Abstract: An ornament for ornamenting a stringing material such as hair, and method of ornamenting such stringing material is disclosed. An ornament in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises a retention element for affixing the ornament to stringing material, and at least one loop element associated with the retention element. Each loop element has a circumference and an interior portion through which stringing material may pass. The circumference of each loop element has a generally fixed total length. In one or more embodiments, there are two loop elements arranged in sequence generally along a first axis. The at least two of the loop elements are movably connected to one another about at least a second axis extending generally perpendicular to the first axis. In one or more embodiments the loop elements are defined by a filament material such as ribbon or wire or comprise rings or tubular elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ornamenting ornament stringing material such as hair is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tool having first and second legs. The legs are connected at a proximal end of the tool. A stop is associated with each leg at a distal end of the tool. In accordance with a method, an ornament is passed over the proximal end of the tool and along the legs towards the stops. Ornament stringing material is extended between the first and second legs between their connection at the proximal end of the tool and the ornament. The ornament is then moved upwardly along the legs of the tool and onto the ornament stringing material. The ornament stringing material is then removed from between the legs of the tool, leaving the ornament positioned on the ornament stringing material.

Abstract: A bead lock and method of retaining beads on bead stringing material such as hair are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the bead lock comprises a body that is adapted to fit within the passages through at least two adjacent beads. In accordance with a method of the present invention, bead stringing material is extended through the passages through the beads. The bead lock is then positioned in the passages though the two beads closest to the free end of the bead stringing material. The bead lock engages these beads and the bead stringing material, locking the beads in place on the bead stringing material.

Abstract: A hair bead stop and method of beading hair are disclosed. The bead stop comprises a first element with a passage therethrough and a second element movably mounted to the first element. In accordance with the method, the bead stop is threaded along a tool having a threader defining an aperture. At least one bead is also placed on the tool. Hair is passed through the aperture of the tool and then the bead and bead stop are moved along the tool over the aperture through which the hair extends, placing the bead and bead stop on the hair. Upon removal of the hair from the tool, the second element of the bead stop is moved with respect to the first to bind the hair between a first surface defined by the first element of the bead stop in the passage and an opposing surface of the second element. The bead(s) are maintained on the hair by the bead stop which is placed closer to the free end of the hair.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed a tool and method of use thereof in beading hair. The tool comprises a shaft having a needle tip at one end, a center section having bifurcated equal parts which form a convex section of the shaft having an aperture therethrough, and a second end having a tab serving as a bead stop and a hanger for the tool. In the method of the invention, beads are threaded over the needle tip and along the shaft to the tab. Hair is passed through the aperture in the shaft, and then one or more beads are slid upwardly along the shaft over the hair. A free end of the hair is then pulled backwardly through the aperture, leaving the bead(s) mounted on the hair.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed a method for beading hair using a tool comprising a shaft having a needle tip at one end, a center section having bifurcated equal parts which form a convex section of the shaft having an aperture therethrough, and a second end having a tab serving as a bead stop and a hanger for the tool. In the method of the invention, beads are threaded over the needle tip and along the shaft to the tab. Hair is passed through the aperture in the shaft, and then one or more beads are slid upwardly along the shaft over the hair. A free end of the hair is then pulled backwardly through the aperture, leaving the bead(s) mounted on the hair.