Lesson 1pH adjustment and chelating agents: EDTA/GLDA roles and recommended levelsLook at pH change and chelating agents in hair care. Learn how acids, bases, and buffers set target pH, and how EDTA, GLDA, and options bind metals, improve germ fight performance, and protect hair color and stability in humid places.
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 changers and texture agents that control thickness and feel. Compare carbomers, xanthan gum, cellulose types, and link thickeners, and learn how salts, pH, and cleaners affect their work in local products.
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 compatibilityCheck proteins, peptides, and keratin types in hair care. Learn how size, charge, and change affect entry, film make, feel, and match with cleaners, conditioners, and style polymers for strong 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 improve slip, softness, and handle. Compare positive cleaners, silicones, quats, and polyquats, their work on hair, INCI names, build-up risk, and plans for lighter systems in our routines.
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 groups used in hair cleaning and conditioning. Compare negative, both-way, and neutral systems, their gentleness, foam, and conditioning effects, and learn to design blends and levels for each type in local markets.
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 softener chemistry in hair care, comparing esters, fatty alcohols, natural oils, and butters. Learn how pull, spread, and match affect slip, build-up, stability, and work in different product types for tropical hair.
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 evidenceAnalyze active parts and plant stuff used for scalp and fiber good. Cover fighters of oxidation, UV blocks, anti-dandruff agents, and anti-swell extracts, focusing on ways, proof quality, and real claim support for our use.
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 alternativesReview scent, colors, and sensitizers in hair products. Find common allergy causers, label rules, and usual limits, and explore plans for safer, low-sensitizing scent and color design that meets consumer wants in Liberia.
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-fight systems protect hair products from bugs. Compare wide-range options, effective use levels, pH windows, and rules limits, and adjust systems for rinse-off, leave-in, and sensitive-scalp mixes in hot weather.
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 keepers and film makers that manage wet and feel. Compare glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, and key polymers, their water-hold work, suggested levels, and how they affect frizz, curl hold, and build-up in humid areas.
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
