Apparatus and Method for Use in the Treatment of Hair

Abstract

A hair clip comprises first and second elongate members moveable between open and closed configurations. One of the first and second elongate members mounts a plurality of notches, and the other of the elongate members mounts a plate, the plate and the plurality of notches being disposed laterally of one another, and in the closed position the plurality of notches are adjacent and substantially overlap the plate. In use hair is located between the first and second elongate member and the plate which serves to press the hair into the notches.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in the treatment of hair, and in particular to an apparatus and methods facilitating the weaving and colouring of hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When colouring or highlighting hair it is necessary separate out hairs into strands. This is because when colouring hair it is normal practice to colour only some of the hairs, and by separating the hairs out into strands selected strands of hairs can be coloured to achieve a particular desired effect.

It is known to use flexible film materials to isolate strands of hair selected for colouring from other hair and the scalp. Typically, strands of hair to be coloured are first selected using a hairdressing technique known as “weaving”. The selected strands are then laid over a length of liquid impermeable material which effectively isolates the selected hair from the remaining hair. The barrier material is generally between 5 and 8 cm wide and of a length greater than or equal to the length of hair being treated. One edge of the material is located adjacent the roots of the selected strands of hair against the scalp. The edge of the material adjacent the roots is provided with a contact adhesive. The hair roots are pressed against this adhesive to secure the film in place so that the colouring or other treatment substance can be applied to the hair without damage to surrounding hairs or the scalp.

A number of problems are known to exist with the typical method of colouring hair. For example, to use the apparatus, the practitioner must use the weaving technique. This technique is not easy, and is very time consuming. The adhesive of the film material often sticks to elements other than the desired roots. Where the hair is very thick, not all the roots stick to the adhesive, leading to poor colouring.

A number of devices have been proposed to address the above-mentioned problems. For example, in WO 03/011069 there is described a method and apparatus for use in treating strands of hair. In the apparatus described, rather than applying a contact adhesive to one edge of the film, a securing means comprising a plurality of elements for hooking about and gripping one or more strands of hair is provided. One of the problems with the securing means of this apparatus is that adjacent gripped strands of hair are closely aligned and therefore difficult to separate. Another problem associated with the securing means of this apparatus is that the shape of the elements means the apparatus would be expensive to manufacture. Another problem associated with the securing means of this apparatus is that individual hooking elements physically interfere with other hooking elements when the securing device is opened and closed. The cyclical loading and unloading of the hook elements will lead to stress failures.

Another apparatus for use in the treatment of hair is described in WO02/071891. In this published patent application an apparatus comprises a sheet material for separating selected strands of hair from other hair and the scalp. The apparatus requires the hair to be weaved manually by the hairdresser. The apparatus includes a member having teeth which are inserted between selected strands of hair. The member is resilient and the teeth grip the selected strands of hair to attach the apparatus to the hair. This device relies on a material's resilience to fix the apparatus to the hair, and furthermore requires a hairdresser to weave the hair.

It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for use in the treatment of hair which does not suffer the disadvantages of the above-described apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a hair clip as specified in claim 1.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a hair clip as specified in claim 17.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus as specified in claim 20.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treating hair as specified in claim 23.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treating hair as specified in claim 24.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts as specified in claim 26.

It is preferred that films used in the invention are formed of a water resistant or water impermeable material, which may be a plastics material. The material may be resistant to chemicals.

The apparatus of the invention is particularly advantageous as it conveniently weaves hair mechanically, that is as the first and second elongate members are pressed together strands of hair are forced into the notches. Another advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the separated strands lying in the notches located in the 1^st elongate member are spaced apart from the separated strands of hair lying in the notches located in the 2^nd elongate member. This feature allows the hair dresser to manipulate the groups of strands of hair easily, and is particularly useful where more than one colour is to be applied. An advantage provided by one embodiment of the invention lies in the ability to removably attach a film to a clip. This allows different films to be used with the same clip, thereby providing for flexibility in hair styling, and allows films to be easily washed and re-used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and which are by way of example:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the apparatus invention in use;

FIG. 2a is a schematic representation of a clip according to a first embodiment of the invention in an open position;

FIG. 2b is a schematic representation of the clip illustrated in FIG. 2a in a fully closed position;

FIG. 2c is a front view of the clip illustrated in FIG. 2b;

FIG. 3a is a schematic front/plan view of a clip according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3b is a schematic exploded view of the clip illustrated in FIG. 3a;

FIG. 3c is a plan view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b;

FIG. 3d is a front view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3c in a first configuration;

FIG. 3e is a front view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3d in a second configuration;

FIG. 3f is a schematic representation of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3e in a closed position;

FIG. 3g is a schematic representation of the clip illustrated in FIG. 3f from the rear;

FIG. 3h is a plan view of the clip illustrated in FIG. 3g;

FIG. 3i is a front view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3f to 3h in a first configuration;

FIG. 3j is a front view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3f to 3h in a second configuration;

FIG. 4a is a schematic exploded view of a clip according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4b is a schematic exploded view from the rear of the clip illustrated in FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4c is a plan view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b;

FIG. 4d is a front view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4c in a first configuration;

FIG. 4e is a front view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4d in a second configuration;

FIG. 4g is a schematic representation of components of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4e with the clip closed;

FIG. 4h is a front view of the components of the clip illustrated in FIG. 4g;

FIG. 4i is a schematic representation of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 4g and 4h with the clip open.

FIG. 4j is a schematic representation of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4e in a closed position;

FIG. 4k is a schematic representation of the clip illustrated in FIG. 4j from the rear;

FIG. 4l is a bottom plan view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 4j and 4k;

FIG. 4m is a front view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 4j to 4l in a first configuration;

FIG. 4n is a front view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 4j to 4l in a second configuration;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3e with a plastics film attached thereto;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3c with a plastics film removably attachable to the clip;

FIG. 7a is a schematic front/plan view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3e with a plastics film removably attachable to the clip;

FIG. 7b is a schematic rear/plan view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3a with a plastics film removably attachable to the clip;

FIG. 8 illustrates a kit of parts comprising a clip and a plurality of interchangeable notch cover elements; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, apparatus 1 comprises a clip 2 and a thin sheet material 3 depending therefrom. The clip 2 divides hair grasped therein into groups 4 of strands 5. By separating the hair into groups 4 of strands 5 allows each group 4 to be coloured a different colour to a neighbouring group 4 of strands 5. Each strand 5 consists of a number of individual hairs. The strands are sufficiently thin that all the hairs in the strand 5 are effectively coloured by the colourant used.

One function of the thin sheet material 3, which may be a plastics material, is to protect hair that is not to be coloured from colourant. Another function of the thin sheet material 3 is to isolate one group 4 of strands 5 from another group 4 of strands 5, thereby facilitating the different colouring of neighbouring groups 4. This is explained in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The thin sheet material is water resistant or water impervious, and preferably resistant to chemical degradation.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a to 2c, the clip 10 comprises two elongate members 11, 12 joined together at one end by a hinge 13. The elongate members 11, 12 are provided with locking means in the form of a catch 14 located on the element 12, which engages with the free end of the element 11 to lock the clip 10.

The elongate member 11 is substantially T shaped in cross-section, and includes a base 27 and an upright element 28 perpendicular to the base 27.

The elongate member 12 includes a base 25 and two spaced apart elements 23 and 26 extending perpendicular to the said base. Located in the element 26 arc first and second groups of notches 15 and 16 respectively. The element 23 provides a flat continuous edge 29. The elements 23 and 26 are spaced apart such that the upright element 28 of the elongate member 11 is aligned with the space between the two elements 23 and 26. When the clip 10 is closed, the upright element 28 sits between the two elements 23 and 26.

Located in the upright element 28 is a first group of notches 17, and a second group of notches 18. The first group of notches 17 is separated from the second group of notches 18 by a continuous element 20 of the upright element 28.

In the closed position, the flat edge 29 substantially engages with a facing surface 40 of the elongate member 11. Since the clip is made from a pliable material, such as a plastics material, the shape of the elongate members 11, 12 may change to accommodate hair gripped between the flat edge 29 and the surface 40. The provision of two opposing flat surfaces gives very good hair gripping performance.

It can be seen from FIG. 2b, that the clip is curved. The radius of curvature matches closely the radius of curvature of a typical human's head. Using a curved clip allows hair at opposite ends of the clip to be coloured as closely to the hair roots as those in the centre of the clip.

Referring again to FIG. 2a, the elongate member 11 includes a bore 41 extending the full length of the said member. An opening 42, extending the length of the elongate member and from the outer surface of the elongate member 11 into the bore 41 allows for a film to be removably attached to the clip 10. The film is wrapped around a pin and the pin is slid into the bore. This is explained in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 3a to 3e, the clip illustrated is the clip of FIGS. 2a to 2c. A first slider 30 is mounted on the elongate member 12, and a second slider 33 is mounted on the elongate member 11. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3e, the clip provides for hair held in the clip to be separated into four groups of strands. As can be seen from FIG. 3e, each group of notches 15 to 18 faces a flat continuous edge 36 to 39, with each group of notches on one elongate member being separated from another group of notches on the same elongate member by one of the flat continuous edges.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3d, the slider 30 has been moved to the right with respect to its position in FIG. 3e, and the slider 33 has been moved to the left with respect to its position in FIG. 3e. Moving the slider 30 reveals three notches which in the configuration of FIG. 3e are covered by the notch covers 31 and 32 respectively, whilst at the same time covering three notches to leave a total of six notches revealed. Similarly, moving the slider 33 reveals three notches which in the configuration of FIG. 3e are covered by the notch covers 34 and 35 respectively, whilst at the same time covering three notches to leave a total of six notches revealed. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3d, each group of three notches faces a flat continuous edge 45 to 52. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3d hair held in the clip is separated into eight groups of strands, whereas in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3e, hair held in the clip is separated into four groups of strands.

Referring now to FIGS. 4a to 4c, the clip 60 provides for hair held therein to be separated into either seven or fourteen groups of strands, depending on the configuration of the clip. The clip 60 comprises two elongate members 61, 62 joined together at one end by a hinge 63. The elongate members 61, 62 are provided with locking means in the form of a catch 64 located on the clement 62, which engages with the free end of the element 61 to lock the clip 60.

The elongate member 61 is substantially T shaped in cross-section, and includes a base 79 and an upright clement 80 perpendicular to the base 79.

The elongate member 62 includes a base 81 and two spaced apart elements 82 and 83 extending perpendicular to the said base. Located in the clement 82 are seven groups of notches 66 to 71a. The element 83 provides a flat continuous edge 84. The elements 82 and 83 are spaced apart such that the upright clement 80 of the elongate member 61 is aligned with the space between the two elements 82 and 83. When the clip 60 is closed, the upright element 80 sits between the two elements 82 and 83.

Located in the upright element 80 are seven groups of notches 72 to 78. Each group 72 to 78 contains three notches, with adjacent groups 72 to 78 being separated by an element providing a flat surface facing one of the notches 66 to 71a.

In the closed position, the flat edge 85 extends downward to at least partially cover the notches formed in the upright 80 of the elongate member 62. Since the clip is made from a pliable material, such as a plastics material, the shape of the elongate members 61, 62 may change to accommodate hair gripped between the flat edge 85 and the flat surface 90 of slider 87. The provision of two opposing flat surfaces gives very good hair gripping performance.

It can be seen from FIGS. 4a to 4c, that the clip is curved. The radius of curvature matches closely the radius of curvature of a typical human's head. Using a curved clip allows hair at opposite ends of the clip to be coloured as closely to the hair roots as those in the centre of the clip.

Referring again to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the elongate member 61 includes a bore 91 extending the full length of the said member. An opening 92, extending the length of the elongate member and from the outer surface of the elongate member 61 into the bore 91 allows for a film to be removably attached to the clip 60. The film is wrapped around a pin and the pin is slid into the bore. This is explained in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The clip 60 includes two sliders 86, 87. The first slider 86 is mounted on the elongate member 62, and a second slider 87 is mounted on the elongate member 61. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4e, the clip provides for hair held in the clip to be separated into seven groups of strands. As can be seen from FIG. 4c, each group of notches 66 to 71a faces a flat continuous edge 100 to 106, and similarly each group of notches 72 to 72 faces a flat continuous edge 107 to 113. Each group of notches on one elongate member is separated from another group of notches on the same elongate member by one of the flat continuous edges.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4d, the slider 86 has been moved to the right with respect to its position in FIG. 4e, and the slider 87 has been moved to the left with respect to its position in FIG. 4d. Moving the slider 86 reveals seven notches which in the configuration of FIG. 4e are covered by the notch covers 88, whilst at the same time covering seven notches to leave a total of fourteen notches revealed. Similarly, moving the slider 87 reveals seven notches which in the configuration of FIG. 4e are covered by the notch covers 89, whilst at the same time covering seven notches to leave a total of fourteen notches revealed. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4d, each notch faces a flat continuous edge of one of the notch covers 88, 89 respectively. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4d hair held in the clip is separated into fourteen groups of strands, whereas in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4e, hair held in the clip is separated into seven groups of strands.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a clip 30 as illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3e to which a plastics film 100 is attached. The plastics film 100 is foldable along fold lines X and Y thereby folding the film into four quarters. The use of such a foldable film provides for three different colours to be applied to the hair, each fold generating a layer of plastics material to separate a group of strands of hair from another group of strands of hair. Four colours could be used if a separate layer of plastics material were applied to a group of strands the underside of which rested on the most outward surface of the foldable film. In order to facilitate the easy application of colouring substances to the separated groups of strands of hair, the film is cut along the line Y between the locations Y¹ and Y¹¹. The manner of attachment of plastics film to a clip will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7a. Another folding arrangement for a film that would provide for the same colouring effects would involve a film foldable along three parallel and spaced apart fold lines.

In FIG. 6, a plastics film 110 attached to the clip 30 is foldable along fold lines X′, X″ and Y to fold the film into sixths. The use of such a foldable film provides for five different colours to be applied to the hair, each fold generating a layer of plastics material to separate a group of strands of hair from another group of strands of hair. Six colours could be used if a separate layer of plastics material were applied to a group of strands the underside of which rested on the most outward surface of the foldable film. In order to facilitate the easy application of colouring substances to the separated groups of strands of hair, the film is cut along the line Y between the locations Y¹ and Y¹¹. The film 110 is attached to the underside of the elongate member 11 of the clip 30. The elongate member 11 includes a bore 53 extending the full length of the said member. An opening 54, extending the length of the elongate member and from the outer surface of the elongate member 11 into the bore 53 allows for a film 110 to be removably attached to the clip 30. The film includes a loop which is inserted into the bore 53 and a pin 55 is passed through the loop to secure the pin 55 into the bore 53.

An alternative means of attaching the film to the clip may comprise corresponding elements of hook and claw material. Alternatively, an element may be attached to the film that is removably insertable into the clip.

In FIGS. 7a and 7b, a thin plastics film 120 is substantially the same width as the clip 30, and provides for one colour to be applied to the hair. The film 120 may be turned up on itself or a separate film layer placed over a group of strands of hair to be coloured. The film 120 is attached to the clip in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 6.

In a further embodiment of the invention (not illustrated), a film may also be attached to the top of the clip. This could be substantially the same width as the clip, and may be used in conjunction with a film of the type illustrated in FIG. 5 to allow four colours to be used or in conjunction with a film of the type illustrated in FIG. 6 to allow six colours to be used.

In another embodiment of the invention, rather than providing a clip of the type illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, where groups of teeth are separated by planar elements aligned with the groups of teeth, the clip could be provided with teeth extending from close to one end of the clip to close to the other end of the clip. Different numbers of groups of strands of hair could then be determined by different configurations of a group forming members. This is illustrated in FIG. 8 which shows side views of a clip having co-operating continuous series of notched elements 211 and 212 and six alternative group forming members 213, 214, 215, 216, 217 and 218. The first group forming members 213 are provided with a series of notches 219, adjacent notches being separated by a continuous element so dimensioned as to blank off one of the notches 211, 212 of the clip. With a member 213 attached to each of the notched elements 211 and 212, the clip provides two rows of eighteen groups of strands of hair. Similarly, the group forming members 214 comprises nine groups of two notches, each group being separated by the width of two notches of the notched elements 211 and 212. The clip therefore provides two rows of nine groups of strands of hair. The group forming members 215 comprises six groups of three notches, each group being separated by the width of three notches of the notched elements 211 and 212. The clip therefore provides two rows of six groups of strands of hair. The group forming members 216 comprises five groups of four notches, each group being separated by the width of four notches of the notched elements 211 and 212. The clip therefore provides two rows of five groups of strands of hair. The group forming members 217 comprises three groups of six notches, each group being separated by the width of six notches of the notched elements 211 and 212. The clip therefore provides two tows of three groups of strands of hair. The group forming members 218 comprise two groups of nine notches, each group being separated by the width of nine notches of the notched elements 211 and 212. The clip therefore provides two rows of two groups of strands of hair.

The clip comprising notched elements 211 and 212 may be supplied as a kit of parts with some or all of the group forming members 213 to 218 as shown in FIG. 8. In use, the hair stylist selects the desired member 213 to 218, and attaches it to the clip.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a clip 300 comprising two elongate members 301, 302 joined together at one end by a hinge 302a. The free ends of each member 301, 302 are provided with co-operating members 301a and 301b of fastening means. Each of the members 301, 302 is provided with a plurality of teeth 303, 304. The clip 300 described is similar to the clip described with reference to FIGS. 4a to 4d. A slider 305 is mounted on each elongate member 301, 302, the slider comprising a plurality of spaced apart notch covers 306 each notch cover including elements 307 projecting upwardly from the edges of notch covers 306. The projecting elements 307 ensure that when the clip is closed there is a space bounded by the inner surfaces of the projecting elements 307, the surface of the notch cover 306 extending between the projecting elements 307 and a surface of the elongate element 302 in which the strands of hair are retained. The embodiment of FIG. 9 is also provided with fastening means for fastening the sliders in their respective positions. Each elongate element 301, 302 is provided with a pair of spaced apart bores 308 which in use cooperate with a protrusion (not shown) on the inside of the notch cover 305. Each bore 308 defines a desired position of the slider 305 in relation to the elongate member on which it is mounted. A further fastener comprises a raised bar 310, which an endmost notch cover slides over to rest in one desired position of the slider. The edge of the notch cover engages with the raised bar 310 to fasten the slider 305 in a desired position. In each case a hair stylist may move the slider out of a fastened configuration by applying pressure with finger or thumb to the slider.

The thin film used to separate hair from the scalp and/or other hair may be coloured and/or reflective. Furthermore, the thin film may be provided with attachment means, whereby one surface of film may be attached to another surface of film. For example, such attachment means may comprise an element or strip of adhesive, which may be of the type that is attachable and removable. Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise corresponding elements of hook and claw material.

Claims

1. A hair clip comprising first and second elongate members and moveable between open and closed configurations, wherein one of the first and second elongate members mounts a plurality of notches, and wherein the other of the elongate members mounts a plate, wherein the plate and the plurality of notches are disposed laterally of one another, and in the closed position the plurality of notches are adjacent and substantially overlap the plate, in use hair being located between the first and second elongate members and the plate serving to press the hair into the notches.

2. A hair clip according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member mounting the plate also mounts a plurality of notches, said plurality of notches being laterally spaced apart from the plate on the elongate member.

3. A hair clip according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of notches are grouped together, one group being separate from another.

4. A hair clip according to claim 3, wherein each group includes between three and nine notches.

5. A hair clip according to claim 3, wherein adjacent groups are separated one from another by an element lying in the same plane as the notches.

6. A hair clip according to claim 1, wherein the first and second elongate members are hingedly connected together.

7. A hair clip according to claim 1, further comprising locking means to lock the clip in its closed configuration.

8. A hair clip according to claim 3, wherein the clip further comprises an element including at least one notch cover section, the element being mounted on one of the said first and second elongate members providing the said plurality of groups of notches.

9. A hair clip according to claim 8, wherein the element is slidably mounted on one of the said first and second elongate members.

10. A hair clip according to claim 9, wherein the element is slidable between a first position providing a first number of groups of notches and a second position providing a second number of groups of notches and wherein the first number of groups is different from the second number of groups.

11. A hair clip according to claim 10, wherein the second number of groups is twice the first number of groups.

12. A hair clip according to claim 8, wherein the element including at least one notch cover section is mounted on the first elongate member and an additional element including at least one notch cover section is mounted on the second elongate member.

13. A hair clip according to claim 8, wherein the element includes between one and twenty notch cover sections.

14. A hair clip according to claim 8, wherein the notch cover section is so shaped and dimensioned as to cover one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten notches.

15. A hair clip according to claim 10, wherein the first number of groups is between one and ten, and the second number of groups is between two and twenty.

16. A hair clip according to claim 9, further comprising fastening means for fastening the slidably mounted element in a position.

17. A hair clip according to claim 16, wherein the fastening means comprises a protrusion extending from one of: the slidably mounted element or an elongate member, and a cooperating element of a corresponding elongate member or slidably mounted element.

18. A hair clip according to claim 16, wherein the fastening means provide for the slidably mounted element to be fastened in a number of positions on a respective elongate member.

19. A hair clip according to claim 1, wherein hair dividing means are provided on the said plate or the said notch covers.

20. A hair clip according to claim 19, wherein the dividing means comprise upstanding elements which, with the clip closed, co-operate with one of the elongate elements or part mounted thereon to form a space in which separated hair may lie.

21. A hair clip according to claim 1, wherein one of the first and second elongate members includes attachment means for releasably attaching a sheet material to the clip.

22. A hair clip according to claim 21, wherein the attachment means comprises a bore, said bore forming part of and extending in the longitudinal direction of one of the first and second elongate members, the attachment means further comprising a pin slidable into and out of the said bore, and wherein, in use, the sheet material is inserted into the bore, and held in place in the bore by the pin.

23. A hair clip according to claim 22, wherein the bore includes an open slot extending in the longitudinal direction of the bore, in use, the sheet material passing through the slot.

24. A hair clip according to claim 1, wherein one of the first and second elongate members includes attachment means for releasably attaching a sheet material to the clip.

25. Apparatus comprising a hair clip according to claim 21 and a sheet material attached thereto.

26. Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the sheet material is foldable along fold lines.

27. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the sheet material is foldable along the fold lines into two, three, four, five, six, eight, nine or ten sections.

28. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the sheet material is cut along at least a part of the length of one of the fold lines.

29. A method of treating hair comprising the steps of inserting hair between first and second elongate members of a hair clip as claimed in claim 1 and closing the clip.

30. A method of treating hair comprising the steps of inserting hair between first and second elongate members of a hair clip of an apparatus as claimed in claim 25, closing the hair clip, passing the sheet material behind a group of strands of hair to be treated and folding the sheet material to cover the said groups of strands of hair.

31. A method of treating hair as claimed in claim 30, further comprising the step of folding the sheet material and inserting respective groups of strands of hair between respective folds in the sheet material.

32. A kit of parts comprising a hair clip as claimed in claim 1, and a set of elements each element of the set including a different number of notch cover sections, and each element of the set being mountable on one of the said first and second elongate members to provide the plurality of groups of notches.

33. A kit of parts according to claim 32, wherein the number of notch cover sections is between one and twenty.

34. A kit of parts according to claim 32, further comprising a sheet material for attachment to the hair clip.

35. A kit of parts according to claim 34, wherein the sheet material is foldable along fold lines.

36. A kit of parts according to claim 35, wherein the sheet material is foldable along fold lines into two, three, four, five, six, eight or ten sections.

37. A kit of parts according to claim 35, wherein the said sheet material is cut along at least a part of the length of one of the fold lines.

38. (canceled)