Polyquaternium compounds

"Polyquaternium" means a synthetic polymer, a complex quaternary ammonium compound in which, as in "quaternium compounds", all 4 hydrogen atoms of the ammonium ion are replaced by organic side chains. The different representatives of the polyquaternium group are distinguished by trailing digits depending on the degree of polymerization.

Note: The molecules of polyquaternium compounds are positively charged. They attach themselves to the (negatively charged) hair shaft during washing and care, and thus form a coherent film (film former) on surfaces such as hair or fingernails. This makes the hair appear smoother and easier to comb. This desired "magnetic effect" has the disadvantage that the substances weigh down the hair with each wash by adding new layers of polyquaternium. This results in a "build-up effect". Such coating effects also occur with the silicone compounds.