I saw a blog post about this today and though some of you would find this interesting:
Does any hair repair product really work?
There is hope, however, because of new one technology that works differently. This technology is based on a polyelectrolyte complex, or PEC for short. This PEC complex consists of a negatively charged ion (PVM/MA copolymer) and a positively charged ion (Polyquaternium-28.) This combination of positive and negative charges creates a single complex with the unique ability to stick to damage hairs and to itself.
How does PEC technology repair hair?
What does all this mean? Well, instead of just coating the outside of hair like most conditioners do, the tiny PEC molecules are able to enter the split ends of hair. Because the complex can stick to the damaged hair protein and to other complex molecules, it creates little bridges across the open ends of the splits. As your hair dries, the water evaporates from the complex causing it to contract. The force of this contraction pulls the end of the split hairs back together again. Once the PECs are dry they bind the split end shut.
http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/02/01/hair-repair-new-technology-really-works/
There is a video in the post that shows how certain hair reconstructors actually work. It's pretty cool seeing it in action.
Really interesting. And good to know that the Joico split end mender that I buy has this technology. π
This is really fascinating! Thanks for posting this!
This is interesting.
Silly question... are PECs in your everyday reconstructor, or is it an entirely new/different product?
This is interesting.
Silly question... are PECs in your everyday reconstructor, or is it an entirely new/different product?
You could always check the ingredients list for Polyquaternium-28. Some retailers even list ingredients online.
This is interesting.
Silly question... are PECs in your everyday reconstructor, or is it an entirely new/different product?
You could always check the ingredients list for Polyquaternium-28. Some retailers even list ingredients online.
just make sure it also has PVM/MA copolymer too. you need both for the "magic" to happen. i've noticed they tend to not be right next to each other in the ingredients list so you need to really look close.
Does it specifically have to be 28? I have a few products that say Polyquaternium-32 (or 37 i cant remember which) but they dont have the PVM/MA copolymer in them anyway. But either way, if a product does have the PVM/MA copolymer, does it have to specifically have Polyquaternium-28 or can it be a different number at the end? (what do those #s even mean anyway?)
These products have the magic Polyquaternium-28 + PVM/MA copolymer combo in them:
Nexxus Pro Mend Conditioner
Joico Kpak Reconstruct Split End Mender
Tresemme Split Remedy Conditioner
Im pretty excited to buy the tresemme as i know its a lot cheaper than nexxus or joico. I cant wait to try it out! Glad i found this out, just in time for bleaching! Does anyone else know of any other products that have the magic combo?
Moderator combined posts. Please use Modify post rather than double posting.
Disappointingly I think the Tresemme one is a "cone". π
Does it specifically have to be 28? I have a few products that say Polyquaternium-32 (or 37 i cant remember which) but they dont have the PVM/MA copolymer in them anyway. But either way, if a product does have the PVM/MA copolymer, does it have to specifically have Polyquaternium-28 or can it be a different number at the end? (what do those #s even mean anyway?)
I'm not 100% sure, but since all polyquaterniums are positively charged they might work with the negatively charged PVM/MA copolymer. Can't say for sure but #28 might work best for split mending.
The different numbers indicate a chemically different polymer, each one is made of something different but all have quaternary ammonium centers.
Disappointingly I think the Tresemme one is a "cone". π
Ah shit. Eh, im still going to try it. I wonder, are the results permanent? Or do they wash out the next time you wash or do they "wear off' so to speak, eventually?
I would expect it washes out, at least with clarifying shampoo.
I'm also wondering, would it also coat the outside of the shaft?
http://journal.scconline.org/pdf/cc2007/cc058n04/p00451-p00476.pdf
For anyone interested in the science, here is a paper from the journal of cosmetic science.
They claim its a semi-permanent form of repair so it will work similarly to semi dyes. It will slowly be washed out/ weakened.
Disappointingly I think the Tresemme one is a "cone". π
Ah s**t. Eh, im still going to try it. I wonder, are the results permanent? Or do they wash out the next time you wash or do they "wear off' so to speak, eventually?
I admit, I read your post during my lunch hour, and I immediately went to the local Boots to check out the product. I was about to buy it!
Please do post your thoughts about it. I am so tempted myself...
Well i bought it! And it was on sale from $6 to $3.75 (yay) ! Im going to try it out in the morning + il update here. And thank you puerkz for the link! I am going to read through it in the AM as well π
Well done, and a great bargain too! Let us know what you think. I may try it out after my silicone-free phase passes, ha ha.