Abstract: A novel form of a transportable consumer protective device is provided. In one aspect, the device provides a contact surface securely retained on a portion of supportive device, such as a pillow. Alternative embodiments include adaptations with a reduced friction form to minimize user hair damage or adaptations with absorptive materials that speed user hair drying after washing. A further aspect of the present invention provides temporary protective covers to head rests during travel for user safety.

Abstract: A hair styling apparatus and method of use is provided. The apparatus comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, the shaft having an opening disposed along the length of the shaft and between the first end and the second end, and an elastic ring, the ring being threaded through the shaft and moveable along the shaft opening.

Abstract: A novel form of a braider is provided which, in its preferred embodiment, consists of a body portion with two opposing cavities. The cavities are designed so as to enable both easy insertion into and removal from of sections of hair from the cavities. Several novel methods for using the braider are also provided. In one use, the wearer places each of two sections of her hair each within a cavity of the braider. She then repeatedly and alternately transfers sub-sections of hair from one cavity to the other thus creating a herringbone braid.

Abstract: A novel form of a headband is provided which, in its preferred embodiment, consists of a substantially cylindrical band of flexible material with an elongated slit provided along a portion of the circumference. In use, the user first puts it on in the manner of an ordinary headband; she subsequently pulls her hair through the slit. Thus the headband achieves the dual tasks of acting as a headband as well as a ponytail retainer.

Abstract: A novel form of a braider is provided which, in its preferred embodiment, consists of a body portion with two opposing cavities. The cavities are designed so as to enable both easy insertion into and removal from of sections of hair from the cavities. Several novel methods for using the braider are also provided. In one use, the wearer places each of two sections of her hair each within a cavity of the braider. She then repeatedly and alternately transfers sub-sections of hair from one cavity to the other thus creating a herringbone braid. A hooked rod may be used to separate out sub-sections of hair during braiding.

Abstract: A novel form of a knot holder is provided which, in its preferred embodiment, consists of a cylindrical band of material elasticized along both edges. A method for using a knot holder to secure a knot is also provided. In use, the wearer encloses her knot into the knot holder, ensuring that the first elasticized edge sits between the knot and the wearer's head while the second elasticized edge grabs onto the knot holding it securely against the head while allowing the central portion of the knot to show through. A tightening mechanism may be included along one or both edges. Bands of elastic may be included on the inside surface to allow the knot holder to double as a wrist wallet.

Abstract: A novel form of belt is presented where the two ends of the belt can be attached directly to a wearer's clothing instead of the belt closing on itself like a conventional belt. Two fastening means such as commercially available vest-clips are attached to the two extremities of a flexible length of belting material. A buckle or other adjusting means may be provided for varying the length of the wrap belt. In use, the wearer first attaches one end of the belt to a selected position on her article of clothing; she then wraps the belt around her torso one or more times; finally, she fastens the other end of the belt to a second selected position on her clothing. She may adjust the length of the belt before, or during or after wearing the belt.

Abstract: A knot helper utilizing a sleeve open at the top end as well as the bottom end. A partially or fully exposed elastic circle is used at the top end to tighten the knot helper around the top of a wearer's ponytail. In use, the wearer encloses her ponytail into the cylindrical sleeve of the knot helper. She then secures the top end over her ponytail with the aid of an exposed elastic or other grabbing means in order to prevent the knot helper from slipping off her ponytail. Finally, she twists and wraps the knot helper along with the enclosed sleeve forming a knot or other related hair styles. The finished knot may be anchored securely by tucking the bottom end of the sleeve under the knot or by looping a circle of elastic provided at the bottom end of the sleeve around the knot.

Abstract: A novel form of belt where the two ends of the belt can be attached directly to the wearer's clothing instead of the belt forming a closed loop on itself like conventional belts. Two fastening means such as commercially available vest-clips are attached to the two extremities of a belting material. A buckle or other adjusting means may be provided for varying the length of the wrap belt. In use, the wearer first attaches one end of the belt to her article of clothing; she then wraps the belt around her torso one or more times; finally, she fastens other end of the belt to her clothing by means of the fastening means attached to the other end of the belt.

Abstract: A chignon maker utilizing a cylindrical sleeve open at both ends. A captive rubber band surrounds one end to elasticize it. In use, the wearer pulls the cylindrical sleeve over her pony-tail so as to completely enclose the pony-tail with the elasticized end positioned at the base of her pony-tail. The wearer then twists the sleeve along with the enclosed pony-tail in an action similar to the action of wringing a towel. Subsequently, the wearer wraps the twisted sleeve in a spiral fashion around the base of her pony-tail thereby forming a chignon. The chignon is secured in place by tucking the non-elasticized end of the sleeve into the base of the pony-tail.