Achieving the Best Result from Hair Building Fibres

A-PDF Merger
DEMOthe
: Purchase
from www.A-PDF.com
to removeFibres
the watermark
Achieving
Best Result
from Hair Building
White Paper and Product Briefing.
Abstract
Hair Building Fibres are becoming the most commonly used method of concealing thinning hair. They can be applied on a daily basis
and are easily washed off, therefore they require very little commitment, and so are a viable and flexible alternative to the investment
involved in hair replacement systems. The other main alternative has been an array of sprays and creams to conceal the scalp. Whilst
some of these are effective, none give the perfect looking hair density that hair building fibres can achieve.
In fact, certain hair building fibre products make such a difference and appear so natural that some people without thinning hair are
starting to look to these as an addition to the existing market of thickening conditioners, hair extensions and styling aids.
Whilst hair building fibres are without doubt the future of hair concealing products, they are not without their drawbacks. There are a
variety of factors that have negative effects on the appearance of the fibres when they are applied, these ruin the client’s experience of
using the product. These issues and the experiences they create must be overcome as hair building fibres become increasingly popular
and widely used.
Introduction
Thinning hair is not the niche market it was years ago. Growing
public awareness has lead to a new perspective on the various
forms of hair loss, and consequently approaches to treating the
condition. Thinning hair is increasingly regarded as an important
target for cosmetic and aesthetic treatment, much like skin
ageing. Consumers require an elegant, subtle solution that
requires little commitment, but most importantly will not cause
further distress.
Keratin is an ideal material for hair building fibres. As it is the
same material hair and skin are made from, they do not cause
any allergic reaction, and are non-irritating even for long periods
of time. Other materials such as cotton and rayon have been
experimented with. Whilst these are cheaper they can cause
allergies, irritation, and be much less comfortable when worn
constantly for a number of consecutive days.
Colourfastness
Hair Building Fibres are in many ways the ideal answer and so
are becoming increasingly popular. Simply shaken onto a
thinning area, the fine coloured fibres aim to bind to hair and so
make each natural hair look thicker, resulting in an overall
thicker appearance. The fibres can be reapplied daily and are
easily washed out, they are also inexpensive compared to many
other solutions and so require very little investment.
Despite this there are a number of drawbacks and minor
problems with hair fibre products generally. Avoiding
embarrassment of any sort is paramount for clients, if they have
one negative experience with one of these products they will not
use them again, and so a reliable solution to these problems is
essential.
Any product worn on the hair will be exposed to UV, light rain
and perspiration if worn on a daily basis. The majority of hair
fibre users do not admit to using the product, and so it is
essential that the fibres do not change in any way, or leave
stains or marks.
Some fibres have been reported as reacting to UV, either by
glowing under UV lights or even changing colour in bright
sunlight. In other cases dye has been reported to run,
particularly under light rain or when applied before heavy
exercise.
A dye locking system that completely seals all the dye into the
fibre itself is essential, and must resist even complete
immersion in water to inspire confidence from users.
Safety and Comfort
Hair Building Fibres were originally designed to conceal hair loss
for people suffering from various forms of Alopecia. This was
mostly Androgenetic Alopecia, commonly known as “Male
pattern baldness” although it affects women as well. Because of
this, most users today have some form of thinning hair, and are
therefore very sensitive to products and cannot use ones that
cause irritation as this can worsen their condition.
A more minor but still important consideration is that these
fibres are worn all day and often for several days. In order to be
useful they must be comfortable to wear and not cause irritation
over long periods of time.
Durable Results
Similar to the previous problem in many ways is the problem
with retaining the fibres all day, or for several days. Clients will
not accept a product that rapidly falls out, or where the initial
thickening effect does not last all day.
The key element here is electrostatic charge. Hair building fibres
bind to the client’s hair by having a strong electrostatic charge.
There are a variety of methods to control the charge of a hair
building fibre but most involve coating the fibre in certain
materials or modifying the dispenser to increase the charge
donated by shaking the fibres onto hair.
© 2010 Copyright Nanogen Hair Research. All rights reserved. This paper is for internal and professional use only and should not be shared with or acted upon by consumers.
Optimising Thickening
Environmental Conditions and Hair Condition
Hair building fibres work by attaching to the client’s hair. They
can lie parallel to the hair, and this creates a modest thickening
effect. Alternatively they can branch off from the hair in what is
commonly described as a “fir-tree pattern”. This pattern creates
a much larger increase in hair density, as every hair becomes
coated in what are effectively perpendicular smaller hairs.
It has already been discussed that light rain and perspiration can
cause some fibres to leak dyes, but there are other conditions
that can adversely affect the result they give.
Every manufacturer of hair fibres will say that their fibres bind
perpendicularly as this increases the thickening effect. This is
partly true, a small proportion of any fibres shaken onto hair will
land perpendicular to the hair shaft by random chance, however
most will bind parallel to the hair as the electrostatic charge
attracts them to the hair shaft.
Humidity changes the surface of the hair and the charge upon itthis is why many people find their hair harder to manage in high
humidity. Because hair building fibres adhere to hair by
electrostatic charge, changes in the charge of the hair can
cause fibres to lose adhesion, or not adhere well when applied.
Hair condition also has a role. Hair treated with conditioners is
coated with conditioning agents and emollients of the opposite
charge to normal hair. This creates a similar problem to
humidity; the conditioner makes the hair feel better and is
desirable, but ruins the binding of many hair fibre products. One
solution to this is not to use conditioners, or to use inadequate
conditioners that leave the hair dry and uncoated. This does
have advantages, drier hair shafts stand apart from each other,
and the damage that is not repaired can make them look
thicker. However this is not ideal as the feel and health of the
hair itself is worsened simply for an improved cosmetic
appearance, and is not desirable for clients.
A solution to the problem is to use a blend of highly penetrative
humectants and amphoteric conditioners and surfactants. The
correct blend will not coat the hair, and maintain the charge as
amphoteric molecules will mimic whatever charge the hair
naturally has.
Another possibility is to utilise the advantage of fibre
conductivity. A fibre engineered to form a dipole can still bind
even if the hair charge changes, it is more adaptable and will
adhere in a whole variety of conditions.
Water Resistance
Figures 1 & 2. Independent test report: A microscope slide shows the
increased thickening effect given by significant perpendicular binding of
fibres to a human hair. Figure 1, top, is a leading brand, Figure 2, bottom,
are Nanofibres.
It is possible to increase the percentage of fibre binding beyond
that given by random chance. If the fibre is engineered to be
slightly conductive, the hair will induce a different charge onto
the fibre. So where the opposite charges attract at one end of
the fibre there will be one charge, however at the other end of
the fibre there will be less charge, or even an opposite charge.
The fibre is then said to be dipolar, or dipolar charged. This will
hold one end of the fibre away from the hair, guaranteeing
perpendicular binding. Some fibres may still bind in a parallel
fashion, but with dipolar fibres a significant proportion will be
perpendicular.
The single largest drawback of using hair fibres compared to
some hair replacement systems, sprays, and creams, is their
lack of water resistance.
Most hair building fibres will, if correctly adhered, resist light
rain and perspiration. However complete immersion in water will
remove all of the fibres. There are several holding sprays
available which improve the performance slightly, but not to the
extent that most fibres remain in the hair.
The problem is that even when coated with a water-resistant
polymer most of the fibres require a certain level of electrostatic
charge to remain bound to hair. Previous water resistant
polymers have allowed some small amounts of water into the
hair and fibre, which changes the charge and causes the fibres
to fall out.
An ideal solution would be a polymer that completely
waterproofed the fibres and the hair so that the charges will not
change when exposed to water. This will give the desired result
- most fibres will stay in place. Of course in practice it is
impossible to adequately coat every fibre with the polymer, and
so some fibres will still be lost, but the aim is for the majority to
remain in place.
© 2010 Copyright Nanogen Hair Research. All rights reserved. This paper is for internal and professional use only and should not be shared with or acted upon by consumers.
Nanofibres®
Nanofibres are the subject of over 10 years research and
development.
modifications to the jar structure and material help regulate and
modify the electrostatic charge donated to the fibres to give
unparalleled charge amplitude. This increase in the charge
donated by the jar will give stronger fibre binding. These results
have also been verified by independent tests and the jar design
is subject to design protection and a patent pending.
Nanofibres have always been made of 100% natural keratin,
and early development steps changed the original refining
process of the raw keratin fibres. Today, Nanofibres are refined
from only the best 10% of the raw keratin material to guarantee
a close homology to human keratin, and the finest grade of fibre.
This makes them uniquely consistent, comfortable, and nonirritating.
Later Nanogen focused on the unique Colour Lock System™.
This system coats the Nanofibres after the dyeing process to
lock the colour in place, and ensure the dyes do not glow or fade
in UV. Nanofibres have been tested and the dye does not run,
even when submerged in water for 24 hours. This gives
Nanofibres users a unique level of confidence.
Part of the reason Nanofibres can only be made from the select
10% of the raw keratin is that the shape, size, consistency and
structure of each fibre has to be perfect. Nanogen’s
manufacturing process selects fibres with a very particular set
of physical requirements, and adds a proprietary blended
coating on every single fibre.
The specific shape, structure, and coating of every fibre allow
Nanofibres to become dipolar charged. Significant dipolar
charging has been proven to be unique to Nanofibres; it has also
been proven by independent tests that significant perpendicular
binding is unique to Nanofibres. Therefore Nanofibres are
uniquely able to bind in a greater variety of conditions and give a
better finished appearance. The processes for making the fibres
and the content of the electrostatic coating are subject to 2
patents pending.
Figure 4. Independent test result: Graph shows the increased charge density
donated by earthing Nanogen’s electrostatic strip before use.
Nanogen® Shampoos & Active Conditioners
Whilst Nanofibres are able to bind to hair no matter what the
hair is coated with, due to the dipolar charge, it is still beneficial
to create the best possible environment for fibre binding.
Nanogen Shampoos and Conditioners are all formulated to be
compatible with Nanofibres. Proprietary blends of penetrative
humectants and amphoteric surfactants and amino acids create
healthy looking and feeling hair. These perfectly mimic the hair’s
natural charge to ensure that even non-dipolar fibres would
bind, and dipolar Nanofibres bind exceptionally well in all
conditions. The combination of humectants and amphoteric
molecules necessary to achieve this effect is patent pending.
Locking Mist Plus®
New water-resistant polymers are developed all the time. What
makes the blend of polymers used in Locking Mist Plus unique
is that not only are they highly water resistant, they work to
maintain the charge on the fibres so that they stay bound to the
hair.
Figure 3. Independent test result: Graph shows Nanofibres have the highest
average charge density compared to other hair building fibre brands after
dispensing.
This gives breakthrough water resistance. The technology,
called Hydroguard™, has only been finished this year and is
also patent pending. Hydroguard™ maintains the binding of
Nanofibres to hair in heavy rain, or even when completely
immersed in water. Of course not every fibre is covered by the
Locking Mist Plus, and so small amounts are lost, but the
majority remain even while swimming.
The Nanofibres active dispensing jar has also been extensively
redeveloped. The addition of a more conductive electrostatic
strip allows the container to be electrostatically neutralised
before use, allowing the same build up of charge on the fibres
for an entirely consistent effect with every use. An illustration of
this effect is in figure 4, where the same Nanofibres container
was tested with and without the electrostatic strip. Further
© 2010 Copyright Nanogen Hair Research. All rights reserved. This paper is for internal and professional use only and should not be shared with or acted upon by consumers.
Figure 5. Laboratory test result: Graph shows Locking Mist Plus significantly
increases fibre retention under water.
Conclusion
It is obvious that thinning hair is becoming a more widely
recognised issue, and greater numbers of people are looking for
a discreet and flexible solution. Hair building fibres are
increasingly becoming the recommended choice of professional
stylists, trichologists, and hair transplant surgeons.
Your clients want the strongest fibre binding, the greatest hair
thickening effect, and reliable coverage in all conditions no
matter what their hair has been treated with. The patent pending
technologies in Nanofibres give an unrivalled performance in all
areas, and make them the market leaders in this field.
Acknowledgement
Selected figures and data reproduced from an independent test
report with the permission of Graham L Hearn B.Sc C.Eng
M.I.E.E, University of Southampton.
© 2010 Copyright Nanogen Hair Research. All rights reserved. This paper is for internal and professional use only and should not be shared with or acted upon by consumers.
Electrostatic Properties of
Hair Building Fibres
An independent.study1.for the scientific community
In recent years, the technology of cosmetics
has begun to harness the science of electric
charge. Recently I became intrigued by a
new British product “Nanogen” that aimed to
camouflage thinning hair. It was claimed that
each strand of normal hair was thickened in
appearance by ‘attaching’ microscopic
coated keratin fibres using electrostatics to
place them in a perpendicular pattern.
These fibres are applied simply by shaking
the fibres from a specially developed
container. On further investigation of the
product category, I discovered three other
brands of note with Nanogen thought by
many users to perform the best. As an
expert in electrostatics I decided to
investigate the claims and relative
effectiveness of each product and produce
an independent report with quantitative data.
Charged Fibres
The most persistent claim from hair fibre
manufacturers is that their products are more
charged than any other, and this charge binds the
fibres to the hair. Hair charges differ and can change
in different conditions; however the charge on the
fibres appears to be an important factor in binding.
It was found that fibres were charged most
significantly during dispensing, and therefore the
available products were compared immediately after
they were dispensed in order to simulate their
behaviour when applied to the hair. 10 repetitions
were used and then averaged as there was little
variation between repetitions.
Charge to Mass Ratio/ µC kg
-1
Test
Nanogen
Toppik
Super
Million
Hair
Megathik
1
17.143
-7.308
-10.000
1.667
2
20.000
-6.667
-6.000
3.571
3
11.556
-6.129
-7.941
5.000
4
11.818
-5.882
-5.710
3.333
5
20.588
-5.753
-8.462
3.529
6
30.000
-3.636
-4.167
6.111
7
25.789
-5.952
-6.500
3.500
8
16.000
-4.571
-2.867
6.522
9
13.913
-6.000
-7.667
7.250
10
22.500
-4.421
-4.286
1.000
Average
18.931
-5.632
-5.846
4.148
Figure 1. Table comparing charge densities of various hair building
fibre brands after dispensing.
1
Graham L. Hearn BSc. C.Eng M.I.E.E
School of Electronics and Computer Science
University of Southampton
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
United Kingdom
Figure 2. Graph to compare the average charge density of various
hair building fibre brands after dispensing, over 10 repetitions.
The results in Figures 1 & 2 clearly show that all of
the fibres tested do charge electrostatically when
dispensed. Some fibres charged positively giving a
positive charge to mass ratio, others charged
negatively giving a negative charge to mass ratio. Of
all the brands tested Nanogen exhibits 4.5 times
more positive charge than the nearest competitor and
in excess of 3 times more polarity-independent
charge than any other brand tested.
It was expected that the capacity for hair fibre
charging was predominantly affected by the basic
composition material and that material’s position on
the Triboelectric Series. The fibres were variously
composed with Keratin, Rayon & Nylon as a base,
which all have different positions on the Triboelectric
Series chart. Since both Toppik and Nanogen fibres
were comprised of Keratin, it was expected that they
would charge with the same polarity and to the same
amplitude. However Nanogen fibres had the opposite
polarity of charge to Toppik and a higher charge
magnitude, leading me to conclude that properties
and/or characteristics of the product other than the
basic fibre composition is significant in donating
charge.
Dispensing Jar
Investigating each product further, one of the main
points of difference other than fibre composition is the
dispensing jar. Nanogen in particular make bold
claims as to their jar design and its ability to enhance
the charging of their fibres. In order to test these
claims, a variety of tests were performed. Since the
fibres differ between manufacturers, it was neither
practical, nor scientific to test and compare the jar
and fibres between brands as this would introduce
two variables. The Nanogen dispensing jar includes
a metallic strip which purports to ground the jar
contents via the user.
Charge to Mass Ratio/ µC kg
-1
Test
Dispensing without
metallic strip
Dispensing with
strip grounded
1
6.875
17.143
2
11.250
20.000
3
6.000
11.556
4
6.000
11.818
5
11.000
20.588
6
10.000
30.000
7
13.333
25.789
8
7.143
16.000
9
9.286
13.913
10
9.200
22.500
Average
9.009
18.931
Figure 3. Table comparing charge densities in Nanogen’s fibres after
dispensing when the metallic strip was and was not grounded.
To test this claim, the metallic strip was removed on
one Nanogen jar and left on a second as the control,
so that the product could be grounded during
dispensing. Both jar variants were dispensed ten
times with results in the Figure 3.
Figure 4. Graph to compare average charge density in Nanogen’s
fibres after dispensing when the metallic strip was and was not
grounded, over 10 repetitions.
Figures 3 & 4 show that the grounding of the metallic
strip does have a significant effect in increasing the
charge developed on the fibres.
This may be due to the grounding provided by the
metallic strip regulating the charge of the fibres before
dispensing, removing any randomly built up charges and
allowing repeatable charging from dispensing.
It is worth noting that even without the metallic strip, the
Nanogen charge was still 2 times greater than
competitors (and 50% more – charge polarity
independent) indicating that fibre material composition
and the metallic strip on the dispensing jar are not the
sole factors influencing charge intensity.
As regulating the charge of the fibres before dispensing
seems to have a positive effect on the charge
developed, it is plausible that use of amphoteric
chemicals such as certain chemical surfactants that
leave materials effectively neutral may have a similar
effect on the end result.
These chemicals could be used on the fibres
themselves, either in the manufacturing stages or
immediately before or during dispensing; or on the hair
as a preparation for applying the fibres. However the
preliminary background research found no such
chemical treatment available, and so the possibility
cannot be confirmed as this stage.
Small particles often gain charges as they collide,
whether with each other or a suitable material. It
seemed plausible that collisions between fibres resultant
from dispensing-by-shaking caused the fibres to charge.
Charge to Mass Ratio/ µC kg
-1
Test
Dispensing with no
pre-shake
Dispensing after
15s pre-shake
1
6.875
12.500
2
11.250
14.000
3
6.000
14.889
4
6.000
21.429
5
11.000
18.333
6
10.000
18.462
7
13.333
22.222
8
7.143
20.000
9
9.286
15.000
10
9.200
17.500
Average
9.009
17.433
The Perpendicular Effect
Another common claim by manufacturers was that after
dispensing, the fibres bound to hair in a perpendicular
fashion. The brands claimed that this arrangement
would produce the most thickening effect which seemed
logical. However, in theory, a positively charged fibre in
contact with a negatively charged hair would bind in
parallel, and a negatively charged fibre would repel the
hair and not bind. Therefore a series of tests were
performed to determine in practice, whether hair building
fibres could bind to hair in a perpendicular arrangement
to a statistically significant degree.
Figure 5. Table comparing charge densities in Nanogen’s fibres
after dispensing with and without pre-shaking. The same jar with
the metallic strip removed was used in both tests to eliminate any
earthing variable.
Figure 7. Microscope slide showing mostly parallel binding of fibres
to a human hair.
As shown in Figure 7, most of the fibre brands tested
appear to bind as expected, a few individual fibres
protrude perpendicular to the filament they are attached
to, but most do not. Therefore there does not appear to
be any statistical significance in the direction of binding.
Figure 6. Graph to compare the average charge density of
Nanogen fibres after dispensing with and without pre-shaking, over
10 repetitions.
The results of the tests in Figures 5 & 6 show that
increasing the number of collisions between fibres, such
as by shaking the jar when it is closed, increases the
charge developed when dispensed. It is therefore
probable that a method for further increasing the
number of collisions between fibres before or during
dispensing would increase the charge developed.
Figure 8. Microscope slide showing significant perpendicular
binding of fibres to a human hair.
Figure 8 shows that one brand, Nanogen, did actually
perform as claimed, with most of the fibres bound
perpendicularly to the hair shaft, a statistically significant
increase on the number of fibres that would have
randomly bound in a perpendicular manner.
Since only Nanogen exhibited statistically significant
perpendicular binding, it was decided to investigate what
mechanism was producing this effect. Since Nanogen’s
fibres were producing the strongest charge, it would
have been especially likely that they would more tightly
bind in a parallel fashion, making the result especially
interesting. It is probable that there is a secondary
electrostatic effect at work that overrides the effect of the
positive charge to create this perpendicular binding.
remove all charge from the plate. The plate was then
turned to the vertical and knocked 10 times with the
force of two fingers over 5 seconds so that the
uncharged fibres would be under the influence of gravity
plus inertia.
One possible explanation for the simultaneous high
positive charge yet perpendicular binding is if the
Nanogen fibres were designed to be relatively
conductive. This property would correlate with the
inclusion of Nanogen’s metal grounding strip which must
also rely on fibre conductivity. Accordingly it was
decided to test fibres for conductivity.
Brand
Polarity
Average Charge
-1
Density/ µC kg
Relative
Conductivity
Nanogen
+
18.931
<2
Megathik
+
4.148
7
Toppik
-
-5.632
10
Figure 9. Table comparing polarity, charge density, and
conductivity in hair building solids. Conductivity is measured with
the lowest value as the most conductive.
Nanogen
As shown in Figure 9, Nanogen’s fibres are the most
conductive as well as the most charged. It is plausible
that conductivity could contribute to the perpendicular
binding effect. If the fibres could partially conduct charge
along their length, they would form a dipole. Dipole
formation would mean that every fibre was charged
differently at opposite ends, and so one end of the fibre
would bond to the hair whilst one would be repelled,
holding the fibre in the perpendicular arrangement seen
in Figure 8.
Toppik
Figure 10. Video stills from a comparison of 2 brands of keratin hair
building solid binding to a vertical uncharged surface
The images were then analysed with ImageJ picture
analysis software to accurately quantify the amount of
the fibres on the brass plate at every second during the
test, and the amount of fibre adhered at every second
calculated.
Once again, conductivity was expected to be mostly
affected by composition of the fibre, but Toppik and
Nanogen, which are both keratin-based, differ widely in
conductivity. There must be either another physical
property or a coating on the fibres that affects
conductivity as well as the charge polarity and
amplitude.
Non-Electrostatic Effects
As hair changes electrostatic state dependant on many
factors including environmental conditions such as
humidity, and is sometimes even neutrally charged, a
hair building solid would perform better if it also adhered
to a neutral surface as well as charged surfaces.
The two most widely sold brands were selected for this
test. Approximately one gram of fibre was dispensed
from each respective container onto a smooth brass
plate which was then grounded for 20 seconds to
Figure 11. Quantitative data from the comparison of 2 brands of
keratin hair building solid binding to a vertical uncharged surface.
As can be seen in Figures 10 & 11, some of both fibres
adhered to the plate by non-electrostatic means
demonstrating the adhering properties of both brands
rely on more than just electrostatics alone.
Nanogen’s fibres adhered much more strongly to the
brass plate, indicating they must also have nonelectrostatic properties that aid in binding the fibres to
hair; these may be physical properties or a coating of
the fibres. It should be noted that both manufacturers
advise using a fixing polymer when applying the
products to hair, but this test did not incorporate a fixing
spray.
Conclusion
The combination of a strong positive charge and the
relatively high conductivity appears unique to Nanogen’s
fibre product. This may be caused by a physical or
chemical property of the fibres, a fibre coating, a feature
of the jar design, or most probably a combination of
these.
Certainly the combination of a strong positive charge
and relatively high conductivity allow a higher
percentage of Nanogen’s fibre product to bind to hair,
and binding to be significantly perpendicular, unlike the
other products tested.
It is also probable that the conductivity of Nanogen
fibres would allow them to bind to hair even where the
hair may have been given a different charge to normal.
This may be due to an ability to form dipolar charges.
Conflict of Interest
I confirm that I have received no financial reward or
reimbursement for the compilation of this report and the
results are independent of any commercial interest.
Author Information
Graham L Hearn B.Sc C.Eng M.I.E.E
School of Electronics and Computer Science
University of Southampton
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
United Kingdom
Background Information about Graham Hearn provided
by Nanogen Hair Research for Editors
Positions
Academic-related staff in Electrical Power Engineering
at the University of Southampton (2007-Present).
Senior member of staff in the Electrical Power
Engineering Research Group at the University of
Southampton (1981-2007).
Member of the CENELEC European Technical
Committee CLC/TC31/WG20 to develop a new
European Standard on ‘Electrostatics – Code of practice
for the avoidance of hazards due to static electricity’ PD
CLC/TR 50404:2003.
Qualifications
Honours degree in `Physics and Technology of
Electronics', University of North London (1975).
Chartered Engineer and Corporate Member of the
Institute of Electrical Engineers.
Member of the Institute of Physics.
Companion Member of the Institute of Chemical
Engineers.
Participating member of the Electrostatics Society of
America.
Registered with the Law Society Directory of Expert
Witnesses.
Member of the Association for Petroleum and
Explosives Administration
Awards
Millennium Award for the 'Tribopen'
Ford of Europe Technical Achievement Award for work
in asbestos/aramid recycling technology.
Intellectual Property
Technology and Intellectual Property Outline
Nanogen® sh-VEGF Complex™
A UK research patent application with international priority. The application protects sh-VEGF complex and its various applications for promoting hair
growth. The application discusses use of the complex alone, in combination with known medicines and autologous growth factor therapy, and in
combination with skin needling devices. Possible uses of the complex are in treatment shampoos, conditioners, and serums. Clinical applications
include pre and post operative serums for patients, and graft treatment solutions.
Nanofibres® Jar
Application filed internationally. The Nanofibres Jar has several patented features. The electrostatic strip, materials and internal design of the jar are
discussed by the application, with their various effects of controlling and increasing electrostatic charge of the fibres. The Nanofibres Jar is also subject
to an EU Protected Design and a US Design Patent.
Nanofibres® Coating
A UK patent application with international priority. The application primarily protects a coating applied to the surface of the fibre. The coating allows the
fibre to become dipolar charged. The application also covers optimal shape and size configurations for dipolar charging. The application further
discusses the utility of a dipolar charged fibre, the perpendicular binding and the increased likelihood of binding in various electrostatic conditions.
Electrostatically Compatible Shampoos and Conditioners (Hair Prepare™, Daily Volume™, Follicle Defence™)
A UK patent application with international priority. The application protects a combination of amphoteric surfactants and dipolar amino acids which
mimic the hair’s natural surface charge. The application discusses benefits of maintaining or mimicking the hair surface charge to improve hair
concealing fibre binding.
Hydroguard™ for Locking Mist Plus®
A UK patent application with international priority. The application discusses a combination of water resistant polymers. The polymer combination would
act to adhere a hair concealing fibre to the hair. Additionally the polymer combination would insulate the fibre to protect the bond to the hair surface.
The application discloses a number of embodiments for the combination of polymers, including a fixative spray for hair concealing fibres and scalp
colourants.
Scalproller™
Application filed internationally. The application discusses several features to maintain sterility and safety of the microneedle array. The application
additionally protects several means to reduce or control pain and inflammation during use. Whilst applied for, this patent is unpublished and further
details are not disclosed at this time.
Aquamatch™
UK patent applications with international priority. The formula marketed as “Aquamatch” is subject to several patents pending. Details are not disclosed
as the applications are not published at this time.
Scalp Ease MDL™
UK patent applications with international priority. The formula marketed as “Scalp Ease MDL” is subject to several patents pending. Details are not
disclosed as the applications are not published at this time.
Intervention™
UK patent application with international priority. Two specific formulae are protected by this application. The formulae discussed contain various
combinations of ingredients that aim to reduce hair loss and maintain hair growth. Several embodiments are considered, including an oral tablet format.
Trademarks
Nanogen, Scalp Ease MDL, Scalproller, Aquamatch, Nanofibres and Locking Mist Plus are registered trademarks or in the process of trademark
registration. All other product, complex and other names marked with the ™ symbol are used as trademarks, and may be currently under trademark
registration.
Copyright
All images, diagrams, and text written for Nanogen are copyright material, and cannot be reproduced without consent.
© 2010 Copyright Nanogen Hair Research. All rights reserved. This paper is for internal and professional use only and should not be shared with or acted upon by consumers.