Method for treating keratinous fibers using steam

Abstract

Provided is a method for treating keratinous fibers comprising: applying steam to the keratinous fibers at a rate of less than 5 g/min; and shaping the keratinous fibers at a temperature of greater than 50° C., wherein the application of the steam and the shaping of the keratinous fibers do not occur simultaneously. The method disclosed herein may make it possible for example to obtain rapid shaping of the keratinous fibers while improving their cosmetic properties and the comfort of the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for treating keratinous fibers comprising:
 applying steam to the keratinous fibers at a rate of less than 5 g/min, and   shaping the keratinous fibers at a temperature of greater than 50° C.,   wherein the application of the steam and the shaping of the keratinous fibers do not occur simultaneously.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the keratinous fibers are hair fibers. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the steam is applied at a rate ranging from 1 to 4 g/min. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaping temperature is greater than 90° C. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4 , wherein the shaping temperature ranges from 90° C. to 230° C. 
     
     
         6 . A method according  claim 1 , wherein the shaping is carried out using a smoothing iron. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6 , wherein the shaping comprises smoothing in a single pass per treated lock of keratinous fibers. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein applying steam to the keratinous fibers comprises a single application of steam per lock of treated keratinous fibers. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the steam comprises at least one cosmetic active principle and/or ingredient. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaping is carried out after applying the steam to the keratinous fibers. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising cosmetically treating the keratinous fibers comprising applying to the keratinous fibers a composition comprising at least one cosmetic active principle. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11 , comprising, in order, cosmetically treating the keratinous fibers, followed by applying the steam to the keratinous fibers, and then shaping the keratinous fibers. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 10 , comprising, in order, applying the steam to the keratinous fibers, followed by shaping the keratinous fibers, and then cosmetically treating the keratinous fibers. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 10 , comprising, in order, applying the steam to the keratinous fibers, followed by cosmetically treating the keratinous fibers, and then shaping the keratinous fibers. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein cosmetically treating the keratinous fibers comprises at least one treatment chosen from: caring for the keratinous fibers, washing the keratinous fibers, additional shaping of the keratinous fibers, permanent, semipermanent, or temporary dyeing the keratinous fibers, permanent deformation of the keratinous fibers using a reducing agent and optionally a fixative, and alkaline straightening the keratinous fibers with sodium hydroxide or with guanidine carbonate.