GB2237036A

GB2237036A - Hair-styling device and method

Info

Publication number: GB2237036A
Application number: GB9010381A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Timothy Wood; Darren Edward Andrew P Holland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-10-12
Filing date: 1990-05-09
Publication date: 1991-04-24
Also published as: GB8923004D0; GB9010381D0

Abstract

A hair-styling appliance 100 comprises a hollow container body 101 which has an opening 102 at one end. An attachment 103 is releasably connectable to the body 101. The attachment 103 has a secondary fluid reservoir 111, communicating with the body 101, the reservoir having apertures 112 therein. A foam application 113 is fixed adjacent the apertures 112. The appliance 100 may be used to transfer perm solution to a head of hair. To this end, in use, the applicator 113 of the appliance 100 is urged against the hair of a person at a desired position, and fluid flows under gravity and/or due to the body 101 being squeezed, from the body 101 and through the applicator, before being transferred to the head. The apparatus may allow solutions used in hair styling to be accurately and controllably transferred to a person's hair, and may be modified to apply a tint solution. <IMAGE>

Description

HAIR-STYLING DEVICE AND METHOD This invention relates to hair-styling, and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with the application of fluids, for use in hair-styling, to hair.

Most people pay some attention to their appearance, and in particular, to the style of their hair.

Hairdressers provide a specialist service styling a persons hair to that persons individual requirements.

Such styling may involve, for example, washing, cutting, tinting or perming hair.

Some methods of hair-styling require more skill than others. For example, considerable skill is required to perm hair and, in particular, to produce an evenlydistributed, balanced perm. Similarly, tinting hair requires careful and skilled application of tint solution in order to provide an acceptable result.

In a method of perming hair, for example, hair is tightly wound round a perm rod, starting from the hair ends, until this rod is adjacent the head. Then, a hairdresser applies, either directly from a bottle or by means of a sponge, perm solution to the hair, endeavouring to provide an even coating of the solution on the hair wrapped round the perm rod. The evenness of the coating depends largely on the skill of the hairdresser, and in turn, the evenness of the coating determines the quality of the ensuing perm.

In addition to endeavouring to provide an even coating of perm solution on the hair, a hairdresser also endeavours, as far as possible, to restrict the amount of perm solution which impinges on the scalp of a person, as chemicals in perm solution may act as an irritant to some people.

In addition, besides the effect that misdirection of perm solution may have on the quality of the perm and/or possible irritation of a person's scalp, applying perm solution directly from a bottle or from a soaked sponge, may be wasteful due to dripping of the bottle or sponge, and/or misdirection of the solution. In fact, many people will have experienced the unpleasantness of excess perm solution impinging on their scalp and, in some cases, solution running down their face and neck.

Similar methods are used, and similar problems are encountered, when hair is tinted.

We aim to improve upon the foregoing by providing an apparatus and a method which may alleviate these problems to some extent.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair-styling appliance for applying a fluid to a head of hair, the appliance comprising a container for containing a fluid; application means for applying the fluid to a head of hair; and fluid transfer means for transfer of fluid from said container to said application means.

In the context of this specification, the term "hair-styling" is used to include all forms of hair treatment, including colouring/tinting, texturising and altering the spacial orientation of the hair relative to the head, by means of, for example, perming or curling.

The application means may include a resilient fluid retaining material, which may include a brush having bristles. Preferably, the application means includes a fluid absorbent material. Preferably, the application means includes a foam material, which may be a polyurethane foam.

Preferably, the application means is adapted to co-operate with a rod-shaped member around which strands of hair are wrapped so that strands are coated with fluid from said container.

Preferably, the application means is adapted to co-operate with a rod-shaped member around which strands of hair are wrapped so that strands are substantially evenly coated with fluid from said container.

The application means may be adapted to co- operate with a rod-shaped member around which strands of hair are wrapped so that the strands, and parts adjacent roots of the strands, are substantially evenly coated with fluid from said container.

Preferably, the application means includes a block, having an upper surface and a lower surface. Preferably, the upper surface includes an incision extending in a substantially straight line across said upper surface and below said surface. The incision may lead into a channel, defined in the block, which channel extends substantially parallel to the extent of said incision, the channel being so arranged as to accommodate a rod-shaped member around which strands of hair are wrapped and material defining the channel is arranged to transfer fluid from itself to strands of hair wrapped round the rod-shaped member accommodated in said channel. Preferably, the channel is substantially circular in cross-section.

Preferably, a part of the upper surface of the application means is adapted to restrict the quantity of fluid on said upper surface. A part of the upper surface of the application means may be adapted to be non-fluid absorbent so as to restrict the quantity of fluid retained on said upper surface. Preferably, a part of the upper surface of the application means is provided with a non-fluid absorbent plastics coating.

The upper surface of the application means may be an undulating surface. The undulating surface may include a plurality of prism-shaped projections. Said projections may be triangular-shaped. Preferably, said projections extend parallel to one another and parallel to a longitudinal or transverse axis of the application means.

The upper surface of the application means may include an elongate channel arranged to co-operate with a rod-shaped member. Said channel may extend diagonally across the application means. Preferably, an elongate channel extends across each diagonal of the application means in order to define a cross-shaped channel. Any number of said channels may be provided.

Preferably, the lower surface of the application means is attached to a base-plate; the fluid transfer means is adjacent to said lower surface; and said base plate is provided with an aperture for passage of said fluid to said application means. Preferably, control means is provided for controlling the transfer of fluid to said application means. Preferably, said base plate is perforated by a plurality of apertures. Preferably, said apertures communicate with a fluid reservoir. Preferably, means is provided for continuously supplying said fluid reservoir with fluid. Preferably, said fluid reservoir communicates with said container via a supply pipe.

Alternatively, said container may comprise said fluid reservoir, said container thereby including said apertures. Preferably, the container is resilient and arranged to be squeezed in order to aid transfer of fluid to said application means.

Said control means may be adapted to transfer fluid to said application means when an operator urges said application means against a head of hair. Said control means may be adapted to transfer fluid to the application means when a force is applied through a part of the application means. Said force may be applied to the surface of the application means.

Said control means may include an actuator button which projects through the aperture in said base plate towards said upper surface. Preferably, the actuator button is in the form of a plug actuable by said force, the plug having a first closed position in which transfer of fluid to said application means is inhibited, and a second open position in which fluid may be transferred to said application means, wherein in said second position said plug co-operates with the aperture in said base plate so as to open said aperture, wherein in said first position said plug co-operates with the aperture so as to close said aperture. Preferably, resilient bias means are provided for biasing said plug into said first position.

Said bias means may be arranged to snap-shut said aperture.

Preferably, said appliance is a one-piece device adapted to be held, by an operator, in one-hand.

Preferably, container contains a fluid adapted for use in hair-styling. The fluid may be a perm fluid or a tinting fluid. Preferably, said fluid is adapted to foam.

Preferably, said fluid includes a foaming agent.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of applying a fluid to a head of hair using a hair-styling appliance according to any of the preceding claims, the method including: abutting the application means of said appliance against a head of hair; causing the transfer of fluid from said container, via said fluid transfer means, to said application means; and causing the transfer of fluid from said application means to the head of hair.

The method may include the further step of moving said hair-styling appliance relative to the head of hair in order to transfer fluid to said head of hair. The method may include the further step of urging said appliance against said head of hair in a direction substantially perpendicular to the head of hair at the point of contact of said appliance with said head of hair.

The method may include the steps of wrapping strands of hair around a rod-shaped member; abutting the application means of said appliance against and substantially around said rod-shaped member; transferring fluid from said container, via said fluid transfer means, to said application means; and transferring fluid from said application means to said strands of hair wrapped around said rod-shaped member so as to coat said strands of hair.

Preferably the method is a method of perming or tinting hair. The method may include the step of squeezing said container in order to encourage passage of fluid to said application means.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a hair-styling device; Figure 2 is a front elevation of a part of the hair-styling device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the part shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side end elevation of a part of the appliance; Figure 5 is a part sectional view of the part of the appliance shown in Figure 2; Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of Figure 5; Figures 7 and 8 are side elevations of a plug; Figure 9 is a side elevation of a further hairstyling device; Figure 10 is a cross-section along line D-D of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a cross-section along line E-E of Figure 9;; Figure 12 is a diagrammatic top plan view of an applicator shown in Figure 9; Figure 13 is a perspective view from one side of the applicator of Figure 12; and Figure 14 is a perspective view of the applicator.

The hair-styling appliance 1, shown in Figure 1, comprises a hollow container body 2 having an opening 3, which provides a passageway into the body 2, and a collar 4 around the opening 3. An attachment 60 for the appliance 1 is provided. This attachment 60 includes a connecting piece 5 and a collar 6 thereof. The piece 5 and collar 6 comprise a one-piece hollow unit which is attached to a base plate 7. The connecting piece 5 is adapted to be sealingly releasably-connectible via the opening 3, to the body 2.

A foam applicator 8 is attached to the base plate 7.

This applicator 8 has an undulating upper surface 9, the undulations being defined by a plurality of triangular-shaped projections 10 (Figure 2).

The upper surface 9 has a slit 11 extending along the longitudinal extent of the applicator 8 (Figure 3). This slit 11 extends below the surface 9 and leads into an orifice 12, which also extends along the longitudinal extent of the applicator. The orifice 12 is shaped so as to accommodate a cylindrical perm rod 13 (Figure 4 and 5).

The base plate 7 has an aperture 14 through which a plug 15 (Figure 5) may pass. A small aperture/ indentation may also be defined in the applicator 8 adjacent the plate 7, so as to accommodate the plug 15, therewithin.

The plug 15 is substantially frusto-conical in outline. It extends through the aperture 14 towards the orifice 12 of the applicator 8. At its opposite end it is supported by a shoulder 16 which extends around the circumference of the connecting piece 5.

The plug 15 is a one-piece arrangement comprising a stopper portion 17, having a tapering shoulder 20, which is supported on a spring portion 18, which in turn is supported on a base 19 (Figure 7). The spring portion 18 may be compressed, in use, so as to reduce the height of the plug 15 (Figure 8). With the plug 15 in an extended state (Figure 7), the shoulder 20 is level with the plane containing the aperture 14 and abuts against the circumferential side thereof so as to fully close the aperture 14. With the plug in a compressed state (Figure 8) the shoulder 20 is below the level of the plane containing the aperture 14. In this case, the stopper portion 17 is level with the aperture 14. The diameter of this portion 17 is such that it does not completely fill the aperture 14. Accordingly, the aperture is partially open and fluid may pass therethrough.

The apparatus may operate for use in, for example, perming hair, as follows.

The relevant perm solution is poured into the container body 2 via the opening 3. The connecting piece 5 of the attachment 60 is then pushed into the opening 3 so that the collar 6 rests against the collar 4 so as to substantially seal the container.

Hair is wrapped round a perm rod in the normal way, so that the perm rod is closely adjacent to a head of hair.

The device 1, and in particular, the applicator 8 thereof, is moved by an operator towards the perm rod 13 so that the perm rod (and hair wrapped therearound) engages the slot 11. The device is then urged against the head so that the foam applicator 8 becomes compressed and the perm rod (and hair) passes down the slot 11 until the rod is disposed along the orifice 12 (Figures 4 and 5).

In this position, the applicator is compressed. It abuts against and is disposed substantially parallel to a head of hair. It will be appreciated that the container 2 will be inverted in comparison to the orientation shown in Figure 1, so that perm solution present in the container flows under gravity towards the connecting piece 5.

The appliance 1 may then be further urged by an operator towards the head, further compressing the applicator, so that the stopper 17 is compressed as shown in Figure 8, thereby opening the aperture 14. Thus solution will flow through the aperture 14 into the foam applicator 8.

As a consequence of the position of the aperture 14 relative to that of the perm rod 13, the properties of the foam applicator and the force of gravity on the inverted appliance, solution is absorbed by the applicator and flows therethrough towards orifice 12 and, in turn, to the part of the applicator immediately surrounding the rod 13.

Contact of the hair surrounding the rod 13 with the fluid-containing applicator results in the transfer of perm solution to this hair.

The operator may then move the appliance slightly away from the head, with the applicator still in contact with the head and the perm rod still disposed in the orifice 12, so that the applicator is expanded slightly from its compressed state. This movement away may be sufficient to release the plug 15 from its Figure 8 state so that the aperture 14 is closed and, therefore, no further solution flows to the applicator 8. Thus, the operator may control the amount of fluid passing to the applicator by altering the force with which he/she urges the appliance 1 towards the head to thereby compress and release the plug 15.

As the perm rod 13 is substantially surrounded by the foam applicator 8 as it sits in the orifice 12, hair surrounding this perm rod may become substantially evenly coated with perm solution.

A particularly advantageous means of operation of the appliance 1 with the perm rod disposed within the orifice 12, may include urging the appliance towards the head to compress the plug 15 and cause the aperture 14 to be opened, followed by release of the compression, thereby causing the aperture 14 to be closed, followed by further compression to re-open the aperture. This double-action-type process may manifest itself simply in an operator performing a down-up-down action on the appliance, with the perm rod all the time within the orifice.

Using this means of operation, the first compression may cause the aperture 14 to be opened thereby transferring fluid to the applicator 18 and in turn to hair wrapped round the perm rod 13; the release of the compression may result in closure of the aperture 14 and also the applicator 8 may reabsorb some of the fluid previously transferred to strands of hair wrapped round the perm rod 13; the second compression may work similarly to the first compression. After the second compression the applicator may be disengaged from the perm rod and the apparatus 1 moved away from the head.

In an attempt to reduce the amount of fluid transferred from the applicator 8 to the scalp of a person, the upper surface 9 of the applicator is provided with teeth-like projections 10. These projections may reduce the contact of the applicator with the scalp, in use. Alternative methods of reducing the amount of fluid transferred from the applicator to the scalp may be employed.

Thus, using the aforementioned method, a hairdresser may have more control over the application of fluid around perm rods. In addition, less fluid may end up, for example, dripping down a client's face, and there may therefore be less fluid wasted. The appliance may be relatively easily used to give acceptable results even in the hands of relatively inexperienced hairdressers.

The appliance 1 may be modified in order to apply a tint solution to a head of hair. In this case the applicator may comprise a foam block or paint brush-like bristles, having neither a slot 11 or orifice 12. Such an appliance may be used in a similar manner to the above method. Alternatively and/or additionally, the method may include moving the appliance over the hair in a painting action, so as to transfer tint-solution to the hair. A means for controlling the amount of fluid transferred to the hair will preferably be provided. Advantages provided by using such an appliance may be analogous to those mentioned in relation to appliance 1 for use in perming hair.

The container 2 may be made of plastics material and may be transparent so that the quantity of fluid therein is easily ascertained. In addition to the opening 3, a further opening may be provided for filling the body 2 so that the body may be permanently attached via the connecting piece 5 to the attachment 60 to provide a one-piece unit. The container body 2 is preferably suitably shaped so that it may be easily grasped by an operator. In addition the body may be sufficiently flexible to allow it to be squeezed so that, by this squeezing action, fluid may flow towards the applicator by means other than gravity.

The applicator is preferably made of foam material, though any fluid retaining and/or absorbing material may be of utility.

The connecting piece 5 may be arranged so that it can be rotated axially within the opening 3. In this case, the container body 2 may be rotatable relative to the attachment 8. This rotatability may make the applicator 8 easier to use.

It is preferable that the plug 15 provides a positive opening and closing action. In this respect, the plug 15 may be made of a resilient plastics material and adapted to snap-shut. In addition, further spring means may be provided in order to encourage the spring action of the plug. Alternative means of opening and closing the aperture 14 may suitably be provided.

An additional embodiment, is shown in Figures 9 to 14.

A hair-styling appliance 100, shown in Figure 9, comprises a hollow container body 101 providing a primary fluid reservoir and having an opening 102 at one end thereof into which opening 102 an attachment 103 may be releasably-connectible by means of a screw-threaded arrangement provided in the region 104.

The attachment 103 comprises a hollow cylindrical tube 105 which is attached to a base 106 having an aperture 120 therein. A wall 108 is provided around the base 106, upon which there sits a base plate 110. The wall 108, base 106 and base plate 110 are walls of a secondary reservoir 111.

The base plate 110 is sealingly retained in position on a shoulder 109 on the base 106. These parts may be electrically welded together or an epoxy or other resin may be used. Any suitable means may be utilised, for example, the parts may be releasably clamped together.

The base plate 110 includes a plurality of apertures 112 which provide a passageway from the secondary reservoir 111 to a foam applicator 113.

The foam applicator 113 is secured to the base plate 10, for example, by a suitable glue. The applicator 113 includes dome-shaped projections 114a-e and trough regions 115. The applicator includes three longitudinally extending rows. A first row includes projections 114a and 114b; a second row includes projections 114c and 114d which are opposite trough regions 115 in the first row; a third row includes projections 114e and 114f which are opposite trough regions in the second row and opposite respective projections 114a and 114b in the first row. In fact, the applicator 113 is generally symmetrical about a line P-P. Additionally, it should be appreciated that continuous trough regions 220 to 223 are provided generally in the region of lines Q-Q, R-R, S-S and T-T respectively.

In use, the container body 101 of the appliance 100 is filled with fluid via the opening 102. The attachment 103 is then screwed in position.

The appliance 100 will be inverted in use, relative to its orientation in Figure 9, so that fluid passes, via the cylindrical tube 105 through aperture 120 into the secondary reservoir 111. Fluid may then pass from the secondary reservoir 111 through apertures 112 in base 110 to an underside surface of the foam applicator 113 into which it is absorbed.

The provision of the fluid filled secondary reservoir 111 and apertures 112 allow the bottom of the applicator 113 to be substantially evenly coated with fluid and, in turn, for the applicator to substantially evenly absorb fluid.

The secondary reservoir 111 may be filled and continuously refilled, as required, by the force of gravity acting on the inverted appliance 100 and/or the effect of an operator squeezing the body 101 so as to force fluid into the reservoir 111. It will be appreciated that a user has control over the supply of fluid to the secondary reservoir 111 and subsequently to the applicator 113.

The appliance is so designed that in use, fluid is substantially evenly absorbed by the applicator and fluid is absorbed into substantially all parts of the applicator, including the region of dome-shaped projections 114.

As described in relation to the Figure 1 embodiment, the appliance 100 may be used to coat hair wrapped around, for example, a perm rod. In this case, the appliance may be inverted and arranged so that the perm rod passes into one of the trough regions 120 to 123. The appliance may be urged slightly towards the hair so that the dome shaped projections, adjacent to the particular trough region in which the perm rod is disposed, are caused to wrap around or mould themselves around the perm rod to some extent.

As a result, fluid initially present on the applicator may be transferred to the hair wrapped around the perm rod.

If it is required to transfer additional fluid to the hair, the container 101 may be squeezed and/or the applicator may be compressed and released in a pump-like action.

It will be appreciated that a perm rod may be inserted into any of the trough regions 120 to 123. The choice for a user will depend upon the relative orientation and accessibility of a particular perm rod when in position on a person's head.

In addition to the use of the aforementioned appliances. Applicant has developed solutions for use in hair styling, particularly, although not exclusively, for use in conjunction with the aforementioned appliances when perming hair.

Known solutions are of relatively low viscosity being substantialy free flowing. It is because of this that in known methods of perming, a solution may readily impinge on the scalp of a person during perming, as mentioned previously. In a preferred embodiment, applicant provides relatively more viscous solutions. In addition, a foaming agent, such as Incromine Oxide C, is included so that the solutions have a tendency to foam in use. Furthermore, when used in appliances 1 or 100, the tendency of the solution to foam may increase as it passes through the applicator.

The use of a foam in hair-styling may result in a more even coating of fluid on hair and less fluid mpinging on a person's scalp. Additionally, waste of fluid may be reduced as the fluid may be relatively easily directed to a place where it is required and it may be easier to see where the foam has been applied.

The attachment 103 is preferably rotatable relative to the body 101 so as to make it easier for an operator to engage a perm rod in position on a person's head.

Any number of apertures 112 may be provided on the base plate 110 so as to perforate it. Additionally, the apertures may be of any shape or size. The number, shape and size of the apertures will be selected to control the amount of fluid passing to the applicator 113 from the secondary reservoir. The number, shape and size may be varied according, for example, to the viscosity of a fluid used and amount of fluid required in the particular hairstyling application being carried out.

The applicator may be modified to provide any number of trough regions 115, for example, only one trough may be provided extending diagonally or longitudinally across the applicator. Alternatively, two diagonally extending troughs may be provided. The dimensions of the troughs may be varied.

Suitably, the width of the applicator is in the range 4cm to 9cm, preferably 5.5cm to 7.5cm; the depth of the applicator is in the range 3cm to 6cm, preferably 3.5cm to 5cm; and the maximum height of the applicator is in the range 3cm to 6cm, preferably 4cm to 5cm. Trough regions may extend between 1.5cm and 3cm, preferably 1.5cm to 2.5cm below the upper surface of the applicator and may have a width of between 0.5cm and 4cm.

Any features of the aforementioned embodiments are not, in general, specific to that embodiment. Components in one embodiment may be combined or substituted for components in another embodiment, as required.

An appliance as disclosed herein, including any combination of features disclosed herein, may be of utility in almost any method used in hair-styling where fluid is transferred to hair.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hair-styling appliance for applying a fluid to a head of hair, the appliance comprising: a container for containing fluid; application means for applying the fluid to a head of hair; and fluid transfer means for transfer of fluid from said container to said application means.

2. An appliance according to Claim 1, wherein the application means includes a resilient fluid retaining material.

3. An appliance according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the application means includes a fluid absorbent material.

4. An appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the application means includes a foam material.

5. An appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the application means is adapted to cooperate with a rod-shaped member around which strands of hair are wrapped so that strands are coated with fluid from said container.

6. An appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the application means is adapted to cooperate with a rod-shaped member around which strands of hair are wrapped so that strands are substantially evenly coated with fluid from said container.

7. An appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the application means is adapted to cooperate with a rod-shaped member around which strands of hair are wrapped so that strands and parts adjacent roots of the strands are substantially evenly coated with fluid from said container.

8. An appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the application means includes a block, having an upper surface and a lower surface.

9. An appliance according to Claim 8, wherein the upper surface includes an incision extending in a substantially straight line across said upper surface and below said surface.

10 An appliance according to Claim 9, wherein the incision leads into a channel, defined in the block, which channel extends substantially parallel to the extent of said incision, the channel being so arranged to accommodate a rod-shaped member around which strands of hair are wrapped.

11. An appliance according to Claim 10, wherein material defining the channel is arranged to transfer fluid from itself to strands of hair wrapped round a rodshaped member accommodated in said channel.

12. An appliance according to Claims 10 or 11, wherein the channel is substantially circular in crosssection.

13. An appliance according to Claims 8 to 12, wherein a part of the upper surface of the application means is adapted to restrict the quantity of fluid on said upper surface.

14. An appliance according to Claims 8 to 13, wherein a part of the upper surface of the application means is adapted to be non-fluid absorbent so as to restrict the quantity of fluid retained on said upper surface.

15. An appliance according to any of Claims 8 to 14, wherein a part of the upper surface of the application means is provided with a non-fluid absorbent plastics coating.

16. An appliance according to Claim 8 to 13, wherein the upper surface of the application means is an undulating surface.

17. An appliance according to Claim 16, wherein the undulating surface includes a plurality of prism-shaped projections.

18. An appliance according to Claim 17, wherein said projections are triangular-shaped.

19. An appliance according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein said projections extend parallel to one another and parallel to a longitudinal or transverse axis of the application means.

20. An appliance according to Claim 8 to 19, wherein the lower surface of the application means is attached to a base-plate; the fluid transfer means is adjacent to said lower surface; and said base plate is provided with an aperture for passage of said fluid to said application means.

21. An appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein control means is provided for controlling the transfer of fluid to said application means.

22. An appliance according to Claim 21, wherein said control means is adapted to transfer fluid to the application means when a force is applied to a part of the application means.

23. An appliance according to Claim 22, wherein said force is applied to the surface of the application means.

24. An appliance according to Claim 22 or 23, wherein said force is applied in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extent of said channel.

25. An appliance according to Claim 22 to 24, wherein said control means is adapted to transfer fluid to said application means when an operator urges said application means against a head of hair.

26. An appliance according to Claim 21 to 25, wherein said control means includes an actuator button which projects through the aperture in said base plate towards said upper surface.

27. An appliance according to Claim 26, wherein the actuator button is in the form of a plug, actuable by said force, the plug having a first closed position in which transfer of fluid to said application means is inhibited, and a second open position in which fluid may be transferred to said application means, wherein in said second position said plug co-operates with the aperture in said base plate so as to open said aperture, wherein in said first position said plug co-operates with the aperture so as to close said aperture.

28. An appliance according to Claim 27, wherein resilient bias means is provided for biasing said plug into said first position.

29. An appliance according to Claim 28, wherein said bias means is arranged to snap-shut said aperture.

30. An appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said appliance is a one-piece device adapted to be held in one-hand by an operator.

31. An appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said container contains a fluid adapted for use in hair-styling.

32. A method of applying a fluid to a head of hair using a hair-styling appliance according to any of the preceding claims, the method including: abutting the application means of said appliance against a head of hair; causing the transfer of fluid from said container, via said fluid transfer means, to said application means; causing the transfer of fluid from said application means to the head of hair.

33. A method according to Claim 32, including the further step of moving said hair-styling appliance relative to the head of hair in order to transfer fluid to said head of hair.

34. A method according to Claim 32 or 33, including the further step of urging said appliance against said head of hair in a direction substantially perpendicular to the head of hair at the point of contact of said appliance with said head of hair.

35. A method according to Claim 32 or 34, including the steps of wrapping strands of hair around a rod-shaped member; abutting the application means of said appliance against and substantially around said rod-shaped member; transferring fluid from said container, via said fluid transfer means, to said application means; and transferring fluid from said application means to said strands of hair wrapped around said rod-shaped member so as to coat said strands of hair.

36. A method of perming hair according to any Claims 32 to 35.

37. A method of tinting hair according to any of Claims 32 to 35.

38. A hair-styling appliance substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

39. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.