The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In a 2012 laboratory demonstration, researchers used thiol-ene click chemistry to attach polymers covalently to hair. The method joined reactive polymer end groups to thiol groups on the hair surface under mild conditions. It was a research result, not a finished hair-care product or proof of a consumer benefit.
What did the researchers demonstrate?
David Haddleton and coworkers at the University of Warwick, working with Unilever, reported attaching polymers to hair through covalent bonds. Hair-care polymers are commonly used to alter appearance, for example by straightening hair or changing its colour. The report describes typical polymer-hair interactions as non-covalent; the demonstration explored a way to bond polymers to the surface instead.
The underlying paper is Stacy Slavin, Ezat Khoshdel and David M. Haddleton, “Biological surface modification by ‘thiol-ene’ addition of polymers synthesised by catalytic chain transfer polymerisation (CCTP),” published in Polymer Chemistry. Read the paper via its DOI. The 2012 report is also summarized by the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Polymer Chemistry blog.
How does the chemistry work?
1. Make polymers with a reactive end
The team used cobalt-catalysed chain transfer polymerisation (CCTP) to produce macromonomers—polymer molecules with a reactive, unsaturated vinyl end group.
#1 Best Overall
- INTENSE STRENGTH – Pro-vitamin B5, hydrolyzed keratin and collagen reinforce the cortex to help cut visible breakage and split ends while restoring natural body and bounce to every hair type.
- DEEP HYDRATION – Aloe-vera juice, ceramide NP/AP and plant cholesterol replenish the lipid barrier, locking in moisture for mirror-like shine and elasticity that lasts beyond the next wash.
- WEIGHTLESS FRIZZ SHIELD – A breathable micro-polymer forms an invisible 24-hour humidity barrier that tames flyaways and protects up to 450 °F, leaving fine, thick or curly hair smooth yet airy.
- CLEAN SCENT & PUMP – Subtle botanical citrus fragrance (phthalate-free) delights without overpowering, while a clog-free airless pump dispenses the perfect dose—no leaks, mess or sticky nozzle.
- CONSCIOUS BEAUTY – Vegan keratin, argan & hemp-seed oils rich in omegas are blended in the USA, packed in recyclable PET, paraben-free, color-safe and never tested on animals.
2. Use thiol-ene chemistry to attach them
The vinyl end group can react with thiol groups present at the hair surface. The researchers used thiol-ene click chemistry to form the covalent attachment under conditions the report describes as mild. In practical terms, the method was a way to chemically join the polymer to the surface rather than rely only on non-covalent interactions.
3. Add a fluorescent tag
The team also demonstrated attaching a fluorescent tag to the polymer. This showed that the polymer could be further modified; it does not establish a particular hair-care effect.
Rank #2
- Including Ceramide 3, collagen ingredients just five minutes with setting brimming with purity of your hair
- Quick and convenient in-home care possible hair product.
- Recommend! Damage-hair of Intense heat or in the sun.
- A rich, deep repairing treatment mask for damaged, over-processed hair of all textures.
- All type hair / Volume 100ml (3.38 oz)
How is this different from ordinary polymer use in hair care?
The central distinction is the type of interaction. The report describes the usual polymer-hair interaction as non-covalent, whereas this work demonstrated covalent attachment using reactive polymer ends and surface thiols. Covalent bonding describes how the material was attached; by itself, it does not show that a treatment performs better, lasts longer, or changes a specific hair property.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat does the demonstration establish—and what remains open?
It establishes that the researchers demonstrated a chemical route for covalently attaching CCTP-made polymers to hair and for adding a fluorescent tag to the polymer. It does not establish which hair properties the approach could change, whether any effect would be durable or useful, or whether the method became a commercial product.
Rank #3
- Keratin Hair Treatment Serum,Hair Vitamin Serum Oils Capsule:Our hair vitamins treatment serum oils capsule enriched with keratin,argan oil and avocado oil, and various vitamins(vitamins A C E Pro B5) to support damaged hair repair. Keratin can protect hair from external factors and regulate hair moisture by maintaining a balance of moisture, making hair softer and more moisturized, reduce dry and split hair, Keratin also helps reduce hair frizziness and frictional fuzzing, making hair look smoother, shiny, and easier to comb
- 40 Pieces Hair Oil Capsules Innovative Capsule Design:Our innovative capsule for hair growth design offers precise dosage, sealed freshness, and purer ingredients. With 40 capsules per pack, it provides a reasonable quantity for longer usage periods. Convenient for use anytime, anywhere, it instantly restores your hair's softness and shine.
- Simplify Your Hair Care Routine Just 30 Seconds:With a rinse-free, hassle-free design, simply apply the hair treatment serum oil evenly on your hair after washing and before blow-drying. In just 30 seconds
- Keep Hair Shine & Softness:Infused with plant oils, our hair serum deeply nourishes and repairs dry and damaged hair, smoothing frizz and leaving you with smooth and resilient locks all day long.Our hair vitamin serum oils capsules penetrate deeply into the hair, providing instant repair which work to strengthen your hair, enhance its elasticity, and leave it with a luxuriously silky texture
- Ideal Gift Choice:Our hair growth serum capsules , which strengthens and beautifies hair, perfect for hair growth, is the good gift choice. Treat them to a head full of smooth, glossy, silky hair they'll adore! Get the most out of the hair treatment serum oils capsule for hair that’s designed with all hair types in mind - straight, wavy, curly, frizzy, dyed, and more
Haddleton described the next questions as “interested in what type of properties we can change, and what are essentially the limitations of what we are doing.” That uncertainty matters: the report presents a surface-modification method and questions for further investigation, not a validated consumer treatment. It gives no quantitative study outcome or product-performance result.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Advanced anti-frizz formula leaves hair super glossy, glassy, ultra smooth
- Groundbreaking humidity-blocking technology stops moisture from wrecking your style
- Economical. Results last through 3-4 shampoos
- Ultra-light spray feels like nothing is on the hair
Rank #4
- Korea Hair Treatment Ex Ceramide PPT Treatment 1000ml
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
