How to Use AccessFIX PAH-50 in Your Formulations
Understanding AccessFIX PAH-50
If you’ve ever wondered what gives hairspray its “hold,” the answer is a film-forming polymer like AccessFIX PAH-50. Think of it as creating an invisible, flexible scaffolding around each hair strand. When you apply your styling product, the carrier evaporates, leaving this polymer network behind to lock the style in place and resist frizz—even in humid weather.
For the technical formulator, AccessFIX PAH-50 is an anionic acrylate copolymer. In its raw form it is not water-soluble; it must be neutralized with an alkali (e.g., Aminomethyl Propanol/AMP or Triethanolamine) to “activate” solubility and film-forming performance. As the pH is raised, the polymer uncoils and dissolves to produce a clear solution or gel with the desired viscosity and hold characteristics.
Formulation Tips
Use level directly impacts hold strength. For light, flexible hold in volumizing mousses, use 2–4% (active solids). For firm, long-lasting hold in styling gels or strong hairsprays, use 5–10%.
Disperse AccessFIX PAH-50 into the water phase under good mixing; it will appear as a milky dispersion. Then add your neutralizer slowly while stirring. As the pH rises into the 7.0–9.0 range, the system will clarify and thicken as the polymer fully solubilizes (target ~80–100% neutralization). Confirm final pH in the optimal range for best performance.
The polymer is broadly compatible with common hair care ingredients (conditioners, humectants, fragrances). Because it is anionic, very high levels of cationic materials may reduce clarity or performance—validate in your specific system.
Key Formulation Benefits:
- Tunable, Long-Lasting Hold: Adjust hold from soft and flexible to extra-strong by changing usage level for all-day style retention.
- Superior Humidity Resistance: Forms a moisture-resistant film to combat frizz and style collapse in damp conditions.
- Crystal-Clear Formulations: Neutralized systems yield clear gels and sprays for premium aesthetics.
- Non-Tacky, Natural Feel: Delivers strong hold without sticky buildup; films remain flexible on hair.
- Excellent Style Memory: Helps hair return to the intended shape, extending the life of the style.
- Versatile Application: Ideal for aerosol/pump sprays, mousses, gels, setting lotions, and glazes.