What do the latest patent applications reveal about what's happening in new
technology for hair products?

http://www.happi.com/articles/2007/11/innovations-in-hair-care.php

Summary


The trends that we have discerned for polymers in hair care can be summed up
as:
    ‧ A continuing trend to extend the range of thickeners to hitherto
inaccessible pH values and  salt concentrations while enhancing the feel
attributes of the thickener;

    ‧ A drive toward single polymers with dual functionality; such as
thickening and film-forming, or extreme fixing that resists humidity while
conferring good feel properties;

    ‧ Attempts to produce fixative products that impart excellent and
reshapable style;

    ‧ The endeavor to achieve good conditioning without buildup of residue
on the hair and

    ‧ An exploration of macromolecular antimicrobials and preservatives.