Visual methods demonstrate colour protection

As women age, the desire to look younger by covering grey hair (a sign of ageing) has been the main driver for using permanent (oxidative) hair colour.  The appeal of the vibrant, bold, fashion hair colours has driven the use of temporary and semi-permanent hair colours. But colour fading is a concern for both permanent and temporary/semi-permanent hair dyes, as they tend to fade fast, and often off-shade. 

Daily grooming (brushing, blow drying, straightening, etc), and the use of chemical treatments (such as colouring, bleaching, perming, relaxing) all cause hair damage. The more extensive the hair damage, the faster the colour will fade.  The integrity and health of the hair cuticle is the first line of defense against colour fading. ChromoHance™ 113 polymer (INCIPolyquaternium-113) is a patent-pending technology specifically designed to form a hydrophobic protective layer around the cuticle, to lock in colour and prevent colour leaching during shampoo and conditioning cycles. ChromoHance 113 polymer can be used with both permanent and semipermanent/temporary hair dyes. 

Developing and adapting objective evaluation techniques that correlate well with consumer perception are essential claim support and marketing tools. To demonstrate the colour protection efficacy of ChromoHance 113 polymer, we used a novel optical imaging technique combining spectroscopy with imaging.  With hyperspectral imaging, it is possible to monitor specific dyes to show which are fading faster.  The hyperspectral image analyses show the colouration pigment absorption bands from the chroma (internal reflection) region on the mannequin heads. Absorbances can be followed over time to quantify the level/amount of pigment leaching out from hair after applying repeated cycles of shampoo and conditioner.