Abstract:
A kit including an air emitting assembly and a directional energy source. The kit further including a brush having a plurality of bristles and a plurality of luminous guide pins extending therefrom. A method including engaging a lock of hair with a brush having a plurality of guide pins that illuminate in the presence of an energy of a defined wavelength. The method further including directing an air flow path and an energy source toward the lock of hair wherein the energy source emits energy of the defined wavelength along the air flow path.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    Embodiments described herein relate to the field of hair styling, and more particularly to a therapeutic hair styling system including a hair product, energy emitting blow dryer and a fiberoptic illuminating brush. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There are numerous devices available with which a person can style hair. Many of these devices employ heat and/or elongate members (e.g., bristles on a brush or teeth on a comb) to arrange, straighten, curl, or crimp hair. In some devices the heat is applied directly to the hair by, for example, wrapping hair around a heated rod of a curling iron. In other devices such as, for example, a blow dryer, heated air is blown onto hair held between bristles of a brush. In the case of a blow dryer, although the user typically directs the blow dryer toward the hair, it is often difficult to determine whether the heated air is actually flowing to the desired hair region. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]    The features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more thoroughly apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0004]      FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an air emitting assembly and a brush. 
           [0005]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the brush of  FIG. 1A  with a lock of hair held therein. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an air emitting assembly showing internal components of the assembly. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an embodiment of the air emitting assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a brush. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an air emitting assembly and brush. In some embodiments, the air emitting assembly is a blow dryer  100 . Blow dryer  100  includes housing  102  that includes a head portion  104  and a handle portion  106 . Housing  102  may be made of any durable material, such as, for example, a plastic material. In some embodiments, housing  102  is formed by molding a plastic material into the desired shape to increase a heat resistance of blow dryer  100 . Head portion  104  encloses an electric motor (not shown) connected to an impeller  202  (see  FIG. 2 ) for drawing ambient air into housing  102  through openings  107  in one end of head portion  104  and forcing air out air outlet  140  at an opposite end of head portion  104 . Head portion  104  further encloses heating element  206  (see  FIG. 2 ) for heating air as it passes through head portion  104 . 
         [0010]    An air directing mechanism  128  may be removably connected to an air emitting end  142  of head  104  to control emission of air from blow dryer  100  through air outlet  140 . For example, air directing mechanism  128  may be a heat concentrator, heat diffuser or any other type of mechanism suitable for directing an air flow from blow dryer  100  deemed desirable. Mechanism  128  and head  104  may be connected by, for example, a push-fit, complimentary threading or any other similarly suitable attachment mechanism that allows mechanism  128  to be quickly and easily connected to or removed from head  104 . 
         [0011]    Handle portion  106  is formed by an elongated structure which extends substantially perpendicular to head portion  104 . In this aspect, handle portion  106  may be held within a user&#39;s hand and used to direct head portion  104  in a direction of a lock of hair held within brush  101 . Handle portion  106  is dimensioned to enclose various components of blow dryer  100  and support control assembly  110 . 
         [0012]    Control assembly  110  includes a variety of switches  112 ,  114  and  116  for controlling various components of blow dryer  100 . In some embodiments, switches  112 ,  114  and  116  may be used to select a variety of air flow and temperature settings. For example, switches  112 ,  114  and/or  116  may be used to turn blow dryer  100  on or off, select a high heat or low heat mode or select for the emission of cool air from blow dryer  100 . Still further, one of switches  112 ,  114  and  116  may be used to control, e.g., turn on/off or otherwise modify, an energy source  302  (See  FIG. 2 ) mounted within head portion  104  as will be described in more detail in reference to  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, depression of one of switches  112 ,  114  or  116  may control a rate of rotation of impeller  202  to modify the rate at which air flows from blow dryer  200 . For example, in some embodiments, depression of one of switches  112 ,  114  or  116  may turn on or off a motor assembly (not shown) connected to impeller  202  which in turn starts or stops rotation of impeller  202 . 
         [0013]    Power cord  108  is partially enclosed within handle  106  and supplies an electric current to impeller  202 , heating element  206  as well as various other components of blow dryer  100  requiring an electric current to function. The electrical connections of the various components, associated wires and electronic circuit components may be any conventional components and are therefore not described in detail herein. Although power cord  108  is shown, it is further contemplated that blow dryer  100  may be battery operated and power cord  108  omitted. 
         [0014]    Assembly  100  further includes spray mechanism  118  for releasing fine particles of liquid into air emitted from blow dryer  100 . In some embodiments, spray mechanism  118  is positioned adjacent housing  102  such that particles of liquid may be carried by air emitted from blow dryer  100  to the hair. In some embodiments, spray mechanism  118  is positioned such that the liquid emitted from spray mechanism  118  is warmed by air emitted from blow dryer  100  to thermally activate and/or help infuse the liquid into the hair. Alternatively, the liquid from spray mechanism  118  may be cooled via air emitted from blow dryer  100 . A variety of liquids may be selected for release from spray mechanism  118  depending upon the desired results of the user. For example, in some embodiments, a hair coloring solution may be released from spray mechanism  118  for coloring of the hair. Alternatively, a conditioning solution (e.g. silicon solution), humectant or non-humectant may be released from spray mechanism  118 . In still further embodiments, water may be released from spray mechanism  118 . 
         [0015]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , spray mechanism  118  includes container  120  for holding a fluid and nozzle  122  for directing a low of fluid from container  120 . Spray mechanism  118  may be similar to conventional spray mechanisms and is therefore generally described herein. For example, spray mechanism  118  may be a manually operated pump type dispenser having an actuator  130  which, when pulled in a direction of handle  106 , causes release of the fluid held within spray mechanism  118 . Container  120  may be removably connected to nozzle  122  to facilitate filling or emptying of container  120 . For example, container  120  and nozzle  122  may include complimentary threading such that container  120  may be removed from nozzle  122  by rotating it in one direction and secured by rotating it in an opposite direction. 
         [0016]    Spray mechanism  118  may be of any durable material (e.g., a plastic material) and have a size and shape suitable for removably securing spray mechanism  118  to housing  102  while still allowing a user to grasp handle  106  with their hand and operate blow dryer  100  using control mechanism  110 . In some embodiments, nozzle  122  and, in turn, spray mechanism  118 , is positioned in a region defined by an underside of barrel  105  of head portion  104  and an adjacent front surface of handle  106 . In this aspect, nozzle  122  is dimensioned to follow the contours of a portion of the underside of barrel  105  and front side of handle  106 . In some embodiments, nozzle  122  may include an outer housing dimensioned to follow the contours of barrel  105  and encase an inner housing in fluid communication with container  120 . 
         [0017]    Although one spray mechanism  118  is shown affixed to housing  102 , it is contemplated that a plurality of spray mechanisms  118  may be affixed to housing  102  such that more than one type of fluid may be emitted from blow dryer  100 . In this aspect, each of the plurality of spray mechanisms  118  may have a size and dimension suitable for releasing a fluid yet small enough so as not to render blow dryer  100  inoperable (e.g., too heavy for comfortable hair styling). Still further, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of spray mechanisms may be controlled by a single actuator or separate actuators corresponding to each spray mechanism. 
         [0018]    Cuff  144  may be provided to removably secure spray mechanism  118  to blow dryer  100 . In some embodiments, cuff  144  is a substantially circular structure that extends from a top surface of nozzle  122 . Cuff  144  may be made of a durable material, such as a plastic, and define an opening of a sufficient diameter such that it may be positioned around barrel  105  of blow dryer  100 . A user may secure spray mechanism  118  to blow dryer  100  by sliding cuff  144  of spray mechanism  118  over air directing mechanism  128  and barrel  105  until a circumference of barrel  105  becomes greater than the opening of cuff  144  and/or nozzle end  146  contacts handle  106 . Once cuff  144  is in position, frictional forces between an inner surface of cuff  144  and an outer surface of housing  102  may be relied upon to hold cuff  144  and, in turn, spray mechanism  118  in place. In some embodiments, an inner surface of cuff  144  may include a coating of, for example, a rubber material, to further prevent sliding of cuff  144  along barrel  105  once in position. Spray mechanism  118  may then be removed from blow dryer  100  by sliding cuff  144  in the opposite direction along barrel  105 . 
         [0019]    It is further contemplated that cuff  144  may have a modifiable diameter to accommodate a variety of blow dryer sizes. For example, cuff  144  may have two flexible ends which define a small gap between the ends. The diameter of the opening of cuff  144  may be increased from its natural diameter by pushing the ends away from one another (i.e. increasing the gap width). Alternatively, cuff  144  may be made of, for example, a resilient material, such as rubber or elastic, which may be expanded or contracted to fit around different sized blow dryers. Where cuff  144  is made of a more resilient material such as elastic, contraction of the elastic material may help to hold cuff  144  and, in turn, spray mechanism  118  in place. 
         [0020]    In still further embodiments, a top surface of nozzle  122  (shown adjacent barrel  105 ) and an underside of barrel  105  of head  104  may include complimentary attachment mechanisms. For example, the top surface of nozzle  122  may include a channel dimensioned to slide along a rail protruding from the underside of barrel  105 . Alternatively, spray mechanism  118  may be releasably connected to another region of blow dryer  100  by any attachment mechanism which allows for release of spray mechanism  118  from housing  102 . 
         [0021]    In other embodiments, spray mechanism  118  may be mounted within housing  102 . For example, spray mechanism  118  may be an electronic mechanism including an electronic pump having a chamber for holding liquids mounted within housing  102  and a conduit which extends from the chamber to air emitting end  142  of blow dryer  100 . The electronic spray mechanism may be electrically connected to a control assembly within handle portion  106  such that depression of, for example, switch  112  initiates release of a liquid from the chamber and out an end of the conduit terminating at end  142 . Still further, spray mechanism  118  may include a gravity drip or drip pump system which releases drops of water into a grid at end  142  of blow dryer  100  for emission along with air flowing out of blow dryer  100 . 
         [0022]    Returning to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , conduit  124  may be connected to nozzle  122  and housing  102  to facilitate delivery of a fluid emitted from container  120  within the flow of air emitted from blow dryer  100 . Conduit  124  may include, for example, minute perforations, to create a mist of the fluid for release within air directing mechanism  128 . Alternatively, conduit  124  may terminate within a component having one or multiple openings of a diameter much smaller than that of a lumen of conduit  124  such that a misting effect is created when the fluid is forced through the openings. In some embodiments, one end of conduit  124  is positioned over an outlet port  126  of nozzle  122  and an opposite end is positioned near air emission end  142  of barrel  105 . For example, where air is emitted from air directing mechanism  128  connected to barrel  105  of head  104 , the opposite end of conduit  124  is positioned adjacent to or within air directing mechanism  128 . In this aspect, a hole for receiving conduit  124  may be formed by any conventional technique through air directing mechanism  128 . Still further, in an embodiment where air directing mechanism  128  is omitted, the opposite end of conduit  124  may be positioned adjacent to or through a hole in air emission end  142  of barrel  105 . Conduit  124  may be made of any durable material and have any dimension suitable for delivery of a fluid from spray mechanism  118  to a region of head  104  where air is emitted. Representatively, conduit  124  may be made of a rubber or plastic material. 
         [0023]    Actuator  130  for controlling a release of fluid from spray mechanism  118  may be connected to a suction tube (not shown) disposed within container  120 . In this aspect, when a user pulls actuator  130  toward handle  106 , a fluid within container  120  may travel from nozzle  122  through outlet port  126  to conduit  124  and be released through outlet  140 . Alternatively, as previously discussed, spray mechanism  118  may include an electronic pump mechanism and actuator  130  may be omitted. 
         [0024]    An energy source  302  is further provided within housing  102  as will be described in more detail in reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . Energy source  302  may be positioned within housing  102  such that energy of a defined wavelength is directed in substantially the same direction as the air flowing from blow dryer  100 , for example, longitudinally from energy source  302  towards hair held within brush  101 . In some embodiments, energy source  302  may serve as both a source of light energy and heat energy for blow dryer. For example, in embodiments where the energy source is a halogen bulb, in addition to visible light, the bulb emits infrared radiation which gives off heat thereby increasing a temperature within barrel  105 . Air flowing from impeller  202  then passes through this heated region and is emitted from outlet  140  at a temperature sufficient to dry and/or style a user&#39;s hair. In addition to drying the hair, it is believed that the combined light energy and heat energy from light source  302  has a therapeutic effect on the hair and/or scalp. This effect is generally referred to herein as “thermal light therapy.” 
         [0025]    Brush  101  may be provided to position a user&#39;s hair in front of blow dryer  100 . Brush  101  includes brush head  130  extending from one end of handle  132 . Brush head  130  and handle  132  may be integrally formed or separate components connected together by, for example, an adhesive or screws secured to adjacent ends of brush head  130  and handle  132 . Brush  101  may be made of a generally durable material such as a plastic, a metal or a wood as deemed desirable. Brush head  130  and handle  132  may have any dimension and shape deemed desirable for styling a user&#39;s hair in conjunction with a blow dryer. For example, in some embodiments, brush head  130  may have an elongated body with a substantially rectangular or cylindrical shape. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, handle  132  may include gripping mechanism  150  around an outer surface of handle  132  to provide a comfortable gripping surface for a user. Gripping mechanism  150  may be, for example, a rubber material wrapped around handle  132  and affixed to handle, by for example, an adhesive. Alternatively, gripping mechanism  150  may be of any material and have any configuration suitable for facilitating gripping of handle  106  by a user. 
         [0027]    Bristles  134  may extend from a surface of brush head  130 . In various embodiments, bristles  134  may be made of any natural or synthetic material. For example, bristles  134  may be a natural material such as boar hair or a synthetic material such as nylon. The bristles may be affixed (e.g. glued or otherwise secured) to brush head  130  in groups (e.g. bristle groups) and extend perpendicularly from the surface of brush head  130 . 
         [0028]    Bristles  134  may be placed in any configuration alone or in groups on brush head  130  that is suitable for styling hair in conjunction with blow dryer  100 . For example, bristles  134  may be placed in bristle groups in a grid or row configuration on one side of brush head  130 . Alternatively, bristles  134  may be disposed around an entire periphery of brush head  130  or on multiple sides of brush head  130  and extend in any direction from brush head  130  deemed desirable. 
         [0029]    Guide pins  136  may further extend from the surface of brush head  130 . Similar to bristles  134 , guide pins  136  may be glued or otherwise secured to brush head  130  and extend perpendicularly from the surface of brush head  130 . Guide pins  136  may be disposed within one or more bristle groups. In the embodiment shown, each bristle group includes a guide pin that extends farther from brush head  130  than bristles  134  to help guide bristles  134  through the hair. In one embodiment, a group of bristles extends approximately 7 millimeters (mm) to 9 mm from the surface of brush head  130  and guide pins  136  may extend 10 mm to 12 mm or more from the surface of brush head  130 . It is, however, contemplated that bristles  134  and guide pins  136  may extend any distance from the surface of brush head  130  deemed desirable. 
         [0030]    Guide pins  136  may be of any synthetic or natural material suitable for guiding bristles  134  through the hair. In some embodiments, guide pins  136  are of a material having a property to illuminate (e.g. reflect light) when energy from energy source  302  is directed at them. For example, guide pins  136  may be made of a fiber optic material. Representative materials include, but are not limited to, silica, fluorozirconate, fluoroaluminate, chalcogenide glasses and plastic optical fibers such as step-index multimode fibers. In this aspect, when guide pins  136  are contacted by energy, in for example, a visible light wavelength, emitted from energy source  302 , the light is guided along a length of each of the contacted guide pins  136  by reflection and illuminates guide pins  136 . Since energy source  302  and, in turn, the emitted energy, travel in substantially the same direction as the air flow from blow dryer  100 , illumination of guide pins  136  indicates to a user which portions of hair held within brush  101  are being contacted by the air. This allows the user to ensure the desired portions of the hair are being contacted by air from blow dryer  100 . In this aspect, styling can be focused to the desired hair regions. 
         [0031]    For example, the user may hold a lock of hair with brush  101  and simultaneously position blow dryer  100  to blow a stream of air onto the lock of hair. The user will know that the air is being directed at the desired hair region upon illumination of guide pins  136  within this region. If guide pins  136  within this region do not illuminate, the user may re-focus the air flow to the desired region by adjusting the position of blow dryer  100  until guide pins  136  within the desired region illuminate. In this aspect, the user is able to more accurately and quickly achieve a desired hair style. In some embodiments, some of guide pins  136  are made of different materials (e.g., illuminating and non-illuminating materials) such that some of guide pins  136  illuminate while others do not. 
         [0032]    To further facilitate faster hair styling, tracks  138  may be formed in the surface of brush  101  to channel air flowing from blow dryer  100  along brush  101  so that both sides of hair held by brush  101  within the flow of air from blow dryer  100  are exposed to the air. By exposing both sides of the hair to the air, styling time may be significantly reduced. Tracks  138  may be grooves or channels having a solid bottom surface  158  (see  FIG. 1B ). Tracks  138  may be formed in parallel across a surface of brush head  130 . In some embodiments, tracks  138  may be formed by a substantially rectangular cut out in a surface of brush  101  having a length of approximately 1¼ inches, a width of approximately ¼ inch and a depth of approximately ⅛ inch. It is, however, contemplated that the dimensions of tracks  138  may vary depending upon factors such as the size of head  130 , number of bristles  134 , and desired styling effect. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , tracks  138  extend across a width dimension of a surface of brush head  130 . It is contemplated that tracks  138  may be formed along any surface of head  130  having bristles  134 . For example, in some embodiments, tracks  138  are formed along one side of brush  101 . In other embodiments, tracks  138  may be formed around an entire periphery of brush head  130  such that each side of head  130  may be used for hair styling in the manner described herein. Some of bristles  134  and guide pins  136  may be positioned within tracks  138 . For example, in some embodiments, every other row of bristles  134  and guide pins  136  may be positioned within tracks  138 . 
         [0034]    A lock of hair may be held within brush  101  as shown in  FIG. 1B . In this embodiment, a lock of hair  152  from head  154  is shown held by brush  101  between bristles  134  and guide pins  136  within one of tracks  138 . A stream of air  150  from blow dryer  100  directed toward brush  101  travels through a top layer of hair  152  along a path which flows along first edge  156  of track  138  to bottom surface  158 . Air  150  flows along bottom surface  156  of track  138  until it hits second edge  160 . Edge  160  re-directs air  150  away from head  130  and back up through the under layer of hair  152 . In this aspect, both sides of hair within the flow of air  150  from blow dryer  100  are exposed to the air. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, first edge  156 , bottom surface  158  and second edge  160  of tracks  138  form an arcuate surface as shown in  FIG. 1B  such that air  150  from blow dryer  100  curves around the arcuate surface. Alternatively, tracks  138  may be formed by first edge  156  and second edge  160  at right angles to bottom surface  158  or by any other configuration suitable for allowing for exposure of both sides of hair within head  130  of brush  101  to the flow of air from blow dryer  100 . Alternatively, tracks  138  may be omitted and an entire surface of head  130  may have a concave shape to direct air around the hair held by bristles  134  and guide pins  136  as described herein. 
         [0036]    Beyond bristles  134 , guide pins  136  and tracks  138 , brush  101  may have other structural aspects that yield advantages when styling hair. For example, brush head  130  may have a ceramic material disposed on a surface thereof. The ceramic material may substantially cover the entire surface of brush head  130 . Alternatively, the ceramic material may cover only a portion of the surface of brush head  130 . In this aspect, the ceramic coating facilitates an even distribution of heat from blow dryer  100 . Besides distributing heat evenly, the ceramic coating helps to retain heat for a longer period of time while styling hair. Additionally, components of brush  101  and/or blow dryer  100  (see  FIG. 2 ) may be coated with or emit ions to facilitate inactivation or removal of ions from the hair during styling. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an air emitting assembly showing internal components of the assembly. Blow dryer  200  may be a blow dryer having similar components to that described in reference to  FIG. 1A . In this embodiment, spray mechanism  118  is not shown connected to blow dryer  200 . It is contemplated, however, that blow dryer  200  can still accommodate spray mechanism  118  as described in reference to  FIG. 1A . 
         [0038]    Power cord  108  is shown connected to handle  106  and switch  112  is shown connected to components within handle  106 . Although switches  114  and  116  are not shown, it is further contemplated switches  114  and  116  are connected to components within handle  106  in a similar manner to that of switch  112 . Such components may include wires and/or electronic circuit components for providing power to or for controlling a temperature or flow rate of air emitted from blow dryer  200 . 
         [0039]    Impeller  202  is positioned within head  104  in a direction such that air blown from impeller  202  is directed along a length of head  104  and out air directing mechanism  128 . Impeller  202  may be any conventional impeller suitable for blowing air out of blow dryer  200 . 
         [0040]    Heating element  206  may be mounted (e.g. screwed) within housing  102  to modify a temperature of air flowing from blow dryer  200 . Heating element  206  may be an elongated substantially cylindrical structure made of a material, for example, a ceramic, a metal or glass, to retain heat when an electric current is supplied to heating element  206 . For example, an electric current, such as a household alternating current from a 120 Volt (V) alternating current (AC) source may be provided through power cord  108  to increase a temperature of heating element  206 . Heating element  206  may include a plurality of fin like structures to increase a surface area of heating element  206  in contact with air blown from impeller  202 . In this aspect, when a temperature of heating element  206  is increased, air blown from impeller  202  is warmed as it flows across surfaces of the fin like structures of heating element  206  such that warm air may be emitted from air outlet  140  of blow dryer  200 . Alternatively, heating element  206  may be any structure or of any dimensions suitable for heating air circulating within blow dryer  200 . For example, heating element  206  may be a convection heating element including heating coils or a radiant heating element including a halogen lamp. 
         [0041]    Energy source  302  (see  FIG. 3 ) is further provided to direct energy of a defined wavelength in substantially the same direction as the air flow. Energy source  302  is positioned between heating element  206  and air directing mechanism  128 . In some embodiments, energy source  302  is affixed to guard member  210  as shown in  FIG. 3  by any suitable technique (e.g. screwed). For example, in some embodiments, guard member  210  is a substantially circular rim with rods extending from the rim to a hub at the center of the rim to prevent hair from being pulled into blow dryer  200 . Energy source  302  may then be mounted to the hub or other region of guard member  210 . In this aspect, when blow dryer  200  is directed at a lock of hair held within a brush, the energy will contact substantially the same region of the lock of hair as the air flowing from blow dryer  200 . Guide pins  136  within this region of the hair will in turn be illuminated by the energy to indicate to a user which hair regions are within the flow of air. 
         [0042]    Energy source  302  may be a light source capable of emitting energy of any wavelength suitable for illuminating guide pins  136 . In some embodiments, energy source  302  is a non-coherent (i.e. non-laser) light source capable of emitting energy of wavelengths in for example, the infrared, ultraviolet and visible spectrums. Representative non-coherent light sources may include, but are not limited to, a halogen bulb, a light-emitting diode (LED), a fluorescent lamp or an incandescent lamp. In some embodiments, energy source  302  may be a coherent light source (i.e. a laser). It is contemplated that any number of energy sources deemed desirable may be used. For example, in some embodiments, three or four LED lights may be mounted to guard member  210 . It is further contemplated that energy source  302  may include a combination of any number of coherent and non-coherent light sources. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, an energy source may be selected which emits energy of a wavelength having therapeutic effects on the scalp and/or hair. It is recognized under the scientific principle of photobiostimulation that when energy, for example, in the form of light is used on the scalp and hair follicles it is converted by the cells in the scalp and hair to chemical energy. The cells may then use the chemical energy to assist in chemical processes performed by those cells (e.g., hair regeneration and growth). It is further recognized that energy wavelengths of some frequency ranges, for example, a pure wavelength at the peak of red light in the visible color spectrum such as that produced by cold-beam, red-light laser, may cause vibrations within soft tissues and fluids of cells which are believed to facilitate cell communication needed for healthy exchange of energy and information between cells. For example, it is recognized that energy of this wavelength may stimulate hair follicles, stop excessive hair loss, relieve various scalp conditions, repair and improve hair quality, and provide various other benefits to the scalp and hair. In this aspect, not only does blow dryer  200  stimulate the scalp via blowing of the hair back and forth, it further treats the scalp and helps thicken and restore hair through the emission of a wavelength of energy. Although use of a red light wavelength is mentioned, it is further contemplated that coherent and/or non-coherent energy sources which emit energy of various other wavelengths may be used to provide therapeutic effects on the scalp and/or hair. In addition, energy source  302  may emit heat energy along with a wavelength of light to provide thermal light therapy to the hair and/or scalp. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, blow dryer  200  may further include ion generator  208  to facilitate inactivation and/or removal of free radicals from the hair which can leave hair with a dull damaged appearance once styled. Ion generator  208  may be any conventional ion generator capable of emitting negative and/or positive ions into air circulating within blow dryer  200 . Ion generator  208  may be mounted to blow dryer  200  between heating element  206  and impeller  202  by any suitable mounting technique (e.g. screwed). Representatively, in one embodiment, ion generator  208  is a negative ion generator mounted within blow dryer  100 . Representatively, ion generator  208  may include a high voltage generator that generates high voltage pulses which negatively charge discharge points (e.g. wires) of the generator within a flow of air through blow dryer  200 . The negative voltage at the discharge points negatively charges air forced past the discharge points by impeller  202 . In some embodiments, an electric current may be supplied to ion generator  208  through wires electrically connecting ion generator  208  to power cord  108 . Alternatively, ion generator  208  may be battery operated. During operation of blow dryer  200 , electrically generated ions are emitted through head portion  104  and out outlet port  140  toward a lock of hair. Upon contact with the hair, the ions facilitate styling of the hair by, for example, helping to lay the cuticle of the hair down so that the hair looks and feels more hydrated. In addition, the ions may help break apart water molecules thereby reducing the time required to dry wet hair. 
         [0045]    In still further embodiments, the ion generator may be a natural ion emitting ceramic material positioned within blow dryer  200 . Emission of negative ions from the ceramic material is enhanced by hot air flowing through blow dryer  200 . In some embodiments, the natural ceramic material further emits far infrared rays (FIR) to help condition the hair. The negative ions from the ceramic material and FIR in conjunction with the hot air from blow dryer  200  improve the appearance of the hair (e.g., give the hair a smooth, silky and shiny appearance). In particular, FIR penetrates into an inner shaft of the hair to dry the hair from the inside out. Drying the hair from the inside out prevents damage to the hair in that it does not over dry a surface of the hair. The ceramic material may be a material made of a combination of various compounds, including, but not limited to SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , FE 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , CaO, MgO, K 2 O and Na 2 O. In some embodiments, a solid piece of the ceramic material may be affixed to heating element  206  by any suitable technique (e.g. screwed, clipped or the like). In this aspect, hot air within blow dryer  200  contacts the ceramic material and carries emitted ions out of blow dryer  200  to the hair. 
         [0046]    Additionally, heating element  206  may be coated with ions, such as, for example, charged mineral particles. In this aspect, air flowing over heating element  206  from impeller  202  releases the ions from the surface of heating element  206  carrying them out of blow dryer  200  to the hair. Hair styled using blow dryer  200  with charged mineral particles is then left with a clean, lustrous shine. 
         [0047]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of an embodiment of the air emitting assembly of  FIG. 1A . In this aspect, assembly  300  includes substantially the same components as those described in reference to  FIG. 1A . It can be seen from this view that energy source  302  is mounted to hub  304  positioned within a center of guard member  210 . In this aspect, energy of a desired wavelength emitted from energy source  302  travels in the same direction as air flowing through barrel  105  and out outlet  140  of air directing mechanism  128 .  FIG. 3  further illustrates conduit  124  connected to an outlet component  306  positioned within air directing mechanism  128  such that particles of fluid emitted from spray mechanism  118  may be introduced into air flowing through barrel  105  and out air directing mechanism  128 . Outlet component  306  may include a housing having one or multiple openings of a smaller diameter than the lumen of conduit  124 . In this aspect, fluid forced through conduit  124  and out the openings of outlet component  306  is emitted from outlet component  306  as a fine mist. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a brush. Brush  400  is similar in some respects to brush  101  described in reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In this aspect, brush  400  includes a brush head  402  extending from one end of handle  404 . Brush head  402  may include an inner wall  406 A and an outer wall  406 B. Inner wall  406 A and outer wall  406 B are dimensioned to channel or redirect air from a blow dryer so that it travels through a top layer of hair and back up through a bottom layer of hair. In this aspect, inner wall  406 A may form tracks  408  positioned along an inner surface of outer wall  406 B and outer wall  406 B may define openings  416  adjacent tracks  408 . In some embodiments, tracks  408  have an arcuate bottom surface  410  and edges  412  and  414  at opposite ends of arcuate bottom surface  410  to help redirect the flow of air  422 . In other embodiments, tracks  408  may have any dimension capable of redirecting a flow of air as described herein. 
         [0049]    Openings  416  may be formed along a length of brush head  402 . Openings  416  are positioned within a region of brush head  402  above each of tracks  408  such that air  422  directed over brush head  402  flows through openings  416  toward one of tracks  408 . Once through openings  416 , air  422  travels deeper into brush head  402  along edge  412  until it reaches arcuate bottom surface  410 . Upon contacting bottom surface  410 , air  422  is directed along the arcuate surface to edge  414  where it is redirected toward outer wall  406 B and out openings  416 . Although not shown in detail to facilitate easier understanding of air flow through brush head  402 , it is contemplated that bristles  424  and guide pins  426  such as those described in reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  extend from brush head  402  at points  418  shown around a surface of brush head to hold a lock of hair within brush head  402 . In this aspect, air directed at brush head  402  with hair therein contacts both an upper layer and under layer of the hair as it travels through openings  416  and along tracks  408 . 
         [0050]    Brush head  402  may have any dimension and be made of any material (e.g. a ceramic, metal or the like) suitable for channeling air flow from a blow dryer as previously described. For example, in one embodiment, brush head  402  has a cylindrical dimension with a plurality of tracks  408  and corresponding openings  416  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Although four tracks  408  with three openings  416  corresponding to each of the tracks  408  are shown, it is recognized that the number of tracks and openings may vary depending upon factors such as the dimensions and size of brush head  402 . Although substantially rectangular openings are illustrated in  FIG. 4 , it is further contemplated that the dimensions of tracks  408  and openings  416  may vary depending upon the dimensions of brush head  402  and desired styling results. It is further contemplated that brush head  402  may have a rectangular dimension such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In this embodiment, a track may be positioned adjacent each of the four sides of the rectangular brush head or less than all four sides. 
         [0051]    Brush  400  may further include gripping mechanism  420  around handle  404 . Gripping mechanism  420  may be substantially similar to the gripping mechanisms described in reference to  FIG. 1A . 
         [0052]    Although not shown, brush  400  may further include a heating element within brush head  402  to heat hair held within bristles of brush  400 . In some embodiments, the heating element may be positioned within a chamber defined by inner wall  406 A. The heating element may be a conducting element which relies upon heated air from a blow dryer to heat up. For example, the heating element may be a ceramic or metal rod within brush head  402 . Alternatively, the heating element may be an electrical heating element such as heating element  206  described in reference to  FIG. 1B  which is heated using an electric current. In this aspect, a power cord may be connected to handle  404  and electrical wires may extend from the power cord to the heating element within brush head  402 . It is further contemplated that the heating element may be battery operated such that a battery is removably connected to a portion (e.g., within handle  404 ) of brush  400 . 
         [0053]    It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it is emphasized and should be appreciated that two or more references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” or “an alternative embodiment” in various portions of this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         [0054]    In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense