FR2931635A1 - Human hair treatment e.g. permanent waving, method, involves applying abrasive surface on hair, moving abrasive surface to contact hair by mechanized system to realize abrasion of hair, and arranging mechanized system for vibrating surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves applying an abrasive surface (5) on hair (C), and moving the abrasive surface to contact the hair by a mechanized system so as to realize abrasion of the hair. The mechanized system is arranged for vibrating the abrasive surface and for moving the abrasive surface in a single direction, where the vibrations of the surface have an amplitude less than or equal to 20 millimeters. Pressure is exerted on the hair at the contact of the abrasive surface. An independent claim is also included for a hair treatment apparatus and hair care product assembly.

Description

The present invention relates to the treatment of human hair. The hair can be altered by chemical treatments such as coloring, permanent, or by mechanical stresses such as detangling, blow drying. The mechanical, morphological and physicochemical properties of the surface of the hair, and in particular of the cuticle, external layer of the hair with a scale structure, are modified. In particular, during these treatments or solicitations, the scales of the cuticle rise and see their edges, normally regular, become serrated. These deteriorations can have several consequences. On one hand, the hair is less smooth and less easily disentangled. On the other hand, the assets of a hair treatment product, for example a conditioner, may be deposited heterogeneously on the hair. However, it may be desirable to deposit the care assets homogeneously on all the hair. It is known to treat damaged hair by applying thereto a care product comprising, for example, specific polymers such as silicones or cationically charged polymers. However, the improvement of the hair so treated is only temporary because once rid of the care product, for example after one or more washings, the hair back to its original state. There is a need to benefit from methods and apparatus for sustainably treating hair, especially those damaged on the surface.

The invention aims, among other things, to meet this need and it achieves this through a new hair treatment method comprising the step of applying to the hair at least one abrasive surface set in motion in contact with the hair by a mechanized system. in order to achieve an abrasion of the hair. The invention can make it possible to smooth the surface of the hair.

The abrasion of the hair that is operated by implementing the invention may be more or less important, depending on the initial state of the hair and / or the desired result. To modulate the degree of abrasion of the hair, it is possible, for example, to vary the duration of abrasion of the hair or the pressure exerted on the hair by the abrasive surface or surfaces. The abrasion can be relatively soft and / or of short duration, so as to avoid breakage of the hair, during treatment or subsequent mechanical stresses such as styling, for example.

Thanks to the invention, the hair can be visibly smoother and the effect of the treatment is durable. The hair can be cleared of deposits that may be present on the surface before abrasion and the edges of the cuticle scales can be made more even.

In addition, after the treatment, products intended to strengthen certain properties of the hair or to change their appearance can penetrate more easily and deeply in the hair abraded. The roughness of the abrasive surface corresponds, for example, to that of an abrasive surface whose particle size ranges from P12 to P2500, the roughness being defined by the standards ISO 6344-1, ISO 6344-2 and ISO 6344-3. The treatment method may be carried out by the person to whom the hair belongs or by a third party, for example a hairdresser.

Mechanized System The mechanized system can be arranged to vibrate the abrasive surface or to move it in a single direction. The vibrations of the abrasive surface may have an amplitude of less than or equal to 20 mm, better still less than or equal to 10 mm, even more preferably less than or equal to 5 min. The vibrations of the abrasive surface can have a frequency of between 1 and 10 000 Hz, that is to say a return trip per second and 10 000 trips and returns per second, better between 2 and 1000 Hz, better still between 5 and 500 Hz. During the abrasion of the hair, it is possible, for example, to vary the amplitude and / or the vibration frequency of the abrasive surface or the speed of displacement of the abrasive surface and / or an orientation of the abrasive surface. the abrasive surface. The vibrations may for example be in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the hair or in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the hair. Alternatively or additionally, the abrasive surface can move and be rotated by the mechanized system. The speed of rotation can for example be modulated during the abrasion of the hair. The rotational movement may be a rotational movement about a geometric axis of rotation for example generally perpendicular to the root-tip length or a more complex movement, for example comprising a combination of movements around distinct geometric axes of rotation. The abrasive surface may for example be defined by a disc which moves in a plane by rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the hair, the different regions of the abrasive surface coming successively in contact with the hair during rotation . The abrasive surface can still be defined by a band moving around a single axis by describing a circular path or around two axes, for example parallel to each other, for example by describing an elliptical trajectory.

The relative speed between the hair to be treated and the abrasive surface may be, for example, between 0.005 m / s and 10 μm, preferably between 0.01 μm / s and 3 μm, better still between 0.02 and 0.5 μm. s during the abrasion treatment. The abrasion duration of a portion of hair can be for example between 1 ms and several minutes, in particular between 0.1 s and 60 s, the duration being able to depend for example on the intensity of the abrasion and the state of the hair. In the process according to the invention, the hair can be maintained while achieving hair abrasion. They can be held for example by hand or with the aid of a traction device. The traction exerted on the hair can be measured during the treatment so as to control it, to give it a predefined value and / or to prevent the exceeding of a predefined pull threshold. Pressure can be exerted on the hair in contact with the abrasive surface. This can improve the effectiveness of abrasion. The pressure exerted on the hair is for example between 1 Pa and 1 000 000 Pa, better still between 100 Pa and 100 000 Pa and preferably between 500 Pa and 50 000 Pa. The mechanized system may comprise an electric motor, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal or other. The mechanized system is preferably portable.

Abrasive surface The abrasive surface may be unique and be set in motion by the mechanized system.

Alternatively, the method according to the invention may comprise the step of applying to the hair at least two facing surfaces so as to maintain a lock of hair between the surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being abrasive, at least the abrasive surface being set in motion by the mechanized system.

All surfaces may be abrasive or, alternatively, only one of the surfaces may be abrasive. All surfaces can be moved or only the abrasive surface can be moved. When all the surfaces are set in motion, they can move in parallel in the same direction, shear in an antagonistic manner and / or be co-rotating or counter-rotating. In the case where at least one surface is non-abrasive, the surface or each non-abrasive surface, also called counter-surface, may be used to apply a product to the hair, this product may be a liquid, a gel, a cream or a powder, for example.

The counter-surface may for example comprise a flocking, a foam or an elastomer, among others, and be impregnated or not treatment product. The counter-surface may also have a surface state promoting the sliding of the hair on contact, for example being made of a coating of a low friction material, for example PTFE, or be defined by a wall of a thermoplastic material comprising a charge of particles promoting sliding, for example graphite particles. The counter-surface may be impregnated with a cosmetic treatment product before the abrasion treatment. The counter surface can still be supplied with product continuously during the treatment, the counter surface communicating for example with a reservoir containing the treatment product. At least one hair, preferably the majority or all of the treated hair may come into contact with the abrasive surface over a length of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm. The abrasive surface may or may not be flat when in contact with the hair. The at least one abrasive surface defines at least one face of a support.

The abrasive surface or surfaces in motion may comprise, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, abrasive particles fixed on the support. In this case, the abrasive particles may for example comprise a first material and be fixed on a support formed at least partially by a second material different from the first material, at least in the part of the support in contact with the abrasive particles. The abrasive particles may be fixed by various means on the support, for example being bonded to the support or being dispersed in the support in the form of a load.

The fixing of the abrasive particles on the support may be such that the abrasive particles do not detach from the support during processing. The abrasive particles may be chosen from the following, this list not being limiting: inorganic and / or metallic particles such as boron nitride, in cubic form (Borazon), aluminosilicate, zircon, mixed oxides of aluminum such as emery, zinc oxide, aluminum oxides such as aluminas or corundum, titanium oxide, mica-titanium oxide, carbides, especially silicon carbide ( carborundum), or other metal oxides, metals and metal alloys such as iron shot, steel, especially perlite; silicates such as glass, quartz or sand, calcium carbonate (for example, bora bora sand or Brignoles rose) or magnesium carbonate, pumice, amorphous silica, diamond, ceramics organic particles such as fruit kernel, in particular apricot kernel, for example apricot Scrubami, wood cellulose, for example ground bamboo stem, coconut shell, for example Coconut exfoliator; polyamide, especially nylon-6, and mixed particles combining organic and inorganic compounds, and the particles coated with the compounds described above. The abrasive particles may or may not be soluble in water.

The abrasive particles may have an average dimension of between 10 nm and 800 μm, better still between 50 nm and 500 μm. By dimension in the sense of the present invention is meant the largest dimension of the particle. For average dimension in the sense of the present invention, the dimension given by the statistical size distribution to half of the population, called D50. Depending on the range of particles used, it can be determined using sieves or laser particle size.

The abrasive particles may be of vegetable or synthetic origin and have a flattened, spherical, elongated, polyhedral or irregular shape. The abrasive particles can come for example from grains of pumice powder, diamond powder, fruit stone powder, coconut shell powder, microbeads, for example microspheres of alumina, glass, polyamide, especially Nylon-6, or fibers, especially polyamide fibers, hardwood cellulose fibers. The abrasive particles may not have ceramic. The hardness of the abrasive particles may be greater than or equal to 3, more preferably 4, preferably greater than or equal to 5, on the Mohs scale. The following is a non-limiting table showing different types of abrasive particles that can be used: Name Size Hardness Appearance Form Zinc oxide 10-30 nm 5 Irregular pale yellow powder Nylon-6 powder 50-200 pm 6 spherical white powder Lengthened fibrous polyamide fibers 0.3 mm 5 Glass microbeads 2-20 μm 6 spherical gray powder Aluminum oxide 125 μm 9 irregular white powder Aluminum oxide 100 μm 9 irregular white powder Aluminum oxide 200 μm 9 irregular white powder Micro alumina balls 8 pm 9 spherical white powder Perlite 150 pm 5.5 spherical white powder Diamond powder 0-3 pm 10 spherical gray powder Diamond powder 30-50 pm 10 spherical gray powder Pumice powder 260-287 pm 6 irregular gray powder Pumice powder 250 pm 6 irregular gray powder Pumice powder 0-125 pm 6 irregular gray powder Pumice powder 0-75 pm 6 irregular gray powder Sand bora bora CaCO3 -4 spherical gray powder amorphous silica 16 pm 7 spherical white powder Brignoles pink CaCO3 700-800 pm 4 spherical pink powder Rod crushed bamboo -7 spherical white powder Micro alumina balls 8 pm 9 spherical white powder Micro The support, which may or may not support abrasive particles, may be flexible and, for example, comprise or consist of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a paper or a flexible polymer. The support may be in the form of a sheet, having two opposite major faces. Only one of the faces may have abrasive properties. Alternatively, the other side may also be abrasive. The abrasive properties of the two faces may then be identical or different. When there are at least two facing surfaces, these may belong to two distinct supports. The support may or may not deform during processing. A flexible support can allow to deform during treatment, such deformation may be useful for example to drive it in motion and / or better control the applied force. The flexibility of the support can still be useful to conform to the shape of the wick to be treated. The support may be flexible but be fixed, for example removably using for example a hook and loop type Velcro connection, on a rigid element so that the assembly formed by the element and the support is rigid. The abrasive surface or surfaces may alternatively belong to a support that is hard, having for example a modulus of elasticity greater than or equal to 1 GPa, preferably greater than or equal to 4 GPa. The support may comprise, for example, a metal, a ceramic, a mineral glass or a thermoplastic material, in particular a polyolefin, for example high-density polyethylene.

The hard support may comprise a structure arranged to impart abrasive properties to the abrasive surface, in particular may comprise a sintered material. The abrasive surface may include asperities, for example pimples, notches or scratches. The support may comprise several parts, a first part having abrasive properties and a second part on which is fixed the first part, removably or not. The support can be heated. The support may for example make it possible to wear the surface of the hair at a temperature greater than or equal to 40 ° C. The support may be porous or not.

Each support can be single-use or suitable for several uses. The support can be conditioned by being impregnated with a treatment product, in the dry or wet state.

Treatment Product The method according to the invention may comprise the step of applying a treatment product to the hair before, during or after their abrasion treatment.

The treatment product may for example be a cosmetic product, especially a care product and / or hair coloring or bleaching. "Cosmetic product" means a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993.

The treatment product is, for example, chosen from the following, this list not being limiting: the products intended to modify the mechanical properties of the hair, in particular comprising a reducing agent, such as thioglycolic acid and its derivatives, cysteine, sulfite, sodium hydroxide, guanidine carbonate, trihydroxymethyl phosphine, or an oxidant, such as H2O2, persulfate; the emollient or penetration products, comprising, for example, a solvent, a glycol, a plasticizer, or a cationic, anionic or amphoteric surfactant, the products modifying the properties of the surface of the hair, comprising in particular a silicone, a reactive amino silicone, an adhesive polymer, a non-silicone lubricant comprising fatty substances chosen from vegetable oils, mineral oils, synthetic oils, waxes, in particular fatty alcohols or fatty esters; and the products restructuring the interior of the hair, comprising, for example, an ionene, a protein, a hydroxy acid or a reactive compound, especially a formalin generator, a silane; direct dyes or oxidation dyes. The treatment product can be applied prior to abrasion and can help protect the hair during abrasion, to avoid excessive abrasion. The treatment product can form a sheath on the hair. The abrasion can remove the excess portion of this sheath, which is smoothed on the hair. The material forming the sheath can thus remain on the recessed reliefs of the hair, after the abrasion. It is possible to apply a first treatment product before abrasion, in particular a reducing product, and a second treatment product after abrasion, in particular an oxidizing product, for the purpose, for example, of modifying the shape of the hair in a durable manner.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention involving the application of a treatment product on the hair prior to contact with the abrasive surface, the product is applied to the hair and then allowed to dry.

Treatment processes Before coming into contact with the abrasive surface, it is possible to wet the hair or not. The treatment method can be implemented after a step of characterizing the hair, for example by means of a visual examination with the naked eye or under an enlarging device or by an instrumental way, for example by recording the its product by moving a comb in the hair using a sound level meter. The method according to the invention may comprise the step of heating the hair at a temperature between 50 ° C and 300 ° C, in particular between 130 ° C and 200 ° C, for example during or after the abrasion of the hair . For example, the hair can be heated after the abrasion so as to form them. The surface or surfaces moved by the mechanized system may be mounted at the end of a dryer, for example. The hair can be subjected to acoustic shock, including ultrasound or infrasound, for example before, during or after abrasion of the hair. This may allow, after abrasion of the hair, to detach the solid particles and possibly other particles or deposits present on the hair. The hair can also be subjected to treatment by exposure to an intense light beam, for example from a pulsed laser of short duration, such pulses can cause discoloration of the hair.

The hair may be applied against the abrasive surface (s) and this or these latter may be the only surfaces coming into contact with the hair at each implementation of the method. Hair can be treated from root to tip or otherwise. The abrasion may be transversely or longitudinally relative to the hair. The hair can be rinsed after hair abrasion.

Abrasive particles and / or particles detached from the hair may be aspirated after abrasion thereof. After abrasion of the hair, it is possible to control the degree of smoothing of the hair, for example by means of a visual examination with the naked eye or under an enlarging device or by an instrumental way. The method according to the invention may not comprise a combing step. As a variant, at least one of the surfaces coming into contact with the hair may comprise a plurality of teeth.

Apparatus The invention further relates to an apparatus comprising a mechanized system and at least one abrasive surface for the implementation of the invention. The invention further relates to an assembly comprising: i. an apparatus comprising a mechanized system and at least one abrasive surface for carrying out the method as defined above and ii. a hair product. The hair product may consist of a treatment product chosen from one of the lists defined above.

In the case of abrading abrasive surface (s) vibration, the vibration of the abrasive surface or surfaces can be effected by means of at least one vibrating source which can be arranged in different ways. The vibrating source is for example arranged within the apparatus so as to vibrate it as a whole, the vibrating source being for example disposed near the abrasive surface, for example in a branch of the apparatus. Such a vibrating source may comprise for example an eccentric flyweight driven in rotation by an electric motor, at a speed that can be fixed or variable, depending on whether a fixed or variable vibration frequency is desired. The orientation of the axis of rotation of the motor can make it possible to choose the direction of the vibrations. In the case of a vibrating source consisting of a flyweight rotated by an electric motor, the abrasive surface or surfaces can vibrate with the same amplitude as the parts of the device that support them.

The vibrating source can still be disposed on the apparatus so as to move at least one abrasive surface relative to a portion that supports it. For example, an abrasive surface can be slidably mounted between two extreme positions and the vibrating source can alternatively move the abrasive surface relative to the portion that supports it for example by means of a crank rod system, transforming a rotational movement of an electric motor in an axial oscillation movement of the abrasive surface. The oscillation frequency of the abrasive surface depends on the rotational speed of the motor, and this speed of rotation can be fixed or adjustable by the user. The apparatus may comprise a single oscillating abrasive surface or alternatively two facing abrasive surfaces which may oscillate in the same direction or in opposite directions, or oscillate independently of one another, with the same frequency or different frequencies , with the same amplitude or different amplitudes. The mechanized system may comprise an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal or other motor. The mechanized system may include a piezoelectric transducer or an engine with an eccentric feeder to create vibrations of the abrasive surface. The apparatus can also be a device allowing abrasion by a one-way displacement of the abrasive surface. In this case, the support of the abrasive surface may be a band whose displacement is provided by at least one rotary axis and optionally a second axis, rotary or otherwise. The support of the abrasive surface may for example comprise a disc pivoting about a rotary axis. The speed of movement of the support of the abrasive surface can be variable and be adjusted by a suitable device. The mechanized system may comprise an electric, hydraulic, thermal, pneumatic or other motor. The apparatus, whether operating by vibration or unidirectional movement, may, to recover abrasive particles and / or particles or deposits detached from the hair during abrasion thereof, comprise a suction system. The suction system may for example comprise a fan and a filter and / or a pump and a filter and / or a liquid recovery system, comprising for example one or more oils collecting the particles and / or an electrostatic system which, by creating a potential field, draws the particles onto a surface. The apparatus may comprise at least one abrasive or non-abrasive surface pierced with holes so as to allow the abrasive particles and / or detached hair to be sucked through these holes, which can lead to or near the hair in the process of treatment. The device can both abrade the hair and apply the product. The apparatus may deposit product on the hair, for example by means of an applicator element disposed opposite the abrasive surface. The product can be brought to a dispensing orifice by any means, for example by gravity, capillarity or by means of a pump, for example an electric or manual pump driven by the user. The applicator element carried by the apparatus may be further pre-impregnated with treatment product and placed on the apparatus in the pre-impregnated state or the apparatus may be arranged to allow it to be soaked in the treatment product, either entirely or after disassembly of a removable part comprising the application element. The apparatus may further include a container having a flexible wall on which the user can press to force the product to flow to the hair. The apparatus may include a heating system, for example to shape the hair after abrasion. The apparatus may for example have two surfaces, at least one of which may be abrasive, between which the hair to be treated may be introduced. The surfaces may be arranged to be able to hold a lock of hair together in a closed position and to release said lock in an open position. The apparatus may include means for controlling pressure from one surface to the other in the closed position. For example, the control means may comprise a controllable spring, such as a blade, a spiral, an elastically deformable material, and / or a stop, and / or an electronic sensor capable of triggering an audible and / or visual alarm when the pressure is excessive. The apparatus may include an audible or visual indicator to signal to the user that a sufficient number of passages has been made to avoid, for example, excessive hair abrasion.

The apparatus may comprise, in a variant, an element such as for example a wheel or other displacement sensor that allows the device to know the number of passages on the hair. The invention may be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view in perspective of an apparatus for implementing the method according to the invention, - Figures 2 and 3 illustrate schematically and partially the use of the apparatus of Figure 1, - Figure 4 is a AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) photo of a portion of hair not treated by the method according to the invention; - FIG. 5 is an AFM photo of a portion of hair after abrasion has been made; FIG. schematic view of another example of apparatus in use, - Figure 7 is a schematic view of another example of apparatus in use, - Figure 8 is a schematic view of another example of in use, - Figure 9 is a schematic and partial view of the In another example of an apparatus for carrying out the process according to the invention, FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically and partially illustrate two examples of setting abrasive surfaces in motion, FIG. schematic and partial sectional view of another example of an abrasive surface according to the invention, - Figure 13 is a schematic and partial top view of another example of an abrasive surface according to the invention, - Figure 14 is a schematic and partial sectional view of another example of an abrasive surface according to the invention, - Figure 15 is a schematic and partial sectional view of another example of an abrasive surface, - Figure 16 is a schematic and partial view. another example of an abrasive surface, and - Figure 17 is a schematic and partial sectional view of an example of a support.

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 1 comprising a mechanized system for carrying out the method according to the invention. The apparatus 1 generally extends along an axis X and comprises a gripping member 2 and a gripper 3 comprising two articulated branches 4. Each branch 4 is provided on one side opposite the other branch of a support 7 defining a surface intended to contact the hair. The branch 4a, in the illustrated example, comprises a support 7 defining an abrasive surface 5 while the branch 4b of the clamp 3 has a non-abrasive surface 6. The gripping member 2 houses a mechanized system, comprising for example a electric motor not visible in the figure able to vibrate in the illustrated example the abrasive surface 5. The vibration of the abrasive surface or surfaces can be effected by means of at least one vibrating source housed in the device. The setting in motion is triggered by pressing a command button 10. The frequency of the vibrations can be modified by the user by means of an adjusting knob 11 moving opposite different graduations 12. An adjusting knob 14 can enable to choose the amplitude of the vibrations. The support 7 defining the abrasive surface is, in the example illustrated, made of a flexible material, for example comprising a woven fabric, to which abrasive particles 8, for example solid particles 25, are bonded, for example by gluing. spherical alumina, hardness equal to 9 on the Mohs scale and diameter of about 8 m. The support 7 defining the abrasive surface 5 is fixed on the branch 4a, for example in a removable manner, for example by hooks or by means of a Velcro-type fastening so as to be able to change the support, for example if the abrasive surface is 30 worn, after one or more uses. The width of the abrasive surface 5 can be between 1 cm and 5 cm and its length between 1 cm and 10 cm.

The surface 6 has no abrasive properties, not containing abrasive particles. The surface 6 can be loaded with a hair treatment product. The product can be brought to a dispensing orifice, located on or near the surface 6 for example, by any means, for example by gravity, capillarity or by means of a pump, for example a electric or manual pump driven by the user. To use the apparatus of FIG. 1, proceed as follows. The branches 4a and 4b of the clamp 3 are spread apart, as shown in FIG. 2, so as to slide a lock of hair C, wet or otherwise, between the abrasive and non-abrasive surfaces 6 of the clamp 3, the number of hair of a lock of hair treated at the same time being for example between 100 and 5000. Closing the clamp 3 so as to trap the lock of hair C, branches 4a and 4b can be recalled to one another by an elastic return action, which comes for example from the presence of an elastic return member such as a spring. After having optionally selected the amplitude of the vibrations using the cursor button 14, the user presses the button 10 which controls the start. During abrasion, the user has the opportunity to change the amplitude of the vibrations.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the user can move the device 1 along the lock of hair C, for example from the root to the free end of the hair, while the abrasive surface 5 vibrates in contact with hair. The apparatus may be arranged, if necessary, to allow the user to select the orientation of the vibrations.

The apparatus comprises for example two vibrating sources respectively vibrating the abrasive surface parallel to the axis X or transversely thereto. The mode of vibration may be chosen according to the hair, a transverse mode may be suitable for hair slightly damaged, and a longitudinal mode may be suitable for very damaged hair.

In a variant not shown, the user can vary the vibration frequency, for example by acting on the rotation frequency of a motor driving an eccentric flyweight. The user can slide the device along the wick to be treated, as illustrated, or treat the part of the lock of hair that is in contact with the abrasive and non-abrasive surfaces 6 without moving the device, and then open the clip, and reposition the device to treat another part of the lock of hair. Once the abrasion operation is complete, the user can rinse the hair to rid it of abrasive particles and / or any deposits detached from the hair.

The user can then perform any coloring or hair care treatment. The apparatus 1 may comprise a suction system for particles and / or deposits, or a liquid recovery system. For example, the abrasive surface 5 or the counter-surface 6 may have holes that communicate with a suction source, the latter being for example a fan. The apparatus may also include means for projecting a liquid onto the hair and recovering, for example by suction, the liquid sprayed. If the implementation of the apparatus comprises the step of wetting the hair before abrasion thereof, fixing the abrasive particles 8 may be such that they do not dissociate from the support 7 in contact with water or another product used. Figures 4 and 5 show hair portions before and after treatment. In FIG. 4, it is observed that the hair portion C before abrasion has numerous deposits D and the edges of the scales E of the cuticle are irregular and in relief. In FIG. 5, it can be seen that after abrasion, the portion of hair C has practically no more surface deposits and the edges of the scales E of the cuticle are relatively regular. The hair is smoothed in a visible way. FIGS. 6 to 8 show further examples of apparatus 1 according to the invention each comprising a single abrasive surface 5, these devices being devoid of a counter-surface.

In the example of Figure 6, the abrasive surface 5 is for example rotated about the longitudinal axis X. The abrasive nature of the abrasive surface 5 is preferably small enough so that the hair can slide in contact with the abrasive surface 5 without clinging to it. The apparatus advantageously makes it possible to reverse the direction of rotation if necessary. This can turn the abrasive surface from root to tip. The abrasive surface 5 may include, if necessary, reliefs such as teeth, in order to comb the hair.

The abrasive surface 5 may still be devoid of teeth, to reduce the risk of entangling the hair. The apparatus may comprise upstream or downstream of the abrasive surface, a comb. The abrasive surface 5 may be subjected to vibrations in addition to its rotation, for example vibrations parallel to the axis of rotation.

To use the apparatus shown in Fig. 6, the user holds the lock of hair C while the abrasive surface 5 is rotated. In the example of Figure 7, the abrasive surface 5 is defined by a substantially planar disk rotated about the longitudinal axis Y of the apparatus passing for example through the center of the disk and perpendicular thereto.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, the abrasive surface forms a continuous strip driven in motion by the apparatus about two axes 25 and 26 in an elliptical path for example. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the apparatus comprises two abrasive surfaces 5 and 6, the abrasive surfaces 5 and 6 and / or the supports 7 possibly being identical or different. Figure 10 illustrates the possibility of moving the two abrasive surfaces 5 and 6 in a counter-movement. In Figure 11, there is illustrated the possibility that the surfaces 5 and 6 are abrasive and rotating both. It is not beyond the scope of the invention if the surfaces are abrasive and only one of the two surfaces 5 and 6 is rotatable, or if only one of the surfaces is abrasive and both surfaces are rotatable.

FIG. 12 illustrates the possibility of producing on the abrasive surface protruding reliefs 15 forming pins, by molding during the manufacture of the support 7 or by machining thereafter. In FIG. 13, the abrasive surface 5 has grooves 16 while in FIG. 14 the abrasive surface has teeth or notches 17. FIG. 15 illustrates the possibility of producing the support 7 in a material having a state surface inherently conferring abrasive properties, for example a sintered. FIG. 16 illustrates the possibility of making openings 20 through the abrasive surface 5 so as to allow the evacuation, for example by suction, of deposits or abrasive particles, after abrasion of the hair. Finally, FIG. 17 illustrates the possibility of making hair guiding teeth on the abrasive surface 5 during abrasion thereof. The teeth 30 may be abrasive or not. These teeth 30 may be additionally or alternatively made on the non-abrasive surface 6, as appropriate. The invention is of course not limited to the examples which have just been described. The apparatus may alternatively comprise a support portion carrying two abrasive surfaces having different abrasive characteristics, this support portion being movable to optionally provide one of the abrasive surfaces in contact with the hair. Thus, the user can select the abrasive surface of his choice and perform the corresponding abrasion treatment. The part supporting the abrasive surfaces is for example pivotable relative to the rest of the apparatus. This support portion carries for example two abrasive surfaces with different roughness in order to initially perform a relatively strong abrasion and then a lower abrasion to polish the surface of the hair. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise a support portion which allows the removable attachment thereon of a replaceable portion carrying the abrasive surface, and the apparatus is provided with at least two replaceable portions carrying abrasive surfaces having different roughness. The unused replaceable part may, if necessary, be fixed on hold on the device, for example on or in the handle or one of the branches thereof.

The apparatus may optionally comprise a removable part having two opposite faces which correspond to abrasive surfaces having different properties and the user may select the abrasive surface which he wishes to use according to the orientation in which he fixes this removable part on the surface. 'apparatus.

For example, it is possible to use a device whose abrasive surface is highly rough. Then another less rough abrasive surface can be used to effect polishing. Only one device can be used for these two steps, in which case the supports are removably and interchangeably attached so that both of the above steps can be performed with a single device. The expression containing one must be understood as being synonymous with having at least one and between or ranging from inclusive terms unless otherwise specified.

Claims (14)

REVENDICATIONS1. A method of treating the hair comprising the step of applying to the hair (C) at least one abrasive surface (5) set in motion in contact with the hair (C) by a mechanized system, so as to perform an abrasion of the hair. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanized system is arranged to vibrate the abrasive surface (5). 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the vibrations of the abrasive surface have an amplitude less than or equal to 20 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 10 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 5 mm. 4. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the vibrations of the abrasive surface have a frequency between 1 and 10,000 Hz, better between 2 and 1000 Hz, more preferably between 5 and 500 Hz. The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanized system is arranged to move the abrasive surface (5) in a single direction. 6. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the mechanized system is arranged so that the relative speed between the hair to be treated and the abrasive surface (5) is between 0.005 m / s and 10 m, preferably between 0.01 m and s / s and 3 m / s, better between 0.02 and 0.5 mis, during the abrasion treatment. 7. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the hair (C) is pressed in contact with the abrasive surface (5). 8. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the pressure exerted on the hair is between 1 Pa and 1,000,000 Pa, preferably between 100 and 100,000 Pa, more preferably between 500 and 50,000 Pa. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the abrasion amplitude and / or frequency of the abrasive surface (5) or the speed of movement of the abrasive surface are varied during abrasion. the abrasive surface and / or the orientation of the abrasive surface (5). 30 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, including the step of applying to the hair (C) at least two surfaces (5,6) opposite to maintain a lock of hair between the surfaces (5, 6), at leastone of the surfaces being abrasive, at least the abrasive surface being set in motion by the mechanized system. 11. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein all the surfaces (5, 6) are abrasive. The method of claim 10, wherein only one of the surfaces (5) is abrasive. 13. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, in which abrasive particles (8) and / or particles detached from the hair after abrasion thereof are sucked up. 14. Set comprising: i. an apparatus (1) comprising a mechanized system and at least one abrasive surface for carrying out the method as defined in any one of the preceding claims and ü. a hair product.15