Copolymer 845 (VP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer) is a water-based cationic hair styling polymer solution supplied as a clear viscous liquid. The VP segment supports clear film formation, while the dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate segment provides cationic character after neutralization, improving adhesion to the negatively charged hair surface.

This makes the polymer useful when a formula needs flexible hold, curl retention, anti-frizz control, and a clean transparent finish. The product is supplied at 19.0-21.0% polymer solids in water, citric-acid neutralized and preserved.

Product Highlights

• Water-based cationic styling polymer for clear flexible film formation
• Supports hold, curl memory, strand alignment, and reduced flyaway
• Useful in gels, sprays, mousses, curl creams, styling lotions, and anti-frizz products
• Designed for aqueous and hydroalcoholic styling systems
• Rinses out without a heavy buildup feel when properly formulated

Styling Targets

• Natural flexible hold: lower polymer level with light humectant balance for soft control, reduced frizz, and low stiffness.
• Curl retention / gel hold: medium polymer level in water gel, mousse, or cream for clear film, better shape memory, and strand alignment.
• Stronger styling spray: higher polymer solids with alcohol/water or fast-drying carrier for stronger fixation; tune the formula to avoid tack or flaking.

Formulation Guidance

In hair styling products, Copolymer 845 functions as a fixative and film former. After application, the water or alcohol/water carrier evaporates and leaves a thin polymer network on the hair fiber. The film helps hold hair strands in the desired position, improves curl memory, reduces flyaway, and supports humidity resistance without relying on a brittle hard-resin feel.

The polymer works best when the formula is designed around the intended hold level. Adjust sensory balance with humectants, plasticizers, or compatible co-film formers as needed.

How to Mix

• Add into the water phase or during cool-down while mixing gently until uniform.
• Avoid high-shear aeration because this viscous polymer solution can trap air and create foam.
• For sprays, check nozzle compatibility and final viscosity; dilute into the water/alcohol phase before final fragrance or heat-sensitive additives.
• Recommended finished formula pH: about 4.5-8.0.
• Confirm hold, clarity, and flaking after the formula reaches final pH and after drying on hair.

Use Level

Recommended use range: 2-10% as supplied. This 19.0-21.0% solids solution delivers approximately 0.4-2.1% polymer solids in the finished formula. Typical starting point: 5% as supplied gives about 1% polymer solids.

Product Characteristics

Appearance: clear viscous liquid; 19.0-21.0% solids; pH 6.0-8.0 as supplied; viscosity 20,000-50,000 cps at 25 °C; residual vinyl pyrrolidone not more than 100 ppm.

Solubility: water-based polymer solution; compatible with water and hydroalcoholic styling systems.

Storage: store tightly closed in a clean container at cool room temperature. Avoid freezing and avoid contamination during repeated use.