BASF Hair Care: Back to Basics 2: Intro To Fixatives

At BASF Care Creations we understand the need for formulation expertise. In this video, we will take a trip back to basics and explore the use of fixatives in various Styling Products. Fixatives provide the tacky characteristic of styling products. On the hair, they provide adhesion for a hairstyle. Fixatives can be ionic or nonionic polymers. Depending on the net charge of the fixative, it will bind to the hair due to different intermolecular interactions. Fixatives are pliable when wet therefore the hair on the film is a result of evaporation. Fixatives can be compared based on the strength of the film formed. Some of the basic performance tests that BASF can provide when comparing two styling gels include bending stiffness and high humidity curl retention. We use the bending stiffness test to determine the strength of a fixative in a neat solution or in a formulation. It is used to make the claim of a “hold” level for a product. High humidity curl retention describes the resistance of styling polymers to high humidity. Results of these tests establish the claims made for a styling product. Our performance lab in Tarrytown, NY can support these claim methods.