Compositions and Methods for Treating Damaged Hair

Abstract

Compositions and methods are disclosed for repairing damaged keratin fibers or otherwise strengthening keratin fibers, including hair of the human scalp, and particularly hair that has been damaged chemically, physically, thermally or by other means. The compositions comprise 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid (TDPA) or a derivative thereof in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for repairing damaged keratin fibers comprising applying to a keratin fiber in need thereof a composition comprising, in a topically acceptable vehicle, an effective amount of a compound having the structure of Formula (I): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein, X is selected from —O—, —S—, —CH 2 —, —NH—, or —NR N — (where R N  is methyl or ethyl) and R 1  and R 2  are independently selected from hydrogen, C 1-22  hydrocarbon radicals, and counterions; for a time sufficient to improve the strength or overall appearance of said keratin fibers. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  1 , wherein said keratin fibers are hair of the human scalp. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  1 , wherein X is —S—. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  1 , wherein R 1  and R 2  are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkyl-aryl, aryl-alkyl, heteroaryl, and combinations thereof, each optionally being substituted with 1-10 heteroatoms selected from halogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  1 , wherein R 1  and/or R 2  are selected from C 8-22  alkyl. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  1 , wherein R 1  and/or R 2  are selected from C 1-5  alkyl. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  6 , wherein R 1  and/or R 2  are lauryl groups. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  1 , wherein R 1  and/or R 2  are hydrogen. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  1 , wherein R 1  and/or R 2  are counterions selected from ammonium, quaternary amines, alkali or alkali-earth metals. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said compound is 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid (TDPA). 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said hair of the human scalp has previously been subjected to at least one of hair coloring or hair lightening. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein said hair coloring comprises treatment with a two-part oxidative dye. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said hair of the human scalp has previously been subjected to a permanent treatment. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said hair of the human scalp suffers from UV damage. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said hair of the human scalp suffers from heat damage. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said compound comprises from about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises one or more of a film former, fluoropolymer, shine enhancer, thickener, emulsifier, pH adjuster, or chelating agent. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises at least one hair conditioning agent selected from the group consisting of polyquaterniums, cationic polymers, cationic surfactants, non-volatile dimethicone oils, dimethiconols, amodimethicones, ester oils, fatty alcohols, cationic gums and cellulosics, amidoamines, cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, polyesteramines, and cationically charge-modified polymers derived from guar gum, cellulose, proteins, polypeptides, chitosan, lanolin, starches and amino silicones. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said composition comprises a polyquaternium. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said composition comprises polyquaternium-37. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said composition is a leave-in hair conditioner. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said composition is applied to damp towel-dried or dry hair.