Examining Polyquaternium Polymers Deposition on Human Excised Hair Fibers

The study from 2017 investigated the effectiveness of Polyquaternium polymers (PQs) in adhering to human hair fibers and enhancing hair volume. It was determined that the molecular weight of the polymers and the pH level of the solution significantly influenced deposition efficacy. PQ-68 showed the highest deposition at a pH of 9, while PQ-44 demonstrated the best resistance to washing at a pH of 6. The deposition of polymers increased with the pH value and concentration, with PQ-68 reaching an optimal concentration at 5% w/w. The study also developed a reliable washing test to evaluate the durability of polymer deposition. The findings suggest that PQs can be effectively used in hair care products, particularly within a pH range of 7 to 9, to achieve volumizing effects, with the caveat that each polymer may have an optimal concentration for maximum benefit.