Lesson 1pH adjustment and chelating agents: EDTA/GLDA roles and recommended levelsLook at pH tweaking and chelating agents in hair care. See how acids, bases, and buffers hit target pH, and how EDTA, GLDA, and options bind metals, boost preservative work, and guard hair colour and steadiness.
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 thickenersGet rheology modifiers and texture agents that manage thickness and touch. Compare carbomers, xanthan gum, cellulose types, and associative thickeners, and see how salts, pH, and surfactants affect their action in local 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 variants in hair care. Learn how size, charge, and tweaks impact entry, film build, feel, and fit with surfactants, conditioners, and styling polymers for effective 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 namesDive into conditioning agents that boost slip, softness, and handling. Compare cationic surfactants, silicones, quats, and polyquats, their hair effects, INCI labels, buildup chance, and tips for lighter setups in South African 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 rangesStudy surfactant types for hair cleansing and conditioning. Compare anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic setups, their gentleness, foam, and conditioning, and craft blends and amount ranges for each format in local shampoos.
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 emollient chemistry in hair care, comparing esters, fatty alcohols, natural oils, and butters. Learn how polarity, spread, and fit affect slip, buildup, stability, and work in various product types for diverse 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 evidenceBreak down functional actives and botanicals for scalp and strand perks. Cover antioxidants, UV guards, anti-dandruff agents, and anti-swelling extracts, stressing mechanisms, proof strength, and real claim backing for South African use.
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 fragrance, colourants, and sensitisers in hair items. Spot common allergens, label rules, and usual limits, and find ways for safer, low-sensitising scent and colour designs that meet consumer wants in local 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 preservative setups shield hair products from bugs. Compare wide-spectrum choices, effective amounts, pH fits, and rules, and tweak systems for rinse-off, leave-in, and sensitive-scalp mixes common in South Africa.
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 humectants and film-formers that handle moisture and touch. Compare glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, and main polymers, their water-holding, suggested amounts, and effects on frizz, curl hold, and buildup in humid 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
