Abstract: A hair braiding apparatus is disclosed comprising a two arms for receiving hooks. The hooks hold a first and second strand of hair, respectively, in slideable engagement and can be retracted and extended by the operator. A third stand of hair is braided with the first and second strands as the arms and books are caused to automatically rotate cyclically and reverse their previous positions. The cyclic rotation carries the first and second strands with it and produces a braid as the operator moves the third strand upward and downward through the opening defined by the arms and the first and second strands. The apparatus may be powered by a DC motor.

Abstract: Long hair is curled by isolating each of the strands of hair that the subject desires to be curled; applying a curling agent to the strand at this point or later; placing a curling ribbon comprising a ribbon of fabric having three longitudinal stiffening wires adjacent the strand of hair and wrapping it around the strand to envelop the hair strand; securing the curling ribbon to the base of the strand; and then winding the ribbon-enveloped strand around a cylindrical curling mandrel. The mandrel is then withdrawn from within the coil without uncoiling the strand, and the process is repeated until all of the coils are made. After the setting or permanent waving agent has worked, the stiffened ribbon is removed and the hair is combed out. Alternatively, the ribbons may be allowed to remain in the hair as decoration.

Abstract: This invention refers to a composition for permanent waving of human hair, containing thioglycolic acid or the salts thereof, preferably the ammonium salt, and comprising two compositions which are kept separate until application, whereof a Composition (A) contains at least an amino acid hydrochloride and at least one polyol or the methyl and ethyl ethers thereof, preferably 1,2-propanediol in aqueous solution, having a pH-value of preferably between about 4.5 and 6.5, and a Composition (B) which is kept separate from said Composition (A) until use contains ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate, and (or) ammonium carbamate as alkalizing agent(s), having a pH-value between about 8 and 9.5, and both compositions are mixed before application whereby a pH-value between about 7 and 8 is obtained. The compositions, which are kept separate, present outstanding stability; upon application after admixture optimal waving performance and, at the same time, gentle treatment of the hair is achieved.

Abstract: A method and device for braiding hair. The device includes an elongated, non-elastic cord that is folded about its midpoint to form first and second, essentially equal length halves. A plurality of fasteners are slidingly positioned, in predetermined, spaced intervals along the length of the first and second halves. A series of looped openings are formed in between adjacently positioned fasteners and the cord's midpoint and the fastener positioned adjacent thereto. Hair may be braided by sequentially passing strands of hair through the sequentially positioned loops and sliding the adjacently positioned fasteners into secure, engaging relation with the strands.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aerosol hair spray formulation containing 0.5 to 15 weight percent of a water-dispersible or water-dissipatible, linear sulfopolyester having a Tg of 40.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. and an inherent viscosity of 0.24 to 0.60 dl/g which contains repeat units from 20 to 26 mole percent dimethyl-5-sodiosulfoisophthalate and 74 to 80 mole percent isophthalic acid, based on 100 mole percent dicarboxylic acid; 10 to 30 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and 70 to 90 percent diethylene glycol, based on 100 mole percent diol; and up to 60 weight percent of an alcohol. The aerosol hair spray formulations are clear, have improved dry time and curl retention, and exhibit less than 20 NTU's, which is a measure of turbidity, even at high concentrations of alcohol.

Abstract: A hand held braiding apparatus is operative for braiding elongated filaments in the nature of natural hair and filaments of synthetic material. The apparatus includes a rotatable actuator having an opening operative for receiving a plurality of filament holders in the form of elongated cylindrical tubes. By repetitive operation of the actuator, the filament holders are manipulated into a sequence of positions which effect braiding of filaments received therein.

Abstract: A hair organizer includes an envelope made of cloth and having an intermediate portion formed with a pocket by stitching; the pocket having a central portion formed with an opening, and an axial member having an intermediate portion formed with a slot, the axial member being fitted in the pocket with the opening stitched around an inner periphery of the slot, whereby one's long hair can be easily held in position without a hair clip.

Abstract: A hair curling device which has an elongated flexible member in the form of a strip which has a self coiling capability from an at-rest storage configuration, and when initially moved from a longitudinally straight configuration will automatically form a coiled configuration of a substantially circular shape. An attachment is mounted on the strip to connect the outer side of the strip with the overlapped inner side of the strip when in the coiled configuration and maintain the substantially circular shape. Depending on the point of connection of the attachment, coiled configuration can comprise various different diameters.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate hair into units of three for braiding, producing several such units in one application. The preferred embodiment comprises a platform having an upper shelf and an anchor. The anchor has comb-like teeth for fixing the device to the hair of the subject. The upper shelf prevents tangling of unbraided hair above the device. A blade, fixed perpendicularly to the platform, has a plurality of teeth separated by notches of alternating depths, which receive strands of hair. A lower shelf affixed at an angle acts as a support for the separated hair strands and prevents tangling. The upper and lower shelves are made removable. The width between braids may be varied by providing teeth of different widths on the upper shelf.

Abstract: A poseable hair strand system for use in the creation of braids. The strands comprise at least one wire and at least one mass of hair. In the first embodiment, three wires are connected to each other. In the second embodiment, two wires are affixed to a mass of hair, the mass of hair positioned between the two wires. The third embodiment, comprises two masses of hair and one wire, wherein the wire is positioned between the masses of hair. The wires are covered with a coating that is available in a variety of colors to match typical hair colors. The wires are thin and bendable, thus allowing the wires to be easily cut and easily positioned around one's hair. The poseable hair strand system can be employed to be add structure to one's braids. It can also be used to add extensions to one's preexisting hair, thereby adding volume to the hair.

Abstract: An adjustable hair curler includes a thin sheet of a flexible resilient material. A coating on a first side of the resilient sheet includes a soft material for contacting and gripping the hair. A coating is also applied to the second opposite side of the resilient sheet. The coatings are able to withstand repeated heat cycling. Application of heat from a heat source to the curler causes heat to flow into the curler, heating the resilient sheet and coatings. The thermal mass of these elements keeps the curler heated for some period of time after the curler is removed from the heat source. By rolling the sheet to form a cylinder so that a portion of the sheet overlaps another portion of the sheet, and clipping the two portions together with a clip such as a bobby pin or the like, the cylinder's shape may be established and held with relative ease and simple adjustability of cylinder diameter. For storage, the sheets may be completely flattened for storage or transport in a very minimal volume.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel adjustable diameter hair curler which is extremely lightweight, portable, and suitable for travel. The novel adjustable curler includes a substrate of a flexible material such as a plastic or fabric or backing material which may optionally include a thin spring steel lamination for added resilience. The substrate has a first planar side and a second planar side opposite said first planar side. Attached to the first side of the substrate are an array of hook-type elements from a hook and loop-type fastening system such as VELCRO.RTM. brand hook and loop fasteners available from Velcro Industries of Manchester, N.H. The hook-type elements are generally arrayed over the majority of the first side. Strips of engaging materials are provided on each side of the substrate to secure the adjustable curler in a cylindrical form having a selected diameter.

Abstract: A fungal protein disulfide isomerase obtainable from fungal species belonging to Aspergillus, especially A. oryzae, or A. niger, is disclosed. Furthermore sequences for recombinant production of the protein disulfide isomerase are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for altering hairs by bringing the hairs into contact with an elastic body vibrating ultrasonically. At first, alternate vibrations are generated on a rod portion (i.e. a cylindrical elastic body). The cylindrical shaped elastic body does not rotate at that time. However, when an object is in contact with the surface of the cylindrical shaped elastic body, the object is rotated. Further when the object is kept stationary, the object is squeezed by spiral vibrations. Upon the hairs being in contact with the circumferential surface of the cylindrical shaped elastic body, the contacting part of the hairs are squeezed in a circumferential direction by the vibrations of the cylindrical shaped elastic body. As a result, the cross-section of each hair is deformed and remains so deformed such that perming of the hair is completed.

Abstract: According to a hair lifting comb of the present invention, a plurality of teeth, which are as thick as a bar-shaped supporting member and which at their distal ends are shaped like birds' beaks, are attached to the supporting member, as are side members of the comb, each of which is constituted by a first frame member, a second frame member and a third frame member. The thus structured comb, which maintains the supporting member at a maximum height of 18 mm from the scalp, is inserted into hair at the hairline and moved toward the rear of the head to lift the hair to a predetermined height.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aerosol hair spray formulation containing 0.5 to 15 weight percent of a water-dispersible or water-dissipatible, linear sulfopolyester having a Tg of 40.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. and an inherent viscosity of 0.24 to 0.60 dl/g which contains repeat units from 20 to 26 mole percent dimethyl-5-sodiosulfoisophthalate and 74 to 80 mole percent isophthalic acid, based on 100 mole percent dicarboxylic acid; 10 to 30 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and 70 to 90 mole percent diethylene glycol, based on 100 mole percent diol; and up to 60 weight percent of an alcohol. The aerosol hair spray formulations are clear, have improved dry time and curl retention, and exhibit less than 20 NTU's, which is a measure of turbidity, even at high concentrations of alcohol.

Abstract: A hair wrap strip is provided for styling a person's hair having an elongated, porous band of absorbent multi-layered material of sufficient length to extend around the person's head at the hair line. The band is stretched and an adhesive tab carried at one end of the band is connected to the other end of the band. The band is applied after the hair has been shampooed and had a styling gel and/or setting lotion applied but before the hair is dried. The use of this apparatus facilitates a method for straightening hair by using the elongated, porous band. The use of the band results in minimum fly-away hair and with a maximum degree of straightening the hair.

Abstract: A method for effecting a curled hair style includes weaving the strands of at least one ponytail through the hair foundation proximal to the ponytail, and then raising portions of the strands away from the foundation to establish respective curled segments of hair. A tool for establishing the hair style includes a cord that defines a noose having a circumference. A needle holds the cord, and the needle has a pointed distal end opposite the noose. A sleeve is slidably received in the needle and is engaged with the cord for selectively establishing the circumference of the noose. With this structure, the sleeve can be manipulated to loosen the noose, a strand disposed in the noose, and then the sleeve manipulated to tighten the noose around the strand to securely hold the strand. Then, the distal end of the needle is advanced into the foundation to accomplish the present weaving.

Abstract: A hair-braiding device and method for its use are described. The invented device includes a flat, elongate body having at least one opposing pair of preferably slotted openings extending inwardly from either end, the openings being lined with a resilient but yieldable, preferably foam material that permits hair strands to be introduced alternately thereinto and tensions the semi-captured strands as the device is twisted or rotated to impart a two-braid between the strands. Preferably, the body is formed of a molded polymer and the foam is a continuous strip of material that, within either slot, extends along one edge and folds back to extend along an opposing edge of each slot. The device is easily held in one hand, with the other hand free to introduce alternate strands into either slotted end of the device as the device is rotated each time.

Abstract: A kit comprised of a series of strips of impervious, thin plastic material interleaved with strips of the same size and shape made of tissue paper, a container of protein gel conditioner, and an optional perm board. The interleaved strips are assembled into a pack. The traditional tissue end papers used when perming hair has been replaced in the present invention with "end papers" made of a thin plastic film. The plastic end papers are used to cover hair that has been previously permed. In doing so, only the "new growth", i.e., the hair growth which is virgin hair, gets permed without reperming and damaging previously permed hair. The previously permed hair which is placed under the plastic wrap is coated with a liquid protein to further ensure protection against the perming solution.

Abstract: A hair styling tool is provided for wrapping hair around and into a hair tail. The hair styling tool includes a U-shaped hook and an arm each attached to and extending outwardly from a handle.

Abstract: A styling hairbrush which utilizes styling hair rollers of variable lengths and diameters, the rollers being easily mounted onto and easily removed from a control wand, and the rollers being surfaced with a velcro-like material for gripping the hair to be styled.

Abstract: A hair-styling device, for french braiding hair, including a first comb detachably secured to a second comb, with each comb vertically disposed in the hair. Each comb has an arcuate spine supporting horizontally extending teeth vertically spaced apart on the spine. The second comb abuts the bottom of the first comb and is disposed in a plane below and parallel to the first comb. The teeth of the second comb are aligned intermediate consecutive teeth on the first comb, and teeth on the first comb are similarly aligned intermediate consecutive teeth on the second comb. This arrangement of the comb teeth separate hair into predetermined sections of hair of uniform thicknesses that are vertically disposed and alternating from side-to-side on the head. The combs are inserted in the hair, a user interweaves the hair sections for braiding. A user then detaches the first comb from the second comb and removes the combs from the hair while retaining the hair braid design.

Abstract: A hair bundling core structure comprises an elastic cylinder for letting a hair bundle to pass therethrough, which cylinder is split by a rift, and a hair fastening pin connected to a lower end portion of the elastic cylinder by an attachment member at a side opposite to the rift. The hair fastening pin has a plurality of shafts for thrusting into the hair bundle and is allowed to move between a first position in which the shafts tend parallel to an axis of the elastic cylinder and a second position in which the shafts tend perpendicular to the axis. The elastic cylinder is formed of a foamed synthetic resin having a thickness and strength which are sufficient for facilitating an piercing of a hair fixing U-shaped pin and an extraction of the same from the elastic cylinder.

Abstract: A preferably hand-held hair treating and/or setting apparatus comprising, arranged around a main body, a handle (1), a hair curling member (2) with a longitudinal axis (x-x'), and at least one movable clip (10) for clamping a lock of hair against the hair curling member (2), the clip (10) being freely movable along the curling member (2) between two abutment positions so that it can draw out the treated lock (M') in its initial treatment condition. The apparatus is useful for setting hair.

Abstract: A hair dressing foundation to ease in the creation of a french twist hair style. The foundation comprises a small, flexible device, triangular in shape with the upper end of the device being concave in curvature. A plurality of tabs allows the user to securely attach the device to the back of the user's hair. The user may wrap and swirl the user's hair around the device to create a french twist hair style.

Abstract: A hair braiding apparatus is disclosed comprising a U-shaped rod having a left arm and a right arm, the arms offset from one another relative to the plane of the U shape, a guide for holding a first strand of hair and a second strand of hair in alignment with the left arm and the right arm, respectively, and a clamp for holding the first and second strands of hair in slideable engagement with the left and right arms of the rod respectively. Methods of braiding with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One or more of the strands may be artificial hair. A method of braiding natural hair with artificial hair using the braiding apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hair treatment method using a hair treatment liquid having been electrolytically treated by passing current through hair. The hair treatment method features applying a hair treatment liquid to hair and electrolytically treating the applied hair treatment liquid by passing current through the hair. The invention also concerns a hair treatment tool which is substantially made of an insulating material and features that an anode electrode bar and a cathode electrode bar both connected to a power supply are disposed such as to be in contact with hair, the hair having been imparted with conductivity being pinched between the two electrode bars to pass current through the pinched hair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for braiding hair in which the apparatus substitutes for the third strand, length or section of hair. The apparatus has a flexible resilient member positioned between two fabric covered elastic members, the hair being passed through one of the elastic members and then braided, utilizing two sections or strands of hair and the flexible resilient member, and once braided, the second elastic member is wrapped around the lower portion of the braid to maintain the braid.

Abstract: A hair curling device (10) which curls hair in less time and with less effort than utilizing ones hands. The hair curling device (10) is specifically designed to comb and twist naturally curly (unprocessed) Afro-American hair, comprises a circular comb (14) having a plurality of comb teeth (14B) which rotates within a head (12). The hair curling device (10) can spin hair cowls (locks) in either direction. The hair curling device (10) is powered by an electric motor (18) which rotates the comb (14). The hair curling device (10) has a handle housing (16) which has a handle compartment (16D) within which the motor (18) (and power means (20)) is housed. The motor (18) has a motor gear (18A) which is complimentary to and engages a comb ring gear (14AA) mounted on an outer circumference of a comb ring (14A). On an inner circumference of the comb ring (14A) are the plurality of comb teeth (14B), with preferably two rows offset from each other.

Abstract: A hair curler which exhibits a winding member with an increasable diameter using a flag-shaped length is rolled up together with a lock of hair providing after each turn a winding member with an increased diameter depending on the thickness of the flag-shaped length and the lock of hair in-between. The number of turns can be chosen in line with a user's hair length and the desired hair curler diameter. The flag-shaped length is rolled onto the winding member together with a lock of hair increasing the winding member diameter depending on the length of the flag-shaped length and the number of turns rolled onto the winding member. Good retaining force of the curler is achieved by use of a self-gripping tape having projecting hooks, pins or bristles, which are preferably formed by cut-open loops of a nylon monofilament, thus resulting in hooks. The hooks may be deformed to mushroom-like bristles by heat process.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate hair into units of three for braiding, producing several such units in one application, comprises a handle and a platform affixed thereto having an upper shelf and anchor. The anchor has comb-like teeth for fixing the device to the hair of the subject. The upper shelf prevents tangling of unbraided hair above the device. A blade fixed perperdicularly to the platform has a plurality of teeth separated by notches of alternating depths which receive strands of hair. A lower shelf affixed at an angle to the blade acts as a support for the separated hair strands and prevents tangling. The width between braids may be varied by providing teeth of different widths on the blade.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aerosol hair spray formulation containing 0.5 to 15 weight percent of a water-dispersible or water-dissipatible, linear sulfopolyester having a Tg of 40.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. and an inherent viscosity of 0.24 to 0.60 dl/g which contains repeat units from 20 to 26 mole percent dimethyl-5-sodiosulfoisophthalate and 74 to 80 mole percent isophthalic acid, based on 100 mole percent dicarboxylic acid; 10 to 30 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and 70 to 90 mole percent diethylene glycol, based on 100 mole percent diol; and up to 60 weight percent of an alcohol. The aerosol hair spray formulations are clear, have improved dry time and curl retention, and exhibit less than 20 NTU's, which is a measure of turbidity, even at high concentrations of alcohol.

Abstract: A hair styling method utilizes an elongated flexible mold member having hollow end portions, two elongated rigid handle members each more than half the length of the mold member, with each of the elongated rigid handle members having an inner end portion and an outer handle end. The inner end portion of each of the elongated rigid handle members is inserted into a corresponding end portion of the mold member so that the elongated flexible mold member may then be bent into a generally U-shaped configuration and the handle ends of the elongated rigid handle members then occupy a generally parallel relationship in close proximity to each other. The outer handle ends of the elongated handle members have an interfitting relationship so that they may be placed in that interfitting relationship and thereby draw the outer end portions of the flexible mold towards each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pump hair spray formulation containing 0.5 to 15 weight percent of a water-dispersible or water-dissipatible, linear sulfopolyester having a Tg of 40.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. and an inherent viscosity of 0.24 to 0.60 dl/g which contains repeat units from 20 to 26 mole percent dimethyl-5-sodiosulfoisophthalate and 74 to 80 mole percent isophthalic acid, based on 100 mole percent dicarboxylic acid; 10 to 30 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and 70 to 90 mole percent diethylene glycol, based on 100 mole percent diol; and up to 60 weight percent of an alcohol. The pump hair spray formulations are clear, have improved dry time and curl retention, and exhibit less than 20 NTU's, which is a measure of turbidity, even at alcohol concentrations of 60 weight percent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel adjustable diameter hair curler which is extremely lightweight, portable, and suitable for travel. The novel adjustable curler includes a sheet of a flexible material such as a plastic or fabric or backing material. The sheet has a first planar side and a second planar side opposite said first planar side. Attached to the first side of the sheet are an array of hook-type elements from a hook and loop type fastening system such as VELCRO.RTM. brand hook and loop fasteners available from Velcro Industries of Manchester, N.H. The hook-type elements are generally arrayed over the bulk of the first side. Attached to at least a porion of the second side are loop-type fasteners or a material which will stick to the hook-type fasteners.

Abstract: A steam appliance for treating and/or shaping hair, the appliance being composed of: a housing (1) having a handle; a roller body (2) for rolling up locks of hair, the body being secured at one end (5a) to the housing and being limited towards its other end by a partition wall (5b), the body including holes to pass steam produced by a steam production member and conveyed to the roller body (2) by a steam delivery member (20); and a clamp (10) for clamping a lock of hair on the roller body (2). The steam delivery member is a tubular element (20) mounted coaxially inside and extending along the roller body (2) from an inlet (20a) situated in the housing to a terminal end remote from the inlet, the element (20) including at least one steam delivery orifice (21) situated at its terminal end in such a manner as to convey an inlet flow of steam inside the tubular element (20) substantially along its entire length to be released in the vicinity of the partition wall (5b) via the orifice (21).

Abstract: A clear hair spray formulation which exhibits less than 30 NTU's and contains a linear sulfopolyester and a water-soluble polymer wherein the formulation is in water or a water/alcohol mixture. The sulfopolyester has a glass transition temperature of 40.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. and contains repeat units from the reaction product of a dicarboxylic acid, a diol and a difunctional sulfomonomer. The difunctional sulfomonomer is present in an amount from 18.5 to 22.5 mole percent based on 100 mole percent dicarboxylic acid and 100 mole percent diol. The hair spray formulation may optionally contain a propellant.

Abstract: A braiding apparatus and method are provided useful in gathering and separating a person's hair into a series of discrete bundles which may be woven into braids, during which braid making process the apparatus of the invention may be left in the hair to maintain the hair bundle configuration while the braid is being made. An apparatus is provided with a pair of arcuately shaped pivotally interconnected clips having oppositely facing comb structures configured to form a series of bundle-forming slots when the comb structures are brought into registration with one another after moving the clips toward one another through the hair.

Abstract: The composition for permanent shaping of hair based on a hair keratin-reducing agent contains N-glycyl-L-cysteine and/or L-cysteinyl-glycine as the hair keratin-reducing agent. The N-glycyl-L-cysteine and/or L-cysteinyl-glycine is advantageously the only hair keratin-reducing substance present. The compositions have a preferred pH range of 6.5 to 9.0 and contain from 8 to 30 percent by weight of the N-glycyl-L-cysteine and/or L-cysteinyl-glycine. Use of this composition for permanent shaping of hair avoids a troublesome white deposit or coating on the hair which occurs when cysteine-containing hair shaping compositions are used.

Abstract: A hand-operated hair styling tool and method is disclosed wherein a pair of elongated rods or tubes are connected to each other at one end by a flexible hinge-like member. An alternate embodiment is also disclosed wherein the tool is constructed of a single "V" shaped rod or tube. The tool is used to rotate, twist and pull the hair of an individual into a variety of styles by grasping or clamping the section of hair to be styled between the two rods and then twisting or rotating the hair towards the, subject's head. Once the appropriate style has been completed the tool is slidably removed from the styled hair and the style is secured by combs or hair pins.

Abstract: A single formula, mild permanent wave reducing composition and method of permanently waving or reshaping human hair that provides a strong, long lasting curl and leaves the hair soft while minimizing further damage to already damaged hair. The composition contains a cysteamine reducing agent compound selected from the group consisting of cysteamine, a cysteamine salt, and mixtures thereof. The cysteamine compound should be present in an amount of at least about 7.8% by weight and preferably in the range of about 7.8% to about 12.5% by weight; and sufficient additional alkali, if necessary, to bring the pH of the composition to at least about 7.8 preferably about 7.8 to about 8.8. Optionally, a hair softening and/or moisturizing agent, such as glycerine is included in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the composition. The composition can be lotion or water wrapped and can be used with or without heat.

Abstract: A permanent wave method includes a first step of applying a reducing agent (12) to hair (10) to be permed. At this point of time the hair (10) is not yet curled around a rod and is still straight. Then, the hair is covered with a cap of vinyl, and is left in this condition until the hair is brought into a first reduced condition in which the hair is sufficiently soft and plastic to be wrapped around a rod without cracking or straining. Thereupon, the reducing agent remaining on the hair is washed away. Then, the hair is wrapped, or curled, around a rod (13), and is covered with a vinyl cap (16). Thereupon, the hair is heated in its entirety, from its root up to its end. As a result, the hair is brought into a second reduced condition in which the hair is locked in the curled pattern about the rod (13). Then, cap (16) is removed. Then, an oxidizing agent (17) is applied to the hair, and is left in this condition until the hair has been locked into a more stable curled pattern.

Abstract: A method treating hair with a liquid treatment substance is disclosed in which lengths of hair which are not to receive treatment are protected by means of a tubular protection device which is impervious to the liquid treatment substance. The tubular protection device comprises an open ended tube of thin rubber and one end of the tube is rolled upon itself to form an annular rolled portion with an end portion protruding therefrom. In use, the end of a length of hair to be protected is inserted into the end portion and the-rolled portion is unrolled to an extent sufficient to enclose all the length of hair to be protected. The protected hair and unprotected hair is rolled onto a curler and the liquid treatment substance is applied to the rolled hair. The protection device serves to prevent the liquid treatment substance coming into contact with the length of hair enclosed within the tube.

Abstract: A hair styling device comprising an elongated shaped outer covering, a deformable elongated structure within the interior of said device capable of being repeatedly bent to form said device into a variety of shapes, and an essentially centrally located elongated opening within the material to expose a central region of the deformable elongated structure, the essentially centrally located elongated opening being adapted for partial withdrawal of the central portion of the deformable structure to permit hair to be passed through a region lying between the withdrawn portion of the deformable structure and the elongated opening.

Abstract: A hair styling device comprising a resilient member of elongated material, the device having at its upper extremity a pair of juxtaposed apertures joined by a raised hump. The device includes an additional plurality of apertures formed in a lower serpentine shaped extension. Locks of hair are extended through the apertures and held in place while the user is braiding them. Thus, multiple locks can conveniently be braided by the user with two hands only, thus obviating the necessity for assistance from a third party. The invention also includes a method of braiding hair utilizing the foregoing device.

Abstract: A spherical curler and method for using same are provided to enable a user to obtain a helical curl having a continue of varying diameters within each lock of curled hair. This varying diameter helix provides a new and distinct look for the curled hair. In addition, the spherical configuration allows more curlers to be placed on the head as compared to conventional cylindrical curlers having the same sized diameter. Also, the spherical configuration of the curler provides for less wasted space on the curler, and allows each curler to be more completely utilized for each respective lock of hair.

Abstract: A hair styling implement 10, which is also sufficiently decorative for it to be worn in the hair after styling as an adornment, is in the form of an elongated, rectangular wire frame 11 of pliable material covered by a fabric 16 such as velour, through which extends a central, elongated opening 17 (FIG. 1). In use, a section of hair 18 is received through the opening and the implement is rolled under or over the hair until the hair is wound tightly about the implement at the scalp, opposite ends of the implement then being brought together and twisted together thereby to secure a bun in place.

Abstract: A perm rod kit in which the perm rod has a tight wrap section and a loose wrap section of differing diameters, and in which the transition between the two is accomplished at a mid-portion of the rod kit is disclosed. In addition, a band is provided which is secured to a band cap and then transitioned to the opposite end of the perm rod for utilizing with a band plug to thereby secure a band across the entire strand of the hair after it has been wrapped on the perm rod. The method of the present invention is directed primarily to apply a permanent to any length of hair with the resulting look of naturally curly hair, irrespective of whether the root portion has grown out straight and virgin, and the balance of the strand portion has a residual curl from a pre-existing permanent wave. In accordance with the method the strands of hair are normally first wetted, and then thereafter wrapped around the two step rod with the small end approaching the scalp as close as comfort will permit.

Abstract: A single formula, mild permanent wave reducing composition and method of permanently waving or reshaping human hair that provides a strong, long lasting curl and leaves the hair soft while minimizing further damage to already damaged hair. The composition contains a cysteamine reducing agent compound selected from the group consisting of cysteamine, a cysteamine salt, and mixtures thereof; preferably alone (without a monothioglycolate; a monothioglycolic acid ester, e.g., thioglycerol; a thiolactic acid; a sulfite; a hyposulfite, or a bisulfite second reducing agent). The cysteamine compound should be present in an amount of about 7.8% to about 9.0% by weight; and sufficient additional alkali, if necessary, to bring the pH of the composition to about 7.8 to about 8.5. Optionally, a hair softening and/or moisturizing agent, such as glycerine is included in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the composition.