FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hair colouring composition/kit and, in particular, to hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/ lotion and the like that economizes on both time and cost involving faster colouring and yet simple and cost effective to obtain. Advantageously, the said hair colouring composition/kit of the invention is adapted for use in cosmetically acceptable form such as cream/ lotion and the like. Moreover, the said hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/ lotion and the like additionally includes other hair benefiting agents.

BACKGROUND ART
In the field of hair coloring, oxidation dye compositions have evinced much interest and gained major importance. With the said oxidation dye compositions, the dyeing develops by way of a reaction of certain developer substances with certain coupler substances in the presence of an oxidant.

Oxidation dye compositions to be used to dye human hair must meet many requirements. The compositions must be toxicologically and dermatologically harmless to allow for the desired intensity in dye. In addition to the abovesaid, the hair dyes sought must have good light fastness, permanent wave fastness, and resistance to acid and abrasion. Even without the exposure to light, abrasion and chemical agents, the result of the dyeing should hold its color for at least 8-10 hair washes. It is also necessary, that through the use of appropriate developer and coupler components a broad spectrum of different color nuances can be achieved. Most importantly, such hair colouring compositions also demands faster colouring or reduced application time in order to achieve both time economization and shorter skin contact in order to achieve the benefits of greater safety on applying such hair colouring compositions.

A number of prior attempts have been made to reduce the application time required to dye hair as is discussed hereunder.

WO01/28508 discloses hair dyeing and hair bleaching compositions comprising an oxidizing agent, hair colouring agents and ammonium carbonate and or carbomate which provides bleaching and colouring with reduced odour and hair damage without the need for buffering agents, pH modifiers or hair swelling agents. The compositions are applied to the hair for a time period of 1 to 60 minutes wherein the pH of the composition is from about pH 7 to about 9 and wherein the total level of oxidative hair coloring agent is most preferably from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight. This composition comprises alkaline buffering agents with no individual ratios of the primary intermediate to the coupler and also which does not teach faster coloring.

FR1592939 describes a hair dyeing composition comprising oxidative dyes, ammonium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide at pH 7-9 that provides effective dyeing in a fairly short period of time.

EP435012 discloses hair dyeing compositions comprising a carbonate source, a non odour generating alkali hydroxide and a buffer solution that requires a short dyeing time with little damage to hair and with no irritating odour after dyeing. The alkali used for the said hair dyeing composition is sodium hydroxide and an ammonia salt wherein the pH of the final mixture applied to hair ranges from 6.5-7.90. Additionally the composition does not talk about faster colouring achieved by using the said composition.

EP 1106166 is directed to hair dye compositions comprising ammonia, carbonate (other than ammonia salt), transition metal salt and chelating agent that is odourless, have low skin irritation and can change the hair colour into a lighter tone in a short time. The pH of the said composition is maintained from 8.5-12 by the use of alkalisers and does not talk of faster coloring.

WO04/014328 teaches a one step hair colouring composition comprising peroxide oxidizing agents, specific oxidizing agents and atleast one water soluble carbonate releasing salts which more effectively deliver colour wherein the composition is applied for a period from 2 to 60 minutes. The said composition comprises of alkalisers and has a pH of 9-11.

U.S. Patent 6,669,933 illustrates an aqueous hair colouring composition for colouring hair in levels 1-10 in less than 12 minutes comprising a dye and developer mixture, a free alkalinity concentration of 0.2-0.75 meq/gram and hydrogen peroxide. The said composition comprises of 0.01 %-2.0 % of the total composition of primary intermediates and couplers and contains alkalizing agents in the range of about 1-5 %.

US2004/0078906 describes a process for rapid dyeing and decolouration of keratin wherein a specific direst dye is applied to the fibres for a leave in time of less than 5 minutes. The dyes used in this prior art are direct dyes wherein pH of the composition ranges from 2 to 11.

WO01/76546 teaches a method of colouring hair comprising the steps of applying a hair colour altering composition to hair and leaving it on hair for 0.5-15 minutes, wherein this method is repeated from once a month to about 3 times a day. The said composition talks of progressive hair coloring comprising alkali with pH in the range of 9-11.

US 2004/0098816 also describes a method for the gradual permanent colouring of hair which includes subjecting the hair to a number of treatments having a set time interval between them, wherein the treatment composition comprise ammonium carbonate in combination with a chelant and hydrogen peroxide. The drawbacks of the above composition rests in the problem of hair damage resulting from the use of high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to provide the required color and the problem of scalp irritation typically due to the presence of a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia thereby having a high pH value.

U.S. Patent 5393305 describes a two part aqueous composition for coloring and providing durable conditioning to human hair which forms a gel on mixing of an alkaline aqueous lotion first part having a pH of from about 7 to about 11 containing from about 0.005% by weight to about 5% by weight of at least one primary intermediate and at least one coupler for the formation of oxidation dyes, from about 0.1% to about 5% of a cationic polymer, from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of an anionic or amphoteric surfactant or mixture thereof and atleast 70% by weight water, and an aqueous developer second part having a pH from about 2 to about 6 containing from about 0.5% by weight to about 40% by weight of an anionic polymer, the anionic polymer being characterized in that it is insoluble in the developer and dissolves in the gel which forms when the lotion and developer are mixed.

U.S. Patent 6102974 illustrates a hair dye composition comprising a combination of oxidation dye precursors consisting of (a) one mono-substitution on the benzene ring of p-phenylenediamine (b) a substituted m-phenylenediamine, and (c) a 2-amino-6-chloro-4-nitrophenol compound with a pH value in the range of 3-11 and a total concentration of oxidation dye precursors in the range of 0.1 to 10%.

In the modern day situation, where time is a premium commodity, everything needs to be achieved at a faster rate. Though there are several hair coloring compositions available in the market today that colours hair quickly, most of them comprises of alkalizing agents which are believed to cause irritation to the scalp, have persistent odour and are also harsh and damaging to the hair.

Thus as apparent from the aforesaid, it has always been desirable to have safe hair coloring products that would be less harsh and damaging to the hair and scalp. It is also desirable for the hair colouring product to deliver quick results to make the entire process of hair colouring economical to the consumer both in terms of time and cost.

It is thus the need of the day to provide for alternatives/superior hair colouring composition that would be (i) less harsh and less damaging to the hair and scalp in being free of alkalizers and by way of a desired shorter contact time on scalp (ii) facilitate rapid hair colouration.

It is also the need of the day to provide for the abovesaid alternatives/superior hair colouring composition in the form of cream/ lotion and the like to attain ease of application, superior conditioning, premium product appearance, good spreading, uniform application and superior retention of colour.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is thus a primary object of the invention to provide for a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like which would be free of alkalizers that would be less harsh and less damaging to the hair and scalp and thus safe for hair colouring applications.

A further object of the invention is to provide for a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like which would be free of alkalizers and favour reduced application time for effective hair colouration in only about 20 minutes or less.

A further object of the present invention is directed to hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like which would be free of alkalizers and favouring reduced application time for effective colouration of the hair in short time involving selective combinations of actives with varying time duration of coloring based on the proportion of the actives involved.

Yet another object of the present invention is directed to a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like which would be free of alkalizers and that would display a broad spectrum of colour nuances by the use of appropriate developer and coupler combination.

A further object of the present invention is directed to a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of creams/lotion and the like which would be free of alkalizers and that would display a broad spectrum of colour nuances by the use of the developer and coupler within a preferred range of ratios.

Another object of the present invention is directed to cream/ lotion and the like based hair colouring composition in kit form to be made available in the form of cream/ lotion and the like which would be free of alkalizers and that may be provided in selective proportions in parts or as a single mixture for desired user friendly application and use.

Yet a further object of the present invention is directed to a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like which would be free of alkalizers and that can be provided in combination with additional hair benefiting agents and/or diffusion agents.

A further object of the present invention is directed to providing for hair colouring formulation in the form of cream/lotion and the like which would be free of alkalizers favouring reduced application time for effective colouration of the hair in short time
involving favorable user friendly developer mixture provision which can be provided separately in the form of a kit.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide for a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like free of alkalizers and with reduced application time which would thus be beneficial for the skin in having a shorter skin contact time.

Another object of the invention is to provide for a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like which would be free of alkalizers and that would possess the characteristics of ease of application, superior conditioning, premium product appearance, good spreading, uniform application and superior retention of colour .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus according to the basic aspect of the invention there is provided an oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like suitable for hair coloring in combination with a developer/ oxidant said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like comprising of:

a. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4-diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts;

b. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts; and

c. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3-diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention in the said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like as provided wherein said ingredient (a) belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts is preferably p-PDA and its salts; said ingredient (b) belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts is preferably resorcinol/ m-aminophenol; and

said ingredient (c) belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts is preferably 2, 4-diamiophenoxyethanol dihydrochloride and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs preferably 2-amino-3-hydroxy pyridine.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like favouring reduced application time comprising

(i) said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/lotion and the like free of alkalizers comprising of:

a. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts;

b. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts; and

c. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3-diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs.

(ii) developer/ oxidant provided in cosmetically acceptable form suitable for application in hair.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention the said hair colouring composition/kit is provided wherein
said ingredient (a) belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts preferably p-PDA and its salts;
said ingredient (b) belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts preferably resorcinol/ m-aminophenol; and said ingredient (c ) belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts preferably 2, 4-diamiophenoxyethanol dihydrochloride and/
or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs preferably 2-amino-3-hydroxy pyridine.

In another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided the said hair colouring composition/kit wherein the said developer/ oxidizer is an integral part of the said hair colouring composition in a ready to use form for ready application on
the hair or provided separately in powder form that is dissolved/ dispersed/ emulsified prior to use alongwith said cream/lotion and the like form of oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of a kit or provided separately in solution form alongwith said cream/lotion and the like form of oxidation hair dye formulation in the kit.

In accordance with yet another preferred aspect of the invention there is provided the said hair colouring composition/kit wherein the ratios of the said (a) at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts, : (b) at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts preferably resorcinol/ m-aminophenol, : and (c) at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs is in the range of from 1:0.01:0.005 to 1:1:1 respectively, more preferably between 1:0.04:0.01 to 1:1:1 respectively and wherein preferably the total concentration of primary intermediate and couplers in the final ready to use form of the composition is from 0.1 to 10.00%.

Advantageously, the said hair colouring composition/kit favouring reduced application time comprising varying ratios of the primary intermediates and the couplers within the said preferred range based on the desired time for effective hair colouration of less than 20 minutes.

In accordance with yet another preferred aspect of the invention there is provided a hair colouring composition/kit wherein the said developer/oxidant ratio with respect to the said oxidation hair dye precursors varies from 1:0.2 to 1:3, preferably between 1:1 to 1:2 and provided such as to be mixed prior to use for incorporation in said composition/ kit in proportions of between 0.1% to about 12 % by weight, most preferably between 0.5% to 8% and comprises water soluble per-oxygen oxidizing agents as an oxidizer and preferably involves inorganic per-oxygen materials capable of yielding peroxide in cream/lotion that preferably includes hydrogen peroxide, adducts of hydrogen peroxide, inorganic alkali metal peroxides including Barium peroxide, Sodium peroxide and inorganic perhydrate salts including the alkali metal salts of perborates, percarbonates, persulphates and combinations thereof and more preferably includes hydrogen peroxide, persulphates and combinations thereof.

Preferably, in the said hair colouring composition/kit provided by way of the present invention wherein said ingredient (a) belonging to the class of 1, 4 – diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts are preferably selected from p-phenylenediamine,
N-ethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-para-phenylenediamine, the sulphate and hydrochloride, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-paraphenylenediamine and its salts, N-ethyl-N-(2-piperidinoethyl)-para-phenylenediamine and its trihydrochloride, N-ethyl-N-
(carbamylmethyl)para-phenylenediamine, N-ethyl-N-[2-(mesylamino)ethyl]-paraphenylenediamineand its sulphates, and 2-methyl-N,N-dimethyl-para-phenylenediamine and its salts such as the dihydrochloride and are preferably used in the composition ready for use on hair in proportions of between 0.005 and 20% by weight , more preferably between 0.05 to 15% by weight and most preferably between 0.1% to 10% by weight;

said ingredient (b) belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols are preferably selected from Resorcinol and m-aminophenol are preferably used in the composition ready for use on hair in proportions of between 0.005 and 10 % by weight, more
preferably between 0.05% and 8% and most preferably between 0.1-5% by weight;

said ingredient (c) belonging to the class of (i)l, 3-disubstituted benzenes or its analogs or its salts, preferably are selected in particular from 2-(2',4'-diaminophenoxy)ethanol,l,3-bis-(2'4'-diaminophenoxy)propane, bis-(2',4'-diaminophenoxy)methane, 2-amino-4-(2'-hydroxyethyl)amino)anisole, l-(2'-aminoethoxy)-2,4-diaminobenzene, 2-(2'hydroxyethoxy)-5-
(methylamino)aniline,2,4-diamino-l,5-(2'-hydroxyethoxy)benzene, and l-(2'3'-dihydroxypropoxy)-2,4-diaminobenzene and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs preferably 2-amino-3-hydroxy pyridine are preferably used in the composition ready for use on hair in proportions of between 0.005 %-10% by weight, more preferably between 0.05% and 8% and most preferably between 0.1-5% by weight.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a hair colouring composition/kit comprising diffusion aids including phosphate esters more preferably oleth-5-phosphate and dioleyl phosphate are preferably used in the composition ready for use on hair in proportions of between 0.005 %-10% by weight, more preferably between 0.05% and 8% and most preferably between 0.1-5% by weight.

In yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a hair colouring composition/kit adapted for darkening/ coloring of keratinic fibre preferably hair is of pH between 1.5 and 11, and preferably between 5 and 9 free of any added alkalizers.
In another preferred aspect of the invention there is provided a hair colouring composition/kit comprising of effective amounts of the said hair colouring ingredients in association with optional hair benefiting ingredients preferably hair conditioning agent adapted for effective colouring and conditioning of the hair, whether it is live as on the head, or dead as in a swatch, wig or hairpiece.

In yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a hair colouring kit comprising

(i) said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like free of alkalizers comprising of:

a. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts;

b. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts; and

c. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of
(i) substituted 1, 3 – diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs; (ii) said developer/oxidant;
(iii) optionally, suitable hair grooming/ benefiting agent;
(iv) instructions providing for directions for use for achieving effective colouration involving said (i) oxidation hair dye formulation free of alkalizers and (ii) said developer in the time duration of 20 minutes or lesser.

In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of colouring the hair involving the said hair colouring composition/kit comprising the step of:

applying the said cream/ lotion and the like form of hair colouring composition integrated with developer/ oxidizer in a ready to use form for ready application on the hair for colouring it in time duration of 20 minutes or less.

In still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of colouring the hair involving hair colouring composition/kit comprising the steps of:

a. providing said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like free of alkalizers;

b. intimately mixing the said oxidation hair dye formulation with the developer/oxidant solution when the developer/oxidant is provided separately in the kit to provide for a ready to use oxidative hair colouring composition mix; and

c. applying the said mix on hair for colouring it in time duration of 20 minutes or less.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As described hereinbefore the present invention thus provides for an oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like suitable for hair coloring in combination with a developer/ oxidant said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like comprising of:

a. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4-diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts;

b. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts; and

c. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3-diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs.

The present invention also provides for a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like free of alkalizers favouring reduced application time comprising

(i) oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like free of alkalizers comprising of:

a. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts;

b. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts; and

c. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 – diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs.
(ii) developer/ oxidant

provided in cosmetically acceptable form suitable for application in hair.

Preferably, the said hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like free of alkalizers comprising said oxidation hair dye formulation comprises of:

said ingredient (a) belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts preferably p-PDA and its salts;

said ingredient (b) belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts preferably resorcinol/ m-aminophenol; and

said ingredient (c) belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts preferably 2,4-diamiophenoxyethanol dihydrochloride and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs preferably 2-amino-3-hydroxy pyridine.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like comprising of effective amounts of the said hair colouring ingredients in association with optional hair benefiting ingredients preferably hair conditioning agent.

In yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like in combination with hair grooming or hair benefiting agents whereby the hair, whether it is live as on the head, or dead as in a swatch, wig or hairpiece, is effectively colored and groomed or conditioned.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like comprising of primary intermediates, couplers and oxidizers that may be in separate/distinctly identifiable parts and/or as a possible combination.

In another aspect of the invention the hair colouring composition free of alkalizers in the form of cream/ lotion and the like in kit form comprises of

(i) said oxidation hair dye formulation free of alkalizers in the form of cream/ lotion and the like comprising of:

a. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts;

b. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts; and

c. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 – diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs; (ii) a developer/oxidant;
(iii) optionally, suitable hair grooming/ benefiting agent;
(iv) instructions providing for directions for use for achieving effective colouration in the time duration of 20 minutes or lesser.

In one aspect of the invention, the developer mixture of the said hair colouring composition in the form of cream/ lotion and the like is provided separately in the form of a kit as above.

More importantly, the proportions involved in combining the actives of the said hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like with regard to the primary intermediates and couplers may vary within a preferred range of ratios to achieve different hair colouring times.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hair colouring composition/kit is made available in the form of cream/lotion and the like in association with other hair grooming agents, adjunct ingredients suitable for darkening or colouring of the hair.

The said adjunct ingredients involved in the said hair colouring composition involve well known agents such as plasticizing agents, antioxidant agents, thickening agents, complexing agents, conditioning agents such as cationic polymers and cationic surfactant agents; that may also contain anionic, nonionic or amphoteric surfactant agents as well as silicones, in particular volatile silicones and others.

The abovesaid thickening agent may include higher fatty alcohols, sodium alginate, gum arabic, guar of carob gum, xanthum gum, cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose and various polymers having thickening functions such as acrylic acid derivatives. It is also possible to use in organic thickeners such as bentonite. The said thickening agents are preferably present in proportions between 0.1 and 30% by weight, more preferably between 0.5% and 20%.

In view of the sensitivity of the hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like to oxidation, the composition is preferably prepared, packaged and stored under anaerobic condition. When packaged as an aerosol under pressure, the hydrocarbon or halohydrocarbon propellants such as butane, propane, LPG, CFC free freons, Liquid Nitrogen, Liquid Carbon di-oxide therein effectively provide for such anaerobic conditions. For non aerosol packagings, premature oxidation of the said composition may be further reduced or eliminated by including antioxidant agents or nitrogen gas or inert gas. Antioxidant agents in sufficient proportions preferably between 0.01% and 5% by weight may be used for protection against oxidation. They are chosen in particular, from sulphites, hydrosulphites, ascorbic acid and Butylated hydroxy toluene.

The composition/kit may contain other hair benefiting agents such as UV protection, hair conditioning agents, colour protection, color diffusion agents and the like. Examples of some hair/ colour protection agents such as OMC, Escalol 610HP, Bisquat, dosyquat, Crodafos HCE, Crodafos UV283, Parsol SLX etc are used in sufficient proportions preferably between 0.01 % and 10 % by weight.

The composition/kit comprises diffusion aids including phosphate esters more preferably oleth-5-phosphate and dioleyl phosphate are preferably used in the composition ready for use on hair in proportions of between 0.005 %-10% by
weight, more preferably between 0.05% and 8% and most preferably between 0.1-5% by weight.

The hair colouring composition/kit of the present invention in the form of cream/lotion and the like is optionally provided in combination with hair grooming or hair conditioning agents whereby the hair, whether it is live as on the head, or dead as in a swatch, wig or hairpiece, is simultaneously colored and groomed or conditioned.

The details of the invention are given in the following exemplary illustrations and therefore should not be constructed to limit the scope of the invention.

The composition of the present invention is generally prepared by the process described below.

Cetostearyl, lauryl alcohol and phosphate esters are heated to a temperature of 75 deg C. Sodium lauryl ether, cocoamidopropyl betaine and water are added to the mixture at 75 deg C and agitated for 5 minutes, Sodium sulphite is added to it. The dye intermediates p-PDA, Meta-aminophenol/ Resorcinol, 2, 4-diaminophenoxy ethanol dihydrochloride are dissolved in water heated to 75 deg C and added subsequently to the mixture. This mixture is then agitated for 5 minutes. It is cooled to 55 deg C, the cationic polymer Polyquaternium 10 is added and agitated for a further period of 5 minutes. It is then cooled to 30 deg C.

Example 1:
Cetostearyl alcohol 7.0g
Lauryl alcohol 1.5g
Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 5.0g
Cocoamidopropyl betaine 3.0g
P-PDA 5.0g
2,4-Diaminophenoxy ethanol 1.0g
dihydrochloride
Resorcinol 4 0g
Sodium sulphite 0.3g
Polyquaternium 10 0.1g
Block copolymer surfactant 0.1g
Phosphate ester 0.7g
Water qs 100.0g

For comparative purpose, composition as shown in Example 2, with alkaliser added in sufficient quantities to bring the pH between 7.0-11.0 is prepared.

Example 2:
Cetostearyl alcohol 7.0g
Lauryl alcohol l-5g
Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 5.0g
Cocoamidopropyl betaine 3.0g
p-PDA 5.0g
2, 4-Diaminophenoxy ethanol 1.0g
dihydrochloride
Resorcinol 4.0g
Sodium sulphite 0.3g
Polyquaternium 10 0.1g
Block copolymer surfactant 0.1g
Phosphate ester 0.7g
Alkaliser Sufficient quantity added to bring the pH
between 7.0-11.0
Water qs 100.0g

To compare the relative merits of dyeing properties of the compositions of the present invention on hair samples as to depth, shade and the lasting qualities of coloring, the experiments below were carried out. This was evaluated with for dye uptake (hair darkening as a measure).

Keratinous fibres particularly non black hair swatches were impregnated with the composition of invention described in the Example 1 at room temperature for a minimum period of 10 minutes, then shampooed, rinsed and blow dried. For comparative purposes Keratinous fibres particularly non black hair swatches were also impregnated as described above with composition described in Example 2.

The color readings L, a, b were obtained with Gretag Macbeth™ Color eye Reflectometer 2180UV immediately after blow drying.

The color readings L, a, b were measured by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for the swatch before dyeing and after dyeing. The color units L stands for lightness (0=black, 100=white), +a is red, -a is green, +b is yellow, -b is blue.

The difference DL is the difference in L values for the swatch before and after dyeing.
Greater the DL values, greater is the level of darkening.

The abbreviations in the table given above for the dye intermediates listed as compounds have the following significance:

1: para-phenylenediamine +Resorcinol + 2, 4-diaminophenoxy ethanol
dihydrochloride.

2: para-phenylenediamine +Resorcinol + 2, 4-diaminophenoxy ethanol
dihydrochloride with alkalisers.

The following inferences can be drawn from the table:

1. The composition of the present invention described in Example 1 delivers hair darkening in a minimum time period of 10 minutes on a keratinous fibre such as non black hair swatch equivalent to a composition which has alkalisers.

2. The advantage of the invention lies in the delivery of colour without damage to hair caused by the use of alkalisers.

The following examples (Examples I-V) are intended to explain the invention in further detail in terms of different dye forms such as creams, lotions and the like and in terms of different ratios of dye intermediates displaying different colours, without limiting it to these examples.

The composition of the present invention is generally prepared by the process described below.

Example I: Cream hair dye

Cetostearyl, lauryl alcohol and phosphate esters are heated to a temperature of 75 deg C.

Sodium lauryl ether, cocoamidopropyl betaine and water are added to the mixture at 75 deg C and agitated for 5 minutes, Sodium sulphite is added to it. The dye intermediates p-PDA, Meta-aminophenol/Resorcinol, 2, 4-diaminophenoxy ethanol dihydrochloride/2-amino-3-hydroxy pyridine are dissolved in water heated to 75 deg C and added subsequently to the mixture. This mixture is then agitated for 5 minutes. It is Cooled to 55 deg C, the cationic polymer Polyquaternium 10 is added and agitated for a further period of 5 minutes. It is then cooled to 30 deg C.

Cetostearyl alcohol 7.0g
Lauryl alcohol 1.5g
Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 5.0g
Cocoamidopropyl betaine 3.0g
p-PDA 5.0g
2, 4-Diaminophenoxy ethanol 1.0g
dihydrochloride
meta amino phenol 1.0g
Sodium sulphite 0.3g
Polyquaternium 10 0.1g
Block copolymer surfactant 0.1g
Phosphate ester 0.7g
Water qs 100.0g

Prior to use, 5 g hair colouring cream is mixed with 7.5 g hydrogen peroxide solution. The resulting ready to use oxidative hair colouring agent is applied to non black hair swatch. After a reaction time of less than 20 minutes, at 40°C.The hair is rinsed, shampooed and dried. The hair has received an even Natural black tone.

Example II: Cream hair dye

Cetostearyl alcohol 7.0g
Lauryl alcohol l,5g
Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 5.0g
Cocoamidopropyl betaine 3.0g
p-PDA 3.0g
2,4-Diaminophenoxy ethanol 0.1g

di hydrochloride
Resorcinol 2.0g
Sodium sulphite 0.3g
Polyquaternium 10 0.1g

Block copolymer surfactant 0.1g
Phosphate esters 0.7g
Water qs 100.0g

Prior to use, 5g hair colouring cream is mixed with 7.5g hydrogen peroxide solution. The resulting ready to use oxidative hair colouring agent is applied to non black hair swatch. After a reaction time of less than 20 minutes, at 40°C.The hair is rinsed, shampooed and dried. The hair has received an even Natural blackish blue tone.

Example III: Cream hair dye
Cetostearyl alcohol 7.0g
Lauryl alcohol 1.5g
Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 5.0g
Cocoamidopropyl betaine 3.0g
p-PDA 2.0g
p-aminophenol 1.0g
Resorcinol 2.0g
2-amino-3-hydroxy pyridine 1.0g
Sodium sulphite 0.3g
Polyquaternium 10 0.1g

Block copolymer surfactant 0.1g

Phosphate esters 0.7g
Water qs 100.0g

Prior to use, 5g hair colouring cream is mixed with 7.5g hydrogen peroxide solution. The resulting ready to use oxidative hair colouring agent is applied to non black hair swatch. After a reaction time of less than 20 minutes, at 40°C.The hair is rinsed, shampooed and dried. The hair has received an even brown tone.

Example IV: Hair dye lotion
Cetostearyl lauryl alcohol and phosphate esters are heated to a temperature of 75 deg C. Sodium lauryl ether, cocoamidopropyl betaine and water are added to the mixture and agitated for 5 minutes. Cooled to 55 deg C, add the cationic polymer Polyquaternium 10 and agitated for a further period of 5 minutes. Cooled to 45 deg C, added Sodium sulphite to it and agitated again for 5 minutes. The dye intermediates p-PDA, Meta-aminophenol/Resorcinol and 2,4-diaminophenoxy ethanol dihydrochloride dissolved in propylene glycol are then added and agitated for 10 minutes and cooled to 30 deg C .

Cetostearyl alcohol 7.0g
Lauryl alcohol 1.5g
Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 5.0g
Cocoamidopropyl betaine 3.0g
p-PDA 0.50g
2,4-Diaminophenoxy ethanol 0.25g
dihydrochloride
Resorcinol 0.25g
Sodium sulphite 0.3g
Polyquaternium 10 0.1g
Propylene glycol 5.0g
Phosphate esters 0.7g
Water qs 100.0g

Prior to use, 5g hair colouring lotion is mixed with 7.5g hydrogen peroxide solution. The resulting ready to use oxidative hair colouring agent is applied to non black hair swatch. After a reaction time of less than 20 minutes, at 40°C.The hair is rinsed, shampooed and dried. The hair has received an even blue tone.

Example V: Hair dye lotion
Cetostearyl alcohol 7.0g
Lauryl alcohol 1.5g
Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 5.0g
Cocoamidopropyl betaine 3.0g
P"PDA 5.0g
2,4-Diaminophenoxy ethanol 0.75g
dihydrochloride
meta aminophenol 4.0g
Sodium sulphite 0.3g
Polyquaternium 10 0.1g
Propylene glycol 5.0g
Phosphate esters 0.70g
Water qs 100.0g

Prior to use, 5g hair colouring lotion is mixed with 7.5g hydrogen peroxide solution. The resulting ready to use oxidative hair colouring agent is applied to non black hair swatch. After a reaction time of less than 20 minutes, at 40°C. The hair is rinsed, shampooed and dried. The hair has received an even Natural dark brown tone.

Thus the present invention is directed to a hair colouring composition/kit with reduced application time in the form of cream/lotion and the like comprising selective combination of primary intermediates and couplers adapted for colouring hair/ keratinous fibres in a short time of 20 minutes or less wherein such hair colouration in short time is therefore beneficial to the skin in having shorter skin contact time.

More specifically, the present invention is directed to serve the much desired need for faster hair colouration involving a hair colouring formulation in the form of cream/lotion and the like that is free of alkalizers and by using a selective combination of the primary intermediates and couplers in a preferred range of ratios which is thus efficacious, safe to apply, economical with regard to the time and cost involved in the hair colouring process with better consumer acceptance. Importantly, the present invention thus favours in obtaining a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/ lotion and the like adapted for use in the said cosmetically acceptable form in combination with a cosmetically/ acceptable vehicle containing other hair benefiting agents. Advantageously also, the hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/ lotion and the like of the present invention delivers excellent dye deposition, delivers color uniformly which is maintained over consumers wash cycle. More advantageously the hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like is characterized by the ease of application, superior conditioning, premium product appearance, good spreading, uniform application and superior retention of colour.

We Claim:

1. An oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like suitable for hair coloring in combination with a developer/ oxidant said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like comprising of:

a. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4-diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts;

b. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts; and

c. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3-diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs.

2. An oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like as claimed in claim 1 wherein
said ingredient (a) belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts is preferably p-PDA and its salts;
said ingredient (b) belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts is preferably resorcinol/ m-aminophenol; and

said ingredient (c) belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts is preferably 2, 4-diamiophenoxyethanol dihydrochloride and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs preferably 2-amino-3-hydroxy
pyridine.

3. A hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like favouring reduced application time comprising
(i) said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/lotion and the like free of alkalizers comprising of:

a. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts;

b. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts; and

c. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs.

(ii) developer/ oxidant

provided in cosmetically acceptable form suitable for application on hair.

4. A hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said ingredient (a) belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts preferably p-PDA and its salts;

said ingredient (b) belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts preferably resorcinol/ m-aminophenol; and

said ingredient (c ) belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts preferably 2, 4-diamiophenoxyethanol dihydrochloride and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs preferably 2-amino-3-hydroxy
pyridine.

5. A hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in claims 3 and 4 wherein the said developer/ oxidizer is an integral part of the said hair colouring composition in a ready to use form for ready application on the hair or provided separately in powder form that is dissolved/ dispersed/ emulsified prior to use alongwith said cream/lotion and the like form of oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of a kit or provided separately in solution form alongwith said cream/lotion and the like form of oxidation hair dye formulation in the kit.

6. A hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in claims 3-5 wherein the ratios of the said (a) at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts, : (b) at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts preferably resorcinol/ m-aminophenol, : and (c) at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs is in the range of from 1:0.01:0.005 to 1:1:1 respectively, more preferably between 1:0.04:0.01 to 1:1:1 respectively and wherein preferably the total concentration of primary intermediate and couplers in the final ready to use form of the composition is from 0.1 to 10.00%.

7. A hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in claims 3-6 favouring reduced application time comprising varying ratios of the primary intermediates and the couplers within the said preferred range based on the desired time for effective hair colouration of less than 20 minutes.

8. A hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in claims 3-7 wherein the said developer/oxidant ratio with respect to the said oxidation hair dye precursors varies from 1:0.2 to 1:3, preferably between 1:1 to 1:2 and provided such as to be mixed prior to use for incorporation in said composition/ kit in proportions of between 0.1% to about 12 % by weight, most preferably between 0.5% to 8% and comprises water soluble per-oxygen oxidizing agents as an oxidizer and preferably involves inorganic per-oxygen materials capable of yielding peroxide in cream/lotion that preferably includes hydrogen peroxide, adducts of hydrogen peroxide, inorganic alkali metal peroxides including Barium peroxide, Sodium peroxide and inorganic perhydrate salts including the alkali metal salts of perborates, percarbonates, persulphates and combinations thereof and more preferably includes hydrogen peroxide, persulphates and combinations thereof.

9. A hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in claims 3-8 wherein said ingredient (a) belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts are preferably selected from p-phenylenediamine, N-ethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-para-phenylenediamine, the sulphate and hydrochloride, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-paraphenylenediamine and its salts, N-ethyl-N-(2-piperidinoethyl)-para-phenylenediamine and its trihydrochloride, N-ethyl-N- (carbamylmethyl)para-phenylenediamine, N-ethyl-N-[2-(mesylamino)ethyl]-paraphenylenediamineand its sulphates, and 2-methyl-N,N-dimethyl-para-phenylenediamine and its salts such as the dihydrochloride and are preferably used in the composition ready for use on hair in proportions of between 0.005 and 20% by weight, more preferably between 0.05 to 15% by weight and most preferably between 0.1% to 10% by weight;
said ingredient (b) belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols are preferably selected from Resorcinol and m-aminophenol are preferably used in the composition ready for use on hair in proportions of between 0.005 and 10 % by weight, more preferably between 0.05% and 8% and most preferably between 0.1-5% by weight; said ingredient (c) belonging to the class of (i)l, 3-disubstituted benzenes or its analogs or its salts, preferably are selected in particular from 2-(2',4'-
diaminophenoxy)ethanol/l,3-bis-(2'4'-dianriinophenoxy)propane, bis-(2',4'-diaminophenoxy)methane, 2-amino-4-(2'-hydroxyethyl)amino)anisole, l-(2'-aminoethoxy)-2,4-diaminobenzene, 2-(2'hydroxyethoxy)-5-(methylamino)aniline,2,4-diamino-l,5-(2'-hydroxyethoxy)benzene, and l-(2'3'-dihydroxypropoxy)-2,4-diaminobenzene and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs preferably 2-amino-3-hydroxy pyridine are preferably used in the composition ready for use on hair in proportions of between 0.005 %-10% by weight, more preferably between 0.05% and 8% and most preferably between 0.1-5% by weight.

10. A hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in claims 3-9 comprises diffusion aids including phosphate esters more preferably oleth-5-phosphate and dioleyl phosphate preferably used in the composition ready for use on hair in proportions of between 0.005 %-10% by weight, more preferably between 0.05% and 8% and most preferably between 0.1-5% by weight.

11. A hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in claims 3-10 adapted for darkening/ coloring of keratinic fibre preferably hair is of pH between 1.5 and 11, and preferably between 5 and 9 free of any added alkalizers.

12. A hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in claims 3-11 comprising of effective amounts of the said hair colouring ingredients in association with optional hair benefiting ingredients preferably hair conditioning agent adapted for effective colouring and conditioning of the hair, whether it is live as on the head, or dead as in a swatch, wig or hairpiece.

13. A hair colouring kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims comprising

(i) said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like free of alkalizers comprising of:

a. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of 1, 4 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts;

b. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of non halogenated phenols suitably substituted with additional phenolic or amino functionality or its analogs or its salts; and

c. at least one ingredient belonging to the class of (i) substituted 1, 3 - diamino benzene or its analogs or its salts and/ or (ii) substituted pyridine derivatives or its analogs;

(ii) said developer/oxidant;
(iii) optionally, suitable hair grooming/ benefiting agent;
(iv) instructions providing for directions for use for achieving effective colouration involving said (i) oxidation hair dye formulation free of alkalizers and (ii) said developer in the time duration of 20 minutes or lesser.

14. A method of colouring the hair involving hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims comprising the step of:

applying the said cream/ lotion and the like form of hair colouring composition integrated with developer/ oxidizer in a ready to use form for ready application on the hair for colouring it in time duration of 20 minutes or less.
15. A method of colouring the hair involving hair colouring composition/kit as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims comprising the steps of:

a. providing said oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like free of alkalizers;

b. intimately mixing the said oxidation hair dye formulation with the developer/oxidant solution when the developer/oxidant is provided separately in the kit to provide for a ready to use oxidative hair colouring composition mix; and

c. applying the said mix on hair for colouring it in time duration of 20 minutes or less.

16. An oxidation hair dye formulation in the form of cream/ lotion and the like, a hair colouring composition/kit in the form of cream/lotion and the like favouring reduced application time comprising said oxidation hair dye formulation free of
alkalizers in the said cream/ lotion and the like form and its process of manufacture and method of colouring the hair involving the said hair colouring composition/ kit substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying examples.