Lesson 1pH adjustment and chelating agents: EDTA/GLDA roles and recommended levelsCheck pH tuning and metal binders in hair care. See how acids, alkalis, and buffers hit right pH, and how EDTA, GLDA grab metals, boost germ killers, and guard colour and steadiness in our mixes.
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 for thickness and touch. Compare carbomers, xanthan, cellulose types, and link thickeners, and see how salts, pH, and soaps shift their ways in shampoos and creams.
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 bits in hair care. Learn how size, charge, and tweaks affect soak-in, film build, touch, and fit with soaps, softeners, and style polymers for strong repairs.
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 namesDig into softeners for slip, softness, and control. Weigh cationic soaps, silicones, quats, and polyquats, their hair action, INCI tags, build-up risks, and tips for light systems in daily use.
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 soap classes for hair wash and soften. Compare anionic, two-way, and no-charge types, their gentleness, bubbles, and soften effects, and blend designs with % bands for shampoos and co-washes.
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 compatibilityExplore soften oils in hair care, weighing esters, fat alcohols, local oils, and shea. See how pull, spread, and mix affect slip, pile-up, hold, and work in washes, masks, and leave-ons.
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 bits and plant extracts for scalp and hair gains. Cover anti-ox, sun blocks, dandruff fighters, and calm extracts, stressing action, proof strength, and real claim backing.
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, dyes, and irritants in hair goods. Spot usual triggers, label rules, % caps, and ways for safe, low-risk smells and colours that still please buyers in our markets.
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 germ shield setups for hair goods. Weigh wide-range choices, right % , pH fits, and rules, tweaking for wash-off, stay-on, and touchy scalp mixes in Kenyan heat.
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 levelsGrasp moisture holders and film makers for wet and feel. Weigh glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, and polymers, their hold power, right %, and effects on frizz, curls, and pile-up.
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
