Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
HAIRPIECE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/588,760, filed on
July 19, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a hair replacement or hairpiece and
the art of
concealing baldness, especially in men, and in particular, to a hair
replacement or hairpiece and a
method of making same, which will provide, at an affordable cost, a natural
appearing substitute
for hair. More particularly, the hair replacement or hairpiece of the present
invention comprises
a base comprised of a combination of coated front lace and back material,
wherein hair is
comprised of a blend of human hair from various origins and is attached to the
base in a specific
direction and color pattern that simulates a natural appearance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The art of making hairpieces or toupees has been practiced for many years.
However,
these hairpieces often lack a natural appearance, are prohibitively expensive
and can not be
easily applied correctly, but during this time there has been little
advancement in the art. Present
hair replacements or hairpieces are typically too full as a result of an
effort to hide the base
material. Further such hairpieces often have the wrong growth pattern,
ignoring the natural
growth pattern of human hair; experience problems with the knotting direction;
andlor offer a
semi-natural hairline that is still detectable. Furthermore, the base
materials are reinforced and
therefore too thick. Moreover, the stitching needed to reinforce the front
lace and the back
materials are visible when the hair is parted. Some hairpieces have attempted
to provide a natural
look, but have been relatively expensive and can not be applied without the
aide of a highly
experienced professional.
DC:307330v2
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
Examples of such hairpieces include, tor example, U.S. Patent 2,907,334 to
Mole
discloses a hairpiece and a method of making same.
U.S. Patent 3,905,378 (the "'378 patent") to Levin et al. discloses a method
for making a
man's hairpiece comprising a non-woven network foundation and weighing
approximately 6
grams. The monofilament nylon strands of the '378. patent are molecularly
bonded to form a
rectangular network which is then shaped and cut to. form a foundation. Hair
fibers of the '378
patent are secured to the bond points in a manner simulating natural growth.
U.S. Patent 5,368,052 (the "'052 patent") to Finamore discloses a hairpiece
comprising a
molded, flexible, plastic foundation member covered by a sheet of net material
having spaced-
apart cross-elements. The foundation member of the '052 patent has a large
central opening
therein traversed by said net material. A group of hairs is provided in the
'052 patent having
double knots tied around cross-elements of the net material traversing said
central opening so as
to be freely movable back and forth. Other groups of hairs according to the
'052 patent are
secured to the foundation member for providing a natural looking part, and for
covering edges of
the hairpiece foundation.
U.S. Patent 6,561,197 (the "'197 patent") to. Harrison discloses a hair
integration
apparatus and method of attachment. The hair integration apparatus in the '197
patent is
comprised of a cap-like base that has numerous spaced, hair pull-through
openings located on its
side and rear faces. The hair integration of the '197 patent is attached to a
wearer's scalp when a
continuous band of material contained around the perimeter of the cap is
adhered to the wearer's
head. The top face of the cap of the '197 patent does not contain any hair
pull-through openings
and is instead made of a breathable material to allow for the release of heat
from the wearer's
body.
Accordingly, current hair replacements or hairpieces available to the public
do not have a
natural appearance, are prohibitively expensive and can not be easily applied
correctly. The
present invention provides a hair replacement or hairpiece that solves these
problems and a
method of making a hair replacement or hairpiece that is simplified, less
costly, easy to apply,
and of superior quality.
DC:307330v2 - 2 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a hair
replacement or
hairpiece that can be mass produced and easily adapted to a wearer, that is of
improved quality
and that simulates natural hair and a natural hairline.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement or
hairpiece that
is a substitute for hair loss and is used to cover such hair loss, whether
total or partial.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement or
hairpiece
made by a method that is relatively simple compared to prior art methods
thereby materially
reducing the cost of manufacture.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement or
hairpiece that
can be easily applied by technicians in the industry.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement or
hairpiece that
can be temporarily, semi-permanently or permanently attached such that the
hair replacement or
hairpiece stays attached for a few hours, a few weeks, i.e., 3-5 weeks, a few
months or more,
depending on the method of attachment.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement
or hairpiece
that may be combed, brushed, styled and washed while attached.
It is a fiuther object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement
or hairpiece
that has a base, preferably made entirely of a lace material, preferably a
nylon lace material,
wherein the back of the hair replacement or hairpiece is made of a stronger
material or a
reinforced material and the front is made of a thinner, less detectable, more
durable, coated
material to provide a more natural hairline. Preferably, the coated material
is coated lace.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement
or hairpiece
wherein the top and upper crown areas do not have any stitches to create a
more natural
appearance and the back area is reinforced. Preferably, the back area is
reinforced with
polyurethane.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement
or hairpiece
wherein a pattern of fine lines of polyurethane are applied to the back of the
base for
DC:307330v2 - 3 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
reintorcement and to facilitate resizing by preventing fraying when the hair
replacement or
hairpiece is trimmed to fit.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a hair
replacement or
hairpiece wherein the back section of the base is comprises of at least two
(2), preferably three
(3), sections to permit greater flexibility and better fit along the back of
the wearer's head.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a hair
replacement or
hairpiece with a specific hair density which is achieved using a crisscross
knotting technique
involving single hair, flat and split knots on the entire crown and top area,
and flat, double and
single hair knots on the back and sides to create a more natural appearance.
More preferably, the
hair replacement or hairpiece comprises single hair alternating flat and split
knots on the top and
side areas, single hair split knots in the front and crown areas and single
hair flat knots in the
back area, wherein the hair is fixed to the base in a crisscross pattern in
the front, top and crown
areas.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a hair
replacement or
hairpiece comprising at least two (2) color regions comprising a lighter shade
in the front area
and a darker shade in the back area. More preferably, the hairpiece fu.rther
comprises a medium
shade in the top and crown areas.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a hair
replacement or
hairpiece that utilizes natural hair to eliminate the need for excessive
bleaching that may damage
the hair and cause it to break and fall out.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a hair
replacement or
hairpiece that uses natural hair and enhances it with fabric dye to change the
tonal value, e.g.,
ash, gold, etc., but not the depth of the value, e.g., medium brown, light
brown, etc.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a hair
replacement or
hairpiece that utilizes a color and texture blend, preferably a blend of
natural, virgin, human hair,
more preferably natural hair that has been de-cuticleized, even more
preferably hair of European
and Indian origin, to simulate a natural front hairline and an overall more
natural look.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the
following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DC:307330v2 - 4 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the side view of a preferred
embodiment of the
present invention showing a base structure;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the side view of a preferred
embodiment of the
present invention showing a color blending;
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the side view of a preferred
embodiment of the
present invention showing different kinds of knots and knotting direction; and
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a perspective top view of a preferred
embodiment
of the present invention showing different kinds of knots and knotting
direction along the
hairline.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Fig. 1, the base foundation unit comprises a front 12, top 16 and
back 18
composed of a nylon mesh or lace material. The mesh/lace material used depends
on the density
desired, e.g., a small hole lace or mesh is used for full density, a medium
size hole lace or mesh
is used for medium density and a large hole lace or mesh is used for light
density. Preferably,
the front 12, about 2.5 to 3 cm from the hairline 10 is coated lace,
preferably about 10 to 20
denier, more preferably about 15 denier, lace coated with a clear, flexible
plastic material such as
acrylic. In a preferred embodiment, the lace is stained or dyed using
commercial fabric dye to a
specific skin tone, more preferably the lace is stained or dyed prior to
coating in order to protect
the coloring of the lace. The lace may be dyed to match a variety of skin
tones, including light,
light/medium, medium, medium/dark and dark. Such a dyed, coated lace material
is
commercially available, for example, from Man-Sta in California.
To make the base foundation, heat is applied to the base and starting from the
back area,
using the malleability provided by the heat, the base material is worked into
the desired shape.
The use of heat results in a base material that is a smooth, wrinkle-free
layer of nylon and/or
lace. In order to avoid a sharp line, the edges of the hairline 10 are
preferably scalloped.
DC:307330v2 - 5 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
The front 12 is blocked using a moderate stretch at the highest point ot tne
curve ot tne
forehead; preferably about 1 cm from the hairline 10 of the basee unit, from
one side to the other
and secured with pins, staples or other means. The whole hairline 10 is
secured about 3 cm from
the base unit's hairline. The coated mesh/lace is then slightly pulled upward
to overlap 14 the
nylon mesh or lace material of the top 16 by about 2 cm and secured with pins
or other suitable
means. In order to avoid a sharp line, the edges of the overlapping coated
lace material in the
front 12 and the nylon or lace material of the top 16 are preferably
scalloped. Beginning on one
side and continuously switching sides to ensure even blocking, excess material
at the top of the
block is pleated, resulting in pleats, preferably as small as possible. Care
is taken to ensure that
the pleats end about 1.5 cm from the front hairline 10. Depending on the
desired shape of the
base unit, there may be about 2 pleats, but preferably no more than about 4
pleats.
After the front 12 is blocked and smoothed, the overlap 14 is stitched using
an invisible
thread to create a first stitch line. The first stitch line follows the
scalloped edge of the nylon or
lace material from one side of the base unit across the top to the other side.
A second stitch line
is made about 1 cm behind the first stitch line to connect the front 12 coated
meshllace with the
top 18 mesh or lace material. Excess mesh/lace material is trimmed-off at
about the second
stitch line, preferably directly at the second stitch line.
Once the mesh or lace is blocked, reinforcement 19 is added to the back 18 of
the base by
applying a reinforcing material, preferably polyurethane, more preferably
polyurethane liquid, in
a linear or slightly curved pattern. Of course, any suitable reinforcing
material may be used as
would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. According to a preferred
embodiment, the
lines are no wider than about 2 mm, preferably about 1 to about 1.5 mm wide.
According to
another preferred embodiment, the.polyurethane lines are. applied in vertical
lines or in an "M"
pattern and in horizontal lines, wherein the horizontal lines are preferably
about 1 cm apart.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the polyurethane in applied in at
least about 5,
preferably about 7, more preferably about 9 vertical lines and at least about
3, preferably about 5
and more preferably about 7 horizontal lines. Preferably, the top 16, as well
as the front 12
mesh/lace will have no polyurethane reinforcement. The polyurethane adds
support and permits
customization of the hairpiece without fraying when the hairpiece is trimmed
to fit the wearer.
DC:307330v2 - 6 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
Once the reinforcing material has cured and dried, at least one thin layer ot
clear matenal,
preferably a clear, flexible plastic, more preferably an acrylic spray is
applied to the entire base
unit. In a preferred embodiment, at least three (3) layers are applied,
allowing each layer to dry
to the touch, about 10 min., before applying the next layer. The base unit is
now ready for
knotting.
According to another preferred embodiment, the back 18 is prepared in two
parts,
preferably three parts, e.g., lower sides on each side and a back middle part,
wherein the nylon
mesh or lace is laid flat to the block, in a straight downward direction, the
midsection is laid
straight across, overlapping at the polyurethane reinforcement lines,
preferably at the 4th and 6th
vertical polyurethane lines. The front 12 mesh/lace is then added to the last
about 5 to about 10
cm of the hairline 10. Preferably, the mesh/lace should overlap 14 the top 16
by about 0.5 to 0.8
cm, preferably about 0.6 cm to about 0.7 cm. The lace is then blocked in a
stretch pull manner to
create a hooking effect, i.e., stretching the lace around the forehead to
shape it to the forehead
and make it fit snugly, at the front 12 for a proper fit. Two (2) to three (3)
small pleats are then
placed where the mesh/lace is connected at overlap 14 to create depth. The
lace is secured with
two (2) lines of stitching at either end of the overlap 14 and excess lace at
the top is cut at the
stitching line facing the top of the base. The polyurethane lines are now
applied, preferably with
three (3) layers of polyurethane using masking tape to create fine lines.
After the polyurethane is
dry, a thin layer coating of liquid polyurethane is sprayed on, preferably two
(2), more preferably
three (3) layers.
As seen in Fig._ 3, according to a preferred embodiment, several kinds of
knots are used to
create a natural appearance. For example, the knotted back 38 of the hair
replacement or
hairpiece is preferably comprised of single flat knots. According to another
embodiment, the
knotted back 38 is comprised of a blend of flat, single and double hair knots
in the middle area of
the knotted back 38 and single hair, tight, flat knots in the side areas of
the knotted back 38. The
knotted top 34 and the knotted sides 32 are preferably a blend of alternating
single hair flat knots
and single hair split knots. The knotted crown 36 and the knotted front 30 are
preferably single
hair split knots. Alternatively, the knotted crown 36, knotted top 34 and
knotted front 30 are
preferably a blend of single hair flat knots and single hair split knots.
Knotting methods,
including flat and split knotting techniques are well known to one of ordinary
skill in the art.
DC:307330v2 -7-
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
The amount of split and flat knots will vary from area to area. As seen in
Fig. 3, the ~
arrow indicates areas with flat knots and the 9--> arrow indicates areas with
split ' knots.
Preferably, the flat knots are tight and close to the base unit, so that they
are as invisible as
possible, especially when darker hair colors are used. The split knots should
also be tight, but by
their very nature, appear softer and need not be as tight as the flat knots.
Split knots also have the
added advantage of creating styling flexibility and lift as well as movement
to the hair
replacement or hairpiece.
Density should be adjusted depending on the desired appearance. According to a
preferred embodiment, mesh or lace material with different size holes is used
so that when hair is
knotted in every hole, a thicker hairpiece results if the mesh or lace has
small holes and a thinner
hairpiece results if the mesh or lace has larger holes. Alternatively, an
average or smaller size
mesh or lace can be used and holes can be left open to create a thinner
hairpiece, i.e., the more
holes left open in the mesh or lace of the base unit, the lesser the density
of the hair replacement
or hairpiece will be. For applications seeking to match finer natural hair,
the density of the hair
replacement or hairpiece should be adjusted accordingly, meaning that either a
mesh or lace with
larger holes is used and every hole has a hair or, a mesh or lace with smaller
holes is used and
some holes are left open in the base unit. In any case, the density of the
hair replacement or
hairpiece can be easily adjusted to achieve the desired results with either.
of these techniques.
However, if ventilation is desired, the method of using a smaller lace and
skipping holes is
preferred. It should be notes that for applications where lighter colored hair
is desired, the
density will appear thinner anyway, because lighter hair is typically finer.
Further, the number of split knots used will affect the density, because split
knots create
volume and movement. Fig. 3 depicts a knotting pattern which may be used to
create a medium,
full density hair replacement or hairpiece for an application which is trying
to match an existing,
natural head of hair which is not too thin and not too thick.
With respect to knotting direction, the knotted back 38 is preferably kept
flat and tight to
the base unit by using flat knots in order to get a good blend with the
natural hair. According to
the present invention, it is important to match volume as well as color and
density in order to
achieve a natural appearance. A straight downward hair direction with a
natural density is
preferred for the knotted back 38, whereas on the knotted top 34, and
especially in the knotted
DC:307330v2 - 8 '
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
crown 36, more volume and flexibility in style is preferred. Such results are
achieved using a
combination of single hair, flat and split knots in varying amounts in
different areas such as at
the knotted top 34 and knotted crown 36 of the hair replacement or hairpiece.
According to a
preferred embodiment, the knotted crown 36 comprises only split knots. Special
care must be
taken in the front knotted 30 and knotted sides 32, which is the most visible
area of the hair
replacement or hairpiece. For example, in one preferred embodiment, blonde
hair is used in the
knotted front 30 and knotted sides 32 and hairline 10 and the knots are
bleached even blonder
while still creating a natural density pattern around this area.
As seen in Fig. 3, excepted for the knotted back 38 and the hairline 10, the
entire
hairpiece will be knotted in the reverse direction, i.e., in the forward
direction, from ear to
forehead. In order to permit the hair to fall in any direction, a crisscross
knotting technique is
used. In this technique, one row of holes is the lace or mesh is knotted to
the rights, and the next
row is knotted to the left. Such a crisscross pattern allows the hair of the
hair replacement or
hairpiece to be styled in any way, including, but not limited to, Caesar
Style, pompadour style
and the like and to be parted anywhere. In a preferred embodiment, the most
natural results are
obtained when care is taken to ensure that there is no interruption in
direction between the
crisscross areas and the flat knots on the knotted back 38 of the hair piece.
In order to obtain a
natural result, the area where the knotted top 34 meets the knotted back 38
has a knotted overlap
39, wherein every other knot in the uppermost area of the knotted back 38, are
preferably single
hair split knots, fixed to the hair piece in a reverse, i.e., forward
direction (back to front). In
other words, in the knotted overlap 39, the uppermost area of knotted back 38,
preferably
comprises single hair flat knots fixed in a downward direction and single hair
split knots fixed in
a forward directed.
Turning now in more detail to Fig. 3, the knotted back 38 is preferably
knotted with tight,
flat knots using single or double hairs, preferably single hairs one at a
time. In a preferred
embodiment, the hair in the knotted back 38 is knotted in the downward
direction. For medium
density, a hair will be knotted every 2nd to 3rd hole, unless a medium density
lace is used and then
every hole will have a hair. The knotted front 30 is preferably about 3-4 rows
of the mesh or
lace, about 5 cm to 6 cm wide. The knotted sides 32 are preferably about 3-4
rows of mesh or
lace, about 2 cm wide. Knotted front 30 and knotted sides 32 are also the
areas where the top 16
connects with the front 12. In a preferred embodiment, a break in density is
avoided at the
DC:307330v2 - 9 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
overlap 14 by ensuring that most of the knots are knotted only in the top
layer of the iront 12 and
only a few knots should go through both materials for added support of the
stitching. In this
area, most of the knots are alternating split and flat knots, preferably two
(2) split knots to every
one (1) flat knot on larger holed mesh or lace. Even and tight knots are
preferable to further
prevent a break in the movement.
The knotted top 34 is preferably knotted with alternating single hair flat
knots and single
hair split knots in a crisscross pattern. To balance the amount of split knots
with the desired
density, every 2"d and 3rd hole should be preferably knotted with two single
hair flat knots and
then one single hair split knot if a mesh or lace is used that has an
appropriate hole size. In the
knotted top 34, a blend of 50% split knot and 50% flat knot is preferred with
tight knots.
The knotted crown 36 is knotted with single hair split knots in a crisscross
pattern.
According to another embodiment, every 2 d hole in the knotted crown 36 may
alternatively be
knotted with a single hair flat knot and a single hair split knot, in order to
create movement and
lift, preferably 80% single hair split knots and 20% single hair, tight flat
knots knotted in a
crisscross pattern, in a reverse direction.
In the front 12, the hairline 10 has a knotted front 30 and knotted sides 32.
In this area,
any lines, especially straight lines, should preferably be avoided. According
to a preferred
embodiment, about 90% of the knots should be single hair split knots and 10%
should be single
hair flat knots. According to another preferred embodiment, about 80% should
be single hair
split knots and 20% should be single hair flat knots. According to a further
preferred
embodiment, about 70% of the area is covered by single hair, split knots and
about 30% of the
area is covered by single hair, flat tight knots. As this area is the most
visible, the edge of this
area should be very soft and not show a line. As seen in Fig. 3, the knotted
front 30 preferably
comprises single hair split knots, attached to the base in a crisscross
pattern and the knotted sides
32 are preferably alternating single hair split knots and flat knots.
Fig. 4 represents a detail of the hairline 10 wherein the outer edge of the
hairline 10
comprises single hair split knots, knotted in the non-reverse direction, i.e.,
from forehead to ear.
The knotted front 30 is immediately next to the hairline 10 in the front and
comprises single hair
split knots, knotted in a crisscross pattern. The knotted sides 32 are
immediately next to the
DC:307330v2 - 10 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
hairline 10 on the sides, and comprise alternating single hair split knots and
single hair flat knots
in a reverse direction, i.e., from ear to forehead.
Another important aspect of the present invention is the hair quality and
design. For
example, in one embodiment, the hair replacement or hairpiece will have
various blends of
stripped, virgin hair, preferably Indian and European, more preferably Russian
hair. According
to a preferred embodiment, the lighter the desired color of the final hair
replacement or hairpiece,
the more Russian hair is used in order to avoid the need for bleaching as much
as possible. By
using natural, virgin hair of different colors, excessive chemical treatment
can be avoided,
resulting in a hairpiece of better quality.
Most Indian hair is cool black to cool medium brown with varying undertones
from blue
to golden red, which are preferably dyed to achieve cooler colors. According
to a preferred
embodiment, the hair is dyed with fabric dye or with another method that is
well known to one
skilled in the art in order to achieve a Level 1(cool black), a Level 2 (cool
brown-black), and a
Level 3 (cool dark brown) color.
Color Levels 4 (medium brown) and 5 (medium light brown) are archived with a
light
bleach formula to lighten the hair to a level lighter than needed, and than
colored with fabric dye
or the like, to eliminate the orange-red undertones resulting from the
bleaching.
European, preferably Russian, hair comes in a variety of colors, mostly a
Level 6(dark
blonde) to a Level 8(medium/light blonde). This hair is separated by color
level and undertone
in order to archive a Level 6 (dark blonde), a Level 7 (medium blonde) and a
Level 8
(medium/light blonde) color variation using fabric dye formulas involving blue
and violet
pigments or any other method known that is well known to one of ordinary skill
in the art.
The Level 9 and lighter Russian hair is left natural and is only used for the
front hairline
area (about 2-3 cm). If these lighter colors are not available, the next
darker natural hair color
will be used so that a minimum amount of bleaching is necessary, which helps
prevent hair
breakage and hair loss. If desired, for hairstyles with distinguished parts or
crown areas (Cesar
styles), natural blonde hair can also be used in the part or crown area to
avoid over-bleaching the
knots from a darker level to a pale blonde.
The knots can then be bleached after the hair replacement or hairpiece is made
using a
bleach solution comprising about 6 to 9% peroxide.
DC:307330v2 - 11 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
All white hair is preferably a synthetic blend of different whites, including
ivory, silver,
yellow-white, in order to archive a natural gray hair replacement or hairpiece
for wearers with a
higher percentage of gray hair color, i.e., over 50%. The use of synthetic
hair in this instance
prevents the yellowing effect that is common when natural white hair is used.
In order to prepare the hair, it is first stripped by removing its cuticle to
prevent the hair
from tangling. The different origins and thickness of the hair determines the
strength and
developing time of the cuticle removing acid wash. In general, the cuticle on
Russian hair is
easier to remove and needs milder treatment than the cuticle on Indian hair.
All cuticle removing
is preferably done after the hair is sorted, but prior to perming and
coloring. Preferably, an
intensive conditioning follows the cuticle removing, prior to any coloring and
bleaching,
especially for Levels 4 and 5.
Fig. 2 represents the preferred color pattern according to the present
invention. The
lightest color is in the colored front 20 and the darkest color is in the
colored back 24. According
to a preferred embodiment, a colored top 22 has a medium color. According to a
more preferred
embodiment, there may also be multiple color regions, gradually going from
light to dark from
the hairline 10 in the front to the back 18 of the hairpiece.
The colors acliieved using the procedures described herein are basic opaque
colors and do
not sufficiently reflect a natural blend of hair colors. Therefore, a blending
of different colors is
needed in order to more closely simulate natural hair color. Further,
depending on the desired
end result, appropriate amounts of gray/white hair may be added as needed.
Moreover, in order
to achieve a natural color effect, the first overlap 26 and the second overlap
28 between the color
regions are zigzagged to blend the light/medium colors in first overlap 26 and
the medium/dark
colors in the second overlap 28.
To follow are examples of certain color blends for Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Exanavle 1, Level 1, Cool Black:
Colored back 24 has a mix of 80% Level 1 and 20 % Level 2;
Colored top 22 has a mix of 70% Level 1 and 20% Level 2 and 10% Russian Level
6
medium cool;
DC:307330v2 - 12 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
Colored front 20 has a mix of 50% Level 1 and 30% Level 2 and 20% Russian
Level 6
cool; and
Hairline 10 (about 3 cm) is a natural blonde Russian hair with bleached knots.
Example 2, Level 2, Cool Darkest Brown:
Colored back 24 has a mix of 80% Level 2 and 20 % Level 3;
Colored top 22 has a mix of 70% Level 2 and 20% Level 3 and 10% Russian Level
6
cool;
Colored front 20 has a mix of 50% Level 2 and 30% Level 3 and 20% Russian
Level 6
cool; and
Hairline 10 (about 3 cm) is a natural blonde Russian hair with bleached knots.
Example 3, Level 3, Cool Medium Brown:
Colored back 24 has a mix of 80% Level 3 and 20 % Level 4;
Colored top 22 has a mix of 70% Level 3 and 20% Level 4 and 10% Russian Level
6
cool;
Colored front 20 has a mix of 50% Level 3 and 30% Level 4 and 20% Russian
Level 6
cool; and
Hairline 10 (about 3 cm) is a natural blonde Russian hair with bleached knots.
Examnle 4, Level 6/7, Medium Dark Cool Blonde:
Colored back 24 has a mix of 80% Russian Level 6 cool and natural, non-colored
Russian
Level 6;
Colored top 22 has a mix of 70% Russian Level 6 cool and 20% Russian Level 7
cool
and 10% Russian Level 8;
Colored front 20 has a mix of 50% Russian Level 6 cool and 30% Level 7 cool
and 20%
Russian Leve18; and
DC:307330v2 - 13 -
CA 02574684 2007-01-19
WO 2006/020176 PCT/US2005/025364
Hairline 10 (about 3 cm) is either a mix of 5U% Russian Level 6 cool and 30%
Level 7
cool and 20% Russian Level 8 or a natural blonde Russian hair, but in either
case, the knots are
bleached.
According to a preferred embodiment, if the hair is to be permed, the hair is
permed after
the cuticle is removing but prior to the coloring or light bleaching (Level 4
and 5). Preferably,
the perm is a generic body wave, which will give support and movement to the
hair. The penn
size will depend on whether an acid or an alkaline penn is used. In general,
acid perms require
smaller penn sizes than an alkaline penn.
Once the hairpiece is finished, it may be attached to the wearer using bonds,
glues,
adhesives, braiding, tape, clips (such as spring clips or another suitable
alternative) or any other
method commonly known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
It can be appreciated that variations to this invention would be readily
apparent to those
skilled in the art, and this invention is intended to include those
alternatives.
While this invention is clearly designed to address the unique needs of men
suffering
from pattern baldness, that does not preclude men with other types of hair
loss, women or
children from wearing the hair replacement/hairpiece of the present invention
and taking
advantage of the unique features of same.
Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of
the
appended claims and any equivalents thereto.
DC:307330v2 - 14 -
