Hair Setting Gel Formulation Guide

A typical hair setting gel formula primarily consists of water, a gelling/hair fixative polymer, and often includes conditioning agents, preservatives, and optional fragrance or color. The key ingredient is the polymer, which creates a film on the hair to provide hold and structure.

Here is a general outline for a hair gel formula and mixing steps:

General Formula Components:

• Water: The main base of the gel.
• Hair Fixative Polymer: Provides the hold (e.g., NAT-Hold™, Flex Hair Styler, VP/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer). The usage rate depends on the desired hold level and the specific polymer.
• Gelling Agent (if the fixative polymer doesn't thicken sufficiently): Helps create the gel consistency.
• Neutralizer (if required by the polymer): Adjusts pH to activate certain polymers (e.g., AMP or TEA for Flex Hair Styler).
• Conditioning Agent (Optional): Improves feel, reduces stiffness, and aids combability (e.g., Poly-Conditioner 47, Poly-Conditioner 28).
• Preservative: Protects the product from microbial contamination.
• Fragrance and Color (Optional): For scent and appearance.

General Mixing Steps:

1. Prepare the Water Phase: Heat the required amount of water if necessary for dissolving ingredients.
2. Add Gelling Agent/Polymer: Slowly add the hair fixative polymer to the water phase while stirring. Some polymers may require specific dispersion or heating instructions. If using a polymer like Flex Hair Styler, you will need to neutralize it after it is dispersed/dissolved in water to achieve thickening and activation.
3. Add Other Water-Soluble Ingredients: Once the polymer is fully dispersed or dissolved and neutralized (if applicable), add conditioning agents (like Poly-Conditioner 47 or Poly-Conditioner 28) and other water-soluble additives.
4. Cool Down: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
5. Add Heat-Sensitive Ingredients: Add the preservative, fragrance, and color (if used) and mix thoroughly.
6. Adjust pH (if necessary): Check and adjust the final pH if required for stability or performance.

The specific usage percentage for the hair fixative polymer will significantly impact the hold level of the final gel. Always refer to the supplier's recommended usage rate for the specific polymer you choose.

Regarding the staff's reply, the new polymer in the Hair Fixative category sounds like it would be a suitable ingredient to use as the Hair Fixative Polymer in a gel formula, likely designed for easy incorporation into a water base.