The following example is a basic formula without optional ingredients like opacifiers or thickeners. Optional stabilizers may include sequestrants or antioxidants. Hair straighteners contain essentially the same ingredients as waving preparations, but they are considerably more viscous. The added viscosity aids in holding the hair in a straightened position during softening. Formula HC-17 typifies modern hair straightening creams.
Sodium hydroxide is the alkaline agent which alters keratin.
2.0 Stearyl Alcohol 5.0 Mineral oil 5.0 B Sodium lauryl sulfate 1.0 Water 40.0 Preservative q.s. C Sodium hydroxide 3.5 Water 23.5 D Perfume q.s. Replace water lost by evaporation. A typical bromate neutralizing lotion is represented by Formula HC-18. Viscosity is controlled in the system by blending surfactants.