The invention provides a hair shaping composition suitable for topical application to hair, the composition comprising from 1 to 25 wt % monoglucosamine adipate, dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous carrier. The invention also provides a method for improving hair volume-down which comprises the following steps: (i) treating the hair by topical application of the hair shaping composition as defined above; (ii) shaping the treated hair; (iii) allowing the composition to remain in contact with the shaped hair before drying. Advantageously the method of the invention does not require the breakage of the hair disulfide bonds, does not require the use of high temperature heated implements such as straightening irons, and can be accomplished by a consumer without intervention of a professional hairdresser.