HAIR EXTENSION DEVICES AND METHODS

Abstract

A hair extension device comprises a biocompatible anchor adapted to be secured directly to a user's cranium adjacent natural hair, a connector adapted to be secured directly to the anchor, and at least one elongate strand of hair secured directly to the connector so that the at least one strand of hair flows freely relative to the natural hair. The connector or the at least one elongate strand of hair may be adapted to yield to excessive forces so that the anchor is not dislodge from the cranium should the at least one elongate strand of hair be pulled with sufficient force.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to hair-extension apparatus and techniques that provide the appearance of longer hair.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Hair extensions allow hairstyles to be changed without the commitment needed to style one's natural hair. For example, hair extensions can provide the appearance of longer hair without waiting for the natural hair to grow, which typically grows at rate of 15 millimeters per month. Various methods have been proposed to extend one's hair. One such method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,295,534 to Dorkin, which discloses securing supplemental hairs to a base of natural (i.e., existing) hairs using adhesive. Unfortunately, this hair extension technique has a tendency to pull out the natural hair over time. Additionally, existing hair extension technology involves expensive, complicated, and time-consuming procedures that may need to be repeated to achieve a different look. Accordingly, while existing hair extension technology may allow for longer hair in the short term, the damage and expense pose significant drawbacks to repeatedly using hair extensions or changing the hair style immediately after the hair extension procedure.

Separate from the field of hair extensions, various devices and methods have been proposed to secure a hair prosthesis to the wearer's cranium. One such device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,453 to Widdifield, which discloses an implant which is placed on the cranium and protrudes through the top of the scalp. A hair piece is then connected to the implant via a screw, VELCRO®, or a magnetic disk. However, hair pieces are designed to cover bald spots and obscure any remaining hair lying beneath. Additionally, such hair pieces have hair connected to a substrate that covers most of the scalp and the substrate is secured to the implant. This forces the user into wearing one hair piece and prevents different extensions from being applied to different parts of the head. Further, such hair pieces do not extend the length of existing natural hair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a lateral view of a head having a plurality of hair extension devices attached thereto.

FIG. 2 is a sagittal view of the head of FIG. 1 illustrating a hair extension device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sagittal view of the head of FIG. 1 illustrating a hair extension device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a sagittal view of the head of FIG. 1 illustrating a hair extension device according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a anterior view of the hair extension device of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a posterior view of the head of FIG. 1 illustrating a hair weft according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a posterior view of the head of FIG. 1 illustrating a hair mesh according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an anchor and connector having a safety release according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of an anchor and connector having a safety release according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of an anchor and connector having a safety release according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a connector with a plurality of hair extensions having a safety release according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a connector with a plurality of hair extensions having a safety release according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of a connector with a plurality of hair extensions having a safety release according to yet another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the above-listed drawings, this section describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. The embodiments described herein are set forth by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art will recognize in light of the teachings herein that variations can be made to the embodiments described herein and that other embodiments are possible. No attempt is made to exhaustively catalog all possible embodiments and all possible variations of the described embodiments.

For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain aspects of components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail where such detail would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein and/or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of hair extension devices 10 attached to a head 20 of a user. One or more elongate hair strands 30 can be attached to each of the hair extension devices 10 to, for example, extend the apparent length of the user's hair. Hair strands 30 need not be the same color, type, or length. Indeed, certain hair styles may require different hair strands 30 to be attached at various locations of the user's head. According to one embodiment, hair extension devices 10 and hair strands 30 are installed adjacent the user's natural (i.e., existing) hair 40. This allows the natural hair 40 to obscure the hair extension devices 10. Additionally, because hair strands 30 can pivot about their respective hair extension devices 10, hair strands 30 can flow freely relative to natural hair 40. This helps the hair strands 30 appear natural, even when viewed close up.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a sagittal view of the head 20 of FIG. 1 illustrates a hair extension device 10′ implanted therein (in FIG. 2 reference numerals with the prime symbol, e.g., 10′, indicate elements similar to those of the same name in another embodiment, e.g., the hair extension devices 10 shown in FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the hair extension device 10′ includes an anchor 50 placed into a bone mass, such as the wearer's cranium 22. The anchor 50 may include a self-tapping portion 52 that drills away bone mass and allows a threaded portion 54 of the anchor 50 to advance into the bone mass as the anchor 50 is rotated. The anchor 50 has a length sufficient to allow the threaded portion 54 to engage the bone mass without fully extending through the cranium 22—thereby leaving the cerebrum 24 untouched. In one embodiment, a body portion 56 of the anchor 50 extends through subcutaneous tissue 26 and skin 28 of the head 20 so that a connector 60 can be secured to the anchor 50.

Over time, the anchor 50 may bond with the surrounding tissue—a process known as osseointegration. Accordingly, certain embodiments may omit the self-tapping portion 52 and/or the threaded portion 54 of the anchor 50. For example, the anchor may simply be friction fit into a cavity formed in the cranium 22 and become further secured in place over time (via osseointegration). By way of another example, the anchor 50 may be secured to the cranium 22 with an adhesive bone cement. In one embodiment, the anchor 50 is made from a biocompatible material, such as titanium, ceramic, or polyurethane. However, other materials may be used based on the application.

The connector 60, according to one embodiment, includes a clasp member 62 pivotally connected to an elongate base 64. The elongate base 64 may be secured to the anchor 50 in several ways. For example, the body portion 56 of the anchor 50 may include threads formed on an interior cavity that mesh with threads formed on a stud extending from the elongate base 64 (e.g., a universal mount). In addition, the elongate base 64 may snap into the body portion 56, be welded thereto, or be integrally formed with the body portion 56. The clasp member 62 is moveable between an open position for attaching the one or more hair strands 30 thereto and closed position for retaining the one or more hair strands 30. A fastener may be provided to releasably join the elongate base 64 and the clasp member 62. For example, a catch member 66 may be provided on the elongate base for releasably engaging a free end 68 of the clasp member 62. According to one embodiment, the clasp member 62 yields to excessive forces to ensure that the clasp 62 opens before the anchor 50 becomes dislodged from the cranium 22.

A spring element 69 may be provided at the pivot point between the clasp member 62 and the elongate base 64. The spring element 69 may be biased to help the clasp member 62 close or it may be biased to help the clasp member 62 open upon the application of a predetermined force. The elongate base 64, clasp member 62, and spring element 69 may be molded from metal, such as steel, aluminum, and alloys, or may be formed from other materials, such as plastic. Additionally, these parts may be formed from the same or different material as the anchor 50.

In one embodiment, the one or more hair strands 30 are secured directly to the connector 60. For example, the hair strands 30 may be folded upon themselves to define an overfolded end portion 32 (e.g., a loop of hair). The hair strands 30 may further be secured to themselves using, for example, adhesive, stitching, or a clamp. The clasp member 62 may run through overlapping portions 34 of the overfolded end portion 32 to thereby directly secure the hair strands 30 to the connector 60. Additionally, the one or more hair strands 30 may be secured to the connector 60 in other ways, such as via a friction fit or adhesive. Natural hair, synthetic hair, or a combination of both may be used for the one or more hair strands 30. According to one embodiment, the hair strands 30 have the same or greater length relative to the user's natural hair 40.

FIG. 3 illustrates a hair extension device 10″ according to another embodiment (in FIG. 3 reference numerals with the prime symbols, e.g., 10″, indicate elements similar to those of the same name in another embodiment, e.g., the hair extension devices 10 shown in FIG. 1). The anchor 50′ of the hair extension device 10″ includes a universal mount 70. The universal mount 70 may be secured to the anchor 50′ in several ways. For example, the body portion 56′ of the anchor 50′ may include threads formed on an interior cavity that mesh with threads formed on the universal mount 70. In addition, the universal mount 70 may snap into the body portion 56′, be welded thereto, or be integrally formed with the body portion 56′. According to one embodiment, base 64′ is disk (or cup) shaped and has a recess 65 sized to receive the universal mount 70. This allows the connector 60′ to be snapped onto the anchor 50′ and allows different types of connectors 60′ and hair strands 30′ to be used with the anchor 50′. The universal mount 70 may also take different forms. For example, the universal mount 70 may be a bolt, snap, magnet, or hook-and-loop fastener and may be integrally form with or attached to the anchor 50′ or connector 60′.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a hair extension device 10′″ according to another embodiment (in FIGS. 4A and 4B reference numerals with the prime symbols, e.g., 10′″, indicate elements similar to those of the same name in another embodiment, e.g., the hair extension devices 10 shown in FIG. 1). The anchor 50″ of the hair extension device 10′″ includes an exposed end 80 having an elongate channel 82 formed therein. A pin 84 may be disposed within the channel 82 so that it is substantially perpendicular to the channel 82. The wall portions 86 of the channel 82 and a portion of the pin 84 define a guide channel 88 for receiving a connector 90.

According to one embodiment, the connector 90 includes a hook-shaped portion 92 on one end for securing the connector 90 to the anchor 50″ and one or more hair strands 30″ secured to the other end. By way of example, the hook-shaped portion 92 can be inserted into the guide channel 88 of the anchor 50″ and held in place by the pin 84. The connector 90 may include a safety release feature 94 that yields to excessive forces to ensure that the anchor 50″ does not dislodge from the cranium 22. According to one embodiment, the safety release feature 94 includes arms 96 joined at a pivot point 97. Lugs 98 may jut from the arms 96 toward each other and extend through an opening formed in the connector 90. The lugs 98 may be joined by a weak link, such as a reduced diameter portion. This allows the link to break, the arms 96 to pivot about point 97, and the hair strands 30″ to separate from the connector 90 upon the application of a predetermined tensile force. A tension device 99 may also be provided to bias the arms away or toward each other to aid in the release or retention of the hair strands 30″.

The connector 90, safety release feature 94, and/or tension device 99 may be molded from metal, such as steel, aluminum, and alloys, or may be formed from other materials, such as plastic. Additionally, these parts may be formed from the same or different material as each other or the anchor 50″.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a posterior view of the head 20 of FIG. 1 illustrates a hair weft 100 attached to anchors 110 (in FIG. 5 reference numerals with the prime symbols, e.g., 30′″, indicate elements similar to those of the same name in another embodiment, e.g., the one or more hair strands 30 shown in FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the hair weft 100 includes an elongate base element 102 having opposing fasteners 104 and 106. The fasteners 104 and 106 may be hook-shaped (similar to the connector 90 in FIG. 4A) and engage a pin (similar to pin 84 in FIG. 4A) incorporated with anchors 110. In addition, the fasteners 104 and 106 may take other forms or shapes, such as those previously described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, and 4B or those that will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, and 8C.

A plurality of one or more hair strands 30′″ may be secured to the elongate base element 102 via loops 108. For example, as previously described, the hair strands 30′″ may be folded into a loop of hair through which one of the loops 108 may run. However, the one or more hair strands 30′″ may be secured to the elongate base element 102 in other ways, such as those already described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, and 4B or those that will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, and 8C.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a posterior view of the head 20 of FIG. 1 illustrates a mesh 120 attached to anchors 110′ (in FIG. 6 reference numerals with the prime symbols, e.g., 30″″, indicate elements similar to those of the same name in another embodiment, e.g., the one or more hair strands 30 shown in FIG. 1). The mesh 120 includes a plurality of openings 122 through which the natural hair 40 of the user passes. Additionally, the openings 122 allow the mesh to be secured to the anchors 110′. For example, each corner of the mesh 120 may be stretched so that one of the anchors 110′ passes through one of the openings 122. Of course, the mesh 120 could be secured in other ways, including those already described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, 4B, and 5. By way of example, a bolt (not shown) may be threaded into the anchors 110′, sandwiching the mesh 120 between a head of the bolt and the anchor 110′.

A plurality of one or more hair strands 30″″ may be secured to the mesh 120. For example, as previously described, the hair strands 30″″ may be folded to form a loop of hair through which one of the threads that make up the mesh 120 may run. However, the one or more hair strands 30″″ may be secured to the mesh 120 in other ways, such as those already described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, 4B, and 5 or those that will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, and 8C. The threads that make up mesh 120 may be fabric, plastic, or metal. In addition, other materials may be used, such as a stretchable material.

Various safety release features that yield to excessive forces may be provided to ensure that the anchors do not dislodge from the cranium 22. The safety release features, such as magnets and snaps, may be provided between the one or more hair strands and the connectors, the anchors and the connectors, or both. With reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, various safety release features are shown between anchors 50′″ and connectors 60″ (in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C reference numerals with the prime symbols, e.g., 50′″, indicate elements similar to those of the same name in another embodiment, e.g., the anchor 50 shown in FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 7A, the body portion 56′″ of the anchor 50′″ includes a recess 130 for receiving a pin 140 of the connector 60″. If a sufficient tensile force is applied to the one or more hair strands 30′″″, the pin 140 withdraws from the recess 130 so that the connector 60′ separates from the anchor 50′″. A spring element 150 may be provided and biased to help push the pin 140 into the recess 130 or it may be biased to help remove the pin 140 from the recess 130. The pin 140 and/or spring element 150 may be molded from metal, such as steel, aluminum, and alloys, or may be formed from other materials, such as plastic. Additionally, these parts may be formed from the same or different material as the anchor 50′″.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the body portion 56′″ of the anchor 50′″ includes a catch member 160. The connector 60″ may include cantilevered arms 170 having a ledge that engages the catch member 160. If a sufficient tensile force is applied to the one or more hair strands 30′″″, the cantilevered arms 170 move toward each other so that the connector 60″ separates from the anchor 50′″. The cantilevered arms 170 and/or catch member 160 may be molded from metal, such as steel, aluminum, and alloys, or may be formed from other materials, such as plastic. Additionally, these parts may be formed from the same or different material as the anchor 50′″.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the body portion 56′″ of the anchor 50′″ and the connector 60″ include a plurality of barbs 180 and 190. As the connector 60″ is inserted into the anchor 50′″, barbs 190 engage barbs 180 and hold the connector 60″ in place. If a sufficient tensile force is applied to the one or more hair strands 30′″″, the barbs 180 and 190 disengage allowing the connector 60″ to separate from the anchor 50′″. The barbs 180 and 190 may be molded from metal, such as steel, aluminum, and alloys, or may be formed from other materials, such as plastic. Additionally, these parts may be formed from the same or different material as the anchor 50′″.

With reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, various safety release features are shown between connectors 200, 210, and 220 and the one or more hair strands 30″″″ (in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C reference numerals with the prime symbols, e.g., 30″″″, indicate elements similar to those of the same name in another embodiment, e.g., the one or more hair strands 30 shown in FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 8A, the one or more hair strands 30″″″ are inserted into a recess 202 formed in the connector 200. The size (e.g., diameter) of the recess 202 is selected to be smaller than the size of the one or more hair strands 30″″″ such that friction holds the extensions in place. The one or more hair strands 30″″″ are pulled from the connector 202 if a sufficient tensile force is applied to them.

As shown in FIG. 8B, a recess 212 may be formed in the connector 210. A shear pin 214 may be inserted into the side of the connector 210 (proximate the recess 212) and through a loop 216 formed at the end of the one or more hair strands 30″″″. The size (e.g., diameter) of the shear pin 214 may be selected to release the one or more hair strands 30″″″ upon the application of a sufficient tensile force. The connector 210 and/or shear pin 214 may be molded from metal, such as steel, aluminum, and alloys, or may be formed from other materials, such as plastic.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the connector 220 may have a narrowed section 222. If a sufficient tensile force is applied to the one or more hair strands 30″″″, the narrowed section 222 of the connector 220 breaks—allowing the one or more hair strands 30″″″ to pull free from the connector 220. The connector 220 may be molded from metal, such as steel, aluminum, and alloys, or may be formed from other materials, such as plastic.

The anchors 50 of the hair extension devices 10 described herein can be installed in several ways. On such method involves determining where the hair extension devices 10 should be installed. While the hair extension devices 10 can be installed anywhere on the head 20 of the user, according to one embodiment, most of the hair extension devices 10 are installed proximate the vertex and occiput. After the installation locations are selected, the natural hair 40 surrounding the installation site is shaven and the area is sterilized and locally anesthetized. An incision is made through the skin 28 and subcutaneous tissue 26 and the cranium 22 is exposed. If the anchor 50 is self-tapping, it is slowly inserted into the cranium 22. Otherwise, an initial pilot hole is drilled into the cranium 22 and taps are used to carve threads into the cranium 22 (if needed). After the anchor 50 is inserted into the cranium 22, the skin is closed in layers and possibly stitched. Before attaching anything to the anchor 50, the area is allowed to heal (and to allow for osseointegration). After the local inflammation subsides, the distal end of the anchor 50 will extend slightly above the surface of the skin 28.

The one or more hair strands 30 can be secured to one of the connectors in several ways, including those described herein. Likewise, the connectors can be secured to the anchors 50 in many ways, including those described herein. For example, and with reference to FIG. 5, the user may part natural hair 40 along a parting line 230 corresponding generally to the location of anchors 110. An upper portion 42 of natural hair 40 may be positioned above parting line 230 and fastened in place with a hair clip 240 or the like. With the anchors 110 exposed, the user can attach hair weft 100 thereto. For example, if fasteners 104 and 106 are hook-shaped and anchors 110 are similar to anchors 50″ (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), the user can simply slide the hook-shaped fasteners 104 and 106 into guide channel 88. After the hair weft 100 is secured to the anchors 110, the hair clip 240 can be removed so that the upper portion 42 of natural hair 40 falls back into place—hiding the base element 102, fasteners 104 and 106, and anchors 110. Because the plurality of one or more hair strands 30′″ are secured independently to the elongate base element 102, the hair strands 30′″ are allowed to flow freely relative to the natural hair 40. This helps the hair strands 30′″ appear natural, even when viewed close up.

By way of another example, and with reference to FIG. 6, the user may part natural hair 40 along a parting line 230′ corresponding generally to the location of anchors 110′. An upper portion 42′ of natural hair 40 may be positioned above parting line 230′ and fastened in place with a hair clip 240′ or the like. Some of the natural hair 40 above the parting line 230′ may be pulled free from the hair clip 240′ and passed through the openings 122 near the top portion of the mesh 120. Likewise, some of the natural hair 40 below the parting line 230′ may be passed through the openings 122 near the bottom portion of the mesh 120. The user can then attach mesh 120 to the anchors 110′. For example, each of the anchors 110′ may be passed through an opening 122 in a respective corner of the mesh 120. After the mesh 120 is secured to the anchors 110′, the hair clip 240′ can be removed so that the upper portion 42′ of natural hair 40 falls back into place—hiding the mesh 120 and anchors 110′. Since the plurality of one or more hair strands 30″″ are secured independently to the mesh 120, the hair strands 30″″ are allowed to flow freely relative to the natural hair 40. This helps the hair strands 30″″ appear natural, even when viewed close up.

The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined only by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. A hair extension device, comprising:

a biocompatible anchor adapted to be secured directly to a user's cranium adjacent natural hair;

a connector adapted to be secured directly to the anchor; and

at least one elongate strand of hair secured directly to the connector so that the at least one strand of hair flows freely relative to the natural hair.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises:

an elongate base member adapted to be secured directly to the anchor; and

a clasp member having a proximate portion connected to a first end of the base member via a spring element, the proximate portion extending away from the base member and transitioning into a middle portion substantially parallel to the base member, the middle portion transitioning into a distal portion, the distal portion extending toward the base member and terminating at a free end, the free end adapted to releasably engage a second end of the base member such that the free end disengages the second end of the base member upon the application of a predetermined force.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein:

the at least one strand of hair is folded upon itself and secured to itself to define an overfolded end portion; and

the middle portion of the clasp member is interposed between overlapping portions of the overfolded end portion.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein:

the anchor includes a universal mount adapted to receive the connector; and

the base member is adapted to releasably engage the universal mount.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein:

the anchor includes an exposed end opposite a portion of the anchor adapted to be secured to the cranium, the exposed end having an elongate channel formed therein and a pin disposed within the elongate channel so that the pin is substantially perpendicular to the elongate channel and such that wall portions of the elongate channel and a portion of the pin define a guide channel adapted to receive a hook-shaped connector; and

the connector includes a hook-shaped portion adapted to be inserted into the guide channel.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises an elongate base element including a first fastener adapted to releasably engage the anchor and a second fastener opposite the first fastener, the second fastener adapted to releasably engage a second anchor, and further comprising a plurality of hair strands secured to the base element such that each of the hair strands flows freely relative to the natural hair.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one elongate strand of hair is adapted to releasably engage the connector so that a tensile force necessary to pull the at least one elongate strand of hair from the connector is less than a tensile force necessary to dislodge the anchor from the cranium.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the connector is adapted to releasably engage the anchor so that a tensile force necessary to pull the connector from the anchor is less than a tensile force necessary to dislodge the anchor from the cranium.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one strand of hair includes natural hair.

10. A hair extension system, comprising:

a plurality of biocompatible anchors secured directly to a user's cranium adjacent natural hair; and

a plurality of connectors, each of the connectors secured directly to one of the anchors and each of the connectors including a plurality of elongate hair strands secured directly thereto so that the elongate hair strands flow freely relative to the natural hair.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein each of the connectors comprises:

an elongate base member secured directly to the anchor; and

a substantially C-shaped member including a pivotal end connected to a first end of the base member via a spring element and a clasp end opposite the pivotal end, the clasp end releasably engaging a second end of the base member such that the clasp end disengages the second end of the base member upon the application of a predetermined force.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein:

the plurality of elongate hair strands are folded and secured to themselves to define a loop of hair; and

the substantially C-shaped member runs through the loop of hair, thereby directly securing the plurality of elongate hair strands to the connector.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein:

each of the anchors includes a universal mount; and

each of the base members releasably engages one of the universal mounts.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein:

each of the anchors includes a receiver for receiving a hook-shaped connector; and

each of the connectors includes a hook-shaped portion inserted into one of the receivers.

15. The system of claim 10 wherein at least one of the connectors comprises an elongate base element including a first fastener releasably engaging one of the anchors and a second fastener opposite the first fastener, the second fastener releasably engaging one of the other anchors.

16. The system of claim 10 wherein the plurality of elongate hair strands are adapted to releasably engage the respective connector so that a tensile force necessary to pull the plurality of elongate hair strands from the respective connector is less than a tensile force necessary to dislodge the respective anchor from the cranium.

17. The system of claim 10 wherein each of the connectors is adapted to releasably engage the respective anchor so that a tensile force necessary to pull the respective connector from the respective anchor is less than a tensile force necessary to dislodge the respective anchor from the cranium.

18. The system of claim 10 wherein the plurality of elongate hair strands includes natural hair.

19. The system of claim 10 further comprising a mesh secured to at least two of the anchors, the mesh including a plurality of openings through which the natural hair passes and a plurality of elongate hair strands secured directly to the mesh so that the elongate hair strands attached to the mesh flow freely relative to the natural hair.

20. A hair extension device, comprising:

a plurality of biocompatible anchors adapted to be secured directly to a user's cranium adjacent natural hair;

a mesh adapted to be secured directly to each of the anchors, the mesh including a plurality of openings for receiving the natural hair; and

a plurality of elongate hair strands secured directly to the mesh so that the elongate hair strands flow freely relative to the natural hair.