oven at 120°C for 5 minutes. [0108] Impregnate fibers for hydrophobicity and/or enhanced thermal processes using clay additive: An aqueous solution of 1.5 mass percent of Wacker^® HC 303E (aqueous amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane emulsion) was prepared by stirring the mixture at room temperature for 5 minutes. Clay additives (Sigma Aldrich, Cat# 685445) at 0.5 mass percent in the solution was intercalated by sonication using an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes. The solution was heated to 45°C±5°C. One pound of fibers was added to four liters of the aqueous solution and the solution covered with a lid. The solution was allowed to diffuse into fibers with very mild agitation for 10 minutes. Fibers were removed from the aqueous solution and placed in a washing machine spin cycle. Fibers were removed from the washing machine, placed on an aluminum tray and inserted into the oven at 120°C for 5 minutes. [0109] Coat fibers for softness and shine: An aqueous solution of 1 : 1 mass ratio of a nonionic emulsion of dimethicone (e.g, BELSIL^® DM 5102 E (Wacker Chemical, Cat# 60080079) (aqueous nonionic dimethicone silicone emulsion)) and a non-ionic microemulsion of an aminofunctional polydimethylsiloxane (e.g., BELSIL^® ADM 8301 E (aqueous non-ionic amino-functional silicone emulsion)) was prepared by stirring the mixture at room temperature for 5 minutes. The solution was heated to 45°C±5°C. One pound of fibers was added to four liters of the aqueous solution and covered with a lid. The solution was allowed to diffuse into fibers with very mild agitation for 5 minutes. Fibers were removed from the aqueous solution and placed in a washing machine spin cycle. Fibers were set into desired patterns and shapes by rolling onto rods. Fibers were placed on an aluminum tray and inserted into the oven to anneal at 75°C for 45 minutes. Fibers were removed from the oven and allowed to cool to room temperature.

[0110] Coat fibers for softness and shine with additional nourishing particles: An aqueous solution of 1:1 mass ratio of BELSIL^® DM 5102 E (aqueous nonionic dimethicone silicone emulsion):BELSIL^® ADM 8301 E (aqueous non-ionic amino-functional silicone emulsion) was prepared by stirring the mixture at room temperature for 5 minutes. Nourishing components additives in a form of particles at 0.5 mass percent in the solution was dispersed by sonication using an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes. The solution was heated to 45°C±5°C. One pound of fibers was added to four liters of the aqueous solution and covered with a lid. The solution was allowed to diffuse into fibers with very mild agitation for 5 minutes. Fibers were removed from the aqueous solution and placed in a washing machine spin cycle. Fibers were set into desired patterns and shapes by rolling onto rods. Fibers were placed on an aluminum tray and inserted into the oven to anneal at 75°C for 45 minutes. Fibers were removed from the oven and allowed to cool to room temperature.

[0111] Example 8: Preparation and Application of Chitosan-based Nourishing Layer (Microparticles and Polymer Binder)

[0112] Impregnate fibers for enhanced flame retardant properties: An aqueous solution of 1.5% mass percent of low molecular weight Chitosan and 15% mass percent of flame retardant is prepared by stirring the mixture at room temperature for 5 minutes. The solution is heated to 45°C ±5°C. One pound of fibers is added to four liters of the aqueous solution and covered with a lid. The solution is allowed to diffuse into fibers with very mild agitation for 10 minutes. Fibers are removed from the aqueous solution and placed in a washing machine spin cycle. Fibers are removed from the washing machine, placed on an aluminum tray and inserted into the oven at 80- 100°C for 5 minutes.

[0113] Tidal Vision-Tidal Tex™ (Cat# 116072%) can also be used as the solution. Tidal Vision-Tidal Tex™ is a composition containing water, chitosan, and organic acid such as citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, and/or dl-malic acid.

[0114] From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that variations and modifications can be made to the disclosure described herein to adopt it to various usages and conditions. Such embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0115] The recitation of a listing of elements in any definition of a variable herein includes definitions of that variable as any single element or combination (or subcombination) of listed elements. The recitation of an embodiment herein includes that embodiment as any single embodiment, any portion of the embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiments or any portion thereof.

[0116] Example 9: Preparation and Application of Chitosan-based and Silicone- based Nourishing Finish (Loaded Oleosome + Polymer Binder)

[0117] Materials for the dispersions were constructed from the ingredient listed in TABLE 4 for three formulations (Formulas 1, 2 and 3). TABLE 4: Nourishing Finish Formulations

[0118] Ingredient information: Tidal Vision-Tidal Tex™ is a composition containing water, citric acid, 1.5% low or high molecular weight chitosan, acetic acid, and 15% flame retardant. BELSIL^® DM 5102 E (Wacker Chemical, Cat# 60080079) is an aqueous nonionic emulsion of dimethicone silicone. BELSIL^® ADM 8301 E (Wacker Chemical) is a nonionic microemulsion of an amino-functional polydimethylsiloxane. Hydresia (Botaneco) oleosome emulsifier is a composition containing micron sized spheres of vegetable triglyceride oil and vitamin E surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer with an oleosin protein coat. Optiphen Plus (Essential Wholesale) is a composition containing phenoxyethanol, sorbic acid, and capryl glycol. Trichogen VEGUL LS 9922 (BASF) is a composition containing water, acetyl tyrosine, arginine, phenoxyethanol, dimethicone copolyol, calcium pantothenate, zinc gluconate, ornithine HC1, niacinamide, polyquatemium- 11, citrulline, hydrolyzed soy protein, disodium succinate, glucosamine HC1, Arctium majus extract, Panax ginseng extract, and biotin.

[0119] Dispersion of loaded oleosome throughout an aqueous silicone-based polymer binder material: For each of Formulas 1 and 3, a solution of Phase A was prepared by stirring the mixture and gradually heating to 60° ± 5°C for 15 minutes, then allowed to cool to 55°C ±2°C. For Formula 2 a solution of Phase A was prepared by stirring the mixture and gradually heating to 55° ± 2°C for 10 minutes. A solution of Phase B was gradually added under constant stirring. The mixture was allowed to stabilize to 55°C ±2°C and was stirred for an additional 20 minutes. The solution temperature was decreased to 45°C ±5°C and the temperature was maintained while gradually adding a solution of Phase C under constant stirring. Upon completion of addition of Phase C and temperature stabilization at 45°C ±5°C, the solution (“nourishing finish solution”) was homogenized by stirring at 3000- 5000 RPM for 1-2 minutes. The nourishing finish solution was cooled to 23°C ±2°C and stored in a sealed container, at room temperature (23°C ±2°C) in darkness.

[0120] Application and cure the polymer binder to fiber: banana fibers or modacrylic fibers were gently agitated in 5% apple cider vinegar (ACV) wash (1:1 volume percent) for 1 minute. The fibers were rinsed by exchanging the ACV wash solution with DI water until pH 6.5-7.5 was obtained. Fibers were removed from the aqueous solution, spread onto an absorbent surface, and air dried at room temperature (23°C ±2°C) for 24 hours. The dry weight of the fibers was recorded. Each of the nourishing finish solutions was heated to 30°C ±2°C and brushed onto the fibers (one nourishing finish per fiber batch) with a hair color tint/dye brush. Fibers were removed from absorbent cloth and the weight of the fibers was recorded. Fibers were placed on a wax paper covered aluminum tray and cured in an oven at 60°C for 30 minutes. The fibers were removed and allowed to cool to 23°C ±2°C. The final weight of the fibers was recorded in TABLE 5.

TABLE 5: Weight of Fibers Coated and Uncoated

[0121] Example 10: Characterization of Fibers and Coated Fibers

[0122] Differential Scanning Calorimetry: The thermal characteristics are studied with the Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) method, using TA Q2000 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (TA Instruments, New Castle, DE USA). DSC analyses are conducted on the final nourishing film, the uncoated fibers, and the fibers coated with nourishing films from Example 9. The samples are tested in hermetically sealed pans and subjected to a heat-cool - heat cycle from 20 °C to 250 °C under nitrogen gas flow (20 mL/min) using an initial heating rate of 10 °C/min, a cooling rate of 20 °C/min, and a final heating rate of 10 °C/min. The weights of the samples are in the range of 5-10 mg.

[0123] Thermogravimetric Analysis: Thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses are conducted on the final nourishing film, the uncoated fibers, and the fibers coated with the nourishing films from Example 9. Cured nourishing films are prepared by drawing down nourishing solutions on a glass plate and allowing them to form a film at room temperature for a minimum of 24 hours. The TG analyses are performed in the TA Q500 Thermogravimetric Analyzer TGA (TA Instruments, New Castle, DE USA), with the samples being heated from 25 °C to 600 °C, at a heating rate of 5 °C/min in air flow (50 mL/min).

[0124] Tensile Properties: The coated fibers are conditioned prior to tensile testing at 25 °C and 65% relative humidity. Afterwards, the tensile testing of the conditioned fibers is conducted using an MTS-Q mechanical testing system in accordance with ASTM D3822.

The load-displacement data is processed using TestXpert data acquisition software. Mechanical testing is performed using a 25 millimeter gauge length, crosshead speed of 15 mm/min, and a 51b load cell. A total of twelve (12) specimens for each sample are tested. The toughness of the fibers is determined from the area under the stress-strain curve.

[0125] In Vitro Release Studies of the Nourishing Complex from the Final Nourishing Finish: In vitro release experiments were performed to evaluate the release profile for nourishing complexes embedded within different polymeric films and applied to a modacrylic fiber. Nourishing films were applied to the modacrylic fiber by brushing on the uncured coating to fiber surface followed by curing the coated fibers at 60 ^°C for 30 minutes. The coated and cured fibers (29 ± 4 mg) were then added to a scintillation vial filled with 20 milliliters of deionized water and allowed to be slightly agitated using an orbital shaker at room temperature (23 ± 2 ^°C) for up to 48 hours.

[0126] In vitro release experiments were performed to evaluate the release profile for nourishing complexes embedded within different polymeric films and applied to a modacrylic fiber. Nourishing films were applied to the modacrylic fiber by brushing on the uncured coating to fiber surface followed by curing the coated fibers at 60C for 30 minutes. The coated and cured fibers (29 ± 4 mg) were then added to a scintillation vial filled with 20 milliliters of deionized water and allowed to be slightly agitated using an orbital shaker at room temperature (23 ± 2 _°C) for up to 96 hours.

[0127] To generate a standard curve, 0.5 mL (33.6 mg) of Trichogen VEG UL 9922 was measured and solubilized in 20 ml of deionized water. This solution was diluted to obtain standard solutions at the concentrations of of 10.5-28 mL/L. The absorbance of standard solutions was measured by UV-Visible spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 2000 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA USA), example results of which are listed in TABLE 6. UV-Visible spectrophotometer measurements were used to create a standard curve against a deionized water blank. The standard curve was created using a lambda max (λm ax) wavelength value of 269 nm. The wavelength of 269 nm was taken as lambda max (λm ax) because it was observed with little to no overlap by absorbances from the polymer binder materials. Once kmax was determined at each specified dilution, a standard curve of Concentration versus Absorbance was plotted to derive a linear regression equation, example results of which are shown in FIG. 2.

TABLE 6: Concentration and Absorbance Example Results for Trichogen

[0128] To determine the concentration of released agents of Trichogen VEG UL 9922 for each sample, two milliliters of liquid was removed from each scintillation vial at predetermined time intervals (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, 72 and 96 hrs) and analyzed by using a Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 2000 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer (ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA USA) between wavelengths of 400 nm to 200 nm. The unknown concentrations of the Trichogen VEG UL 9922 released over time was calculated against the calibration curve using the following equation: y = 0.0019x + 1.8988 where y is the absorbance (A) observed from UV-Visible data and x is the unknown concentration. For each experiment, three replicates were performed. Absorbance over time for modacrylic fibers was measured via spectrophotometry, example results of which are shown in FIG. 3. Release of Trichogen VEG UL 9922 from nourishing coatings applied to modacrylic fiber was measured, and example results are shown in FIG. 4. Absorbance of banana fibers coated with nourishing coatings was measured, example results of which are shown in FIG. 5. Release of Trichogen VEG UL 9922 from nourishing coatings applied to banana fibers was measured via spectrophotometry, example results of which are shown in FIG. 6.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A hair fiber comprising: a core fiber; an outer coating associated with the core fiber; and a nourishing component associated with the outer coating.

2. The hair fiber of claim 1, wherein the outer coating comprises a surface modification affixed to the core fiber.

3. The hair fiber of claim 1, wherein the outer coating comprises a material affixed to the core fiber.

4. The hair fiber of claim 3, wherein the outer coating further comprises a surface modification.

5. The hair fiber of claim 3 or 4, wherein the core comprises a surface modification.

6. The hair fiber of any one of claims 2, 4, or 5, wherein the surface modification comprises one or more surface accessible end groups selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, acetate, acetate butyrate, carbamate, carboxylate, hydroxyl, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, ester, ether, epoxide, amine, amide, nitrate, nitrite, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, imine, azo, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfmic acid, sulfonic acid, sulfonate ester, thial, thioketone, and phosphine.

7. The hair fiber of claim 2, 4 or 5, wherein the surface modification comprises one or more surface accessible end groups selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, acetate, hydroxyl, acetate butyrate, ester, ether, carbamate, and carboxylate.

8. The hair fiber of any of claims 2 or 4-7, wherein the outer coating is affixed to the fiber core by covalent bonding or mechanical adhesion to one or more of surface accessible end groups.

9. The hair fiber of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the nourishing component comprises one or more of an essential oil, a metal, botanical extracts, botanical oils, proteins, and peptides.

10. The hair fiber of claim 9, wherein the nourishing component comprises anti-microbial activity.

11. The hair fiber of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the nourishing component is comprised in a carrier vehicle.

12. The hair fiber of claim 11, wherein the carrier vehicle is selected from the group consisting of a controlled-release particle, a cyclodextrin particle, a hydrogel, a sol- gel, a liposomal structure, and a halloysite nanotube.

13. The hair fiber of claim 11, wherein the carrier vehicle comprises cyclodextrin or a liposomal structure.

14. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-13, wherein the nourishing component is released over time.

15. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-14, wherein the nourishing component is released in response to a stimulus.

16. The hair fiber of claim 15, wherein the stimulus comprises pH, temperature, physical manipulation, the level of moisture or humidity, or a combination thereof.

17. The hair fiber of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein at least 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over 48 hours after the initiation of the stimulus.

18. The hair fiber of claim 15 ro claim 16, wherein 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over a period of 1 hour to 1 month after the initiation of the stimulus.

19. The hair fiber of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the core fiber is selected from the group consisting of a human hair fiber, an animal fiber, a synthetic hair fiber, a manmade cellulosic fiber, a biobased synthetic fiber, plant-derived fiber, a cellulosic fiber, a fiber blend, or any combination thereof.

20. The hair fiber of claim 19, wherein the core fiber comprises a plant-derived fiber.

21. The hair fiber of claim 20, wherein the plant-derived fiber is derived from banana, pineapple, phragmites, sisal, cotton, kapok, jute, flax, hemp, ramie, kenaf, abaca, henequen, palm, roselle, sunn, urena, cantala, maguey, phormium, seaweed, akund floss, sugar cane bagasse, fique, bamboo, coir, sunhemp, milkweed floss or floss-silk tree.

22. The hair fiber of claim 20, wherein the plant-derived fiber is derived from banana, pineapple, sisal, jute, hemp, seaweed, sugar cane bagasse, flax, fique, coir, abaca, kenaf, or ramie.

23. The hair fiber of claim 20, wherein the plant-derived fiber comprises cellulose.

24. The hair fiber of claim 19, wherein the core fiber comprises a man-made cellulosic fiber.

25. The hair fiber of claim 21, wherein the man-made cellulosic fiber comprises viscose, lyocell, modal, cupro or a combination thereof.

26. The hair fiber of claim 19, wherein the core fiber comprises an animal fiber selected from the group consisting of wool, down, silk or a combination thereof.

27. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-26, wherein the outer coating comprises one or more layers of the material.

28. The hair fiber of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the outer coating comprises one or more layers of polymers.

29. The hair fiber of claim 28, wherein the outer coating comprises a plastic component.

30. The hair fiber of claim 28, wherein the one or more layers of polymers comprise polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, chitosan, nylon, siloxane, or a combination thereof.

31. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-30, wherein the outer coating confers at least one human hair-like attribute selected from the group consisting of strength, thermal stability, flame retardance, sheen, texture, elasticity, smoothness, volume, UV light protection, decreased photosensitivity, and softness.

32. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-31, wherein the outer coating comprises a conditioning agent.

33. The hair fiber of claim 26, wherein the conditioning agent comprises cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, panthenol, glycerol, glycerin, stearamidopropylamine, behenyltrimonium chloride, PPG3 caprylyl ether, polyester- 11, argan oil, hydrolyzed proteins, amodimethicone, bis-aminopropyl dimethicone, dimethicone, cetyl esters, laureth-4, laureth 23, morpholinomethyl silsesquioxane copolymer, trideceth-5, glycerin, avocado oil, soybean oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, jojoba protein, jojoba oil, macadamia oil, olive oil, almond oil, sesame oil, rose oil, shea butter, coconut oil, or a combination thereof.

34. The hair fiber of any one of claims 1-33, wherein the outer coating comprises one or more anti-static agents.

35. The hair fiber of claim 34, wherein the one or more anti-static agents comprise long- chain aliphatic amines, long-chain aliphatic amides, quaternary ammonium salts, or a combination thereof.

36. The hair fiber of claim 34, wherein the one or more anti-static agents comprise silicone, behentrimonium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, esters of phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol esters, polyethylene glycol polyols, ethoxylated amines, glycerol monostearate, apricotamidpropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, apricotamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, lauramidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, lauramidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, oleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, oleamidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, steamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, or a combination thereof.

37. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-36, wherein the hair fiber is dyed or pigmented.

38. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-36, wherein the hair fiber is dyed or pigmented during fiber core processing.

39. The hair fiber of any one of claims 1-38, wherein the hair fiber is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray.

40. The hair fiber of any one of claims 1-39, wherein the fiber core is dyed or pigmented.

41. The hair fiber of claim 40, wherein the cellulosic core is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray.

42. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-41, wherein the hair fiber has a tenacity of about 0.5 cN/dtex to about 5 cN/dtex.

43. The fiber of claim 42, wherein the hair fiber has a tenacity of at least 2 cN/dtex.

44. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-43, wherein no more than 5% of the hair fiber is degraded at a temperature of up to 450°F.

45. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-44, wherein the hair fiber maintains at least 80% of its tensile strength at 250°F, 300°F, 350°F, 400°F, or 450°F.

46. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-45, wherein the fiber core has a tenacity of between 0.1 cN/dtex to 15 cN/dtex.

47. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-45, wherein the fiber core has a tenacity of between 0.5 cN/dtex to 5 cN/dtex.

48. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-47, wherein the hair fiber is hydrophobic.

49. The hair fiber of claim 48, wherein the hair fiber has a contact angle with water of at least about 70°.

50. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-49, wherein the hair fiber degrades at most about 10% when exposed to a temperature of at least about 40°C.

51. The hair fiber of any of claims 1-50, wherein the hair fiber further comprises a flame retardant.

52. The hair fiber of claim 51, wherein the hair fiber has a reduced flammability of at least about 5% compared to the hair fiber without the flame retardant.

53. A hair extension comprising the hair fiber of any of claims 1-52.

54. A wig comprising the hair fiber of any of claims 1-52.

55. A hair piece comprising the hair fiber of any of claims 1-52.

56. A coating for a hair fiber comprising: an outer coating material; and a nourishing component, wherein at least a portion of the nourishing component is embeded within the outer coating material.

57. The coating of claim 56, wherein the outer coating material comprises one or more conditioning agents.

58. The coating of claim 57, wherein the one or more conditioning agents comprise etyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearamidopropylamine, behenyltrimonium chloride, PPG3 caprylyl ether, polyester-11, argan oil, hydrolyzed proteins, amodimethicone, bis-aminopropyl dimethicone, dimethicone, cetyl esters, laureth-4, laureth 23, morpholinomethyl silsesquioxane copolymer, trideceth-

5, glycerin, avocado oil, soybean oil, macadamia oil, olive oil, almond oil, sesame oil, rose oil, shea butter, coconut oil, or a combination thereof.

59. The coating of any one of claims 56-58, wherein the outer coating material comprises one or more anti-static agents.

60. The coating of claim 59, wherein the one or more anti-static agents comprise long- chain aliphatic amines, long-chain aliphatic amides, quaternary ammonium salts, or a combination thereof.

61. The coating of claim 59, wherein the one or more anti-static agents comprise silicone, behentrimonium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, esters of phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol esters, polyethylene glycol polyols, ethoxylated amines, glycerol monostearate, apricotamidpropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, apricotamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, cocamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, lauramidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, lauramidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, linoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, myristamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, oleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, oleamidoproply ethyldimonium lactate, steamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium lactate, or a combination thereof.

62. The coating of any one of claims 56-61, wherein the outer coating material comprises one or more polymers.

63. The coating of claim 62, wherein the one or more polymers comprise modacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, chitosan, nylon, siloxane, or a combination thereof.

64. The coating of any of claims 56-63, wherein the nourishing component comprises one or more of an essential oil, a metal, a botanical extract, a botanical oil, a protein, and a peptide.

65. The coating of claim 64, wherein the nourishing component comprises anti -microbial activity.

66. The coating of any of claims 56-65, wherein the nourishing component is comprised in a carrier vehicle.

67. The coating of claim 66, wherein the carrier vehicle is selected from the group consisting of a controlled-release particle, a cyclodextrin particle, a hydrogel, a sol- gel, a liposomal structure, and a halloysite nanotube.

68. The coating of any of claims 56-67, wherein the nourishing component is released over time.

69. The coating of any of claims 56-68, wherein the nourishing component is released in response to a stimulus.

70. The coating of claim 69, wherein the stimulus comprises pH, temperature, physical manipulation, or the level of moisture, humidity or a combination thereof.

71. A hair fiber comprising the coating of any of claims 56-70 and a core fiber.

72. The hair fiber of claim 71, wherein core fiber is a cellulosic core fiber.

73. The hair fiber of claim 72, wherein the cellulosic core fiber is a plant-derived fiber.

74. The hair fiber of claim 73, wherein core fiber is a plant-derived fiber from banana, pineapple, phragmites, sisal, cotton, kapok, jute, flax, hemp, ramie, kenaf, abaca, henequen, palm, roselle, sunn, urena, cantala, maguey, phormium, seaweed, akund floss, sugar cane bagasse, fique, bamboo, coir, sunhemp, milkweed floss or floss-silk tree.

75. The hair fiber of claim 71, wherein the cellulosic core fiber is a man-made fiber.

76. The hair fiber of claim 75, wherein the man-made fiber comprises viscose, lyocell, modal, cupro or a combination thereof.

77. The hair fiber of claim 71, wherein core fiber comprises a biobased synthetic fiber.

78. The hair fiber of claim 77, wherein the biopbased synthetic fiber is starch-based, cellulose-based, protein-based, a lipid-derived polymer, genetically modified feedstock-derived, a bio-derived polyethylene, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polyhydroxyurethane, polylactic acid, poly-3 -hydroxybutyrate, or polyamide 11.

79. The hair fiber of claim 71, wherein core fiber comprises synthetic material.

80. A method of producing a hair fiber, the method comprising:

(a) obtaining a core fiber; and

(b) applying a nourishing component to the core fiber, wherein the nourishing component is comprised in a carrier vehicle.

81. The method of claim 80, the method further comprising performing a chemical surface treatment on the core fiber to produce a surface modified core fiber.

82. The method of claim 80 or claim 81, the method further comprising exposing the core fiber to a dye to obtain a dyed core fiber.

83. The method of any one of claims 80-82, the method further comprising coating the core fiber with an outer coating comprising one or more of reactive groups to obtain the hair fiber to obtain a coated core fiber.

84. The method of claim 83, wherein the nourishing component is applied to the coated core fiber.

85. The method of any one of claims 80-84, wherein the nourishing component comprises one or more of an essential oil, a metal, botanical extracts, botanical oils, proteins, and peptides.

86. The method of claim 85, wherein the nourishing component comprises anti-microbial activity.

87. The method of any one of claims 80-86, wherein the carrier vehicle comprises a controlled-release particle, a cyclodextrin particle, a hydrogel, a sol-gel, a liposomal structure, or a halloysite nanotube.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the carrier vehicle comprises particles.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the particles comprise cyclodextrin or a liposomal structure.

90. The method of any of claims 83-89, wherein at least a portion of the nourishing component is embedded within the outer coating material.

91. The method of any of claims 80-90, wherein the nourishing component is released over time.

92. The method of any of claims 80-91, wherein the nourishing component is released in response to a stimulus.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein the stimulus comprises pH, temperature, physical manipulation, the level of moisture or humidity, or a combination thereof.

94. The method of claim 92 or 93, wherein at least 80 wt% of the nourishing component is released over 48 hours after the initiation of the stimulus.

95. The method of any one of claims 80-94, further comprising exposing the hair fiber to a dye to obtain dyed or pigmented hair fiber.

96. The method of any one of claims 80-95, further comprising adding pigment during core processing.

97. The method of any one of claims 80-96, wherein the one or more reactive groups in the outer coating covalently bind or mechanically adhere with the surface modified core fiber.

98. The method of any of claims 80-97, wherein the core fiber comprises cellulose and wherein the method further comprising exposing the cellulosic fiber to a prewash solution.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein the prewash solution comprises at least a surfactant.

100. The method of any of claims 81-99, wherein the surface modified core fiber comprises one or more surface accessible end groups.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein the one or more reactive groups in the outer coating reacts with the one or more surface accessible end groups of the core fiber.

102. The method of claim 100 or 101, wherein the one or more surface accessible end groups are selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, acetate, acetate butyrate, carbamate, carboxylate, hydroxyl, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, ester, ether, epoxide, amine, amide, nitrate, nitrite, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, imine, azo, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfmic acid, sulfonic acid, sulfonate ester, thial, thioketone, and phosphine.

103. The method of claim 100 or 101, wherein the one or more surface accessible end groups are selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, acetate, hydroxyl, acetate butyrate, ester, ether, carbamate, and carboxylate.

104. The method of any of claims 100-103, wherein the outer coating is affixed to the core fiber by covalent bonding or mechanical adhesion to one or more of the surface accessible end groups.

105. The method of any one of claims 80-104, wherein the core fiber comprises cellulose.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein the core fiber is a plant-derived cellulosic fiber or a man-made cellulosic fiber.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein the man-made cellulosic fiber comprises viscose, lyocell, modal, cupro or a combination thereof.

108. The method of any one of claims 80-105, wherein the core fiber comprises a plant-derived fiber.

109. The method of claim 107, wherein the plant-derived fiber is derived from banana, pineapple, phragmites, sisal, cotton, kapok, jute, flax, hemp, ramie, kenaf, abaca, henequen, palm, roselle, sunn, urena, cantala, maguey, phormium, seaweed, akund floss, sugar cane bagasse, fique, bamboo, coir, sunhemp, milkweed floss or floss-silk tree.

110. The method of any of claims 83-109, wherein the outer coating comprises one or more layers of the material.

111. The method of any one of claims 83-110, wherein the outer coating comprises one or more layers of polymers.

112. The method of claim 111, wherein the one or more layers of polymers comprise modacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, acrylonitrile, polyvinyl sulfate, polyvinyl sulfonate, keratin, chitin, chitosan, siloxane, nylon, or a combination thereof.

113. The method of any of claims 83-112, wherein the outer coating confers at least one human hair-like attribute selected from the group consisting of strength, thermal stability, flame retardance, sheen, texture, elasticity, smoothness, volume, UV light protection, decreased photosensitivity, and softness.

114. The method of any of claims 80-113, wherein the hair fiber has a tenacity of about 0.50 cN/dtx to about 5 cN/dtx.

115. The method of any of claims 80-114, wherein the hair fiber has a tenacity of at least 0.50 cN/dtx.

116. The method of any of claims 80-115, wherein the hair fiber maintains at least 80% of its tenacity at 250°F, 300°F, 350°F, 400°F, or 450°F.

117. The method of any of claims 80-116, wherein the hair fiber is hydrophobic.

118. The method of claim 117, wherein the hair fiber has a contact angle with water of at least about 70°.

119. The method of any of claims 80-118, wherein the hair fiber degrades at most about 10% when exposed to a temperature of at least about 40°C.

120. The method of any of claims 80-119, wherein the hair fiber further comprises a flame retardant.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein the hair fiber has a reduced flammability of at least about 5% compared to the hair fiber without the flame retardant.

122. The method of any of claims 80-121, wherein the hair fiber is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray.

123. The method of claim 122, wherein the fiber core is black, brown, blonde, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, or gray.

124. A hair fiber comprising:

(i) a core fiber;

(ii) an outer coating associated with the core fiber; and

(iii) a nourishing component associated with the outer coating, wherein the hair fiber is produced by a method comprising following steps:

(a) obtaining a core fiber;

(b) optionally, coating the core fiber with an outer coating to obtain a hair fiber comprising a coated core fiber, wherein the outer coating optionally comprises one or more of reactive groups; and

(c) applying a nourishing component to the core fiber.

125. The hair fiber of claim 124, wherein the nourishing component is applied to the coated core fiber.

126. The hair fiber of claim 124 or 125, wherein the method comprises applying a nourishing component to the hair fiber in a solution.

127. The hair fiber of claim 126, wherein the nourishing component is dissolved in a solution at about 0.5 % to 10% by weight.

128. The hair fiber of claim 126, wherein the nourishing component is applied to the hair fiber at a temperature of about 20 °C to about 60 °C.

129. The hair fiber of any one of claims 123 to 128, whereint the nourishing component is applied to the hair fiber in a carrier vehicle.

130. The hair fiber of any one of claims 123 to 129, wherein step (b) and (c) are performed simultaneously.

131. The hair fiber of any one of claims 1-55 or 123- 130, wherein the core fiber is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 90% to about 99.9% by weight.

132. The hair fiber of any one of claims 1-55 or 123-131, wherein the nourishing component is present in the hair fiber in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight.

133. A hair extension comprising a hair fiber produced by the method of any of claims 80-132.

134. A wig comprising a hair fiber produced by the method of any of claims 80- 132.

135. A hair piece comprising a hair fiber produced by the method of any of claims

80-132.