Improved compositions and methods for styling hair fibers

A method for styling mammalian hair fibers, including providing body, straightening, relaxing, curling, or applying any other desired modification to the shape of the hair. The method comprises applying to the hair a composition comprising a phenol-based monomer and a water-soluble hygroscopic agent, allowing the monomers and water-soluble hygroscopic agents to penetrate within the hair and curing the monomers to internally form a polymer able to overcome the tendency of the hair to revert to its native shape. When curing is performed while the hair is in a desired modified shape, the resulting polymers may maintain the modified shape, whilst the hygroscopic agent absorbs water molecules that may penetrate into the hair and, in so doing, reduces any damage said molecules may cause to the integrity of the polymers and the lasting effect of the hair styling. Suitable compositions and kits allowing to prepare the same are also disclosed.