Patent Picks—Digitally Guided Treatments, Restructuring Hair and More

By: Rachel L. Grabenhofer

Posted: August 7, 2012

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Cosmetic composition comprising a fixing polymer and an ionic or nonionic surfactant
European Patent EP1779896
Publication date: Aug. 1, 2012
Assignee: L'Oréal

This patent relates to a cosmetic composition for the treatment of keratin fibers comprising at least one fixing polymer and one cationic surfactant, and use of this composition. In the field of styling, hair compositions are generally alcoholic or aqueous solutions, including polymers mixed with various additives. In particular, hair gels consisting of thickening polymers or gelling agents form a film on the surface of hair to "weld" the fibers together. However, the application of these gels often leads to the formation of residue on the hair. Further, hair gel typically does not function well as a spray or in aerosol devices or pumps. There is therefore a need for cosmetic compositions, especially for styling, that minimize the formation of residue while giving hair a high level of fixation, which this technology provides.

Digitally guided hair care: Apparatus and methods for modifying keratinous surfaces
US Patent 8231292
Publication date: July 31, 2012
Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Co.

Described by this patent is an apparatus for modifying a keratinous surface that has a rotatable applicator and is in fluid communication with a first modification composition. The apparatus also has a sensor and a CPU. The sensor is positioned forward of the applicator head such that as the head rolls across the keratinous surface, the sensor reads the portion of the keratinous surface in front of the rolling head. The sensor readings are transmitted to the CPU, the CPU analyzes the sensor readings of the keratinous surface, and the CPU sends a signal to the applicator head to treat or not to treat the analyzed surface. When the CPU sends a signal to the applicator to treat the surface, a small portion of the first modification composition is applied to the head such that when the head rolls over the keratinous surface the first modification composition contacts the area of the keratinous surface that needs treatment.

Compounds and methods for enhancing hair growth
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/100238
Publication date: July 26, 2012
Assignee: Allergan, Inc., J.W. Wang and D.F. Woodward

The present invention discloses a method for stimulating hair growth, converting vellus hair or intermediate hair to terminal hair, or stimulating hair follicles to increase hair growth. This method is related to one or more properties selected from the group consisting of: luster, sheen, brilliance, gloss, glow, shine or patina of hair associated with the follicles; or increasing one or more of: length, thickness, number and density of eyelash hair or eyebrow hair. The method comprises applying to the skin a composition incorporating an effective amount of an EP3 agonist or an EP4 agonist prodrug or a mixture thereof.