Vegetable Dyes

by admin on October 13, 2009

All the Vegetable Dyes Information You Need is Here

Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender and Cardamom Lotion
Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender and Cardamom Lotion
Paypal   US $11.99
Pangea Organics Indian Lemongrass and Rosemary Lotion
Pangea Organics Indian Lemongrass and Rosemary Lotion
Paypal   US $11.99
I MEDICI Italian DESIGNER UNISEX CHESTNUT BROWN GLAZED VACHETTA LEATHER BACKPACK
I MEDICI Italian DESIGNER UNISEX CHESTNUT BROWN GLAZED VACHETTA LEATHER BACKPACK
Paypal   US $341.05
Adult Teen ACNE TreatmentPreventionCure SCAR REMOVAL
Adult Teen ACNE TreatmentPreventionCure SCAR REMOVAL
Paypal   US $14.41
VE D ANTIQUE PERSIAN QASHQAI KAZAK TURKEMAN 3x6 RUG
VE D ANTIQUE PERSIAN QASHQAI KAZAK TURKEMAN 3x6 RUG
Paypal   US $299.00
3 4 BLACK BROWN OR RED MULE Contour Wool Felt Saddle Pad32x325 Star Equine
3 4 BLACK BROWN OR RED MULE Contour Wool Felt Saddle Pad32x325 Star Equine
Paypal   US $220.95

Find More Vegetable Dyes Below. Scroll Down Now!

Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender and Cardamom Lotion
Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender and Cardamom Lotion
Paypal   US $11.99
Pangea Organics Indian Lemongrass and Rosemary Lotion
Pangea Organics Indian Lemongrass and Rosemary Lotion
Paypal   US $11.99
I MEDICI Italian DESIGNER UNISEX CHESTNUT BROWN GLAZED VACHETTA LEATHER BACKPACK
I MEDICI Italian DESIGNER UNISEX CHESTNUT BROWN GLAZED VACHETTA LEATHER BACKPACK
Paypal   US $341.05
Adult Teen ACNE TreatmentPreventionCure SCAR REMOVAL
Adult Teen ACNE TreatmentPreventionCure SCAR REMOVAL
Paypal   US $14.41
VE D ANTIQUE PERSIAN QASHQAI KAZAK TURKEMAN 3x6 RUG
VE D ANTIQUE PERSIAN QASHQAI KAZAK TURKEMAN 3x6 RUG
Paypal   US $299.00
3 4 BLACK BROWN OR RED MULE Contour Wool Felt Saddle Pad32x325 Star Equine
3 4 BLACK BROWN OR RED MULE Contour Wool Felt Saddle Pad32x325 Star Equine
Paypal   US $220.95
VE D ANTIQUE PERSIAN QASHQAI HUNTING YALAMEH 4x6 RUG
VE D ANTIQUE PERSIAN QASHQAI HUNTING YALAMEH 4x6 RUG
Paypal   US $549.00
MicroDermabrasion SPONGE Wipe Away AcneScars Age Spots Wrinkles Spa Rated 1
MicroDermabrasion SPONGE Wipe Away AcneScars Age Spots Wrinkles Spa Rated 1
Paypal   US $18.65
BLOOD SUGAR SUPPORT FOR OPTIMAL PANCREATIC FUNCTION 120
BLOOD SUGAR SUPPORT FOR OPTIMAL PANCREATIC FUNCTION 120
Paypal   US $39.99
A Wild Soap Bar tis the season holiday gift set 3 Bars w Certified Organic Oils
A Wild Soap Bar tis the season holiday gift set 3 Bars w Certified Organic Oils
Paypal   US $18.00
c1930s ANTIQUE ANIMAL SUBJ PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 111x210
c1930s ANTIQUE ANIMAL SUBJ PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 111x210
Paypal   US $198.00
3 LBS RIVER BREEZE OLIVE OIL SOAP LOAF HANDMADE NATURAL
3 LBS RIVER BREEZE OLIVE OIL SOAP LOAF HANDMADE NATURAL
Paypal   US $39.99
ALL NATURAL CUCUMBER SOAP LOAF CUTTER HANDMADE 3 LBS
ALL NATURAL CUCUMBER SOAP LOAF CUTTER HANDMADE 3 LBS
Paypal   US $44.99
c1930s ANTIQUE WONDERFUL PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 26x3
c1930s ANTIQUE WONDERFUL PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 26x3
Paypal   US $243.00
c1930s ANTIQUE SUPERB PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 18x28
c1930s ANTIQUE SUPERB PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 18x28
Paypal   US $232.00
1 BLACK or BROWN MULE Contour Wool Felt Saddle Pad30x30 5 Star Equine Prod
1 BLACK or BROWN MULE Contour Wool Felt Saddle Pad30x30 5 Star Equine Prod
Paypal   US $265.95
The American Housewife by Anonymous Audiobook 6 Audio CDs Cookbook
The American Housewife by Anonymous Audiobook 6 Audio CDs Cookbook
Paypal   US $9.95
The American Housewife by Anonymous Audiobook 1 mp3 CD Cookbook
The American Housewife by Anonymous Audiobook 1 mp3 CD Cookbook
Paypal   US $3.95
c1930s ANTIQUE SUBLIME PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 21x211
c1930s ANTIQUE SUBLIME PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 21x211
Paypal   US $273.00
Fine Leather Journal by Bespoke Goods Full Grain Vegetable Dye Handmade
Fine Leather Journal by Bespoke Goods Full Grain Vegetable Dye Handmade
Paypal   US $89.95
Indian Bagru Print Ladies Tiered Maxi Dress BOHO NEW
Indian Bagru Print Ladies Tiered Maxi Dress BOHO NEW
Paypal   US $34.58
c1930s ANTIQUE FABULOUS PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 27x38
c1930s ANTIQUE FABULOUS PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 27x38
Paypal   US $423.00
Proprietary Red Fine Leather Journal by Bespoke Goods Handmade Vegetable Dye
Proprietary Red Fine Leather Journal by Bespoke Goods Handmade Vegetable Dye
Paypal   US $89.95
SUPER ANTIQUE PERSIAN KURDISH BIJARKAZAKHERIZ 4x7
SUPER ANTIQUE PERSIAN KURDISH BIJARKAZAKHERIZ 4x7
Paypal   US $499.00
c1930s ANTIQUE FANTASTIC PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 25x211
c1930s ANTIQUE FANTASTIC PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 25x211
Paypal   US $368.00
Giant Vintage Turkish Rug Floor Pillow 38x48 A34
Giant Vintage Turkish Rug Floor Pillow 38x48 A34
Paypal   US $175.50
c1930s ANTIQUE VASE DESIGN PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 19x34
c1930s ANTIQUE VASE DESIGN PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 19x34
Paypal   US $193.00
c1930s ANTIQUE BRILLIANT PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 2x28
c1930s ANTIQUE BRILLIANT PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 2x28
Paypal   US $323.00
c1930s ANTIQUE DAZZLING PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 24x3
c1930s ANTIQUE DAZZLING PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 24x3
Paypal   US $243.00
c1930s ANTIQUE BEAUTIFUL SQ PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 26x27
c1930s ANTIQUE BEAUTIFUL SQ PERSIAN BIJAR RUG 26x27
Paypal   US $533.00
VINTAGE TURKISH WEST ANATOLIAN AFYON FINGERS DESIGN KILIM 100 VEGETABLE DYES
VINTAGE TURKISH WEST ANATOLIAN AFYON FINGERS DESIGN KILIM 100 VEGETABLE DYES
Paypal   US $395.00
Ca1930s VEGETABLE DYE PERSIAN SAROUK MAHAL ESTATE 9x13
Ca1930s VEGETABLE DYE PERSIAN SAROUK MAHAL ESTATE 9x13
Paypal   US $1,849.00
81x910 Veggie Dye Handmade 100 Wool Sultanabad Rug
81x910 Veggie Dye Handmade 100 Wool Sultanabad Rug
Paypal   US $4,200.00
Good For You Girls Gel Cleanser Normal Sensitive Skin 4 fl oz 120 ml
Good For You Girls Gel Cleanser Normal Sensitive Skin 4 fl oz 120 ml
Paypal   US $13.99
Goldenfeasts Colossal Parrot Food Blend 57oz
Goldenfeasts Colossal Parrot Food Blend 57oz
Paypal   US $30.95
Terrida Tangeroa Large Leopard Calf Hair and Croc Embossed Leather Tote New
Terrida Tangeroa Large Leopard Calf Hair and Croc Embossed Leather Tote New
Paypal   US $139.00
100 Alpaca Fingerless Gloves Wrist Warmers Texting Organic Dyes Fair Trade Tan
100 Alpaca Fingerless Gloves Wrist Warmers Texting Organic Dyes Fair Trade Tan
Paypal   US $21.99
100 Alpaca Fingerless Gloves Wrist Warmers Texting Organic Dyes Fair Trade Red
100 Alpaca Fingerless Gloves Wrist Warmers Texting Organic Dyes Fair Trade Red
Paypal   US $21.99
Fair Trade Coin Purse Bolivian Wallet Hand Woven Wool with Organic Dyes Rust
Fair Trade Coin Purse Bolivian Wallet Hand Woven Wool with Organic Dyes Rust
Paypal   US $5.00
Fair Trade Pencil Bag Case Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetics Bag Organic Dyes Aqua
Fair Trade Pencil Bag Case Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetics Bag Organic Dyes Aqua
Paypal   US $9.00
Fair Trade Pencil Bag Case Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetics Bag Organic Dyes Multi
Fair Trade Pencil Bag Case Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetics Bag Organic Dyes Multi
Paypal   US $9.00
Fair Trade Pencil Bag Case Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetics Bag Organic Dyes Rays
Fair Trade Pencil Bag Case Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetics Bag Organic Dyes Rays
Paypal   US $9.00
Fair Trade Money Pouch Wallet Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetic Bag Organic Dyes Grey
Fair Trade Money Pouch Wallet Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetic Bag Organic Dyes Grey
Paypal   US $9.00
Fair Trade Money Pouch Wallet Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetic Bag Organic Dyes Multi
Fair Trade Money Pouch Wallet Hand Woven Cotton Cosmetic Bag Organic Dyes Multi
Paypal   US $9.00
Fair Trade Money Pouch Wallet Woven Cotton Cosmetic Bag Organic Dyes Magenta
Fair Trade Money Pouch Wallet Woven Cotton Cosmetic Bag Organic Dyes Magenta
Paypal   US $9.00
Fair Trade Coin Purse Bolivian Wallet Hand Woven Wool with Organic Dyes Brown
Fair Trade Coin Purse Bolivian Wallet Hand Woven Wool with Organic Dyes Brown
Paypal   US $5.00
HAND KNOTTED 2x2 CHOBI MINI RUG
HAND KNOTTED 2x2 CHOBI MINI RUG
Paypal   US $15.00
LIGHT BROWN PREMIUM KID BABY MOHAIR REBORN OOAKS CBC
LIGHT BROWN PREMIUM KID BABY MOHAIR REBORN OOAKS CBC
Paypal   US $30.00
ASH BROWN PREMIUM KID BABY MOHAIR REBORN OOAKS CBC
ASH BROWN PREMIUM KID BABY MOHAIR REBORN OOAKS CBC
Paypal   US $30.00
SPRING HONEY BLONDE PREMIUM KID BABY MOHAIR REBORN OOAKS CBC
SPRING HONEY BLONDE PREMIUM KID BABY MOHAIR REBORN OOAKS CBC
Paypal   US $37.50
Ca1880 VEG DY PERSIAN TABATABA TABRIZ ESTATE RUG 3x13
Ca1880 VEG DY PERSIAN TABATABA TABRIZ ESTATE RUG 3x13
Paypal   US $299.00
LOW PRICE SPECIAL 3x5 CAUCASUS RUGFREE SHIPPING
LOW PRICE SPECIAL 3x5 CAUCASUS RUGFREE SHIPPING
Paypal   US $35.00
TUB Hand Made RAW REAL ORGANIC African Black Soap 16oz 1Lb GHANA 100 NATURAL
TUB Hand Made RAW REAL ORGANIC African Black Soap 16oz 1Lb GHANA 100 NATURAL
Paypal   US $6.05
Hand Made REAL RAW ORGANIC NATURAL African Black Soap 8oz 1 2Lb Unrefined GHANA
Hand Made REAL RAW ORGANIC NATURAL African Black Soap 8oz 1 2Lb Unrefined GHANA
Paypal   US $2.99
Most Absorbent Fast Drying Ultra Soft BATH SHEET TOWEL Ever Made Microfiber
Most Absorbent Fast Drying Ultra Soft BATH SHEET TOWEL Ever Made Microfiber
Paypal   US $38.95
WORLD 1 ACNE SOLUTIONS TREATMENT KIT plus ERASE SCARS See Results 1st Day
WORLD 1 ACNE SOLUTIONS TREATMENT KIT plus ERASE SCARS See Results 1st Day
Paypal   US $49.20
Fine Antique Persian Malayer Oriental Rug Carpet 41 x 72 inches Fantastic Colors
Fine Antique Persian Malayer Oriental Rug Carpet 41 x 72 inches Fantastic Colors
Paypal   US $625.00
Worlds Greatest Stretch Mark Scar Reducer Remover Better than Lotion or Cream
Worlds Greatest Stretch Mark Scar Reducer Remover Better than Lotion or Cream
Paypal   US $14.95
eco cotton tote handmade in India w inside pocket jean friendly
eco cotton tote handmade in India w inside pocket jean friendly
Paypal   US $13.50
Ca1930 VEGETABLE DYE PERSIAN SAROUK MAHAL ESTATE 7x10
Ca1930 VEGETABLE DYE PERSIAN SAROUK MAHAL ESTATE 7x10
Paypal   US $399.00
HAND KNOTTED TREASURE 3x4 TAJIK CAUCASUS RUG
HAND KNOTTED TREASURE 3x4 TAJIK CAUCASUS RUG
Paypal   US $45.00
Floto Italian Leather Laptop Briefcase 66Brown
Floto Italian Leather Laptop Briefcase 66Brown
Paypal   US $76.00
MicroDermabrasion Cloth ELIMINATES Many Skin Problems
MicroDermabrasion Cloth ELIMINATES Many Skin Problems
Paypal   US $14.41
Italian Leather Briefcase Attache Laptop Bag 68BROWN
Italian Leather Briefcase Attache Laptop Bag 68BROWN
Paypal   US $175.00
DermaSPA Face Cloth is Best Solution for Acne Blackheads and Anti Aging Wrinkle
DermaSPA Face Cloth is Best Solution for Acne Blackheads and Anti Aging Wrinkle
Paypal   US $12.95
STUNNING HAND KNOTTED 3x6 TAJIK CAUCASUS RUG
STUNNING HAND KNOTTED 3x6 TAJIK CAUCASUS RUG
Paypal   US $150.00
Green Tea 70 by FoodScience of Vermont 60 capsules
Green Tea 70 by FoodScience of Vermont 60 capsules
Paypal   US $19.58
Artisan Reed Grass Hand Crafted Basket Organic
Artisan Reed Grass Hand Crafted Basket Organic
Paypal   US $1.00
HAND KNOTTED 2x4 CHOBI MINI RUG
HAND KNOTTED 2x4 CHOBI MINI RUG
Paypal   US $30.00
Face Body ACNE Remover Treatment Kit also SCAR removal Cream Soap Adult Teen
Face Body ACNE Remover Treatment Kit also SCAR removal Cream Soap Adult Teen
Paypal   US $29.60
INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE 3x6 TAJIK CAUCASUS RUG
INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE 3x6 TAJIK CAUCASUS RUG
Paypal   US $85.00
Vegan Omega 3 DHA by Deva Vegan Vitamins 90 softgels
Vegan Omega 3 DHA by Deva Vegan Vitamins 90 softgels
Paypal   US $24.42
Traditional vegetable dyes in San Pedro de Cajas, Peru

Risks Associated With Hair-Care Formulations

In all mammals, hair develops as an epidermal structure from papillae deep in the skin and acquires characteristic patterns on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and elsewhere on the body. In humans, hair growth is continuous throughout life (declining with advancing age), occurs in cyclic patterns, and is influenced by androgens, thyroid hormones, and dietary factors. Human hair is composed largely of keratin and consists of a narrow central medulla surrounded by a thick envelope (cortex) of elongate cells, which contain numerous melanin granules that determine the natural color. The hair is ensheathed in a multilayered cuticle of overlapping cells that become progressively imbricated with continued growth. These cuticular cells are rich in cystine and become rough or show a weathered appearance through exposure to environment or poor health.

Chemically, human hair contains approximately 85 percent protein, 7 percent water, 3 percent lipid , 4.7 percent protein-bound sulfur (as cystine), and low concentrations of trace minerals (e.g., iron, zinc, copper). The phosphorus content is approximately 80 milligrams per 100 grams of hair. Hair is normally associated with sebum and exocrine secretions from skin glands that confer greasiness but influence its water content and mechanical and physical properties.

Hair follicles are determined prenatally; about 100,000 hairs are found on the scalp region of most adults. Hair density, color, and condition vary according to age, race, and genetic background. Natural hair colors vary from albino or white to blond, red, or intense black and reflect ethnic origin, age, diet, and health. While hair color is closely related to the density of melanin granules, impairment in a person's health or substances in the diet that influence the availability of trace minerals are potential causes of changes in hair color or condition. The configuration of the hair shaft (i.e., straight, wavy, spiral, or peppercorn) is attributable to the number and distribution of disulfide bonds. Hair straightening requires reduction of these disulfide bonds and fiber cross-linkages.

Hair serves to eliminate toxic materials (e.g., lead) and metabolites from the body, and may be used to monitor environmental contamination. For example, copper deficiency is a cause of Menke's "kinky" hair syndrome; protein deficiency leads to hair loss and discoloration. Hair keratin carries a strong negative charge and binds inorganic materials; it becomes prone to discoloration through exposure to environmental chemicals (e.g., cobalt, tar in cigarettes, picric acid, trinitrotoluene, etc.). Prolonged exposure to copper in diet, tap water, or swimming pools is a cause of green hair.

Melanin granules are secreted by melanocytes in the hair papilla and distributed to keratin in the hair cortex and inner layers of the hair sheath during normal development. Melanogenesis is subject to hormonal control and has been the focus of intensive genetic studies. Two main forms of melanin exist in human skin—eumelanin and phaeomelanin, both of which are derived from tyrosine through the action of tyrosinase (a cupro-enzyme) and possibly other key enzymes (with nickel, chromium, iron, and manganese as cofactors). Tyrosine is converted to dihydroxyphenylalanine and, via a series of intermediate steps, to indole-5,6-quinone, which polymerizes to eumelanin. Phaeomelanins are produced by a similar mechanism but with the incorporation of sulfur (as cysteine) by a nonenzymatic step in the oxidation process.

Hair color is a balance between these two melanins. Albino or white-haired individuals have latent melanocytes, but possibly show defects in tyrosinasemediated events. Graying of the hair is age-related and possibly results from declining melanocytic function or retarded hair growth resulting from atrophy or degenerative changes in hair papillae. Hair melanin absorbs insufficient ultraviolet (UV) light energy to afford protection for most individuals against sunburn.

A wide variety of dyes, dressings, and conditioners are available to men and women to enhance the color of hair or to alter its condition, providing the "feel good" factor. Natural hair dyes such as henna and mineral salts are still used, but hair dyeing increasingly involves careful chemical manipulation of the chemistry of hair fibers through bleaching or enhancement of natural colors. Additionally, social and cultural customs have led to the increasing demand for exotic colors. Hair coloring is a well-defined science with intense study of the interaction between hair keratin and highly reactive organic dyes, oxidizing agents, and conditioners.

The dyeing process provides for temporary, semipermanent (direct dyes), and oxidation-type reactions (semipermanent or permanent colors). It may involve absorption or adsorption (electrostatic) of the colorant into/to the hair structure, bleaching or otherwise masking the natural melanin colors, or alteration of the structure of the hair shaft, allowing deep penetration of the colorant. The hair cuticle provides a barrier to the absorption of hair dyes, particularly those of high molecular weight, but damaged fibers exhibiting higher negative charges and reduced phospholipid content are more porous. Dye uptake is determined by the partition coefficient between the hair and the dye carrier (water, alcohol, etc.), pH, and chemical charge (dye-fiber interaction). Thickeners and surfactants can also influence dye uptake.

Henna is the oldest and most widely used vegetable dye utilized in hair coloring. A temporary chestnut color is produced in blond or auburn hair by applying a paste of henna flowers and leaves ground in hot water immediately before use. (The dye is unstable in aqueous solution.) The addition of indigo achieves darker blue-black shades; extracts of walnut shell or logwood enhance brown coloration. Hair dyes and other hair treatments have been popular for centuries, but in recent years have been more chemically sophisticated, taking into account the chemical makeup of hair.

Of the mineral dyes, only lead acetate is commercially available. In the United States, the FDA permits maximal concentrations of 0.6 percent; in the United Kingdom, less than 1 percent is allowed. (Kohl or "surma," an eyelash and eyelid cosmetic used in Asian countries, contains up to 80 percent lead and is a known cause of anemia.) In contact with hair, the lead salt is poorly absorbed but interacts with keratin to deposit lead sulfide (at permitted levels [<0.5%] lead is absorbed into the skin without toxic implications). Silver nitrate has been used to color hair brown-black without significant absorption of metal into the circulation; silver is deposited in the hair cortex as silver sulfide. Metallic hair dyes tend to be long-lasting and are lost as hair grows and is shed naturally. Hair coloration is achieved as a gradual process through repeated application of rinses or pastes over several days.

Temporary dyes are frequently acidic and provide short-term coloration. They are of low penetration and do not involve melanin bleaching or structural changes in the hair fiber. They are commonly identified with a color index (CI) number; they are water-soluble, high-molecular-weight pigments. Temporary dyes are employed in water-thin color rinses, colored hair-setting lotions, colored styling gels, lotions, and shampoos. Hair dyeing is improved when the colors are applied under moderate heat. Hair dyeing and color balance is difficult to control with temporary methods because of the inconsistency of dye delivery systems and instability of the dye-keratin "bonding."

Semipermanent dyeing systems are designed to last for several weeks. They impart darker colors without the use of oxidizing agents or structural changes in the hair shaft or papillae. Melanin may be partly masked but is not bleached. These dyes diffuse more readily into and out of the hair (aided by solvents and surfactants) and are progressively lost with hair shampooing and normal growth. The method employs dyes that are already colored, and in general is without the toxic risks associated with semipermanent or permanent methods, which involve de novo color production and strong oxidizing agents. When the dye is lost through shampooing, the hair resumes its natural color.

Oxidative hair dyeing systems involve the use of more toxic reagents. They are multistep processes leading to semipermanent or permanent coloration, according to the extent of bleaching involved. Surfactants and solvents influence the penetration of the active constituents; alkalizing agents determine pH. The resulting hair colorations are more stable against normal wearing processes than semi permanent preparations and involve an initial oxidation reaction, a coupling reaction, and production of a color reaction with dyeing of the hair fiber. The process requires a primary intermediate, a m -coupler or secondary intermediate (color modifiers), and hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as the oxidizing agent; it has the capacity to bleach melanin but it initiates the first coupling reaction and the ultimate development of the color. Initial oxidation of primary intermediates (e.g., p -aminophenol, p -phenylenediamine) by hydrogen peroxide is followed by coupling with an agent like m -aminophenols, or m -phenylenediamines. Further oxidation of this secondary intermediate leads to the formation of colored indamines, indolanilines, and indophenols. As a general rule, the higher is the electron-donating capacity of the coupling agent, the higher is the absorbance maximum of the indo-dye formed.  

Many of the organic aromatic amines used in hair dyes are strong sensitizers and oxidative dyes should be used with extreme caution. P -phenylenediamine and its derivatives, commonly employed in permanent or semipermanent hair colorings, are strong sensitizing agents and may damage the hair. Although a large number of possible combinations of primary intermediates and couplers leading to the production of exotic hair colors are possible, the cost of conducting regulatory toxicological evaluation is prohibitive in developing many interesting colors.

Lightening or removal of hair color without structurally damaging the hair shaft is a difficult process. Oxidizing agents, including hydrogen peroxide, can be extremely harmful to hair and will oxidize some cystine to cysteic acid, rendering the fibers less cohesive and susceptible to hydration and swelling under alkaline conditions. Bleached hair shows a loss of melanin granules at the periphery of the hair. Hair color is lost (platinum blond appearance) and the fibers become dry and fragile. Bleaching is inhibited by shampoos or acid rinses.

Hair conditioning includes permanent waving, straightening, and setting. In each case, sequential chemical treatments lead to modifications of the hair shaft with temporary or prolonged changes in disulfide bond distribution and behavioral characteristics. Softening, reshaping, and hardening are integral to permanent waving and involve an initial reduction in disulfide bonds and adhesiveness of adjacent hairs using heat or steam, thioglycollates, or ammonium hydroxide; styling with heated rollers; and setting or neutralizing the reaction. This last event is a reversal of the earlier reduction process with reconstitution of disulfide bonds from adjacent cystine moieties using hydrogen peroxide or a similar oxidizer. Hair straightening is a similar process, but may involve the additional use of hair dressings like gels, sprays, and creams (pomades) to hold the hair in place. Hot comb techniques may be used to disrupt the disulfide bonds followed by application of oils, petroleum jelly, or liquid paraffin.

Mousses are designed for hair styling and setting hair in position. Commonly, formulations are based on cationic conditioning polymers with quaternary ammonium salts, alcohols, perfumes, colorants, water, and preservatives. They may be in propellant, foam, or jelly form for direct application to hair after shampoo or cutting.  

About the Author

Dr. Badruddin Khan teaches Chemistry in the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.

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