Lesson 1pH adjustment and chelating agents: EDTA/GLDA roles and recommended levelsLook at pH balancing and chelating agents in hair care. Learn how acids, bases, and buffers set needed pH, and how EDTA, GLDA, and options bind metals, boost preservative work, and guard hair colour and stability.
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 thickenersUnderstand flow modifiers and texture agents that manage thickness and touch. Compare carbomers, xanthan gum, cellulose types, and linking thickeners, and see how salts, pH, and cleansers affect their action in Ghanaian products.
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 compatibilityStudy proteins, peptides, and keratin types in hair care. Learn how size, charge, and changes affect soaking in, film making, feel, and matching with cleansers, conditioners, and styling polymers for local hair.
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 conditioning agents that boost slip, softness, and handling. Compare positive surfactants, silicones, quats, and polyquats, their hair effects, INCI names, build-up risks, and ways for lighter systems in humid Ghana.
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 cleanser classes for hair washing and conditioning. Compare negative, dual, and neutral systems, their gentleness, bubbles, and conditioning, and design mixes and levels for each type suited to Ghanaian water and hair.
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 compatibilityExplore softening chemistry in hair care, comparing esters, fatty alcohols, local oils, and butters. Learn how pull, spread, and matching affect slip, build, stability, and work in various product types for tropical climates.
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 evidenceAnalyse active ingredients and plant extracts for scalp and hair benefits. Cover antioxidants, sun blockers, anti-dandruff agents, and soothing extracts, focusing on how they work, proof quality, and real claim backing for Ghana.
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, colorants and sensitisers: common allergens, limits and safer alternativesReview scents, colours, and irritants in hair products. Spot common triggers, label rules, and usual limits, and find ways for safer, low-irritant scent and colour designs that meet Ghanaian consumer likes.
Fragrance chemistry and allergen sourcesIFRA, labelling and allergen disclosureColorant 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 preservative setups guard hair products from germs. Compare wide-range options, effective levels, pH fits, and rules, and adjust for wash-off, leave-on, and sensitive scalp formulas in warm climates.
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 makers that handle wetness and feel. Compare glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, and main polymers, their water holding, suggested levels, and effects on frizz, curl hold, and build in humidity.
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
