The present invention relates to hair care compositions comprising select benzylidene 2,4-pentanedione compounds and methods for reducing hair damage, especially oxidative hair damage, arising from various hair treatments. In particular, the compositions according to the present teachings contribute to a reduction or lessening in oxidative damage sustained by hair fibers during bleaching, repeated shampooing, dyeing, perming, straightening and other oxidative treatments. The compositions according to the present invention also provide excellent color evenness, sustained color protection, and reduce scalp itching.
