Hair fiber damage occurs through multiple pathways, with chemical treatments and mechanical stress disrupting disulfide bonds that are critical to hair's structural integrity. Studies show that oxidative treatments can reduce hair strength by up to 40%, while repeated heat styling can decrease elastic modulus by 30% and increase surface roughness by 25%.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing treatments that can penetrate the hair shaft to repair internal bonds while simultaneously protecting the cuticle layer from further damage.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including bifunctional α,β-unsaturated compounds for covalent bond formation, low molecular weight hydrolyzed proteins for internal repair, sequential polyphenol treatments, and N-acetyl amino acid strengthening agents. These and other approaches focus on practical applications that can be incorporated into daily hair care routines while providing measurable improvements in hair fiber strength and integrity.

1. Cosmetic Composition Containing Hydroxy Ketone, Multifunctional Carboxylic Acid, Aliphatic Monocarboxylic Acid, and Amino Group-Containing Biomolecules

AREUM DAWOON COSMETICS CO LTD, Beautiful cosmetics, 2024

Cosmetic composition for repairing damaged hair that strengthens hair and restores damaged hair by using a combination of hydroxy ketone compounds, multifunctional carboxylic acid compounds, aliphatic monocarboxylic acid compounds, and amino group-containing biomolecules. The composition contains compounds like hydroxyacetophenone, itaconic acid, caprylic acid, and amino acids to form bonds similar to cystine bonds between hair strands. This restores lost cystine bonds in damaged hair and improves hair strength and texture.

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2. Hair Care Composition with Hydrolyzed Collagen PG-Propylmethylsilanediol and Low Molecular Weight Hydrolyzed Keratin

CHENGHE COSMETIC CHEMICAL SHANGHAI CO LTD, 2024

A hair care composition containing hydrolyzed collagen and hydrolyzed keratin with a specific molecular weight range to improve hair strength and repair damaged hair. The composition contains hydrolyzed collagen PG-propylmethylsilanediol and hydrolyzed keratin with an average molecular weight of 400. This composition repairs hair disulfide bonds damaged by heat or chemicals. It enhances internal penetration to repair bonds from within. The hydrolyzed collagen helps bind damaged hair and the hydrolyzed keratin with a low molecular weight of 400 provides effective disulfide bond repair.

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3. Hair Composition with Bifunctional α,β-Unsaturated Compounds and Crosslinking Agents for Keratin Covalent Bond Formation

CHEMYUNION LTDA, 2024

Hair composition that strengthens damaged hair, particularly after chemical treatments like bleaching and dyeing. The composition contains bifunctional α,β-unsaturated compounds like itaconic acid derivatives, along with crosslinking agents like saccharides and hydrolyzed proteins. This synergistic combination of compounds reacts with amino groups in keratin to form covalent bonds, increasing hair strength. It also interacts with amino acids and hydrolyzed proteins to form ionic crosslinks. The composition also promotes moisture retention, brightness, softness, thermal protection, and cuticle sealing.

4. Hair Care Composition with Disulfide Bond Repair and Moisturizing Agents

GUANGZHOU MEISI BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

A hair care composition to strengthen hair by repairing disulfide bonds and moisturizing hair. The composition contains ingredients like acetylated hyaluronic acid, panthenol, Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract, disulfide-containing compounds, cocoyl dimethyl hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed keratin, and plant ferment. It penetrates hair fibers to exchange reactions with disulfide bonds, forming covalent bonds to repair damage. The composition also moisturizes, closes hair scales, and provides nutrients for microbial balance.

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5. Sequential Hair Treatment Using Polyphenol and Water-Soluble Polymer Compositions

LOREAL, 2023

Method for improving hair strength and reducing hair dye fading by treating hair with a combination of polyphenols and water-soluble polymers. The method involves applying a first composition containing polyphenols followed by applying a second composition containing water-soluble polymers to hair. The polyphenols can be tannic acids and the water-soluble polymers are polymers like PVP. This sequential treatment improves hair strength and reduces dye fading compared to using just polyphenols or just polymers alone.

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6. Sequential Hair Treatment Method with Polyphenol and Plant Protein Compositions

LOREAL, 2023

A method to improve hair strength and reduce fading of dyed hair using natural plant-derived ingredients. The method involves treating hair first with a composition containing polyphenols like tannic acid, followed by treating the hair again with a composition containing plant-derived proteins like pea protein. This two-step treatment sequence enhances hair strength and reduces dye fading compared to treating with just one composition.

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7. Method for Strengthening Hair Fibers Using Aqueous N-Acetyl Lysine Treatment Composition

UNILEVER IP HOLDINGS BV, 2022

A method to strengthen hair fibers by applying an aqueous treatment composition containing at least 1% N-acetyl lysine. The composition is sequentially applied to hair fibers, followed by a rinse, and then dried. The N-acetyl lysine strengthens the hair fibers by penetrating inside the cuticle and cortex layers. The composition can be used on weakened hair that has been damaged from factors like UV exposure, bleaching, or mechanical stress.

8. Aqueous Hair Treatment Composition with N-Acetyl Glycine for Post-Oxidative Dyeing Fiber Strengthening

UNILEVER IP HOLDINGS BV, 2022

Strengthening oxidatively treated hair to reduce breakage and improve texture. The method involves using an aqueous treatment composition containing at least 1% N-acetyl glycine, applied after oxidative dyeing. The N-acetyl glycine treatment enhances fiber strength compared to untreated oxidized hair.

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9. Cosmetic Composition with Baeja Extract for Protein-Binding Hair Thickening

LG Household & Health Care Ltd., LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD, 2021

A natural hair strengthening cosmetic composition using extract of baeja, a traditional Korean herbal remedy. The composition aims to thicken damaged or thinning hair without chemicals and provide an elasticity boost. The baeja extract restores hair thickness by binding to hair proteins. It can be used in cosmetic products like shampoo, conditioner, and treatments to strengthen hair and improve volume.

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10. Hair Composition with Alkyl Ammonium Amides and Carboxylates for Enhanced Crosslinking and Matrix Structure

HERCULES LLC, HERCULES LLC, 2021

A hair composition to strengthen hair, repair damaged hair and protect colored hair from washout. The composition contains alkyl ammonium amides and/or carboxylates, such as N,N'-ethylene-bis-D-gluconamide, N-(2-aminoethyl)-D-gluconamide, and D-gluconolactone. These compounds help strengthen hair by increasing crosslinking and reducing breakage. They also repair damaged hair by improving the hair matrix structure. The composition can further contain buffering agents to optimize hair strength.

11. Cosmetic Composition Containing Rhododendron Extract for Hair Protein Binding and Thickening

LG Household & Health Care Ltd., LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD, 2021

Cosmetic composition for strengthening hair using a rhododendron extract as an active ingredient. The rhododendron extract, obtained from the perennial herb Honggyeongcheon, has been found to increase hair thickness and strength. The extract binds to hair proteins, thickening damaged or thinning hair and improving elasticity. Using natural plant extracts for hair strengthening provides a safe alternative to chemical treatments.

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12. Cosmetic Composition Containing Ursolic Acid for Hair Thickening and Strengthening

LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD, LG Household & Health Care Ltd., 2021

Cosmetic composition for strengthening hair by thickening damaged or thinning hair, using ursolic acid as the active ingredient. The composition also contains other hair care components like conditioning agents. Ursolic acid, found in plants like apple peel, rosemary, and sage, is applied to hair to physically/chemically increase thickness and elasticity, improving volume and preventing breakage.

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13. Sequential Hair Treatment Method Utilizing N-acetyl-lysine for Fiber Penetration and Structural Binding

UNILEVER NV, 2021

Strengthening hair fibers to prevent breakage and improve styling by using N-acetyl-lysine, an amino acid derivative, in a sequential treatment process. The method involves applying an aqueous treatment composition containing at least 1% N-acetyl-lysine to oxidatively treated hair, followed by washing and drying. The N-acetyl-lysine treatment strengthens hair fibers to reduce breakage and improve styling by penetrating the hair shaft and binding to the inner structure.

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14. Hair Care Compositions with 3,3'-Thiodipropionic Acid Derivatives for Fiber Reinforcement

AVON PRODUCTS INC, 2020

Hair care compositions containing 3,3'-tiodipropionic acid (TDPA) or derivatives for strengthening and repairing damaged hair, especially artificially colored or lightened hair. The compositions can be shampoos, conditioners, or leave-in treatments. They contain effective amounts of TDPA to improve hair resistance, reduce breakage, and prevent split ends. The TDPA helps repair damaged hair fibers and prevents further damage.

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15. Hair Care Composition with Silk Fibroin and Cationic Compound in Oil-in-Water Emulsion

UNILEVER NV, 2020

Hair care composition containing silk fibroin and a cationic compound to reduce hair breakage, repair damaged hair, lubricate and smooth hair. The composition uses silk fibroin derived from silkworms and a cationic compound like oligochitosan or amino acids. It can be an oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by the silk fibroin. The composition provides benefits like reduced hair breakage, improved repair of broken hair, smoother and softer hair feel. The silk fibroin and cationic compound combination enhances hair care efficacy compared to silk fibroin alone.

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16. Hair Fiber Strengthening Composition with Controlled Metal Ion Oxidation and Specific Metal Compound to Carbohydrate Anion Ratios

MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INC, 2020

Hair fiber strengthening composition that provides hair strengthening without the undesirable effect of darkening or spotting the hair, particularly light-colored or bleached hair. The composition contains metal compounds like iron lactobionate or iron gluconate at lower pH values around 4. This allows controlling the oxidation of the metal ions to prevent darkening. The composition also has metal compound:carbohydrate anion ratios from 1.0 to 3.0. It strengthens hair fibers by increasing wet elasticity and break strength without significant hair darkening compared to traditional metal-based hair treatments.

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17. Hair Strengthening Composition with Ethosome-Encapsulated Reinforcing Agents and Stabilizers

AE KYUNG IND CO LTD, 2020

Composition for strengthening hair that deeply penetrates hair to increase its tensile strength and prevent breakage. The composition contains a hair reinforcing component like hydrolyzed protein, Moringa extract, and amino acids, along with arginine. To deliver these components into the hair, the composition uses an ethosome carrier. The ethosome is a vesicle made of phospholipids and cholesterol that encapsulates the hair-strengthening ingredients. The ethosome size is optimized for hair absorption. The composition also includes stabilizers like surfactants, thickeners, and lower alcohols.

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18. Hair Treatment Composition with Cystamine Derivatives for Disulfide Bond Restoration

Samin Chemical Co., Ltd., SAMIN CHEMICAL CO LTD, 2020

A hair treatment composition for repairing damaged hair using cystamine derivatives. The composition contains cystamine dimaleate, cystamine dicarbocysteinate, or cystamine diglutamate to strengthen the internal fibrous tissue of damaged hair. These cystamine derivatives provide disulfide-binding materials to restore and supplement the damaged -SS- bonds in hair damaged by dyeing, bleaching, and perming. The composition also contains polyquaternium-10, water-soluble silicone, phenoxyethanol, fragrance, and purified water.

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19. Hair Strengthening Agent with Glyoxylic Acid-Induced Carboxymethylene Crosslinks in Keratin Chains

SHISEIDO COMPANY LTD, 2020

Hair strengthening agent that improves hair strength by generating new bonds between keratin chains. The agent contains glyoxylic acid which forms carboxymethylene crosslinks between lysine, tyrosine, and arginine residues in keratin. This improves hair strength by crosslinking the keratin chains rather than just repairing surface damage. The glyoxylic acid treatment can be applied to hair and left to dry before washing to strengthen the hair. The treated hair can then be styled as normal.

20. Method for Strengthening Oxidatively-Treated Hair Fibers Using Aqueous N-Formyl Amino Acid Composition

UNILEVER PLC, 2019

A method to strengthen oxidatively-treated hair fibers by using an aqueous treatment composition containing at least 0.5% N-formyl amino acid. The method involves washing hair, soaking the wet hair in the treatment composition, and drying. The N-formyl amino acid strengthens the hair fibers when applied after oxidative dyeing.

21. Hair Repair Composition with 1,6-Diaminohexane Dimaleate for Disulfide Bond Restoration

JOO SEONG CHUL, 2018

A composition for improving damaged hair that restores the disulfide bonds of damaged hair due to frequent dyeing, bleaching, and perming. The composition contains 1,6-diaminohexane dimaleate (1,6-DAHEDM) as the active ingredient. 1,6-DAHEDM reacts with hair to form new disulfide bonds and repair the damaged hair structure. It prevents hair damage and strengthens the internal fiber structure to restore healthy hair. The composition improves hair softness, moisture, elasticity, and gloss after washing, without harming the scalp.

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22. Kits and Methods Utilizing Amino Acid-Based Booster Compositions for Hair Fiber Restructuring

OREAL, 2018

Kits and methods for strengthening and repairing hair damage using booster compositions that are added to hair treatments like shampoo and conditioner. The booster compositions contain amino acids, amino sulfonic acids, and other ingredients to restructure hair fibers and improve properties like smoothness, gloss, combability, strength, and elasticity. The boosters can be mixed with hair treatments or applied separately. They help compensate for damage from environmental factors, chemical processes, and mechanical manipulation.

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23. Sequential Hair Treatment Method Utilizing Amino Acid-Based Compositions

DRILLON DAMIEN, 2018

Treating hair to repair, strengthen, and protect it from damage. The method involves applying hair-treatment compositions containing amino acids, amino sulfonic acids, and carboxylic acids to cleansed hair. The compositions are applied in sequences like shampooing and conditioning. They restructure hair fibers to improve properties like smoothness, gloss, combability, strength, and elasticity. The compositions contain components like amino acids, carboxylic acids, silicones, polymers, and thickeners. Repeatedly using these treatments over time helps mitigate damage from environmental stresses and cosmetic treatments on hair.

24. Cosmetic Composition with Carbodiimide Compound and Reactive Hair Strengthening Component

LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD, 2016

Cosmetic composition for strengthening hair that provides a continuous, semi-permanent hair strengthening effect without damaging the hair. The composition contains a carbodiimide-based compound and a hair strengthening component. The carbodiimide compound reacts with hair proteins to form covalent bonds and increase hair strength. The hair strengthening component has functional groups that react with hair proteins. The composition also includes a hair strengthening component with a reactive functional group to further enhance bonding to hair proteins. The composition can be used in cosmetic formulations like shampoo, conditioner, and hair packs.

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25. Cosmetic Composition with Carbodiimide Compound and Esterified Hair Enhancing Component Forming Covalent Bonds

LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD, 2016

Cosmetic composition for strengthening hair that provides a continuous and semi-permanent hair strengthening effect without damaging the hair. The composition contains a carbodiimide-based compound and a hair enhancing component. The carbodiimide compound reacts with the hair to form covalent bonds. The hair enhancing component has a carboxyl group that is reactive esterified to increase efficiency. The composition can be used in hair products like shampoo, conditioner, and treatments. The reactive ester hair enhancing component increases reaction efficiency with the carbodiimide compound to improve hair strength.

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26. Cosmetic Composition with Plant Extracts and Compounds for Hair Protein Binding

LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD, 2016

Cosmetic composition for strengthening hair using natural plant extracts and compounds to improve hair thickness and prevent hair loss. The composition contains extracts like Honggyeongcheon or ginseng, or compounds like ursolic acid. These natural ingredients bind to hair proteins to enhance thickness and elasticity, counteracting hair damage and thinning. The composition also contains conditioning agents like dimethicone and cationic polymers to provide further hair strength and volume.

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27. Hair Treatment Composition with Low Molecular Weight Amino Acids and Reducing Sugars for Maillard Reaction-Induced Protein Integration

AMOREPACIFIC CORP, 2015

Strengthening hair composition and method using low molecular weight amino acids and reducing sugars to penetrate the hair and generate a Maillard reaction when heated. The composition contains amino acids like glycine, alanine, serine, proline, valine, threonine, cysteine, hydroxyproline, isoleucine, leucine, aspartic acid, and reducing sugars like xylose. Applying the composition to hair and heating at 50-200°C causes the amino acids and sugars to penetrate and react with hair proteins, improving hair strength.

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28. Grooming Composition with Bamboo Extract and Setting Agent for Film Formation on Hair

Amorepacific, AMOREPACIFIC CORP, 2015

Grooming product containing bamboo extract to improve haircut longevity. The product contains bamboo extract (0.1-20%), a setting agent (0.1-30%), and water or ethanol. The bamboo extract enhances hair strength. The setting agent forms a film on hair to style it. The bamboo extract improves film adherence to hair, preventing breakage and loss of styling over time.

29. Tourmaline-Infused Compositions for Electromagnetic Radiation Emission in Hair Treatment

IONITA-MANZATU VASILE, 2012

Strengthening human hair using a non-chemical treatment involving tourmaline-containing compositions. The compositions contain materials that emit specific wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation when heated. This radiation strengthens hair by increasing break resistance. The compositions are applied topically to hair and activated by heating. They can be washed out or left in for extended benefits. The compositions contain tourmaline, a mineral that emits infrared radiation, as the radiation source. The compositions are commercially viable by using tourmaline quantities that emit enough radiation to strengthen hair in a reasonable time.

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30. Method for Cosmetic Hair Treatment Using Grafted Polysaccharide-Based Polymer with Covalently Attached Hydrophilic Grafts

MOUGIN NATHALIE, 2011

Cosmetic hair treatment method using grafted polysaccharides to improve hair quality without damaging it. The treatment involves applying a composition containing a polysaccharide-based polymer with covalently attached hydrophilic grafts. The polysaccharide backbone is at least 50% by weight polysaccharide, like hyaluronic acid or dextran. The hydrophilic grafts improve hair properties like tensile strength, elasticity, and water-absorption. The grafted polysaccharide polymer provides a gentler, more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional hair treatments.

31. Hair Strengthening Composition with Citrulline and Nitrogen-Containing Polymer

HOYU KK, 2010

A hair strengthening agent, composition, and method to improve hair strength and prevent breakage. The hair strengthening agent contains citrulline, an amino acid. The hair cosmetic composition also contains a nitrogen-containing polymer like hydrolyzed collagen. This synergistic combination provides a long-lasting hair strengthening effect without impairing feel. Using this composition as a pre/post hair dye treatment also enhances dyeability and prevents discoloration.

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32. Keratin Material Treatment Using Hydroxypropanedial and Reductic Compounds for Structural Reinforcement

KRIPP THOMAS, 2000

Using reducing compounds like hydroxypropanedial and reductic to improve the structure and volume of damaged keratin-containing materials like hair. The compounds harden, strengthen, and restructure keratin by interacting with the internal structure. The method involves applying compositions containing these reducing compounds to keratin materials to enhance and restructure them. The compositions can be single component or multicomponent preparations containing other hair care ingredients. The reducing compounds improve keratin structure by reacting with keratin internal groups.

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33. Hair Fiber Lanthionizing Composition with Deswelling Agent and pH-Lowering Component

AVLON INDUSTRIES INC, 1994

A composition and process to decrease swelling of hair fibers during the lanthionizing (relaxing) process to prevent structural damage. The composition contains a deswelling agent like starch, sugar, or salt along with a pH-lowering agent. Applying this composition before and/or after the relaxing solution reduces osmotic pressure inside the hair fiber and limits swelling during the process. This prevents ruptures in the cuticle that can occur during excessive swelling.

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34. Hair Treatment Method Using Water-Dispersible Polyvalent Metal Salt with Persistent Hydrophobic Restoration

HELENE CURTIS INDUSTRIES INC, 1986

Method to strengthen hair and improve its physical properties by treating it with a water-dispersible, non-toxic polyvalent metal salt. The treatment restores hydrophobicity to hair and provides body. The effects last through subsequent washings with shampoo and are not removed by water. The metal salt can be applied as a rinse or leave-on treatment. The salt contains cations like aluminum, cerium, iron, or zirconium.

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