GB2577495A

GB2577495A - Glove device

Info

Publication number: GB2577495A
Application number: GB1815611.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Broderick Anthony
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-09-25
Filing date: 2018-09-25
Publication date: 2020-04-01
Also published as: GB201815611D0

Abstract

An apparatus in the form of a glove 100 for stimulating hair growth is disclosed. The glove 100 comprises an electrode 110 and/or vibration mechanism for stimulating a fingertip. The electrode 110 and/or vibration mechanism forms a discrete section of an inner surface of a finger of the glove 100. The apparatus may comprise a conductive glove which contains an insulating glove without fingertips, enabling electricity to be applied specifically to the fingertips. Also disclosed are methods of treatment of hair loss, the methods comprising electrically stimulating and/or vibrationally stimulating a distal portion of at least one finger.

Description

GLOVE DEVICE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of hair loss, and associated methods of use of the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The practice of Balayam Yoga is an established treatment for stimulating hair growth.

Balayam Yoga is form of acupressure therapy and generally involves the rubbing together of fingernails.

In accordance with the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, the body is split up into many 'meridians', a term used to describe the various energy centres in the body.

Practitioners of Balayam yoga state that the meridians which are related to hair quality are located above the fingernails on all of the fingers on both hands.

A methodology for stimulating the fingertip meridians involves repetitively rubbing the fingernails of one hand over the fingernails of the other hand, creating vibrations that stimulate the fingertip meridians and, in turn, stimulate hair growth.

The practice of Balayam Yoga is a manual task, requiring use of both hands to perform. The practice of Balayam Yoga can also be significantly time-consuming. For example, some practitioners recommend that Balayam Yoga is performed for a minimum of forty five minutes every day, with results typically being visible within three months of commencing the practice.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages associated with performing Balayam Yoga.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a technically simple and/or commercially cost-effective apparatus and method for performing Balayam Yoga.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is based on the finding that by delivering some form of stimulus, for example an automated stimulus, to one or more fingertips (or to a finger nail part or portion thereof), it is possible to stimulate hair growth. The present invention is further based on the finding that by delivering an electrical stimulus and/or vibrational stimulus to one or more fingertips (or to a finger nail part or portion thereof), it is possible to stimulate hair growth.

In all cases, the stimulus may not comprise a manual stimulus, such as, for example, the rubbing of one finger nail with another (i.e. the stimulus that is Balayam Yoga).

According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for stimulating hair growth, the apparatus comprising an electrode and/or vibration mechanism for stimulating a fingertip.

The apparatus may be worn or mounted on the hand.

The apparatus may take the form of a garment to be worn on the hand.

The apparatus may take the form of a glove. The apparatus may be, or may comprise, a glove.

The apparatus may comprise an electrode and/or vibration mechanism for stimulating two, more or all of fingertips on one or both hands.

The apparatus (or glove) may comprise a plurality of electrodes and/or a plurality of vibration mechanisms. Each electrode or vibration mechanism may deliver, e.g. may be adapted or configured to deliver, an electrical stimulus or vibrational stimulus respectively to a single fingertip.

The apparatus (or the electrode and/or vibration mechanism component(s) thereof) may only deliver an electrical stimulus and/or vibrational stimulus to one or more fingertips. The apparatus (or the electrode and/or vibration mechanism component(s) thereof) may be adapted or configured to deliver an electrical stimulus and/or vibrational stimulus to one or more fingertips. In other words the electrode(s) or vibration mechanism may not deliver an electrical stimulus or vibrational stimulus respectively to any other part of the hand.

Insofar as the apparatus of this disclosure stimulates hair growth, it may be used to replicate the effects of Balayam Yoga.

Advantageously, the apparatus may automate the practice of Balayam Yoga. Indeed, the electrical stimulation and/or vibrational stimulus delivered by an apparatus of this disclosure is intended to replicate the effect of finger nail rubbing as practiced in Balayam Yoga. Thus, an apparatus according to this disclosure may mitigate or obviate the requirement to manually and continually rub the fingernails together, thus freeing up the hands.

Further, by replicating the effects of Balayam Yoga (by means of electrical stimulation and/or vibrational stimulus of the fingertips), it may be possible to effectively practice Balayam Yoga at times when mechanical rubbing of fingernails by the use of both hands is not be possible or desirable, such as when sleeping. Further, the apparatus described herein allows a user to replicate the effects of Balayam Yoga for an extended period of time, far longer than when Balayam Yoga is practiced by the manual rubbing together of the finger nails.

In one embodiment, and where the apparatus is a glove, it may comprise an electrode and/or vibration mechanism which forms a discrete section of an inner surface of a finger of the glove. The electrode and/or vibration mechanism may form a discrete section of an inner surface of a plurality (for example all) of the fingers of the glove. The discrete section(s) may be disposed at a distal portion of one or more of the finger(s) of the glove. The discrete section may (in use) be located adjacent a part of the fingertip, for example adjacent a nail part of the fingertip.

Beneficially, such an arrangement allows for a focussed, localised and contained application of electrical stimulation provided by the electrode and/or vibrational stimulation provided by the vibration mechanism. For example, such an arrangement allows for the stimulation to be located only at the fingertips (or nail parts thereof) and/or around one or more meridians associated with the stimulation of hair growth.

As stated, the electrode and/or vibration mechanism may be arranged such that it does not (in use) deliver an electrical and/or vibrational stimulus to an inner surface of a thumb of the glove. As such, in use, the electrical and/or vibrational stimulation may be restricted only to the fingers (in particular the fingertips thereof) and electrical and/or vibrational stimulation of the thumb may be avoided. Beneficially, this may avoid problems associated with the electrical and/or vibrational stimulation of the thumbs.

The apparatus may comprise a plurality of electrodes and/or a plurality of vibration mechanisms. The electrodes and/or vibration mechanisms may be individually controlled or operated such that the apparatus can be used to deliver an electrical and/or vibrational stimulation to some or all of the fingers of the hands.

An embodiment of the apparatus of this disclosure may comprise a glove with an electrode associated with each individual finger of the glove. This may avoid the use of a single electrode spanning several fingers, with insulating sections disposed between fingers to confine any electrical stimulus to the fingertips. An embodiment of the apparatus of this disclosure may comprise a glove with a vibration mechanism associated with each individual finger of the glove.

In use, the/each electrode and/or vibration mechanism may be arranged to contact a fingertip of a user and/or to deliver an electrical and/or vibrational stimulation to the fingertip of a user (or wearer).

Beneficially, such an arrangement allows an electrical and/or vibrational stimulation to be localised or confined to the fingertip portions of a wearer's hand and to one or more meridians of interest. Further, the apparatus is designed to prevent any inadvertent delivery of electrical and/or vibrational stimulation to other meridians.

The electrode(s) and/or vibration mechanism may be configured to be conductively coupled to an electrical circuit. The electrode(s) and/or vibration mechanism may be configured to be coupled to the circuit by means of a connector, such as a connector conforming to a standard. For example, the connector may be snap connector, or the like.

Beneficially, such an arrangement may permit the gloves to be used with, interfaced with, or coupled with a circuit. For example, the apparatus or glove may be interfaced with one or more known TENS machines.

The apparatus or glove may comprise the electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may be integrated into the apparatus or glove, or otherwise attached to the apparatus or glove.

The electrical circuit may be contained within a pocket of the apparatus or glove.

The electrical circuit may be configurable to apply an electrical pulse to the electrode and/or vibration mechanism. The electrical circuit may be configurable to apply a sequence or pattern of electrical pulses to the electrode and/or vibration mechanism. For example, the circuit may apply a periodic waveform of configurable amplitude and/or duty cycle and/or frequency to the electrode and/or vibration mechanism.

Beneficially, such an arrangement may allow the duration for which simulation of the finger tips (or the effect or practice of Balayam Yoga) is required, to be adjusted. For example, although traditional mechanical nail rubbing is recommended for 45 minutes per day to stimulate hair growth, by varying the characteristics of the electrical and/or vibrational pulses applied to the fingertips or nails, this daily duration may be significantly be shortened.

The electrical circuit may be configurable to apply an electrical current to the electrode and/or vibration mechanism.

The electrode and the electrical circuit may be configured to operate as a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine.

Beneficially, the application of electrical and/or vibrational pulses and/or an electrical current to, for example, the fingertips of a user, may simulate the practice of Balayam Yoga.

The electrode and the electrical circuit may be configured to operate as an Electronic Muscle Stimulator (EMS) machine.

The apparatus or glove may comprise a TENS machine. The TENS machine may be mounted, such as detachably mounted, on the apparatus or glove.

The apparatus or glove may comprise an EMS machine. The EMS machine may be mounted, such as detachably mounted, on the apparatus or glove.

The electrical circuit or TENS or EMS machine may be configured to apply an electrical pulse to the fingertip(s) (or finger nail(s)) of a user such as, for example, a pulse characterised by a width of between 10 and 300 microseconds and/or a voltage of between 10 and 200 volts and/or a pulse rate of between 2 and 200 Hz.

The electrical circuit, TENS machine, EMS machine or vibration mechanism may be battery powered.

The electrical circuit, TENS machine, EMS machine or vibration mechanism may comprise a control unit. The control unit may comprise a user interface for configuring and/or controlling the electrical circuit, TENS machine, EMS machine or vibration mechanism.

The electrical circuit, TENS machine, EMS machine or vibration mechanism may be operated and/or controlled remotely, such as over a wireless interface or the like.

Where the apparatus is a glove, the inner surface of the finger of the glove may comprise an electrically insulating portion.

The electrically insulating portion may be disposed about an entire inner surface of each finger of the glove, with the exception of the discrete (electrode) section.

An inner palmar surface of the apparatus or glove may be electrically insulating. An inner dorsal surface of the apparatus or glove may be electrically insulating. An outer surface of the apparatus or glove may be electrically insulating.

The electrode may be a conductive glove.

The apparatus or glove may comprise an electrically insulating glove.

The electrically insulating glove may be disposed within the conductive glove.

A distal portion of each finger of the insulating glove may be removed or absent. That is, an insulating glove may have a distal portion of each finger, such as a fingertip portion of each finger, cut away such that, in use (i.e. when being worn), the finger tip of each finger protrudes from the finger(s) of the insulating glove. Additionally, or alternatively, the insulating glove may define one or more opening(s) (or window(s)) each opening being positioned and located so that in use, it exposes a distal portion of a finger (for example part of the finger nail portion of a fingertip); such an arrangement may obviate the requirement to remove any portion of the finger part of the inner insulating glove.

The glove may comprise a further (outer) insulating glove disposed about an outer surface of the conductive glove. The glove may be disposed within a further insulating glove.

The electrode may comprise a conductive fabric. Beneficially, a fabric-based electrode may result in a flexible apparatus or glove that is comfortable for the user to wear.

The electrode may be deposited as a coating on a fabric and/or elastomeric material.

The vibration mechanism may comprise a vibrating motor.

According to a second aspect, the disclosure provides electrical and/or vibrational stimulation for use in treating or preventing hair loss. The electrical stimulation may be electrical nerve stimulation. The electrical nerve stimulation may be delivered or applied to one or more fingertips and/or to one or more finger nails. The electrical vibrational stimulation may be delivered or applied to one or more fingertips and/or to one or more finger nails.

According to a third aspect, the disclosure provides a method (for example a cosmetic method) of stimulating hair growth and/or treating or preventing hair loss, said method comprising delivering an electrical and/or vibrational stimulation to one or more finger tips or finger nails for a period of time and/or at a dose or intensity sufficient to treat or prevent hair loss in a subject in need thereof.

A subject in need thereof may be any subject experiencing hair loss, receding hair, hair thinning, baldness and/or any individual predisposed or susceptible to the same. The electrical stimulation may be electrical nerve stimulation. Where the method is a cosmetic method, the method may be used to improve the appearance of the hair (in terms of amount, position, density and/or "thickness") in the subject.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus or glove according to the first aspect, for use in stimulating hair growth and/or for use in treating or preventing: (i) baldness; (ii) hair loss; (iii) thinning of the hair; and/or (iv) receding hair.

Note, the term "hair loss" may comprise at least one of androgenetic alopecia, involutional alopecia, alopecia areata, cicatricial alopecia, scalp folliculitis, telogen effluvium and traction alopecia.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method (for example a cosmetic method) of stimulating hair growth and/or for use in treating or preventing: (i) baldness; (ii) hair loss; (iii) thinning of the hair; and/or (iv) receding hair; said method comprising using an apparatus or glove according to the first aspect in older to electrically and/or vibrationally stimulate one or more of the fingertips and/or the finger nails of a subject in need thereof. Where the method is a cosmetic method, the method may be used to improve the appearance of the hair (in terms of amount, position, density and/or "thickness") in the subject.

The method may comprise electrically and/or vibrationally stimulating a distal portion of all of the fingers on one or both hands.

According to a sixth aspect there is provided an assembly for stimulating hair growth, the assembly comprising an electrically conductive glove and an electrically insulating glove, wherein a distal portion of each finger of the insulating glove defines a fingertip or finger nail exposing opening, and the insulating glove is disposed within the conductive glove.

The assembly may comprise a further insulating glove disposed about an exterior surface of the conductive glove.

The electrically conductive glove and the electrically insulating glove may be fixedly attached to one another.

The electrically conductive glove and the further insulating glove may be fixedly attached to one another.

The electrically conductive glove may be adapted to operate as at least one electrode of a TENS or EMS machine.

The assembly may further comprise an electrical circuit for delivering electrical pulses and/or an electrical current to the conductive glove.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided a method for stimulating hair growth, the method comprising using or wearing the assembly according to the sixth aspect to apply an electrical pulse to a fingertip or finger nail of a subject in need thereof.

It should be understood that the features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present invention or below relating to any specific embodiment of the invention may be utilised, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other aspects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which: Figure 1 a photograph of a glove according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 a photograph of the glove of Figure 1 arranged in an 'inside-out' configuration; Figure 3 a photograph of a rear view of the glove of Figure 1; and Figure 4 a photograph of a top view of a pair of gloves according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring firstly to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an apparatus for stimulating hair growth in the form of a glove, generally denoted 100, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Only an outer portion 110 of the glove 100 can be seen in Figure 1.

The outer portion 110 of the glove 100 is an electrically conductive glove 110. As such, the outer portion 110 may operate as an electrode, as will be described in more detail below. The outer portion 110 is formed from an electrically conductive fabric. As such, outer portion 110 may form a flexible electrode, resulting in a glove 100 providing comfort.

Referring to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown the glove 100 of Figure 1 arranged in an 'inside-out configuration.

An electrically insulating glove 120 is disposed inside the electrically conducting glove 110, but is shown on the outside of the electrically conducting glove 110 due to the "inside-out' configuration of the glove 100 of Figure 2.

A distal portion 125a, 125b, 125c, 125d of each finger of the electrically insulating glove 120 is absent, i.e. has been removed. One will appreciate that in other embodiments, the electrically insulating glove 120 may define an opening disposed at, or around, a distal portion of each finger, thus obviating the requirement to remove any portion of the finger of the electrically insulating glove 120.

Due to the absent distal portions 125a, 125b, 125c, 125d of the electrically insulating glove 120, distal portions 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d of the fingers of conductive glove 110 are visible. As such, the electrically conductive glove 110, which can be operated as an electrode, forms a discrete section of an inner surface of each finger of the glove 100.

One will appreciate that, while a single conductive glove 110 is used in the embodiment of Figure 2 to effectively form electrodes disposed at distal portions 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d of each finger of the glove 100, in other embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention, a plurality of discrete electrodes may be used to form electrodes disposed at distal portions 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d of each finger of the glove 100. That is, in other embodiments of the invention, a discrete electrode may be disposed at distal portions 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d of each finger of the glove 100.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the conductive glove 110 and the insulating glove 120 are disposed relative to each other such that, in use, a fingertip of the user is exposed to the conductive glove 110. As such by passing an electrical current through the conductive glove 110, fingertips of the user may be subjected to electrical stimulation.

In alternative embodiments falling within the scope of the present invention, the openings in the electrically insulating glove 120 may be shaped such that, for example, only the fingernails of the user are exposed to the electrically conductive glove 110 in use. As such by passing an electrical current through the electrically conductive glove of the alternative embodiments, the fingernails of the user may be subjected to electrical stimulation.

The electrically conductive glove 110 and the electrically insulating glove 120 are fixedly attached to one another. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the electrically conductive glove 110 and the electrically insulating glove 120 have been stitched together such that the electrically insulating glove 120 is affixed to distal portions 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d of the electrically conductive glove 110.

As can be seen in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, openings provided at wrist portions of the electrically conductive glove 110 and the electrically insulating glove 120, i.e. for inserting a hand when donning the glove 100, are also stitched together.

One will appreciate that in other embodiments of the invention, the electrically conductive glove 110 and the electrically insulating glove 120 may be affixed to one another by any suitable means, such as by adhering, fusing, bonding, sewing, or otherwise attaching.

In other embodiments, the electrodes may be replaced, or supplemented with, one or more vibration mechanisms or systems. The vibration mechanism may be or may include (or comprise) a vibrating motor and optionally a plate of part for vibration by the vibrating motor. In one embodiment, a glove is provided which includes vibrating motors disposed at distal portions of each finger of the glove. The vibrating motors may be incorporated into the fabric of the glove. In this way, the vibrating motors may be considered to form a discrete section of an inner surface of a finger of the glove. In use, the vibrating motors would provide vibrations in the locations of the fingertips of the user. As such, by passing an electrical current to the vibrating motors, fingertips of the user may be subjected to vibrational stimulation. Additionally or alternatively one or more vibrating motors (or devices) may cause the vibration of a part of the glove which is proximal or adjacent the fingertip region of the hand (for example the nail region of the fingertip). For example, a (or each) glove finger may comprise a plate or part which is capable of being vibrated by one or more vibration motor(s). In such cases, the vibration motor may, in use, transfer generated vibrations to the plate or part. Further, the plate or part may be located within the glove such that when worn, the plate or part lies adjacent or next to the fingertip or nail region thereof. In this way, vibration of the plate or part by the one or more vibrating motors, may bring about the required stimulation of the user's fingertips/nails.

The glove may be made of conventional material (fabric), i.e. not conductive, or it may be conductive as described in relation to Figures 1-3. There may be wires transferring power to one or more of the vibrating motors. The power to one or more vibrating motors may be transferred through the conductive fabric of the glove. The vibration mechanism may include other components such as a power supply and/or the wires to supply electrical current to one or more of the vibrating motors. In other embodiments, the glove may include only one vibrating mechanism (or one vibrating motor) which may provide vibrational stimulation to one or more fingertips of the user.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the glove may include both electrodes for electrical stimulation and vibration mechanisms for vibrational stimulation.

It will be appreciated that where there is reference in this description to an electrode or electrical stimulation, this may be replaced or supplemented with a vibration mechanism and vibrational stimulation. The vibration mechanism may provide the same or similar benefits as the electrical stimulation for stimulating hair growth and/or for use in treating or preventing: baldness; hair loss; thinning of the hair; and/or receding hair etc. More generally, the vibrational stimulation by the vibration mechanism may be considered to be mechanical stimulation. Thus, in use, the fingertips are mechanically stimulated.

Figure 4 shows a photograph of a top view of a pair of gloves, generally denoted 200, according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

An inner portion of the gloves 200 corresponds to the embodiment of the glove 100 of Figures 1 to 3. In addition, gloves 200 have further electrically insulating gloves 210a, 210b disposed about an outer surface of the electrically conductive glove 110. The further insulating gloves 210a, 210b provide electrical isolation between an outer surface of the electrically conductive glove 120 and, for example, any other object. As such, the further electrically insulating gloves 210a, 210b provide a degree of safety and/or comfort, by preventing exposure of anything other than distal portions of the user's fingers, i.e. the user's fingertips or fingernails, to an electrical current.

A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine 215a, 215b is shown mounted on each glove 210a, 210b. Each TENS machine 215a, 215b is conductively connected to the conductive glove 110 disposed within the insulating gloves 210a 210b.

TENS machine 215a is conductively connected to conductive glove 110 disposed within insulating glove 210a by means of conductor 220a. In the example embodiment shown in Figure 4, the TENS machines 215a, 215b are battery powered.

The TENS machines 215a, 215b are coupled to a control unit 225. In the example embodiment shown, the control unit 225 is wirelessly coupled to each TENS machine 215a, 215b. However, in alternative embodiments that fall within the scope of the disclosed inventions, the control unit 225 may be physically coupled, such as electrically or optically, to the TENS machines 215a, 215b. In yet a further embodiment, a control unit may be integrated into, or embedded within, the gloves 200.

The control unit 225 comprises a user interface. The control unit 225 may comprise a configurable timer.

The TENS machines 215a, 215b are detachably mounted on the gloves 200. As such, the TENS machines 215a, 215b may be conveniently removed to, for example, change batteries in the TENS machines 215a, 215b.

In the example embodiment shown in Figure 4, the TENS machines 215a, 215b are mounted by a hook and loop fastening arrangement. In alternative embodiments, the TENS machines 215a, 215b may be mounted by other means, such as by adhesive, clips or the like, or may be at least partially disposed within pockets of the gloves 200.

In use, the TENS machines 215a, 215b may be configured, by the control unit 225, to apply an electrical current to the conductive glove 120. The control unit 225 may be used to vary characteristics of the electrical current applied, such as the duration or magnitude.

In use, the TENS machines 215a, 215b may be configured, by the control unit 225, to apply one or more electrical pulses to the conductive glove 120. The control unit 225 may be used to vary characteristics of the electrical current applied, such as a duration, magnitude, duty cycle, frequency, or voltage.

It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the TENS machine may be replaced with a vibration mechanism as described above. The vibration mechanism may include one or more vibrating motors. In some embodiments, there may be provided a glove including both a TENS machine and a vibration mechanism.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention herebefore described are given by way of example only and are not meant to limit the scope of thereof in any way.

It should be understood that the features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present invention or below in relation to any specific embodiment of the invention may be utilised, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for stimulating hair growth, the apparatus comprising an electrode and/or vibration mechanism for stimulating a fingertip or finger nail.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a glove.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of electrodes and/or a plurality of vibration mechanisms.
4. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrode(s) is configured to be conductively coupled to an electrical circuit and is configured to operate as a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the electrodes and/or vibration mechanisms are individually controlled or operated such that the apparatus is used to deliver an electrical stimulation or vibrational stimulation respectively to some or all of the fingers of a hand.
6. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus only delivers an electrical stimulus and/or vibrational stimulus to one or more fingertips and does not deliver an electrical stimulus and/or vibrational stimulus to any other part of a hand.
7. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the apparatus comprises an electrode and/or vibrational mechanism which forms a discrete section of an inner surface of a finger of the glove.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the discrete section is disposed at a distal portion of a finger of the glove.
The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the inner surface of the finger of the glove comprises an electrically insulating portion.
10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrode is a conductive glove.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus comprises an electrically insulating glove disposed within the conductive glove.
12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a distal portion of each finger of the insulating glove is absent.
13. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein a further insulating glove is disposed about an outer surface of the conductive glove.
14. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrode comprises a conductive fabric.
15. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the vibration mechanism comprises a vibrating motor.
16. Electrical stimulation and/or vibrational stimulation for use in treating or preventing hair loss.
17. The electrical stimulation of claim 16, wherein the electrical stimulation is electrical nerve stimulation.
18. The electrical stimulation of claim 17, wherein the electrical nerve stimulation is applied to one or more fingertips and/or to one or more finger nails.
19. A method of stimulating hair growth and/or treating or preventing hair loss, said method comprising delivering an electrical stimulation and/or vibrational stimulation to one or more finger tips or finger nails for a period of time and/or at a dose or intensity sufficient to treat or prevent hair loss in a subject in need thereof.
20. An apparatus according to claim 1 or glove according to claim 2, for use in stimulating hair growth and/or for use in treating or preventing: (i) baldness; (ii) hair loss; (iii) thinning of the hair; and/or (iv) receding hair.
21. A method of stimulating hair growth and/or for use in treating or preventing: (i) baldness; (ii) hair loss; (iii) thinning of the hair; and/or (iv) receding hair; said method comprising using an apparatus according to claim 1 or glove according to claim 2 in order to electrically stimulate and/or vibrationally stimulate one or more of the fingertips and/or the finger nails of a subject in need thereof.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method comprises electrically stimulating and/or vibrationally stimulating a distal portion of all of the fingers on one or both hands.
23. An assembly for stimulating hair growth, the assembly comprising an electrically conductive glove and an electrically insulating glove, wherein a distal portion of each finger of the insulating glove defines a fingertip or finger nail exposing opening, and the insulating glove is disposed within the conductive glove.
24. The assembly according to claim 23, comprising a further insulating glove disposed about an exterior surface of the conductive glove.
25. A method for stimulating hair growth, the method comprising using or wearing the assembly according to claim 23 to apply an electrical pulse to a fingertip or finger nail of a subject in need thereof.