How to Use AccessFIX K90 in Your Formulations
What AccessFIX K90 Does
AccessFIX K90 is a film-forming polymer—the secret behind most strong-hold hair styling products. Think of it as creating a microscopic net that coats each hair strand and locks styles in place. When a gel, spray, or mousse made with AccessFIX K90 dries, it forms a clear, rigid film that keeps your look intact for hours.
For the technical formulator, AccessFIX K90 is a high molecular weight grade of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The “K-90” designation reflects its high molecular weight and solution viscosity—one of the highest grades available—resulting in strong, durable films. That’s why it’s ideal for products marketed as “strong hold,” “max hold,” or “extreme hold.” Lower K-values (like K-30) yield softer, more flexible films for light-to-medium hold, but K-90 is the go-to for serious styling power.
Formulation Tips
Choose your usage rate based on the desired hold. For medium hold, use 1–4%. For strong, stiff hold, use 5–7%. For extreme-hold or specialty styling products, you can go up to 10%.
To incorporate, slowly sprinkle the AccessFIX K90 powder into the vortex of your water phase while mixing continuously. Adding too quickly can cause clumping. Be patient as it hydrates and dissolves. To speed up dissolution, heat the water phase to about 60–70°C (140–158°F).
AccessFIX K90 is non-ionic and broadly compatible with most cosmetic ingredients, including cationic conditioning agents and anionic surfactants (at low levels). It performs best in formulations with a pH of approximately 3.0 to 7.5.
Key Formulation Benefits:
- Maximum Styling Hold: The high molecular weight (K-90) structure forms a strong, rigid film for all-day style retention.
- Crystal Clear, Non-Flaking Films: Dries to a transparent, non-tacky film that adds shine without white residue.
- Excellent Humidity Resistance: Creates a barrier against environmental moisture to help reduce frizz and style collapse.
- Easy to Use: Water-soluble powder that incorporates simply into gels, sprays, and foams.
- Formulation Versatility: Doubles as a viscosity enhancer or stabilizer at low levels in creams, lotions, and pigment dispersions.
- Smooth, Non-Tacky Feel: When optimized, delivers strong hold without sticky or heavy residue.