MX2008009840A - Methods for simulating custom hair color results and thereby selecting and formulating custom hair coloring compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods are disclosed for simulating custom hair color results, for selecting a resulting custom hair color from among possible custom hair color results, and for formulating custom hair coloring compositions which impart to hair such custom hair color results.

Description

METHODS TO SIMULATE RESULTS OF PERSONALIZED COLOR OF HAIR AND THAT WAY SELECT AND FORMULATE COMPOSITIONS PERSONALIZED HAIR COLORS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods for simulating personalized hair color results, methods for selecting a custom hair color resulting from possible personalized hair color results, and methods for formulating custom hair coloring compositions that impart to the hair such results. of personalized hair color. The present invention also relates to means for carrying out such methods, including hair coloring systems and related products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Alteration of the color of human hair is well known through the application of hair dyes. Generally, the person who wants to alter the color of their hair has two options. He or she can choose to buy a retail box with hair coloring to dye their hair at home. These retail hair dye cases are available in a variety of brands and shades and, generally, provide adequate hair coloring or discoloration performance at a reasonable price and within a reasonable time. However, some consumers prefer to alter the color of their hair with a hair coloring product that is not "ready for sale" and that, on the other hand, is more personalized for their needs individual In this way, alternatively, you can choose to go to a professional colorist in a hairdresser for a professional coloring treatment for hair. Although it is invariably more expensive and often requires more time than altering the heat of the hair using a retail case with hair dye, a professional colorist can provide the client with an individualized advice and can create a more personalized composition to suit the taste of the client. client to impart a personalized color to a client's hair. Most professional colorists have at their disposal, to use in the hair of a client, a multitude of professional hair coloring products, including a variety of brands and product lines. Within each individual brand or product line, there are often numerous nuances of colors. This variety allows the professional colorist, while using their professional experience and artistic creativity, to select a shade of color or to mix different nuances of colors with each other to provide a personalized coloring composition of hair for a particular client. However, this variety can create complexity, which increases the potential for making an error in the formulation of such a personalized hair coloring composition. In turn, any of these errors can lead to providing less ideal hair coloring composition and as a result, a dissatisfied customer. In practice, a professional colorist usually discusses with his client the desired color of his hair. Taking into account the variety of professional hair coloring products available, the professional colorist uses his training and professional opinion, perhaps together with any instructions provided by the manufacturer of the professional hair coloring products available, to mix the right products and formulate a composition coloring for the hair that thinks that It will provide the desired color of hair. Then the hair coloring composition is applied to the customer's hair. Given the complexity and potential for error associated with this process, as described above, it would be advantageous for the professional colorist to test or experiment with the formulation process necessary to achieve a personalized hair coloring composition. Nevertheless, this is not practical for the professional colorist at least for several reasons. For example, using the professional hair colorant products available to mix or formulate a "test" composition, it can be considered that not only a lot of time is required (particularly if a client is already waiting in the hairdressing salon), but also that it is a waste of the products used and, therefore, costly. In addition, in practice, a professional colorist performs the mixing of this product personalized hair coloring in a separate space or enclosure in the hairdresser and away from the view of the client. Although this may be preferred given the methods of mixing and formulation practiced today and the complexity and disorder associated with these methods, it is believed that more and more clients of professional hairdressers wish to receive more advice and individualized services from their professional colorists. To achieve this level of service, the interaction between the client and the professional colorist should be maximized in such a way that the client feels as part of the whole process. In this way, it would be advantageous for the professional colorist to carry out the mixing or formulation of a personalized hair coloring composition in the presence of the client. Accordingly, there is a need for a method for formulating a personalized hair coloring composition that is simple, accurate, and reliable, but that also maintains the ability of the professional colorist to utilize his or her professional experience and artistic creativity in formulating the composition.

In addition, this method should allow greater interaction between the professional colorist and the client, so that the client can feel more like part of the personalized coloring process. There is a further need for a method that allows to test or simulate the formulation of a personalized hair coloring composition and the resulting custom hair color imparted to a client's hair by such a personalized hair coloring composition. Advantageously, this method should be carried out quickly and easily, without mess and waste of the professional products relatively expensive hair colorants. The methods of the present invention and the means for carrying out such methods, including the related hair coloring systems and products, solve these needs described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods for simulating personalized hair color results, methods for selecting a desired color of desired hair desired from possible personalized hair color results, and methods for formulating custom hair coloring compositions that impart hair to such hair. Custom hair color results. The present invention also relates to means for carrying out such methods, including related hair colorant systems and products. In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for simulating a custom color of resulting hair imparted to the hair by a personalized hair coloring composition formulated from a mixture of at least two different colored hue components selected from a collection. defined of different color shading components available for mixing. This method comprises the steps of: (a) introducing an initial hair color in a computer system; (b) introducing, in a computer system, an amount of a first color hue component to be added to the mixture, wherein the first color hue component is selected from the defined collection; (c) entering in the computer system a quantity of a second color hue component to be added to the mixture, wherein the second color hue component is selected from the defined collection; (d) optionally, entering in the computer system a quantity of one or more additional color shade components to be added to the mixture, wherein each of the additional color shade components is selected from the defined collection; (e) predicting with the computer system a custom hair color resulting likely based on the initial hair color of the hair introduced and the quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components to be added to mix; (f) generating, with the computer system, a visual image representative of the likely resulting hair custom color; and (g) displaying the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely to simulate the resulting custom hair color. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for selecting a desired custom color of desired hair imparted to the hair by a custom hair coloring composition formulated from a mixture of at least two different color shade components selected from a defined collection of different color tint components available for mixing; said method comprises the steps of: (a) carrying out a method in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention to simulate a first custom hair color resulting possible, wherein the first possible custom color of resultant hair has a corresponding visual image representative of the likely resulting hair custom color and the corresponding quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to mix; (b) save the representative visual image of the resulting hair custom color likely to correspond to the first custom hair color resulting probable and the quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to add to the blend corresponding to the first custom color of hair resulting probable; (c) carrying out a method according to the first aspect of the present invention to simulate a second possible custom hair color, wherein the second possible custom hair color has a corresponding visual image representative of the custom hair color resulting probable and the corresponding quantities introduced from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to the mixture; (d) saving the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely corresponding to the second possible custom hair color and the quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to add to the mixture corresponding to the second possible custom hair color possible; (e) optionally, carrying out a method according to the first aspect of the present invention to simulate one or more possible additional custom hair colors, wherein each of the resulting additional custom hair colors has a corresponding image visual representative of the likely resulting hair custom color and the corresponding quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to the mixture; (f) optionally, save the representative visual image of the resulting hair custom color likely corresponding to each of the possible additional custom hair colors resulting and the quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to add to the mixture corresponding to each of the possible additional custom hair colors resulting; (g) displaying for visual comparison each representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely corresponding, respectively, to the first, second, and optionally additional, resulting possible custom hair colors; and (h) indicating a preference for one of the displayed visual images representative of the likely resulting custom hair colors corresponding, respectively, to the first, second, and optionally additional, custom hair colors resulting possible to select the custom color of desired hair desired. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for formulating a personalized hair coloring composition that imparts to the hair a desired custom hair color desired and comprising a blend of at least two different color shade components selected from A defined collection of different color tint components available for mixing. One embodiment of this method comprises the steps of: (a) carrying out a method in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention to simulate a desired custom color of desired hair, wherein the desired custom color of desired hair has entered amounts corresponding to each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to the mixture; (b) providing a mixing container for containing the mixture; (c) dispensing in the mixing vessel an amount of each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components selected from the collection defined in accordance with the entered quantities of each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components corresponding to the desired custom hair color desired; and (d) mixing the quantities dispensed from the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to formulate the customized hair coloring composition. A second embodiment of a method according to the third aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) carrying out a method according to the second aspect of the present invention to select a desired custom hair color desired, in wherein the desired color of the resulting desired hair has corresponding amounts entered and stored from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to the mixture; (b) providing a mixing container for containing the mixture; (c) dispensing in the mixing container an amount of each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components selected from the collection defined in accordance with the quantities entered and saved from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color tint components corresponding to the desired custom hair color desired; and (d) mixing the quantities dispensed from the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to formulate the customized hair coloring composition. Additional aspects of the present invention relate to methods for carrying out such methods as described above, including related hair color systems and products, and as further described below in the context of the methods of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Although the specification concludes with claims that particularly state and clearly claim the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description. As used herein, the term "hair" refers to keratinous fibers in a living body, for example, a person, or a non-living body, for example, in a wig, false hair, or other grouping of keratinous fibers. do not live. Mammalian, preferably human, hair is preferred. Principally, hair, wool, hair, and other keratinous fibers are suitable substrates to be treated with the hair color restorative products described herein. As used herein, the term "personalized", when used to modify terms such as "hair color" or "hair coloring composition" and the like, refers to being made or manufactured in accordance with a request or personal request. Included in this definition are the hair coloring compositions mixed and formulated by a professional colorist for one or more particular clients in a hairdressing salon, and the hair color imparted to the hair by these compositions. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps described above. Each of these methods and their respective steps, as well as additional or preferred elements and other aspects of the present invention, are described in detail hereinafter. A. Simulation of a Custom Hair Color Resulting One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for simulating a custom color of resulting hair imparted to the hair by a personalized hair coloring composition. Usually, these custom coloring compositions of Hair are formulated from a mixture of at least two different colored hue components selected from a defined collection of different color hue components available for mixing. These different color tint components include, for example, individually packaged professional hair coloring compositions, each of which provides a different color tone. Frequently, these different color shade components are provided by a manufacturer in defined collections, all components of which are designed to be suitable for mixing with each other, to achieve hair coloring compositions of additional or different color shades within a palette of color shades for hair. A method to simulate a custom color of resulting hair, which allows a professional colorist to formulate and experiment with virtually a variety of color formulations, is useful to promote the professional colorist's understanding of the mixing possibilities and formulations of the different components of color. hue of a certain defined group. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the simulation of a resulting custom hair color comprises several steps. First, a user, for example, a professional colorist or a client in a hairdressing salon, introduces the initial hair color of a hair into a computer system. The initial hair color can be selected from a predetermined group of possible initial hair colors, which are presented to the user to make a selection. This predetermined group of possible initial hair colors may be presented to the user as a plurality of visual images of hair of different colors, or may be presented to the user as a written list of different possible hair colors. In one embodiment of the present invention, the user is presented with a plurality of visual images of hair of different colors comprising representative visual images of light blonde hair, dark blond hair, and medium brown hair. Visual images of hair of additional colors, such as dark brown, black, mahogany, and red, can also be used in various combinations. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method also comprises the step of introducing into the computer system a hair type of the hair to be dyed. As with the initial hair color, the hair type can be selected from a predetermined group of possible hair types, which are presented to the user to make a selection. This predetermined group of possible hair types may be presented to the user as a plurality of visual hair images of different types, or may be presented to the user as a written list of different possible hair types. In one embodiment of the present invention, the user is presented with a plurality of visual hair images of different types comprising representative visual images of straight hair, wavy hair, and curly hair. Then, the user enters into the computer system the quantities of a first color hue component to be added to the mixture, a second color hue component to be added to the mixture and, optionally, one or more color hue components. additional to be added to the mix. The amounts of each of these different color shade components may be expressed in terms of mass or volume and in any suitable unit of measure, for example, grams. The amount of each color shade component that is input by the user may be limited to an amount within a certain range, for example, 0 grams to 6 grams. Alternatively, the quantity entered may not be limited to any range. Any suitable computer system can be used in all methods of the present invention, including personal desktop computers, laptops, or mobile devices that have the programmed software applications properly installed in them. As an alternative, custom designed devices incorporating an adequate computer system can be used. Properly programmed software applications can be distributed to users, for example, through compact disks or other electronic storage media, or they can be available to download from a web page through the Internet. The introduction of the information corresponding to the initial color of the hair, the type of hair, and the amounts of the first, second, and any additional components of color shade, can be carried out by any suitable means that is compatible with the computer system. . For example, information can be entered through the use of a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch screen. Each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components is selected from the defined collection. The defined c collection comprises a plurality of different color tint components which, when added to the mix, affect the color tone of the resulting custom hair color. The defined collection may also comprise at least one color shade component, which when added to the mix, affects the color depth of the resulting custom hair color. In one embodiment of the present invention, the defined collection comprises at least one color hue component to provide a color tone representative of a point in a color circle corresponding to a color selected from the group consisting of ash, rose, gold , orange, red, violet, and blue. In another embodiment of the present invention, the defined collection comprises: (a) a color hue component to provide an ash-colored hue; (b) a color hue component to provide a pink hue; (c) a color hue component to provide a golden color tone; (d) a color hue component to provide an orange shade; (e) a color hue component to provide a red hue; (f) a color hue component to provide a violet hue; (g) a color hue component to provide a blue color tone; and (h) a color hue component to adjust the depth of any of the color shades of (a) to (g) or a color tone of any mixture thereof. The method of the present invention then comprises the step of predicting, with the computer system, a custom hair color resulting probable based on the initial color of the hair introduced and the quantities introduced from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to the mix. The computer system can be appropriately programmed by a person with ordinary skill in the industry to predict the likely resulting hair custom color based on the information entered. Another description of such methods for predicting a resultant hair color can be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. num. 6,980,888 and 6,707,929. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the following steps comprise generating with the computer system a visual image representative of the likely resulting hair custom color, and then displaying the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely to simulate the color Custom hair resulting. Like the step of predicting the color described above, the computer system can be properly programmed by a person with ordinary skill in the industry to generate a visual image of the personalized hair color. The visual image can be displayed in a computer monitor or on a video screen or in any suitable visual medium. In one embodiment of the present invention, the display step currently described comprises displaying a visual image of a circle of colors and the representative visual image of the resulting color of the resulting hair is likely indicated as a point in the color circle. In another embodiment of the present invention, the viewing step comprises displaying a visual image of hair having a color that is the likely resulting custom hair color. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a virtually inverse method can also be used. Instead of simulating a resulting custom hair color based on the quantities inputted from the different color hue components to be added to the mix, the respective amounts of the different color hue components needed to provide a particular resulting hair custom color can be generated based on the input of a value for a desired custom color of desired hair. This method for providing a recipe for a mixture corresponding to a desired custom color of desired hair comprises the steps of introducing into a computer system a desired custom color of the desired hair, and predicting with the computer system the respective amounts of the components of the desired hair. tint of color needed. B. Selection of a desired custom color of desired hair Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for selecting a desired custom hair color imparted to the hair by a customized hair coloring composition formulated, as with the method described above, from a mixture of at least two different colored hue components selected from a defined collection of different color tint components available for mixing. This method can be carried out, for example, by a professional colorist, by a client in a hairdressing salon, or by the professional colorist and the client together. The first step of this method comprises carrying out a method for simulating in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, to simulate a first possible custom color of resultant hair. The first possible custom hair color possible, as simulated under the method of the first aspect of the present invention, has a corresponding visual image representative of the likely resulting hair custom color and the corresponding amounts entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to the mix. The next step of this method comprises saving the representative visual image of the resulting hair custom color likely to correspond to the first possible custom hair color possible and the quantities introduced from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to add to the mixture that corresponds to the first possible custom hair color possible. This information can be stored electronically in the computer system of the present invention. As an alternative, hard copies of this information may be produced and retained to carry out the save case. In accordance with this method of the present invention, the next steps comprise effectively repeating the first two steps of simulating and saving for at least one second a possible custom hair color resulting, which is then compared to the first custom hair color resulting possible. More particularly, the method of the present invention comprises carrying out a method according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, to simulate a Second custom color of resulting hair possible. In a manner similar to the first possible custom hair color possible, the second possible custom hair color has a corresponding visual image representative of the likely resulting hair custom color and the corresponding input quantities of each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to the mix. Then, this step is followed by saving the representative visual image of the resulting hair custom color likely to correspond to the second possible custom hair color and the quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to add to the mix that corresponds to the second custom hair color possible resulting. Since one purpose of this method is to allow the comparison of multiple possible custom hair colors resulting, the first two steps may be repeated only for a second custom hair color resulting possible, or may be repeated for one or more possible custom hair colors resulting additional, as desired by the user. Accordingly, the method of the present invention comprises the step of optionally carrying out a method in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, for simulating one or more possible additional custom hair colors, wherein each of the possible additional resulting custom hair colors has a corresponding visual image representative of the likely resulting hair custom color and the corresponding quantities introduced from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to the mixture. The method then, also, comprises the step of optionally saving the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely to corresponds to each of the possible additional custom hair colors resulting and the quantities entered of each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to add to the mixture corresponding to each of the possible hair colors additional resulting custom Once the number of possible custom hair colors resulting is simulated as desired, and the respective corresponding information is saved, then the method of the present invention comprises the step of displaying for visual comparison each visual image representative of the custom color of Resulting hair likely corresponding, respectively, to the first, second, and optionally additional, custom hair colors resulting possible. As in the step of displaying the method of the first aspect of the invention, each of the visual images generated and saved under the currently described method can be displayed on a computer monitor or video screen or in any other suitable visual medium. . In one embodiment, this step comprises displaying each representative visual image of the resulting possible custom hair colors as a visual image of hair having a color that is the possible particular personalized color resulting. To allow comparison between the different possible personalized hair colors resulting, the visual images can be displayed simultaneously, for example, all on a computer screen at the same time. Alternatively, the visual images can be displayed in sequence, for example, in a slide show format. In addition, a visual image representative of the initial hair color of the hair can be shown, so that it can also be compared with all other possible personalized hair colors resulting. After showing the possible custom hair colors resulting, the method of the present invention comprises the step of indicating a preference for one of the visual images shown representative of the resulting custom hair colors likely to correspond, respectively, to the first, second, and optionally additional, custom hair colors possible results to select the desired custom hair color desired. The preference can be indicated, for example, by entering such information into the computer system, which can then be saved or archived. As an alternative, the preference can be indicated simply by physically signing on the displayed visual images and / or verbally communicating this information. C. Formulation of a customized hair coloring composition A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for formulating a personalized hair coloring composition. This personalized hair coloring composition imparts a desired custom hair color to the hair and comprises a blend of at least two different color shade components selected from a defined collection of different color shade components available for mixing. The methods of this aspect of the present invention can be carried out by a professional colorist in a hairdressing salon. These methods allow a simple, accurate, and reliable mixing and formulation of personalized hair coloring compositions, while also allowing a professional colorist to use their professional experience and artistic creativity in formulating the composition. Other modalities of these methods can be practiced to allow a greater interaction between the professional colorist and the client, so that the client can feel more like part of the personalized coloring process. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises a first step of carrying out a method in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. present invention, as described above, for simulating a desired custom hair color desired. By simulating the desired custom hair color first, a professional colorist can ensure that they have the correct mixing ratios of the different color hue components to be added to the mix. In addition, both the professional colorist and a customer in a hairdressing salon can verify that the desired personalized hair color effectively desired is what should be imparted by a personalized hair coloring composition manufactured according to the mixture corresponding to the simulation. In the first step of this embodiment, the desired custom hair color desired has, as simulated under the method of the first aspect of the present invention, the corresponding input quantities of each of the first, second, and optionally additional, hue components. of color to be added to the mix. In a second embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises a first step of carrying out a method in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, for selecting a desired custom hair color desired. This embodiment of the present invention is advantageous when a professional colorist and / or a client in a hairdressing salon is unsure of what personalized hair color is desired. By simulating several possible custom hair colors resulting for comparison before formulating any hair coloring compositions, it improves the likelihood of selecting the resulting hair color that is most desired by the customer. In turn, the coloring composition for the hair is finally formulated. In the first step of this second embodiment, the desired custom color of desired hair has corresponding amounts entered and saved from each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to be added to the mixture.

In accordance with all embodiments, the method of this aspect of the present invention then comprises the steps of providing a mixing vessel for containing the mixture, and dispensing in the mixing vessel an amount of each of the first, second, and optionally Additional, color hue components selected from the defined collection. Any mixing vessel capable of containing the different color hue components and allowing the components to be mixed is suitable for use herein. The quantities dispensed from each of these components correspond to the quantities entered (and, in the second modality of this method, saved) of each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components corresponding to the custom color of desired hair desired. As discussed above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention, each of the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components is selected from the defined collection. The defined collection comprises a plurality of different color hue components which, when added to the mixture, affect the resulting personalized hair color tone. The defined collection may also comprise at least one color hue component which, when added to the blend, affects the color depth of the resulting custom hair color. In one embodiment of the present invention, the defined collection comprises at least one color hue component to provide a color tone representative of a point in a color circle corresponding to a color selected from the group consisting of ash, rose, gold , orange, red, violet, and blue. In another embodiment of the present invention, the defined collection comprises: (a) a color hue component to provide an ash-colored hue; (b) a component of color shade to provide a pink hue; (c) a color hue component to provide a golden color tone; (d) a color hue component to provide an orange shade; (e) a color hue component to provide a red hue; (f) a color hue component to provide a violet hue; (g) a color hue component to provide a blue color tone; and (h) a color hue component to adjust the depth of any of the color shades of (a) to (g) or a color tone of any mixture thereof. In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the color shade components of the defined collection is in a form selected from the group consisting of a cream, a powder, and granules. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, each of the color shade components of the defined collection is in the form of granules, and the dispensing step is carried out with the use of a plurality of dosing devices. Each device in this plurality of dosing devices corresponds to one of the different color shade components. In addition, each of the dosing devices comprises (i) a storage container containing the granules, (i) a dispensing head connected to the storage container and having a dispensing aperture, and (iii) a driving means inside. of the dispensing head to control the dispensing of the granules from the storage container and through the dispensing opening. In accordance with all embodiments, the method of this aspect of the present invention finally comprises the step of mixing the quantities dispensed from the first, second, and optionally additional, color hue components to formulate the customized hair coloring composition. The physical mixing of the components can be carried out by any suitable means or with any suitable technique known by a person with ordinary skill in the industry. In general, the mixture of the different color tint components is subsequently mixed with a peroxide developing solution and a colorless cream base to form a hair coloring composition capable of coloring the hair. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the shipping step or the mixing step is carried out by a professional colorist within the visual observation of a client for hair coloring. For example, at least one of the shipping step or the mixing step is carried out by the professional colorist in a service cart for hair coloring in an area of the hairdresser physically next to a chair in which he sits a client for hair coloring. Advantageously, when the dispensing and / or mixing is carried out in the presence of the customer, color tone components are used in the form of granules. Related to these embodiments of the present invention discussed above, there is an improved method for providing a professional hair coloring treatment to a client in a hairdressing salon. This method may comprise the steps of formulating a personalized hair coloring composition in accordance with the methods of the present invention, wherein the formulation is carried out in the presence of the client, and applying the personalized hair coloring composition to the client's hair. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the opinion of the professional colorist and / or the client regarding the resulting custom hair color imparted to the hair by the personalized hair coloring composition can be recorded and filed together with the information on the hue components. of particular colors and their amounts added to the mixture used. This allows the professional colorist or client to consult this information at a later date, for example, when the client returns to the hairdresser for a hair coloring treatment. subsequent. In the event that a client can go to a new hairdresser different to the one that was for the previous hair coloring treatment, the recorded and filed information can be communicated from the previous hairdresser to the new hairdresser. Adequate means to communicate this information include, but are not limited to, telephone, facsimile, email, and the Internet. These steps lead to a particular client finally being able to obtain a custom hair color resulting, which is the most desired or the most ideal for that particular client. All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the invention, in their pertinent part, are incorporated herein by reference; The citation of any document should not be construed as an admission that it is prior industry with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document contradicts any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern. Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the industry that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all those changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. The dimensions and values described herein are not to be construed as strictly limited to the exact numerical values detailed. On the contrary, if it is specified in any other way, each dimension is intended to refer to a detailed value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, it is intended that a dimension described as "40 mm" refers to "approximately 40 mm".

Claims (23)

1. CLAIMS 1 . A method for simulating a custom color of resulting hair imparted to the hair by a custom hair coloring composition formulated from a blend of at least two different color shade components selected from a defined collection of different color hue components available for mixing; The method comprises the steps of: (a) introducing into a computer system an initial hair color of the hair; (b) introducing into a computer system an amount of a first color hue component to be added to the mixture, characterized in that the first color hue component is selected from the defined collection; (c) entering in the computer system a quantity of a second color hue component to be added to the mixture, wherein the second color hue component is selected from the defined collection; (d) optionally, entering in the computer system a quantity of one or more additional color shade components to be added to the mixture, wherein each of the additional color shade components is selected from the defined collection; (e) predicting, with the computer system, a custom hair color resulting likely based on the initial hair color introduced from the hair and the quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components for added to the mixture; (f) generating with the computer system a visual image representative of the probable custom hair color resulting; Y (g) displaying the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely to simulate the resulting custom hair color.
2. 2. A method according to claim 1, further characterized in that step (a) comprises selecting the initial hair color of a predetermined group of possible initial hair colors.
3. 3. A method according to claim 2, further characterized in that the predetermined group of possible initial hair colors comprises a plurality of visual images of hair of different colors.
4. 4. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that the plurality of visual images of hair of different colors comprises representative visual images of light blonde hair, dark blonde hair, and medium brown hair, respectively.
5. 5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the step of introducing into the computer system a hair type of the hair.
6. 6. A method according to claim 5, further characterized in that the step of introducing a hair type of hair comprises selecting the hair type from a predetermined group of possible hair types.
7. A method according to claim 6, further characterized in that the predetermined group of possible hair types comprises a plurality of visual images of hair of different types.
8. A method according to claim 7, further characterized in that the plurality of visual images of hair of different types comprises representative visual images of straight hair, wavy hair, and frizzy hair, respectively.
9. 9. A method according to claim 1, further characterized in that step (g) comprises displaying a visual image of a circle of colors and the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color is likely to be a designated point in the color circle.
10. A method according to claim 1, further characterized in that step (g) comprises displaying a visual image of hair having a color that is the likely resulting custom hair color.
11. 11. A method for selecting a desired color of desired resultant hair imparted to the hair by a custom hair coloring composition formulated from a blend of at least two different color shade components selected from a defined collection of different color hue components available to mix; the method comprises the steps of: (a) carrying out a method according to claim 1 to simulate a first possible custom hair color possible, characterized in that the first possible custom hair color has a corresponding visual image representative of the color Customizing the resulting probable hair and the corresponding amounts entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components to be added to the mixture; (b) saving the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely to correspond to the first possible custom hair color possible and the quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components to be added to the mixture that corresponds to the first possible custom hair color possible; (c) carrying out a method according to claim 1 to simulate a second possible custom hair color resulting, wherein the second customized color of possible resultant hair has a corresponding visual image representative of the likely resulting hair custom color and the corresponding quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components to be added to the mixture; (d) saving the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely corresponding to the second possible custom hair color and the entered quantities of each of the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components to be added to the mixture corresponding to the second possible custom hair color possible; (e) optionally, carrying out a method according to claim 1 for simulating one or more possible additional custom hair colors, wherein each of the resulting additional custom hair colors has a corresponding visual image representative of the color Customizing the resulting probable hair and the corresponding amounts entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components to be added to the mixture; (f) optionally, saving the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely corresponding to each of the possible additional custom hair colors resulting and the quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional nuance components color to be added to the mix corresponding to each of the possible additional custom hair colors resulting; (g) show for visual comparison each of the representative visual image of the resulting color of the resulting hair likely corresponding, respectively, to the first, second, and optionally additional hair colors possible resulting custom; and (h) indicating a preference for one of the visual images shown representative of the resulting custom hair colors likely to correspond, respectively, to the first, second, and optionally additional custom hair colors resulting possible to select the resulting custom hair color wanted.
12. 12. A method according to claim 11, further characterized in that the step (g) of displaying for visual comparison comprises simultaneously displaying each of the representative visual image of the resulting custom hair color likely to correspond, respectively, to the first, second, and optionally additional possible custom hair colors possible.
13. 13. A method according to claim 1, further characterized in that the step (g) of displaying for visual comparison comprises further displaying a visual image representative of the initial hair color of the hair.
14. 14. A method for formulating a personalized hair coloring composition that imparts to the hair a desired custom hair color and which comprises a blend of at least two different color shade components selected from a defined collection of different shade components. color available to mix; the method comprises the steps of: (a) carrying out a method according to claim 1 to simulate the desired custom color of the desired hair, characterized in that the desired custom color of the desired hair has corresponding input amounts from each of the first , second, and optionally additional color hue components to be added to the mixture; (b) providing a mixing container for containing the mixture; (c) dispensing within the mixing vessel an amount of each of the first, second, and optionally additional color shade components selected from the collection defined in accordance with the quantities entered from each of the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components that correspond to the desired color of desired resulting hair; and (d) mixing the quantities dispensed from the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components to formulate the customized hair coloring composition.
15. 15. A method for formulating a personalized hair coloring composition that imparts to the hair a desired custom hair color and which comprises a blend of at least two different color shade components selected from a defined collection of different shade components. Available color for mixing, the method comprises the steps of: (a) carrying out a method according to claim 11 for selecting the desired custom hair color desired, characterized in that the desired custom color of the desired hair has corresponding amounts entered and saved from each of the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components to be added to the mixture; (b) providing a mixing container for containing the mixture; (c) dispensing within the mixing vessel an amount of each of the first, second, and optionally additional color shade components selected from the collection defined in accordance with the quantities entered and stored of each of the first, second, and optionally additional color tint components corresponding to the desired custom hair color desired; Y (d) mixing the quantities dispensed from the first, second, and optionally additional color hue components to formulate the personalized hair coloring composition.
16. 16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, further characterized in that each of the defined collection of different color hue components is in the form of granules, and further characterized in that the step (c) of dispatch is carried out with the use of a plurality of dosing devices, each of the plurality of dosing devices correspond to one of the different color shade components, further characterized in that each of the dosing devices comprises (i) a container of storage containing the granules, (ii) a dispensing head connected to the storage container and having a dispensing aperture, and (iii) a driving means inside the dispensing head to control the dispensing of the granules from the storage container and through the opening dispenser.
17. A method according to one of claims 14 or 15, further characterized in that at least one of the step (c) of dispatch and the step (d) of mixing is carried out by the professional colorist within the visual observation of a client for hair coloring.
18. 18. A method according to claim 17, further characterized in that at least one of the step (c) of dispensing and the step (d) of mixing is carried out by the professional colorist in a service cart for coloring the hair in an area of the hairdresser physically next to a chair in which sits the client for hair coloring.
19. 19. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the defined collection comprises a plurality of different color tint components which, when added to the mix, affect the color tone of the desired color of the resulting desired hair.
20. 20. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the defined collection comprises at least one color hue component to provide a color tone representative of a point in a color circle corresponding to a selected color of the color. group comprising ash, rose, gold, orange, red, violet, and blue.
21. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the defined collection comprises at least one color hue component which, when added to the mixture, affects the color depth of the desired custom hair color desired .
22. 22. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the defined collection comprises: (a) a color hue component to provide an ash-colored hue; (b) a color shade component to provide a pink hue; (c) color hue component to provide a golden color tone; color hue component to provide an orange shade; color hue component to provide a red color tone; (f) a color hue component to provide a violet hue; (g) a color hue component to provide a blue color tone; and (h) a color hue component to adjust the depth of any of the color shades of (a) to (g) or a color tone of any mixture thereof.
23. 23. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that each of the defined collection of different color hue components is in a form selected from the group comprising a cream, a powder, and granules, preferably, granules. .