Hair Curler Device and Methods of Use

Abstract

A unitary device for curling hair that can be described as comprising three portions: an upper head portion having a generally circular shape with a throughbore in its general radial center; an elongated body portion integrally extending from the upper head portion and having a generally shaft-like shape with at least one notch along its longitudinal axis; and a lower tip portion integrally extending from the elongated body portion and generally tapering to a tip. Furthermore, the hair curler device is capable being resiliently looped along a generally lengthwise axis and locked in a looped configuration when at least one notch is passed through the throughbore.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices and methods for curling hair.

BACKGROUND

Hair care and curling will differ significantly according to one's type of hair and the various processes that can be applied to such hair types. Hair is a manifestation of human diversity and likewise requires diverse solutions in its treatment. A variety of devices and methods have been developed over time to curl hair, primarily consisting of curling irons and hair rollers.

A common method for curling hair is with the aid of a curling iron whereby the hair is heated by the device and rolled to be curled. However, this type of device and method can be very damaging to hair even after a short amount of use and is generally ineffective when used on hair of greater density. An additional problem with using a curling iron is that one's arm and hand may become fatigued by holding the device in place while the curl is being set.

Furthermore, the use of a curling iron can be dangerous. First, there is the risk of severe burn to the scalp or skin of the user when operating a curling iron. Second, there is the risk of fire or electrocution when a user inadvertently misuses the device evinced by the variety of curling iron covers and holders available for safety purposes.

Hair rollers are a common device for curling hair. However, many hair rollers are comprised of rigid materials. For instance, a common hair roller comprises a rigid inner cage-like tubular piece with a rigid outer sleeve section that fastens the hair into place after being rolled onto the rigid inner cage-like tubular piece. While the rigid construction is necessitated by the nature of this type of hair roller, it creates discomfort when using such hair rollers while sleeping, which is a common time to curl one's hair. Furthermore, these cage-like tubular devices and sleeve sections can be difficult to clean particularly when hair setting solutions or other hair care products are used to aid the curling process.

Heretofore there have been no devices or methods specifically designed for the unique characteristics associated with curling African American hair, which is generally highly dense, almost flat in cross section, tightly coiled, and spiral in shape, or African American hair styled in locs. Locs (sometimes referred to as locks or dreadlocks) are sections of hair, which over a period of time if left to the hair's natural characteristics will mesh and entwine together to form long, twisted mats of hair. There are various types of locs, such as but not limited to organic locs, freeform locs, cultivated locs, and Sisterlocks®. Sisterlocks® for instance are a micro braid version of free form or standard locs that are somewhat more receptive to being curled.

The prior art addresses primarily the needs of European-type hair, which is generally straight and oval in cross section. The prior art soft spike-type curler comprising a straight shaft and loop end without sufficient resiliency in the material or a securing mechanism does not support the highly dense and unyielding nature of African American hair or locs. Such curlers lose their shape easily and will usually come undone when attempting to curl African American hair or locs.

Only a portion of the needs associated with African American hair or toes are met by the prior art. Accordingly, there is a need for a hair curler device and method of curling hair that meets the needs of African American hair and locs that overcomes the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of a hair curler device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric side view of a head showing the use of a plurality of hair curler devices according to one embodiment of the invention arranged to curl hair.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of curling hair with a plurality of hair curler devices according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a hair curler device comprise a unitary device that can be described as comprising three portions: an upper head portion; an elongated body portion; and a lower tip portion adapted to curl any type of hair but specifically designed for the unique characteristics required to curl African American hair and locs. The upper head portion has a generally circular shape with a throughbore located in the general radial center of the upper head portion. The elongated body portion integrally extends from the upper head portion and is generally shaft-like in shape with at least one notch along the longitudinal axis. The lower tip portion integrally extends from the elongated body portion and generally tapers to a tip.

Embodiments of the various hair curler devices can be manufactured in a variety of sizes to produce different styles and sizes of curls. The hair curler devices are typically comprised of closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam that has sufficient flexibility to permit it to be looped with relative ease by a user. However, other types of closed-cell foam exhibiting similar characteristics are contemplated. Further, the hair curler devices have sufficient resiliency to return to an elongated lengthwise configuration when the looped configuration is released by the user. It is also to be appreciated that the use of closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam to create the hair curler devices makes them easy to clean and resistant to absorbing hair care products such as but not limited to hair setting solutions.

Operationally, the hair curler device is flexible in the sense that after a user's hair is wrapped around the longitudinal axis of the exterior surface of the elongated body portion, it can be looped when the user places the lower tip portion at the opening of the throughbore of the upper head portion. The lower tip portion and elongated body portion are adapted to fit though the throughbore such that the user can insert the lower tip portion through the throughbore and pull the lower tip portion and elongated body portion substantially through the throughbore creating a tighter loop. Most importantly, the hair curler device will substantially lock in place when one of the notches of the elongated body portion passes through the throughbore of the upper head section.

In certain embodiments of the hair curler device, the three portions comprising the hair curling device can be generally cylindrical in shape but with a similar throughbore on the upper head portion and at least one notch on the elongated body portion as the typical embodiments. Other variations to the embodiments are contemplated such as, but not limited to, hair curler devices using opposing Velcro®-type hook and loop fasteners around the elongated body portion and inside the throughbore of the upper head portion, or a series of grooves along the elongated body portion as the functional equivalent of the locking operation of the notch and throughbore in typical embodiments.

In one method of curling hair, a plurality of hair curler devices, each comprising an upper head portion, an elongated body portion, and a lower tip portion, having the capability of being looped and locked into place, are used to curl a user's hair. The user's hair is first prepped by parting it into sections. During the prepping operation, an extra step of applying a light spritz of water may be performed to slightly dampen the user's hair. Alternatively, the extra step may include applying a hair setting solution to the parted sections of the user's hair. Taking one of the hair curler devices, a parted section of the user's hair is wrapped around the surface area of the elongated body portion of the hair curler device. In one method, the wrapped hair is held in place by locking the hair curler device in a looped configuration. The hair curler device is locked by placing the lower tip portion through the throughbore of the upper head portion of the hair curler device and pulling the lower tip portion through the throughbore until a notch on the elongated body portion is substantially inside the throughbore.

The wrapping operation and locking operation are repeated until all parted sections of the user's hair to be curled have been wrapped around a hair curler device and held into place by locking the hair curler device in a looped configuration. Once the plurality of hair curler devices have been situated in the user's hair, the hair curler devices are left in the looped configuration to allow the curls to set.

TERMINOLOGY

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “one variation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a variation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

The term “integrate” or “integrated” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to a blending, uniting, or incorporation of the identified elements, components or objects into a unified whole.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

As applicable, the terms “about” or “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of ±20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of ±10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.

Embodiments of a Hair Curler Device:

An embodiment of a hair curler device is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The hair curler device is adapted for use in many types of hair, but is designed specifically to address the needs of African American hair and locs.

Referring to FIG. 1, the hair curler device 100 is typically a one-piece device made from generally soft yet resilient and flexible closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam. However, other types of materials and foams, such as, but not limited to, closed cell, cross-linked polyurethane foam, low modulus open cell polyurethane foam, closed cell vinyl foam, soft ether based polyurethane foam, and soft cellular silicone foam are contemplated. Typically, the hair curler device is cut and/or stamped from a closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam sheet of about 0.25 inches in thickness. The length of the hair curler device is about 6.63 inches and the width is generally 0.50 inches, but may range from 0.25 inches to 1.00 inch depending on what portion of the hair curler device is being measured. However, it is also to be appreciated that a variety of thicknesses for the closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam sheets as well as a variety of lengths and widths may be used when the hair curler device is created to produce various-sized curls in a user's hair.

An upper head portion 110 of the hair curler device 100 has a generally circular shape having an arcuate top half and angular bottom half. A head top surface 120 of the upper head portion 100 is substantially flat. A head bottom surface of the upper head portion 100 opposite and substantially parallel to the head top surface 120 is also substantially flat. The upper head portion 110 comprises at least one contiguous head exterior edge surface 130.

A generally circular throughbore dissects the head top surface 120 and the head bottom surface of the upper head portion 110. The throughbore is located in the general radial center of the upper head portion 110. A head inner edge surface 125 of the upper head portion 110 is created as a result of the throughbore.

The upper head portion 110 generally angles toward and integrates into an elongated body portion 140 of the hair curler device 100. The elongated body portion 140 has a generally shaft-like shape. A body top surface 150 of the elongated body portion 140 is substantially flat. A body bottom surface of the elongated body portion 140 opposite and substantially parallel to the body top surface 150 is also substantially flat.

A first right side lengthwise edge surface 160 of the elongated body portion 140 extends from the head exterior edge surface 130 of the upper head portion 110 to a first right side notch edge surface 164. The first right side lengthwise edge surface 160 of the elongated body portion 140 is substantially flat. A first left side lengthwise edge surface of the elongated body portion 140 opposite and substantially parallel to the first right side lengthwise edge surface 160 is also substantially flat. It is worthy to note that the right and left side references are identified from a front view perspective of the hair curler device 100. These side designations are not limiting to the invention in any way and can be interposed in the specification.

The first right side notch edge surface 164 extends into the elongated body portion 140 as a generally arcuate indentation. A first left side notch edge surface extends into the elongated body portion 140 as a generally arcuate indentation oppositely juxtaposed the first right side notch edge surface 164 along a longitudinal axis. Suitable variations in the design and configuration of the notch feature are contemplated. For instance, a notch along the elongated body portion could comprise a V-shaped groove having two distinct notch side edge surfaces. Further, a notch along one side edge surface of the elongated body portion may not necessarily have a corresponding juxtaposed notch on the opposite side edge surface.

A second right side lengthwise edge surface 170 of the elongated body portion 140 extends from the bottom edge of the first right side notch edge surface 164 of the elongated body portion 140 to a second notch. The second right side lengthwise edge surface 170 of the elongated body portion 140 is substantially flat. A second left side lengthwise edge surface of the elongated body portion 140 opposite and substantially parallel to the second right side lengthwise edge surface 170 is also substantially flat.

A second right side notch edge surface 174 extends into the elongated body portion 140 as a generally arcuate indentation. A second left side notch edge surface extends into the elongated body portion 140 as a generally arcuate indentation oppositely juxtaposed the second right side notch edge surface 174 along a longitudinal axis.

The elongated body portion 140 generally integrates into a lower tip portion 180 of the hair curler device 100. The lower tip portion 180 extends from the bottom edges of the second right side notch edge surface 174 and the second left side notch edge surface and generally tapers along the longitudinal axis of the hair curler device 100 to a general tip. The lower tip portion 180 has a general triangular shape with a flat side of the triangle proximal the bottom of the elongated body portion 140 and a point of the triangle distal the bottom of the elongated body portion 140. A tip top surface 190 of the lower tip portion 180 is substantially flat. A tip bottom surface of the lower tip portion 180 opposite and substantially parallel to the tip top surface 190 is also substantially flat.

A right side tapered lower edge surface 188 of the lower tip portion 180 extends from the bottom edge of the second right side notch edge surface 174 of the elongated body portion 140 to a general tip. The right side tapered lower edge surface 188 of the lower tip portion 180 is substantially flat. A left side tapered lower edge surface of the lower tip portion 180 opposite and generally at a 90 degree angle to the right side tapered lower edge surface 188 is also substantially flat.

A tip 195 of the lower tip portion 180 is formed by the convergence of the right side tapered lower edge surface 188 and the left side tapered lower edge surface. The tip 195 is generally rounded and extends along the depth axis from the tip top surface 190 to the tip bottom surface of the lower tip portion 180.

When the hair curler device 100 is used in a user's hair as depicted in FIG. 2, the hair curler device 100 may be locked into a looped configuration. Referring to FIG. 1, the user's hair is first wrapped around the exterior surface of the elongated body portion 140 along the longitudinal axis, generally around the body top surface 150, the first right side lengthwise edge surface 160, the body bottom surface, and the first left side lengthwise edge surface. It is worthy to note that, in addition to the edge surfaces identified in the preceding sentence, the user's hair may also be wrapped further down the elongated body portion 140 around the first right side notch edge surface 164, the second right side lengthwise edge surface 170, the first left side notch edge surface, and the second left side lengthwise edge surface if a larger section of the user's hair is desired to be curled.

To lock the hair curler device 100 in a looped configuration, the user takes the tip 195 of the lower tip portion 180 and places it at the opening of the throughbore at the head top surface 120 of the upper head portion 110. This initially puts the hair curler device 100 in a general loop along the longitudinal axis whereby the majority of the bending occurs to the elongated body portion 140. The user then inserts the tip 195 and lower tip portion 180 through the throughbore exiting the plane of the head bottom surface of the upper head portion 110. The tip 195 has a cross section less than the diameter of the throughbore. At some point along the lower tip portion 180, the cross section of the tip top surface 150 at the right side tapered lower edge surface 188 and the left side tapered lower edge surface will equal that of the diameter of the throughbore and be in contact with the head inner edge surface 125 of the upper head portion. The remainder of the lower tip portion 180 is greater than the diameter of the throughbore. However, the hair curler device 100 being constructed of closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam allows the lower tip portion 180 and the throughbore to resiliently deform when the lower tip portion 180 and the elongated body portion 140 are passed through the throughbore.

The hair curler device 100 can be locked into a looped configuration when the lower tip portion 180 is pulled through the throughbore and the second right side notch edge surface 174 and the second left side notch edge surface of the elongated body portion 140 substantially contacts the head inner edge surface 125 of the upper head portion 110. The lower tip portion 180 and the throughbore spring back to shape when exiting therefrom. At its longest cross section proximal the tip 195, the width of the second notch formed by the second right side notch edge surface 174 and the second left side notch edge surface is greater than the diameter of the throughbore. At its narrowest cross section relatively in the center of the second notch, the width of the second notch formed by the second right side notch edge surface 174 and the second left side notch edge surface is less than the diameter of the throughbore. And finally, at its longest cross section distal the tip 195, the width of the second notch formed by the second right side notch edge surface 174 and the second left side notch edge surface as they abut the second right side lengthwise edge surface 170 and the second left side lengthwise edge surface respectively is again greater than the diameter of the throughbore thereby reducing the tension on the head inner edge surface 125 and providing greater locking strength while the hair curler device 100 is in a looped configuration.

If a tighter loop is desired, the user may further pull the lower tip portion 180 such that the second right side lengthwise edge surface 170 and the second left side lengthwise edge surface pass through the throughbore exiting the plane of the head bottom surface of the upper head portion 110. The elongated body portion 140 and the throughbore will resiliently deform when the second right side lengthwise edge surface 170, the second left side lengthwise edge surface, and the body top surface 150 and the body bottom surface thereof are passed through the throughbore. The hair curler device 100 can again be locked into a looped configuration when the first right side notch edge surface 164 and the first left side notch edge surface of the elongated body portion 140 substantially contacts the head inner edge surface 125 of the upper head portion 110 The elongated body portion 140 and the throughbore spring back to shape when the second right side lengthwise edge surface 170, the second left side lengthwise edge surface, and the body top surface 150 and the body bottom surface thereof exit the throughbore. At its longest cross section proximal the tip 195, the width of the first notch formed by the first right side notch edge surface 164 and the first left side notch edge surface is greater than the diameter of the throughbore. At its narrowest cross section relatively in the center of the first notch, the width of the first notch formed by the first right side notch edge surface 164 and the first left side notch edge surface is less than the diameter of the throughbore. And finally, at its longest cross section distal the tip 195, the width of the first notch formed by the first right side notch edge surface 164 and the first left side notch edge surface as they abut the first right side lengthwise edge surface 160 and the first left side lengthwise edge surface respectively is again greater than the diameter of the throughbore thereby reducing the tension on the head inner edge surface 125 and providing greater locking strength while the hair curler device 100 is in a looped configuration.

It is to be appreciated that the notches described in detail above and head inner edge surface 125 of the throughbore of the upper head portion 110 create a substantially secure locking mechanism that allows even very dense and unyielding hair such as African American hair and locs to stay wrapped around the elongated body portion 140 without slipping out of the upper head portion 110. It is to be further appreciated that the aforementioned secure locking mechanism and the fact that the hair curler device 100 is comprised of generally soft yet resilient and flexible closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam allow a user's hair to be curled in comfort while sleeping.

Additionally, the hair curler device 100 is resilient such that it will generally return to an elongated lengthwise configuration when the lower tip portion 180 and elongated body portion 140 are removed from the throughbore of the upper head portion 110.

One Method of Curling Hair with a Plurality of Hair Curler Devices:

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of curling hair with a plurality of hair curler devices such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and as applied a user's hair shown in FIG. 2. Each of the hair curler devices is typically a one-piece device comprising three portions: (i) an upper head portion 110 having a generally circular shape with a throughbore in its general radial center; (ii) an elongated body portion 140 integrally extending from the upper head portion 110 and having a generally shaft-like shape with at least one notch along its longitudinal axis; and (iii) a lower tip portion 180 integrally extending from the elongated body portion 140 and generally tapering to a tip 195. Furthermore, the hair curler device 100 is capable being resiliently looped along a generally lengthwise axis and locked in a looped configuration.

Initially, after deciding the size of the curl to be set, a user selects a plurality of appropriately-sized hair curler devices. For instance, for larger radial curls, a user might select a large hair curler device with a greater width and thickness than a standard hair curler device.

Next as shown in block 210, a prepping operation is performed on the user's hair. The user's hair is parted into sections comprising the amount of hair that will be curled with a hair curler device 100. Different curl sizes and styles can be achieved by altering the size and shape of the parted sections. Generally, the more of the user's hair parted and wrapped into a hair curler device, the bigger the curl will be. It is preferred, but not necessary, that hair be slightly damp when being prepped for curling; thus, an extra step of applying a light spritz of water may be performed to slightly dampen the user's hair. Alternatively, the extra step may include applying a hair setting solution to the parted section of the user's hair.

A wrapping operation as illustrated in block 220 is performed by taking a parted section of the user's hair, gently pulling the parted section until the user's hair is generally taut, pressing the ends of the user's hair against a surface of the elongated body portion 140, and generally wrapping the user's hair around the surfaces of the elongated body portion 140 along the longitudinal axis. The surfaces of the elongated body portion 140 around which the user's hair is generally wrapped comprise a body top surface 150, a first right side lengthwise edge surface 160, a body bottom surface opposite and substantially parallel to the body top surface 150, and a first left side lengthwise edge surface opposite and substantially parallel to the first right side lengthwise edge surface 160.

A locking operation as illustrated in block 230 is performed by locking the hair curler device 100 in a looped configuration to hold the user's hair wrapped around the elongated body portion 140 in place. To lock the hair curler device 100, the tip 195 of the lower tip portion 180 is placed at the opening of the throughbore at a head top surface 120 of the upper head portion 110. This initially puts the hair curler device 100 in a general loop along the longitudinal axis whereby the majority of the bending occurs to the elongated body portion 140. The lower tip portion 180 and the elongated body portion 140 are adapted to fit through the throughbore of the upper head portion 110. The tip 195 and lower tip portion 180 are inserted though the throughbore exiting the plane of a head bottom surface opposite and substantially parallel to the head top surface 120. The hair curler device 100 can be locked into a looped configuration when the lower tip portion 180 is pulled through the throughbore and a second right side notch edge surface 174 and a second left side notch edge surface opposite and substantially parallel to the second right side notch edge surface 174 of the elongated body portion 140 substantially contacts a head inner edge surface 125 of the upper head portion 110.

If a tighter loop is desired, the lower tip portion 180 may be further pulled such that a second right side lengthwise edge surface 170 and a second left side lengthwise edge surface opposite and substantially parallel to the second right side lengthwise edge surface 170 pass through the throughbore exiting the plane of the head bottom surface of the upper head portion 110. The hair curler device 100 can again be locked into a looped configuration when a first right side notch edge surface 164 and a first left side notch edge surface opposite and substantially parallel to the first right side notch edge surface 164 of the elongated body portion 140 substantially contacts the head inner edge surface 125 of the upper head portion 110.

Next as show in block 240, a repeating operation is performed whereby the wrapping operation of block 220 and the locking operation of block 230 are repeated until all parted sections of the user's hair from the prepping operation of block 210 have been wrapped with a hair curler device 100 and the wrapped hair held in place by locking the hair curler device 100 into a looped configuration. Referring to FIG. 2, an example of a plurality of hair curler devices locked in the looped configuration in the user's hair is shown.

A setting operation as illustrated in block 250 is performed by leaving the hair curler devices locked in the looped configuration until the curls have been set in the user's hair. The setting operation may comprise, but need not necessarily include allowing the user's hair to substantially dry. An additional step of directing heat to the user's hair may be performed to aid in setting the curls. Furthermore, since the hair curler devices are comprised of generally soft yet resilient and flexible closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam, a user may leave the hair curler devices locked in the looped configuration to set the curls in the user's hair comfortably while sleeping.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations:

The embodiment of the hair curler device and variations thereof, and method of use as illustrated in the accompanying figures and described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon the claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A unitary single piece hair curler device comprising,

an upper head portion, the upper head portion having a generally circular shape with a throughbore extending generally through a center of the upper head portion;

an elongated body portion, the elongated body portion integrally extending from the upper head portion and being generally shaft-like in shape with at least one notch along the longitudinal axis; and

a lower tip portion, the lower tip portion integrally extending from the elongated body portion and generally tapering to a tip,

wherein the hair curler device is capable being resiliently looped along a generally lengthwise axis by a user inserting the lower tip portion through the throughbore of the upper head portion and pulling the lower tip portion and elongated body portion substantially through the throughbore whereby the lower tip portion and the elongated body portion resiliently deform when passed through the throughbore, the hair curler device adapted to substantially lock into a looped configuration when the at least one notch substantially aligns with the throughbore and the lower tip portion and the elongated body portion resiliently return to their original shape, and the hair curler device is capable of resiliently returning to its original lengthwise configuration when the lower tip portion and elongated body portion are removed from the throughbore.

2) The hair curler device of claim 1 wherein the hair curler device is comprised of closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam.

3) The hair curler device of claim 2 further comprising a latex coating encapsulating the surfaces of the hair curler device.

4) The hair curler device of claim 1 wherein a width of the lower tip portion proximal a distal end is less than the diameter of the throughbore of the upper head portion, a width of the elongated body section at the at least one notch is less than the diameter of the throughbore, and a width of the elongated body section on either side of the at least one notch is greater than the diameter of the throughbore.

5) The hair curler device of claim 4 wherein the hair curler device is comprised of closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam.

6) The hair curler device of claim 1, wherein the at least one notch comprises at least one pair of opposing notches.

7) The hair curler device of claim 1, wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two pairs of opposing notches.

8) The hair curler device of claim 1 wherein,

the upper head portion is generally shaped as a sphere;

the elongated body portion is generally cylindrical in shape comprising, at least one arcuate notch substantially around the circumference of the cylindrical elongated body portion; and

the lower tip portion is generally conical in shape tapering to a general point.

9) A one-piece hair curler device, the device being completely constructed of closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam comprising,

an upper head portion, the upper head portion having a generally circular shape with a diameter of about 1.00 inch and a length of about 1.13 inches, and a throughbore with a diameter of about 0.40 inches extending generally through a center of the upper head portion;

an elongated body portion, the elongated body portion integrally extending from the upper head portion, having a width of 0.50 inches and a length of about 3.88 inches, and being generally shaft-like in shape with a at least one notch along the longitudinal axis; and

a lower tip portion, the lower tip portion integrally extending from the elongated body portion, having a width of about 0.50 inches and a length of about 1.88 inches, and generally tapering to a tip,

wherein the hair curler device is capable being resiliently looped along a generally lengthwise axis by a user inserting the lower tip portion through the throughbore of the upper head portion and pulling the lower tip portion and elongated body portion substantially through the throughbore whereby the lower tip portion and the elongated body portion resiliently deform when passed through the through bore, the hair curler device adapted to substantially lock into a looped configuration when the at least one notch substantially aligns with the throughbore and the lower tip portion and the elongated body portion resiliently return to their original shape, and the hair curler device is capable of resiliently returning to its original lengthwise configuration when the lower tip portion and elongated body portion are removed from the throughbore.

10) The one-piece hair curler device of claim 9 further comprising a latex coating around the surfaces of the one-piece hair curler device.

11) The one-piece hair curler device of claim 9 wherein the at least one notch comprises,

a first pair of arcuate notches, each of the first pair of notches being about 2.13 inches in length from the tip of the lower tip portion from the radial center of the juxtaposed notches and indenting about 0.13 inches into the elongated body at the radial center from each side edge; and

a second pair of arcuate notches, each of the second pair of notches being about 1.13 inches in length from the tip of the lower tip portion from the radial center of the juxtaposed notches and indenting about 0.13 inches into the elongated body at the radial center from each side edge.

12) The one-piece hair curler device of claim 9, wherein the device is fabricated by die cutting the device from a sheet of foam.

13) A method of curling hair using a plurality of hair curler devices, each of the hair curler devices comprising, (i) an upper head portion, the upper head portion having a generally circular shape with a throughbore in the general radial center of the upper head portion, (ii) an elongated body portion, the elongated body portion integrally extending from the upper head portion and being generally shaft-like in shape with at least one notch along the longitudinal axis, and (iii) a lower tip portion, the lower tip portion integrally extending from the elongated body portion and generally tapering to a tip, wherein the hair curler device is capable being resiliently looped along a generally lengthwise axis and locked in a looped configuration, the method comprising:

prepping a user's hair by parting a user's hair into a plurality of sections;

wrapping a section of the user's hair around the surface area of the elongated body portion along the longitudinal axis;

locking the hair curler device by placing the lower tip portion of the hair curler device through the throughbore of the upper head portion of the hair curler device and pulling the lower tip portion through the throughbore until the at least one notch of the elongated body portion is substantially aligned with the throughbore;

repeating said wrapping operation and said locking until all of the plurality of sections of the user's hair have been wrapped and locked; and

setting the curls in the user's hair by leaving the plurality of hair curler devices locked in the user's hair.

14) The method of claim 13 wherein the user's hair is slightly damp prior to said prepping.

15) The method of claim 13 further comprising spraying the user's hair with a liquid during said prepping.

16) The method of claim 15, wherein the liquid used to spray the user's hair is water.

17) The method of claim 15, wherein the liquid used to spray the user's hair is a hair setting solution.

18) The method of claim 13, wherein said setting is performed by directing heat to the user's hair.

19) The method of claim 13, wherein the diameter of the throughbores of the curler devices are smaller than the width of the elongated body sections except at the location of the notches.

20) The method of claim 13, wherein the user's hair is styled in dreadlocks.