| abstract |
An amphoteric, hair fixative polymer for use in hair sprays, gels, and the like contains 40-90 percent of a hydroxyl-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer, 1-20 percent of an acid-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and 1-20 percent of an amine-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The polymer has hydroxyl, acid and amine functionalities and, while being insoluble in water, can be solubilized in water by the use of amine neutralizers, acidic neutralizers, or by solubilizing in alcohol-water mixtures. The polymers provide hair fixatives that are fast drying, and have excellent curl retention with low curl droop. |