Lesson 1pH adjustment and chelating agents: EDTA/GLDA roles and recommended levelsLook at pH balancing and metal-binding agents in hair care. See how acids, bases, and buffers achieve desired pH, and how EDTA, GLDA, and options grab metals, boost germ protection, and guard hair colour and steadiness in local products.
Target pH ranges for key hair product typesAcids, bases and buffer systems in formulasChelation chemistry and metal ion controlEDTA, GLDA and emerging chelatorsRecommended use levels and compatibilityLesson 2Rheology modifiers, thickeners and texture agents: carbomers, xanthan gum, hydroxyethylcellulose, associative thickenersGrasp flow controllers and texture makers that manage thickness and touch. Compare carbomers, xanthan gum, cellulose types, and linking thickeners, and learn how salts, pH, and cleansers affect their action in Botswana formulations.
Viscosity, yield stress and sensorial impactCarbomers and neutralisation requirementsXanthan and cellulose gums in surfactant systemsAssociative thickeners and micelle interactionTroubleshooting instability and phase separationLesson 3Proteins, peptides and keratin derivatives: roles, molecular weight effects and compatibilityProbe proteins, peptides, and keratin forms in hair care. Learn how size, charge, and changes influence entry, coating, feel, and matching with cleansers, softeners, and styling agents for effective local blends.
Protein sources and hydrolysis processesMolecular weight and hair penetrationCationic vs anionic protein derivativesKeratin analogs and bond-mimicking claimsCompatibility with surfactants and cationicsLesson 4Conditioning agents: cationic surfactants, silicones, quaternary ammoniums, polyquaterniums — mechanisms and INCI namesExplore softeners that boost smoothness, softness, and handling. Compare positive cleansers, silicones, quats, and polyquats, their hair effects, naming rules, build-up risks, and tips for lighter setups in Botswana products.
Cationic surfactants and lamellar structuresSilicone types, volatility and depositionQuats, polyquats and charge density effectsINCI naming conventions for conditionersBalancing conditioning, buildup and rinseabilityLesson 5Surfactants: anionic, amphoteric, nonionic — selection, mildness, foaming and concentration rangesExamine cleanser types for hair washing and softening. Compare negative, dual, and neutral systems, their gentleness, bubbles, and softening, and design mixes and amounts for various formats in local hair care.
Anionic surfactants and cleansing strengthAmphoteric surfactants and mildness boostingNonionic surfactants and solubilisation rolesDesigning surfactant blends for shampoosActive matter, dilution and usage rangesLesson 6Emollients and oils: esters, fatty alcohols, natural oils and butters — polarity, spreadability and compatibilityDelve into softening agents in hair care, comparing esters, fatty alcohols, natural oils, and butters. Learn how pull, spread, and matching impact smoothness, build, steadiness, and work in different product types for Botswana.
Ester structure, polarity and sensory profileFatty alcohols for structure, slip and stabilityNatural oils, butters and fatty acid profilesPolarity, solubility and phase compatibilityChoosing emollients for product type and hair needLesson 7Functional actives and botanicals: antioxidants, UV filters, anti-dandruff actives, anti-inflammatory extracts — efficacy and evidenceBreak down active ingredients and plant extracts for scalp and hair gains. Cover fighters of oxidation, UV blocks, anti-flake agents, and soothing extracts, stressing actions, proof strength, and real claim backing in local contexts.
Antioxidants and protection from oxidative stressUV filters for hair colour and scalp defenceAnti-dandruff actives and regulatory statusBotanical extracts and anti-inflammatory claimsEvaluating evidence and building claim dossiersLesson 8Fragrance, colourants and sensitisers: common allergens, limits and safer alternativesGo over scents, colours, and irritants in hair items. Spot usual triggers, label rules, and limits, and find ways for safer, low-irritant scent and colour designs that meet user hopes in Botswana markets.
Fragrance chemistry and allergen sourcesIFRA, labelling and allergen disclosureColourant types and regulatory categoriesSensitisation mechanisms and risk factorsDesigning lower-risk scent and colour systemsLesson 9Preservative systems: broad-spectrum options, typical concentrations, selection by pH and rinse-off vs leave-inLearn how germ guards shield hair products from bugs. Compare wide-range choices, working amounts, pH fits, and rules, and adjust for wash-off, stay-on, and sensitive scalp formulas in local production.
Microbial risks in hair formulationsCommon preservative chemistries and modespH-dependent efficacy and stabilityDesigning systems for rinse-off vs leave-inRegulatory, safety and consumer concernsLesson 10Humectants and film-formers: glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, polymers — what they do and recommended levelsUnderstand moisture drawers and coating makers that handle wetness and touch. Compare glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, and main polymers, their water hold, suggested amounts, and effects on frizz, curl hold, and build in Botswana climates.
Water activity, humectancy and hair hydrationGlycerin, propanediol and other small humectantsPanthenol and multifunctional moisturisersFilm-forming polymers for hold and frizz controlUsage levels and climate-dependent strategies
