Lesson 1pH adjustment and chelating agents: EDTA/GLDA roles and recommended levelsLook at pH balancing and metal binders in hair care. Learn how acids, bases, and buffers fix pH, and how EDTA, GLDA, and others trap metals, boost germ fighters, and guard color 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 changers and feel agents that manage thickness and touch. Compare carbomers, xanthan, cellulose types, and linked thickeners, and see how salts, pH, and cleaners affect them in Eritrean formulations.
Viscosity, yield stress and sensorial impactCarbomers and neutralization 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 impact entry, film build, feel, and fit with cleaners, softeners, and style polymers for Eritrean hair needs.
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 slip, softness, and handling. Compare positive cleaners, silicones, quats, and polyquats, their hair actions, naming, build-up risks, and ways for lighter setups in local care.
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 rangesStudy cleaner classes for hair washing and softening. Compare negative, dual, and neutral systems, their gentleness, bubbles, and softening, and craft blends and levels for each type in Eritrean shampoos.
Anionic surfactants and cleansing strengthAmphoteric surfactants and mildness boostingNonionic surfactants and solubilization rolesDesigning surfactant blends for shampoosActive matter, dilution and usage rangesLesson 6Emollients and oils: esters, fatty alcohols, natural oils and butters — polarity, spreadability and compatibilityProbe softening chemistry in hair care, comparing esters, fat alcohols, natural oils, and butters. Learn how pull, spread, and fit affect slip, build, steadiness, and work in varied Eritrean product forms.
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 swelling reducers, stressing actions, proof strength, and real claim backing for Eritrea.
Antioxidants and protection from oxidative stressUV filters for hair color and scalp defenseAnti-dandruff actives and regulatory statusBotanical extracts and anti-inflammatory claimsEvaluating evidence and building claim dossiersLesson 8Fragrance, colorants and sensitisers: common allergens, limits and safer alternativesGo over scents, colors, and irritants in hair goods. Spot usual triggers, label rules, and limits, and find ways for safer, low-irritant scent and color plans that meet Eritrean user hopes.
Fragrance chemistry and allergen sourcesIFRA, labeling and allergen disclosureColorant types and regulatory categoriesSensitization mechanisms and risk factorsDesigning lower-risk scent and color systemsLesson 9Preservative systems: broad-spectrum options, typical concentrations, selection by pH and rinse-off vs leave-inLearn how germ protection setups guard hair goods from bugs. Compare wide-range choices, working levels, pH fits, and rules, and adjust for wash-off, stay-on, and touchy scalp mixes in Eritrea.
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 film builders that handle wetness and touch. Compare glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, and main polymers, their water hold, suggested levels, and effects on frizz, curl hold, and build in local climates.
Water activity, humectancy and hair hydrationGlycerin, propanediol and other small humectantsPanthenol and multifunctional moisturizersFilm-forming polymers for hold and frizz controlUsage levels and climate-dependent strategies