US20240081454A1

US20240081454A1 - Hair extensions and method of attachment

Info

Publication number: US20240081454A1
Application number: US18/466,757
Authority: US
Inventors: Lisa Claycomb
Original assignee: Frlr42 LLC
Current assignee: Frlr42 LLC
Priority date: 2022-09-13
Filing date: 2023-09-13
Publication date: 2024-03-14
Also published as: WO2024059150A1

Abstract

Hair extensions utilizing an angled hair extension strip are disclosed. The hair extensions comprise a plurality of hair strands; and an angled flexible hair extension strip that holds the plurality of hair strands, the angled flexible hair extension strip having a first side end and an opposing second side end, where the first side end and the second side end are located in different horizontal planes; and wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held, by the angled flexible hair extension strip, and a second end that is unattached, wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer; wherein the second ends of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; and wherein the first ends of the hair strands are located in multiple horizontal planes.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/405,873, titled HAIR EXTENSIONS AND METHOD OF ATTACHMENT, and filed on Sep. 13, 2023, at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth below in its entirety for all applicable purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hair extensions and methods of attaching the hair extensions to a user's hair.

BACKGROUND

Hair extensions add length and fullness to human hair and are usually clipped, glued, or sewn on natural hair by incorporating additional human or synthetic hair. Methods of attaching the hair extensions include tape-in extensions, clip-in or clip-on extensions, micro/nano rings, fusion method, weaving method, and wigs.
Tape-in hair extensions offer a great way to add length and volume to the user's hair while also allowing the user to style the hair in many ways. Each piece of these extensions comes with a small strip of medical-grade adhesive at the base. Traditional tape-hair or strip-type hair extensions utilize only horizontal lines for attachment. These horizontal hair extension applications are used frequently due to their shorter application times and ease. However, the horizontal hair extension method is harsh in appearance, antiquated, and limits the outcome while looking and performing less naturally. Furthermore, the horizontal tape or strip-type hair extension cannot simply be turned to an angle because the vertically attached hair will buckle and not hang naturally.
In view of the above, what is needed is a hair extension that can be secured in an angular/diagonal direction on the scalp of a user preventing the buckling of the hair and allowing the hair to hang naturally.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented below.
In one example, a hair extension is provided. The hair extension includes a plurality of hair strands; and an angled flexible hair extension strip that holds the plurality of hair strands, the angled flexible hair extension strip having a first side end and an opposing second side end, where the first side end and the second side end are located in different horizontal planes; and wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held, by the angled flexible hair extension strip, and a second end that is unattached, wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer; wherein the second ends of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; and wherein the first ends of the hair strands are located in multiple horizontal planes.
According to one aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip comprises a strip glue layer on one side of the angled flexible hair extension strip, wherein the strip glue layer holds the thin layer of hair strands.
According to another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle of 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
According to another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 10-45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
According to yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 10-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
According to yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 20-45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
According to yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
According to yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
According to yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has a flat, elongated configuration.
In another example, a method for attaching hair extensions to natural hair of a user is provided. The method includes parting natural hair of the user to form a part; attaching a first angled hair extension to natural hair of the user below the part, wherein the first angled hair extension comprises: includes a first section of hair and a first adhesive tape, a plurality of hair strands; and an angled flexible hair extension strip that holds the plurality of hair strands, the angled flexible hair extension strip having a first side end and an opposing second side end, where the first side end and the second side end are located in different horizontal planes; and wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held, by the angled hair extension strip and a second end that is free, wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer; wherein the second end of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; and wherein the first end of the hair strands is located in multiple horizontal planes; wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held, by the angled hair extension strip and a second end that is free, wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer; wherein the second end of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; wherein the first end of the hair strands is located in multiple horizontal planes; wherein the first section of hair is affixed together at one end by a first solidified liquid polymer that is soft, paper thin, pliable, wherein a first side of the first adhesive tape is attached to the first polymer on a first side of the first section of hair, and wherein a second side of the first adhesive tape is used to attach the first hair extension to natural hair of the user; lifting the first hair extension after attachment of the first hair extension to natural hair of the user; and attaching a second hair extension to natural hair of the user.

- wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip comprises a strip glue layer on one side of the angled flexible hair extension strip, wherein the strip glue layer holds the thin layer of hair strands.

In one aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle of 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
In another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 10-45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
In yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 10

- 70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

In yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 20

- 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

In yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
In yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
In yet another aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip has a flat, elongated configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, nature, and advantages of the present aspects may become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.

FIG. 1A illustrates typical hair extensions utilizing a horizontal hair extension strip secured to the scalp of a user.

FIG. 1B illustrates typical hair extensions utilizing a horizontal hair extension strip.

FIG. 2 illustrates hair extensions utilizing an angled hair extension strip, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates hair extensions utilizing an angled hair extension strip secured to the scalp of a user, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.
The term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless their usage in context indicates otherwise. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.
The terms “client”, “clientele” and “user” are interchangeable and refer to the individual receiving the hair extensions.

Horizontal Tape Hair Extensions

A hair extension 100 comprises hair strands 102 and a flexible horizontal hair extension strip 104 that holds the hair strands. Each of the hair strands 102 comprises a first end that is held by the horizontal hair extension strip and a second end that is free. The first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer. The thin layer of hair strands is contained in the horizontal hair extension strip 104. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate typical hair extensions secured to the scalp of a user and the hair extensions utilizing a horizontal hair extension strip, respectively.
Traditional tape-hair or strip-type hair extensions utilize only horizontal lines for attachment. These horizontal hair extension applications are used frequently due to their shorter application times and ease. However, the horizontal hair extension method is harsh in appearance, antiquated, and limits the outcome while looking and performing less naturally. hair will buckle and not hang naturally.
The horizontal tape hair extensions come in the form of wefts rather than single strands. The wefts contain equal amounts of hair, laid out uniformly on the weft. If the wefts are not installed horizontally on the hair, the wefts will not have a natural look. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, when placing the horizontal hair extension strip at an angle the hair buckles 106 and does not hang naturally.
In other words, a horizontal tape or strip-type hair extension cannot simply be turned to an angle because the vertically attached hair will buckle and not hang naturally. Additional problems caused by the horizontal tape hair extensions include, but are not limited to:

- 1. The horizontal tape hair extensions stick, or protrude, out when placed on curves of a user's head shape. That is, where the surface of the head transitions from a round area to a flat area.
- 2. The horizontal tape hair extensions are obvious when placed or secured too close to the part line of the user's hair.
- 3. The horizontal tape hair extensions need to be at least one (1) inch away from the hair line.
- 4. The horizontal tape hair extensions limit the ability to use non-chemical color techniques.
- 5. The horizontal tape hair extensions cause the hair color to look stark and less natural.
- 6. The horizontal tape hair extensions cause the hair color to be harsher than the normal hair color.
- 7. The horizontal tape hair extensions limit the natural hair growth of a user's hair.
- 8. The horizontal tape hair extensions work against the natural direction of the user's hair when the hair is placed in ponytails and up styles.
- 9. The horizontal tape hair extensions create harder lines which are visible in the hair.
- 10. The horizontal tape hair extensions restrict movement of the hair extensions.
- 11. The horizontal tape hair extensions work against the natural hair growth pattern of the user.
- 12. The horizontal tape hair extensions are visibly obvious and stick out of natural hair.
- 13. The horizontal tape hair extensions cause additional volume to be added to the natural hair and is bulky.
- 14. The horizontal tape hair extensions are entry-level driven, that is, made to be easily placed on the head by anyone regardless of skill level, causing a less sophisticated look.

Angled Tape Hair Extension

Angles are utilized in architecture, fashion, interior design, art, photography, make-up, and hair design for many reasons. The reasons include but are not limited to (1) Connects vertical to horizontal lines; (2) Creates interest; (3) Initiates movement or flow; (4) Softens hard lines; (5) Builds focus; (6) Increases volume/space; and (8) Enhances or decreases light.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an angled hair tape extension is provided that overcomes the deficiencies of the horizontal tape hair extensions described above. People want hair extensions to add length, volume, or both to their natural hair. As described in more detail below, angled tape hair extension application provides people with a more natural result in all categories. When the hair extension attachment is shifted to an angular/diagonal direction, and the extension hair is vertically attached to the angled strip, a new function and design element is now possible.
Every head shape has round and flat areas. Utilizing angled tape hair extensions where the shape of a person's head transitions from the round to flat areas will result in the hair extensions looking more natural and providing a more natural movement to the hair.
Also, utilizing angled tape hair extensions significantly increases the ability to conceal tape-hair or strip-type hair extensions, especially in the hairline and part line. The angle of the tape makes it viable to create a more natural focal point with color placement and dimension.
Entry-level stylists typically use traditional horizontal attached strip-type hair extensions. By shifting the application to an angle, even established hair artists will see the angle benefits of creating personalized and high fashion hair extension designs for sophisticated clients. The entry-level stylist can quicken their service and clientele progress using angled strip-type hair extensions.
Additionally, more and more people are searching for a “non-chemical” hair color change and hair extensions are an excellent non-chemical color solution. Established professional colorists do not use traditional horizontal strip-type extensions because they look unnatural or are too obvious. With angled strip-type extensions, non-chemical color changes are limitless and become more enticing for all colorists and clients.
Furthermore, many people with long hair want the option to pull their hair into a ponytail or up style. When pulling hair up with horizontal hair extensions, the hair buckles, appears unnatural, and can break easily due to tension. However, when wearing an angled hair extension, the hair naturally moves to the ponytail point of the head seamlessly with little to no stress.
As such, angled strip-type extension attachments will perform and look more natural, hug all head shapes better, create more movement, soften harsh lines, conceal the attachment point, add design elements, increase non-chemical color techniques, improve styling options, and boost hair extension performance.
Benefits provided by use of angled tape hair extensions include but are not limited to:

- 1. The angled tape hair extensions hug the head shape more naturally.
- 2. The angled tape hair extensions are easier to conceal at the part line.
- 3. The angled tape hair extensions can be attached closer to the front of the hair line.
- 4. The angled tape hair extensions provide unlimited non-chemical color techniques.
- 5. The angled tape hair extensions allow for the color to easily blend or add softer dimensions.
- 6. The angled tape hair extensions provide for a more natural color look.
- 7. The angled tape hair extensions work with the natural growth of hair better as compared to horizontal tape hair extensions.
- 8. The angled tape hair extensions work with the natural direction for ponytails and up styles.
- 9. The angled tape hair extensions create softer lines.
- 10. The angled tape hair extensions create and allow for more movement of the hair.
- 11. The angled tape hair extensions work with the natural growth pattern of a user's hair.
- 12. The angled tape hair extensions blend with existing hair more naturally.
- 13. The angled tape hair extensions provide more volume to the existing hair that looks more natural.
- 14. The angled tape hair extensions are more designer driven.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hair extension 200 having an angled flexible hair extension strip 202 that allows for the hair extension to be placed on the scalp of a user at an angle without the hair buckling allowing the hair to hang naturally.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the hair extension 200 comprises a plurality of hair strands 204; and an angled flexible hair extension strip 202 that holds the plurality of hair strands 204 together. The angled flexible hair extension strip 202 has a flat, elongated configuration. The plurality of hair strands 204 may be comprises of natural hair, synthetic hair, or a combination of both natural and synthetic hair. The angled flexible hair extension strip 202 has a first side end 202 a and an opposing second side end 202 b, where the first side end 202 a and the second side end 202 b are located in different horizontal planes; and wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held, by the angled hair extension strip 202 and a second end that is free (i.e., not attached to an object), wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer; wherein the second end of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; and wherein the first end of the hair strands are located in multiple horizontal planes.
According to one aspect, the second ends of the plurality of hair strands are located in the same horizontal plane.
The angled flexible hair extension strip 202 comprises a strip glue layer on one side of the angled flexible hair extension strip so that the strip glue layer holds the thin layer of hair strands. As mentioned previously, the angled flexible hair extension strip 202 has a generally flat, elongated configuration.
The angled flexible hair extension strip 202 can have many different angles relative to a horizontal plane. For example, the angle may be, including but not limited to, 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 10-45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 10-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane, between 20-45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 30-45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 45-70 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, and between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
According to one aspect, a method for attaching hair extensions to natural hair of a user is provided. The method comprises parting natural hair of the user to form a part; attaching a first angled hair extension to natural hair of the user below the part, wherein a first section of hair is affixed together at one end by a first solidified liquid polymer that is soft, paper thin, pliable, wherein a first side of the first adhesive tape is attached to the first polymer on a first side of the first section of hair, and wherein a second side of the first adhesive tape is used to attach the first hair extension to natural hair of the user; lifting the first hair extension after attachment of the first hair extension to natural hair of the user; and attaching a second hair extension to natural hair of the user. This process is repeated until all hair extensions have been attached or secured to the scalp or head of the user.
According to one aspect, the first angled hair extension includes a first section of hair and a first adhesive tape, a plurality of hair strands; and an angled flexible hair extension strip that holds the plurality of hair strands, the angled flexible hair extension strip having a first side end and an opposing second side end, where the first side end and the second side end are located in different horizontal planes; and wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held, by the angled hair extension strip and a second end that is free to hang naturally from the scalp or head of the user, wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer; wherein the second end of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; and wherein the first end of the hair strands is located in multiple horizontal planes.
According to one aspect, the angled flexible hair extension strip forms to the surface of the scalp or head of the user.
As described above, the angled flexible hair extension strip 202 can have many different angles relative to a horizontal plane. For example, the angle may be, including but not limited to, 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 10-45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 10-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane, between 20-45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 30-45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 45-70 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, and between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
The word “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed tab, advantage, or mode of operation.
The word “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another-even if they do not directly physically touch each other.
One or more of the components and functions illustrated in the FIGS. may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component or embodied in several components without departing from the invention. Additional elements or components may also be added without departing from the invention.
Moreover, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is intended to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) as a “means-plus-function” type element, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention is not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A hair extension comprising:

a plurality of hair strands; and

an angled flexible hair extension strip that holds the plurality of hair strands, the angled flexible hair extension strip having a first side end and an opposing second side end, where the first side end and the second side end are located in different horizontal planes; and

wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held, by the angled flexible hair extension strip, and a second end that is unattached, wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer;

wherein the second ends of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; and

wherein the first ends of the hair strands are located in multiple horizontal planes.

2. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip comprises a strip glue layer on one side of the angled flexible hair extension strip, wherein the strip glue layer holds the thin layer of hair strands.

3. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle of 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

4. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 10-45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

5. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 10-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

6. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 20-45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

7. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

8. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

9. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has a flat, elongated configuration.

10. A method for attaching hair extensions to natural hair of a user, the method comprising:

parting natural hair of the user to form a part;

attaching a first angled hair extension to natural hair of the user below the part, wherein the first angled hair extension comprises:

a first section of hair and a first adhesive tape,

a plurality of hair strands; and

wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held, by the angled hair extension strip and a second end that is free, wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer;

wherein the second end of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane;

wherein the first end of the hair strands is located in multiple horizontal planes;

wherein the first section of hair is affixed together at one end by a first solidified liquid polymer that is soft, paper thin, pliable, wherein a first side of the first adhesive tape is attached to the first polymer on a first side of the first section of hair, and wherein a second side of the first adhesive tape is used to attach the first hair extension to natural hair of the user;

lifting the first hair extension after attachment of the first hair extension to natural hair of the user; and

attaching a second hair extension to natural hair of the user.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip comprises a strip glue layer on one side of the angled flexible hair extension strip, wherein the strip glue layer holds the thin layer of hair strands.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle of 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 10-45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 10-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 20-45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has an angle between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has a flat, elongated configuration.