FR3096240A1 - Applicator for the application of hair product, and associated application method - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator for applying hair product includes a base 12 and a first group of fixed pins 14 projecting from the base. The applicator further comprises a second group of pins 16 separated from the pins 14 of the first group, and movable in translation relative to the base between at least one deployed position projecting relative to said base on the side of the pins 14 of the first group and a retracted position. Figure for the abstract: Fig 2

Description

Description Title of the invention: Applicator for applying hair product, and associated method of application

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a hair product, in particular a styling composition with a fixing agent for shaping the hair.

[0002] Generally, to shape the hair, the arrangement of the hair is changed, then the acquired shape is fixed.

This is usually done after each hair wash.

[0003] For this, one solution consists in combing the hair while it is wet, for example with instruments delivering heat such as a hot air hair dryer, and in performing a mechanical force on the hair, in particular on roots.

Typically, this technique called brushing produces a volume effect, which we seek to maintain over time.

Thus, styling compositions with a fixing agent such as aerosol lacquers are used, capable of helping the shaping carried out to resist the movements of the day and gravity.

[0004] However, this solution is beginning to be neglected because it requires the know-how of a hairdresser, and remains difficult to reproduce by the person after washing the hair.

In addition, the traction to be exerted on the hair during blow-drying makes it necessary to develop significant effort in positions that can cause fatigue and a risk of joint discomfort.

Another solution consists, after drying, in placing the hair using a brush before fixing the acquired shape using a fixing product such as a lacquer.

This approach is much simpler to implement and less tiring than brushing, but is much less effective because the hold time of the shaping is short and certain hairstyles can be difficult to achieve, in particular because the roots are less loose. .

[0006] In order to benefit from a device making it possible to deposit droplets of fixing composition without spraying, the applicant has developed an applicator comprising a plurality of projecting spikes delimiting, at their free ends, cavities for retaining the composition to be sprayed. apply.

For more detail on the design of this applicator, reference may be made to patent application WO-A2-2012/107887, and in particular to the embodiments of FIGS. 2F, 3F and 3G.

[0007] After having loaded the cavities of the spikes of the applicator with composition by direct withdrawal from a container containing the composition, the composition is retained inside them by capillarity before being deposited. on the hair 2 in the form of droplets.

[0008] Such an applicator makes it possible in particular to carry out precise application of the composition without dripping or spraying.

However, even if this applicator presents an interesting alternative for fixing the shaping of the hair, it does not solve the problem of the difficulty in creating this shaping.

[0009] The use of styling gels can be a solution for fixing the hairstyle because they make it possible to place the hair while fixing it.

For this, the gel is applied to wet hair, the treated hair is placed using a comb, a brush or by hand, and left to dry naturally.

Insofar as the gel tends to compact the hair together during application, the gesture for positioning the hair is effective for shaping the hair.

[0010] However, the hair is flattened and gives, after drying, a “wet” effect to the hair which is especially suitable for short hair.

In addition, many people are not satisfied with this solution which changes the feel of the hair and can make it sticky.

[0011] Not finding an entirely satisfactory solution, many people have adopted a new approach by straightening with an iron which makes it possible to style the hair without fixing it.

For this, we start by drying the hair, then we smooth it with the straightening iron for example by bringing the hair to follow the contour of the skull.

[0012] This regular use of a straightening iron damages the hair cuticle and, moreover, is only possible for long hair.

Also, it tends to make hairstyles uniform, therefore limiting the possibilities of standing out.

[0013] Thus, people who find that straight hairstyles do not suit them, or who wish to have mid-length or short hair, or who have fragile hair and/or wish not to damage their hair, do not find fully satisfactory solutions.

[0014] It is therefore understood that there is a need to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.

The invention relates to an applicator for applying hair product comprising a base and a first group of pins projecting from the base and fixed relative thereto.

[0016] According to a general characteristic, the applicator also comprises a second group of spikes separated from the spikes of the first group.

The pins of the second group are movable in translation relative to the base between an extended position projecting relative to said base on the side of the pins of the first group and a retracted position.

[0017] By “pins”, we mean individualizable projecting elements on the applicator.

The spikes can have a cylindrical, conical, parallelepipedal, triangular, irregular shape, etc.

The spikes may have a constant cross-section 3 over their entire height or a variable section at least partly along the height.

The cross section of the spikes can be of any shape, cylindrical, polygonal, elongated, regular or not.

[0018] By “second group of pins separated from the pins of the first group”, it is meant that the pins of one group are not mounted on the pins of the other group.

[0019] With such an applicator, the fixed pins of the first group can be used to style the hair according to the desired arrangement, and at the end of each movement or during the movement of the applicator, the pins of the second group can be deployed to apply the product.

[0020] With such an applicator, the user can easily achieve all kinds of hairstyles regardless of the length of the hair and without having to blow-dry.

[0021] Preferably, the pins of the second group remain set back from the pins of the first group in said deployed position.

According to a particular arrangement, the pins of the second group are arranged so as to form at least one row of pins.

The pins of the first group can also be arranged so as to form at least one row of pins.

Alternatively, the pins of the first group and/or the pins of the second group can be arranged differently.

In one embodiment, the applicator comprises a plate supporting the pins of the second group and movable in translation relative to the base.

According to a particular design, the pins of the second group extend through the base.

Alternatively, it is possible to arrange these pins so that they do not extend through the base.

[0025] In one embodiment, the applicator further comprises an actuating member for moving the spikes of the second group.

The applicator may further comprise at least one elastically deformable return element which is interposed between the actuating member and the base.

The return element can for example be a spring or a Belleville washer.

In a particular embodiment, the spikes of the second group each internally delimit a product supply channel opening out via at least one outlet orifice, the applicator further comprising a reservoir integral with said spikes. of the second group and internally delimiting at least one storage compartment of said product in fluid communication with the supply channels of said pins of the second group.

The outlet orifices can be provided on the end portions of the pins of the second group, and in particular at the level of the free ends.

[0027] By "reservoir integral with the pins", it is meant that the pins are fixed directly or indirectly to the reservoir, or that the reservoir is made in one piece with the pins, for example by molding.

[0028] The tank may comprise at least one deformable part so that pressure exerted on said deformable part causes a reduction in the volume of said storage compartment and a movement of the product towards the supply channels and the outlet orifices of the pins. of the second group.

The deformable part(s) can be elastically deformable.

By "elastically deformable part" is meant a part capable, by virtue of the material used and/or its size, of deforming under the action of a stress exerted by the user on said part, and of resuming its elasticity by elasticity. initial position after stopping the load.

Alternatively, the deformable part or parts may not recover their shape after deformation.

The tank can internally delimit a plurality of storage compartments each in fluid communication with at least one of the supply channels for the pins of the second group, each supply channel being in communication exclusively with one of said compartments.

It is possible to provide for each storage compartment to be fluidically isolated from the other storage compartment(s).

Thus, the different storage compartments can be filled with different products and/or filled with different quantities of product.

According to a particular design, the applicator comprises a plurality of elastically compressible porous members arranged inside said storage compartment.

Such porous members make it possible to absorb the product and to release it when they are compressed.

[0032] Preferably, each porous member covers the inlet orifice(s) of the supply channels for the pins of the second group opening into said compartment.

This prevents product from infiltrating the channels in an undesired manner.

In a particular embodiment, the applicator may comprise a system for distributing said pressure on each elastically compressible porous member, the system being mounted inside the reservoir.

The distribution system may comprise a plurality of elastic members each interposed between a porous member and the deformable wall.

The elastic members can for example be springs.

[0034] In one embodiment, the applicator may also comprise a system for adjusting the flow rate of the supply channels of the spikes of the second group which is mounted inside the reservoir and which is operable from the outside.

The adjustment system makes it possible to be able to adjust the flow rate of each spike of the second group and to be able to close them after use of the applicator.

According to a particular design, the base and the pins of the first group are made in one piece, for example by molding.

Alternatively, these pins can be made in the form of added elements fixed to the base by any appropriate means, for example by gluing or even by overmolding.

In one embodiment, the base of the applicator delimits a front face with respect to which the spikes of the first group and the spikes of the second group project at least in said deployed position, the density of the spikes of the first and second groups on said front face being between 1 and 20 per cm2, and preferably between 2 and 12 per cm2.

The front face of the base of the applicator can be between 10 and 200 cm2, and preferably between 50 and 100 cm2.

[0038] Preferably, the spikes of the same group extend along the same direction of extension and are also preferably of the same height.

The pins of the same group can be identical to each other.

The spikes of the two groups can extend along the same direction of extension and/or be identical to each other.

As an indication, the height of the spikes may for example be between 2 mm and 40 mm, and preferably between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the end portions of the different pins are flat in shape or of decreasing section in the direction of their free end.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide end portions for the barbs of the first and/or the barbs of the second group having other shapes, for example a concave shape so as to form product retaining cavities for the barbs of the second group, a wavy shape, etc.

[0040] In a particular embodiment, the spikes of the second group can be made at least in part from a porous material capable of absorbing the styling composition.

By “porous material”, is meant a material permeable to the composition, that is to say allowing the diffusion of the composition within it.

At least the end portions of the spikes of the second group are formed at least in part from porous material.

It is for example possible to provide to make only the end portions of the pins of the second group in porous material.

Alternatively, each spike of the second group can be formed entirely of porous material.

In another variant, the applicator as a whole can be formed entirely of porous material.

Preferably, said porous material of the spikes of the second group of the applicator comprises foam.

The foam can for example be a polyurethane foam or a polyethylene foam.

Foam can be open or semi-open cell.

By way of indication, the density of the foam may be less than or equal to 0.8, and may preferably be between 0.1 and 0.6. 6

In a particular embodiment, at least a plurality of spikes of the second group each have a surface tension that varies along its length, a distal application portion of each spike of said plurality of spikes having a surface tension greater than that of a proximal portion of said spike.

[0042] By "proximal part" of a barb is meant the part of the barb which is closest to the base, and by "distal part" the end part of the barb which is furthest from the base. base being located on the same side of the proximal part with respect to the base.

The distal application part of each barb of said plurality of barbs of the second group can be adjacent to the proximal part of said barb.

[0043] The distal portions of the spikes of the second group can have one or more surface tension values.

The proximal portions of the spikes of the second group may have one or more surface tension values which remain lower than that(s) of the distal portions.

[0044] The surface tension values of the distal application parts and of the proximal parts of the spikes of the second group are advantageously chosen according to the hair product to be applied.

[0045] The surface tension of the application portions distalcs of the spikes of the second group can advantageously be greater than that of the hair product to be applied.

The surface tension of the proximal parts of the spikes of the second group can advantageously be lower than that of the hair product to be applied.

When loading the spikes of the second group of the applicator with the hair product, a layer of hair product forms on each spike.

Then, before and while the applicator is introduced into the hair, the hair product tends to move towards the ends of the spikes given the surface tension of the distal application parts and the proximal portions of said spikes relative to the tension surface of the hair product

Preferably, the distal application portion of each barb of said plurality of barbs of the second group is provided with the free end of said barb.

According to a particular design, the distal application and proximal portions of each spike of said plurality of spikes of the second group are fixed relative to each other.

With such a design, the distal application and proximal portions of each barb of the second group can be made in a single piece.

In this case, it is possible to locally provide a surface treatment step for each barb to reduce the surface tension of the proximal part.

Alternatively, it is possible to make the distal application and proximal parts of each barb of the second group in two separate parts which are then fixed together by any appropriate means 7.

In another variant, each barb of said plurality of barbs is provided with a sleeve delimiting the proximal portion of said barb.

[0050] According to another particular design, the distalc application and proximal parts of each barb of said plurality of barbs of the second group are sliding relative to each other, and partly mounted one inside the other.

[0051] In this case, the applicator may further comprise an actuating member for moving the application distalc and proximal portions of each spike of said plurality of spikes of the second group relative to each other.

In one embodiment, the actuating member comprises a plate movable relative to the base and supporting the proximal part, or the distal application part, of each spike of said plurality of spikes of the second group. .

The applicator may further comprise at least one elastically deformable return element which is interposed between the plate and the base

[0053] A subject of the invention is also a process for applying to the hair a styling composition comprising at least one fixing agent using an applicator as defined above, comprising:

- a step of loading the spikes of the second group of the applicator with the styling composition.

[0055] a step of styling the hair by introducing into the hair and moving the pins of the first group of the applicator, with the pins of the second group in the retracted position, and

[0056] a step of transferring the styling composition to the hair by deploying the spikes of the second group in the hair.

The step of loading the spikes of the second group can be carried out before or after the capping step.

The step of transferring the styling composition to the hair can be carried out during and/or after the step of styling the hair.

[0058] During the step of transferring the styling composition to the hair, it is possible to tap the spikes of the second group onto the hair.

[0059] By “tapping the pins on the hair”, is meant the action consisting in pressing the pins several times against the area of the hair to be treated, by a back and forth movement.

Thus, the transfer can take place by capillarity by simple contact.

This type of application does not destroy the hairstyle and, without rubbing the applicator along the hair, makes it possible to obtain a fixing effect of very good quality.

Preferably, the step of transferring the styling composition to the hair is carried out by directly tapping the spikes of the second group on the hair.

In the variant in which the pins of the second group, or the parts of these pins where the supply channels open, are made of porous material, the transfer 8 can also be done by pressing the porous material against the hair for the deform and restore the product.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, to promote the transfer of the composition, it is possible to add an external mechanical action helping this transfer.

This mechanical action can for example be induced by a vibration generator mounted on the applicator, for example a piezoelectric element or a weight driven in rotation, by a pressure source, or even be a thermal or electrical phenomenon.

The method according to the invention can be implemented on dry hair or on wet hair.

Preferably, the hair is dry.

After transfer of the composition to the hair, the applicator can be moved away and the composition deposited on the hair can be dried, for example using a hair dryer or a heating cap, or even left dry naturally.

As indicated above, the method comprises a step consisting in loading the spikes of the second group of the applicator with the styling composition to be applied.

The applicator can be loaded with composition before each use.

The composition can be taken directly by the pins of the second group from a container containing the composition.

Alternatively, the spikes of the second group can for example be pressed on a sponge soaked in composition, to load up with composition.

Alternatively, the applicator is immersed in the composition.

The applicator can also be brought into contact with a roller loaded with composition.

In the variant in which the applicator comprises a reservoir, the spikes are loaded with composition with the product contained in this reservoir.

Preferably, the applicator can be cleaned after use and the composition that remains on the applicator after use can be easily removed, the cleaning being done for example with water or with the aid of any solvent. adapted, by using an absorbent cloth, by suction or by gas jet, etc.

When the pins of the second group are made of porous materials, these pins are pressed so that they completely empty of composition.

The fact that the applicator is refillable in composition makes it possible to reuse it.

[0070] The applicator is for example reloaded with a composition identical to the composition previously used, or can be loaded with a different composition.

[0071] The loading of the applicator with composition may involve removal of the excess composition on the applicator so as to ensure that the composition is not present elsewhere than on the spikes of the second group.

The compositions that can be used are in the form of liquids or gels, creams, pastes, whether or not comprising a pulverulent phase, or powder.

When the composition is liquid, it may be in the form of a lotion or an emulsion.

The composition may be in the form of a liquid, a lotion or a fluid emulsion or a thin gel.

The viscosity of the composition preferably varies from 1 to 200 cps at 25° C. and at a shear rate of 1 s-1.

The viscosity measurements to which reference is made are carried out by a rheometer with planar cone geometry.

In particular, one can choose a composition known to those skilled in the art for styling and fixing the hair and in particular those introduced into the aerosol devices in the presence of a propellant gas to be used in the form of lacquer.

It is also possible to use a composition inspired by these compositions but over-concentrated in fixing active ingredient.

The composition comprises at least one fixing agent, if necessary in a cosmetically acceptable medium, the latter preferably being aqueous, alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic.

[0077] The cosmetic composition may in particular comprise one or more organic solvents, preferably in an amount by weight of between 0.05 and 95%, and quite preferably, between 1 and 70% by weight, with respect to to the total weight of the composition.

This organic solvent can be a lower C2 to C4 alcohol, in particular ethanol and isopropanol, polyols and polyol ethers such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol or glycerol.

The organic solvent is preferably ethanol or isopropanol, and even more preferably is ethanol.

The composition may comprise, as fixing agent, one or more fixing polymers.

By “fixing polymer”, is meant any polymer making it possible to confer a shape on the hair or to maintain the hair in a given shape.

All the anionic, cationic, amphoteric and nonionic fixing polymers as well as their mixtures used can be used as fixing polymers in the compositions to be applied to the hair according to the method of the invention.

For more details on the fixing polymers that can be used, reference may be made to the aforementioned patent application WO-A2-2012/107887.

[0081] Concerning the applicator, it can be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible.

The base of the applicator can be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible.

The base is preferably made of a non-absorbent material.

By “non-absorbent” is meant intrinsically impermeable to the composition, that is to say not allowing the composition to diffuse within it.

The non-absorbent material may for example be a metallic or thermoplastic material, chosen in particular from polyolefins, polyamides including nylons, polyester.

[0082] As an indication, the base of the applicator can have a transverse dimension of a few centimeters, or even be much larger in order to cover a large part of the head in a single gesture.

The present invention will be better understood on studying the detailed description of embodiments, taken by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0084] [fig.1] illustrates an application method according to an example of implementation of the invention,

[0085] [fig.2] is a front view of an applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention which is implemented in the application method of Figure 1,

[0086] [fig.3] is a sectional view along the axis of Figure 2,

[0087] [fig.4] is a front view of the applicator of Figure 2 in a deployed position of pins,

[0088] [fig.5] is a sectional view along the V-V axis of Figure 4,

[0089] [fig.6] is a sectional view of an applicator according to another embodiment of the invention,

[0090] [fig.7] is a front view of an applicator according to another embodiment of the invention,

[0091] [fig.8] is a sectional view along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 7,

[0092] [fig.9] is a front view of an applicator according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0093] [fig.10] is a sectional view along the X-X axis of Figure 9, and

[0094] [fig.11] is a sectional view of an applicator according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The method according to the invention can be implemented directly by the consumer to put in place or touch up his hairstyle as illustrated in figure T.

Alternatively, the method can be implemented in a professional setting.

The method of the invention is implemented using an applicator 10 for applying to the consumer's hair a styling composition comprising at least one fixing agent.

As illustrated more visibly in Figures 2 and 3, the applicator 10 comprises a base 12 and a first group of pins 14 which extends therefrom.

As will be described in more detail below, the applicator 10 also comprises a second group of pins 16 movable in translation relative to the base 12 between a retracted storage position and at least one deployed position for use. .

The spikes 16 make it possible to apply the composition to the consumer's hair. 11

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 is equipped with a handle 18 to facilitate gripping and handling of the applicator.

The handle 18 extends from the base 12 on the side opposite the pins 14.

Alternatively, the applicator 10 may not have such a handle.

The base 12 may have a generally cylindrical shape.

As a variant, it is possible to provide the base with other shapes, for example polygonal, oval, etc.

The pins 14 of the first group extend transversely to the base 12.

The longitudinal axes of the pins 14 are parallel to each other.

The pins 14 are preferably identical to each other.

The pins 14 extend from a front face 20 of the base 12.

The base 12 is delimited axially by the first front face 20 and by a second front face 22 opposite the first front face 20.

The front faces 20, 22 form end faces of the base 12.

The end faces 20, 22 are flat here.

Alternatively, these faces could be slightly convex or concave.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 14 of the first group are regularly spaced from each other.

As an indication, the spacing or pitch between the pins 14 can be between 2 mm and 8 mm.

Alternatively, it could be possible to provide a non-regular inter-pin spacing 14.

The pins 14 have an elongated shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 14 have a generally conical shape.

Alternatively, the spikes 14 can have other shapes.

The pins 14 can also be straight or curved.

The spikes 14 have a height that can be between 2 mm and 40 mm, and preferably between 3 mm and 20 mm.

As an indication, the maximum diameter of each pin 14 can be 1.5 mm.

In other embodiments, it is possible to provide a pin diameter of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and preferably between 1 min and 5 mm

In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 14 are arranged so as to form a single row of pins.

As a variant, it is possible to arrange them in several rows as illustrated in the variant of FIG. 6, or even to provide other arrangements, for example concentric, elliptical, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, each pin 14 includes a free end 14a of flat shape.

As a variant, it is possible to provide other shapes for the ends of the spikes, for example rounded shapes, in particular spherical shapes, or even pointed shapes, or generally a section decreasing in the direction of its free end.

The pins 14, the base 12 and the handle 18 can be made in one piece, for example by molding a rigid plastic material, for example PP, PE, HDPE, etc., or even a material soft plastic.

As a variant, the studs 14 can be made in the form of added elements fixed to the base 12 by any appropriate means, for example by gluing or even by overmoulding.

As indicated above, the applicator 10 also comprises the second group of pins 16 which are movable between a retracted storage position illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, and a deployed position of use illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

The pins 16 slide relative to the base 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 16 extend through the thickness of the base 12.

Each pin 16 extends inside a recess (not referenced) made in the thickness of the base 12.

The applicator 10 comprises a plate 24 supporting the pins 16 which slides relative to the base 12.

The plate 24 is arranged on the side opposite the teeth 14.

The pins 16 extend transversely to the plate 24.

The pins 16 are fixed on the plate 24.

The pins 16 and the plate 24 can be made in one piece, for example by molding a rigid plastic material, for example PP, PE, HDPE, etc., or even a flexible plastic material.

As a variant, the pins 16 can be made in the form of added elements fixed to the plate 24 by any appropriate means, for example by gluing or even by overmoulding.

The plate 24 is movable relative to the base 12 between an extreme remote position illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, and an extreme close position illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

In its extreme remote position the plate 24 is spaced from the base 12, and in its extreme close position the plate 24 is in abutment against the base 12.

The passage from the extreme remote position to the extreme close position, and vice versa, can be obtained by the user by exerting pressure or by pulling on the plate 24.

The far and near extreme positions of the plate 24 correspond respectively to the retracted positions for storage and the deployed positions for use of the pins 16.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, in the deployed position of use, the pins 16 project relative to the base 12 on the side of the pins 14.

The pins 16 remain set back from the pins 14.

As an indication, the spikes 16 may for example have a height less than half that of the spikes 14.

In the retracted storage position, the pins 16 here remain slightly projecting relative to the base 12.

Alternatively, the pins 16 could be completely retracted inside the base 12 in this position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 16 are regularly spaced from each other.

Depending on the spacing of the spikes 16, the fixing effect of the same composition will be different.

As an indication, the spacing or pitch between the pins 16 can be between 2 mm and 8 mm.

Alternatively, it could be possible to provide a non-regular inter-pin spacing 18, for example when it is sought to deposit the composition according to a particular pattern.

The pins 16 have an elongated shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 16 have a generally cylindrical shape.

Alternatively, the pins 16 can have other shapes.

The pins 16 can also be straight or curved.

As an indication, the diameter of each barb 16 can be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 16 are arranged so as to form a plurality of rows of pins in the form of a matrix of parallel lines.

As a variant, it remains possible to provide other arrangements of the pins 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the row of pins 14 is located at a distance from the pins 16.

As a variant, the row of pins 14 could extend between pins 16, or rows of pins 14 could extend between pins 16 as is the case for the variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.

In the illustrated embodiment, each pin 16 comprises a free end 16a of flat shape.

As a variant, it is possible to provide other shapes for the ends of the spikes, for example rounded shapes, in particular spherical shapes, or even pointed shapes, or generally a section decreasing in the direction of its free end.

Alternatively, the free ends of the pins can be provided with cavities, for example of spherical shape.

To proceed with the application to the hair, the user can proceed as follows.

First of all, the user loads the spikes 16 of the applicator with composition, for example by dipping them inside a container containing the composition.

To facilitate the loading of composition, the pins 16 are positioned in the deployed position of use.

A layer of composition partly covers each of the pins 16.

Then, before introducing the applicator into the hair, the pins 16 are returned to the retracted storage position.

Then, the user introduces the pins 14 into the hair and moves the applicator to style the hair and create, as the movement progresses, an arrangement of the hair.

At the end of each movement of the applicator or during this movement, the pins 16 are deployed to apply the hair fixing product by capillarity.

During this step, the user can lightly tap the spikes 16 against the hair to facilitate the application of the composition to the hair.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, in which the identical elements bear the same references, differs from the previous example in that the applicator 10 comprises a reservoir 30 internally delimiting a compartment 32 for storing product containing the composition to be applied.

Reservoir 30 is attached to plate 24 and fixed thereto by any appropriate means, for example by screwing, snap-fastening, etc.

As a variant, the plate 24 and the reservoir 30 can be made in one piece, by molding.

The reservoir 30 is deformable under the action of a stress exerted by the user.

This deformable character of the reservoir 30 can be obtained due to its thickness and/or the nature of the material used, for example a flexible material of the elastomer type.

As will be described in more detail below, the deformable nature of the reservoir 30 is provided to allow the loading of the spikes 16 with the composition to be applied.

The pins 16 each internally comprise a supply channel (not visible) in fluid communication with the compartment 32 of the reservoir.

Each pin 16 is crossed by a supply channel.

The channel of each pin 16 also crosses the thickness of the plate 24.

The channel of each pin 16 opens at a first end via an inlet orifice (not visible) into the compartment 32 of the reservoir, and at a second end opposite the first end via a exit orifice on the free end of the associated pin.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the channel of each pin 16 is in direct fluid communication with the compartment 32 of the reservoir.

By “channel in direct fluid communication with the compartment”, it is meant that the channel is in permanent communication with the compartment 32 and is not associated with a selective dispensing means of the pump or valve type making it possible to force the passage of the product to through that channel.

In this exemplary embodiment, to load the pins 16, the user proceeds as follows.

The user exerts pressure directed inwards on a part of the reservoir 30, which causes a deformation of the latter and a reduction in the volume of the compartment 32 having the effect of displacing the composition contained in the compartment through the supply channels of the pins 16 towards their outlet orifices.

The user deforms the reservoir 30 until the spikes 16 are loaded with the desired quantity of composition.

With the applicator of this embodiment, the step of loading the pins 16 can be done before and/or during and/or after the step of styling the hair with the pins 14.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, in which the identical elements bear the same references, differs from the first example described in that the applicator 10 further comprises an actuating handle 34 for controlling the movement pins 16.

The actuating handle 34 is integral with the plate 24.

Rods 36 are here provided between the handle 34 and the plate 24 to ensure this connection.

The applicator 10 also comprises a plurality of springs 38 interposed between the actuating handle 34 and the handle 18 for gripping.

One end of each spring 38 is attached to handle 34 while the other end of the spring is attached to handle 18.

The springs 38 can for example be of the helical type.

When the user wishes to move the pins 16 from the retracted storage position to the deployed position, he exerts pressure on the handle 34 directed in the direction of the base 12.

When the pressure of the user on the handle 34 ceases, the springs 38 return by elasticity to their initial shape, which also causes the return of the handle 34 to its initial position and the return of the pins to the retracted storage position.

For the alternative embodiment in which the applicator comprises the reservoir 30 of product, it is also possible to provide such an actuating handle associated with springs.

In this case, the actuating handle is secured to the tank 30.

The movement of the handle causes the simultaneous movement of the tank 30 and the pins 16, and a deformation of the tank when it presses against the base 12.

[0129] In these embodiments, the movement of the pins 16 is controlled manually via the plate 24 or the handle 34.

As a variant, this movement of the pins 16 could be controlled in an assisted manner, for example with an electromagnet or else with motors 40 as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 11 in which the identical elements bear the same references.

Each motor 40 is associated with a screw-nut system (not shown) so that the rotation of the motor shaft causes the sliding of the plate 24.

The motors 40 can for example be electric stepper motors.

In this exemplary embodiment, the applicator 10 further comprises an electronic control unit 42 making it possible to control the operation of the motors 40.

The control unit 42 is here attached to the handle 18.

The control unit 42 is connected to the motors 40 via a connection 44 represented schematically which can be of the wired or radioelectric type.

The control unit 42 can be programmed to send a series of command signals to the motors 40 for at least one and preferably several deployments and retractions of the pins 16 spaced out over time.

The control signals can be emitted when the user sends the order, for example by a button, or be emitted according to signals emitted by a sensor, such as an accelerometer of the applicator, for example fixed to the handle 18 .

The frequency of the deployments of the pins 16 can for example be shorter at the start to obtain a better effect on the roots, or longer as one moves away from the start for a better effect on the lengths. of 16 hairs.

The duration of deployment of the spikes 16 can for example be shorter at the start for a better effect on the ends of the hair, or longer as one moves away from the start for a better effect on the lengths and/or or to compensate for the fact that the pins 16 deliver less and less product.

Furthermore, it is also possible to provide this type of electronic control unit in the embodiments in which the applicator comprises the reservoir 30 of product.

In this case, the electronic control unit can for example be programmed to emit control signals to separately control the deployment of the pins 16 and the supply of product to these pins. 17

Claims (1)

CLAIMS [Claim 1] Applicator for applying a hair product comprising a base (12) and a first group of fixed spikes (14) projecting from the base, characterized in that the applicator comprises in addition to a second group of pins (16) separated from the pins (14) of the first group, and movable in translation relative to the base between at least one deployed position projecting relative to said base on the side of the pins (14) of the first group and a retracted position. [Claim 2] Applicator according to claim 1, in which the barbs (16) of the second group remain set back from the barbs (14) of the first group in the said deployed position. [Claim 3] Applicator according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the spikes (16) of the second group are arranged so as to form at least one row of spikes. [Claim 4] Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the barbs (14) of the first group are arranged so as to form at least one row of barbs. [Claim 5] Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plate (24) supporting the spikes (16) of the second group and movable in translation relative to the base (12). [Claim 6] Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the barbs (16) of the second group extend through the base (12). [Claim 7] Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuating member (34) for moving the spikes (16) of the second group. [Claim 8] Applicator according to claim 7, further comprising at least one elastically deformable return element (38) which is interposed between the actuating member (34) and the base (12). [Claim 9] Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pins (16) of the second group each internally delimit a product supply channel opening out via at least one outlet orifice, the applicator further comprising a reservoir (30) integral with said spikes (16) of the second group and internally delimiting at least one storage compartment (32) of said product in fluid communication with the channels 18 [Claim 10] [Claim 11] [Claim 12 ] [Claim 13] [Claim 14] [Claim 15] for supplying said pins. Applicator according to Claim 9, in which the reservoir (30) comprises at least one deformable part so that pressure exerted on said deformable part causes a reduction in the volume of said storage compartment (32) and a displacement of the product towards the channels supply and the outlet orifices of the pins (16) of the second group. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base (12) and the spikes (14) of the first group are made in one piece. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base (12) delimits a front face (20) with respect to which the spikes (14) of the first group and the spikes (16) of the second group project at least in said deployed position, the density of the spikes of the first and second groups on the said front face being between 1 and 20 per cm', and preferably between 2 and 12 per cm'. Applicator according to Claim 12, in which the front face (20) of the base of the applicator is between 10 and 200 cm", and preferably between 50 and 100 cm2. Process for applying to the hair a styling composition comprising at least one fixing agent using an applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a step of loading the spikes of the second group of applicator with the styling composition, - a step of styling the hair by introducing into the hair and moving the spikes of the first group of the applicator, with the spikes of the second group in the retracted position, and - a step of transferring to the hair of the styling composition by deploying the spikes of the second group in the hair. Method according to Claim 14, in which the step of transferring the styling composition to the hair is carried out during and/or after the step of styling the hair.