Abstract:
A hair extension assembly as described includes at least one hair extension, a hair fastener, and at least one hair extension connector. The hair fastener engages the wearer&#39;s hair, and the at least one hair extension is indirectly connected to the hair fastener via a hair extension connector, such as a thin flexible loop made of thread, string, wire, ribbon, or fiber. When applied, the thin connector is the only material necessarily within the fastener next to the wearer&#39;s hair and the connector separates the hair extension strands from the fastener. The hair extension assembly is quickly and easily applied to provide a customizable, free-flowing, and natural appearance that is comfortable, less bulky and easy to maintain and shampoo.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to hair extensions, and more specifically, to a hair extension assembly in which one or more hair extensions, each comprising a plurality of hair strands, are secured to a hair extension connector that is movably coupled to a hair fastener. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Hair extensions are a well known and popular product for increasing the length and/or fullness of a person&#39;s hair while blending in and integrating with the hair of the wearer. Extensions allow the wearer to tailor the appearance of their hair by typically adding multiple extensions with selected length(s) and color(s) to achieve a desired look. Known hair extensions can be weaved, glued/adhered, clipped onto or crimped into a wearer&#39;s actual hair. Hair extensions may comprise a group of hair extension strands that are glued at one end to form a tip. One long-lasting technique of applying hair extensions involves threading a section of a person&#39;s actual hair through a deformable fastening ring, placing the tip of a hair extension into the fastening ring and then crimping the ring, thereby fixedly securing both the hair extension strands and the person&#39;s actual hair within the crimped ring. Crimped hair extensions provide a secure and integrated engagement with the wearer&#39;s actual hair that can comfortably withstand an active lifestyle, hair brushing, hair shampooing and sleeping. Once applied, the extensions can be worn for as many as one to three months. 
         [0003]    The process of applying the extensions may involve the use of many dozens of hair extensions and fastening rings in order to give the wearer&#39;s hair a full, natural and symmetrical appearance. This is a time-consuming and costly process involving the repetitive handling of multiple components such as the small fastening rings, the hair extension and the crimping tool. The number of fastening rings is generally determined by the style desired and the amount of fullness and length to be added to the wearer&#39;s actual hair. 
         [0004]    In general, it is desirable to reduce the number of connecting rings to reduce the application time, maximize comfort and to achieve a natural appearance. However, because both the wearer&#39;s hair and the extension are threaded through each ring, the amount of hair extension strands applied within the ring is generally limited by the size of the fastening ring. Use of larger rings could reduce the number of rings necessary, but the size of the rings is limited by factors such as the weight of the extension, obtrusiveness of the ring through the wearer&#39;s actual hair, and comfort. Comfort is critical to the longevity of use of hair extensions. Concealment of the rings within the wearer&#39;s hair is also critically important, where smaller rings are less obtrusive and noticeable. An undetectable and integrated finish is often harder to achieve with thin hair, lighter hair colors, and/or hair areas at the top and side locations. 
         [0005]    While crimping provides a secure engagement with less scalp and hair contact with glue/adhesives than other techniques involving direct glue/adhesive application, the foregoing crimping technique does require the wearer&#39;s actual hair to be crimped tightly against the glue used to form the tip of the hair extension, which glue can damage the actual hair over time. The wearer&#39;s actual hair strands may become integrated into the glue due to the pressure of the crimp and the movement of the hair against the glue during the course of wearing the hair extension in natural activities such as sleeping. Removal of the hair extension thus may also cause tugging of the actual hair or even loss of strands of actual hair. Hair extension techniques which can damage or pull out a wearer&#39;s actual hair are particularly not desirable by those with thin or thinning hair. 
         [0006]    Depending on the style desired, the hair type of the wearer and location of the application of the extension, one approach that has been used in certain applications to overcome the foregoing drawbacks involves a multi-extension apparatus that comprises an elongated weft of fabric with hair extension strands sewn into the weft along the weft&#39;s length. A plurality of connecting rings are sewn to the weft in fixed locations at spaced intervals along the length of the weft. To apply the apparatus, the weft is placed immediately adjacent the scalp; a section of the wearer&#39;s actual hair is threaded through the first connecting ring and crimped; and then specific sections of the wearer&#39;s actual hair corresponding to the locations of the fixed connecting rings must be sequentially grasped from behind the weft and threaded through the connecting rings and crimped. Additional multi-extension weft apparatuses and/or other hair extensions are then applied to the wearer&#39;s head to achieve the desired appearance. 
         [0007]    While this particular technique avoids the problem of glue contacting the wearer&#39;s actual hair and the problem of incorporating the hair extension strands within the connecting rings, it is not suitable for all applications and has other drawbacks. Wefts are not generally recommended for thin hair and/or light hair with specific style requests (such as where the weft would be noticeable under the hair or would add too much bulk and weight); wefts are also not generally suitable for applications where variability in color, length and/or style of hair extension strands is desired. Wefts, e.g., can add weight, bulk, rigidity, discomfort and make shampooing of the hair and scalp more difficult than the prior art application of crimping a single hair extension. While the hair extension strands are not within the connecting rings and the amount of hair extension strands applied within the wearer&#39;s hair is accordingly increased for a given size of connecting rings, the weft adds the bulk of the weft material and the bulk of the excess hair which is folded over for the purpose of sewing the hair to the weft. The application of the weft also requires specific sections of hair in precise locations behind the weft to be grasped for threading based on the close attachment of the weft against the scalp and the fixed relationship of the location of its connecting rings. Thus, a need continues for a hair extension assembly that addresses the foregoing issues. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1   a  is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a hair extension assembly with two hair extensions shown in a first configuration; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1   b  is a cross-sectional view of a hair extension connector of  FIG. 1   a  taken along the line b-b; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1   c  is a cross-sectional of a hair extension first end of  FIG. 1   a  taken along the line c-c; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1   d  is an alternate embodiment of the cross-section of the hair extension connector of  FIG. 1   b;    
           [0013]      FIG. 1   e  is an alternate embodiment of the cross-section of the hair extension first end of  FIG. 1   c;    
           [0014]      FIG. 1   f  is an alternate embodiment of a hair fastener with a hair extension connector attached to it; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1   g  is a cross-sectional view of the hair fastener of  FIG. 1   f  taken along line g-g in plane P. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2   a  is a schematic view of the hair extension assembly of  FIG. 1  with one hair extension in a first configuration and the second hair extension removed; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2   b  is a schematic view of the hair extension assembly of  FIG. 2  with the hair extension in a second configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the hair extension assembly of  FIG. 1  with the hair extensions in a second configuration; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a hair extension assembly hair fastener connected to and two hair extension connectors; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a depiction of a hair extension being applied to a hair extension connector; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a depiction of an application tool engaged with the hair extension assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a depiction of a person&#39;s hair being threaded through the fastener ring of the hair extension assembly of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart used to illustrate a method of making a hair extension assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    The present disclosure relates to a hair extension assembly connecting at least one hair extension to a hair fastener. The hair fastener is used to attach the assembly to a person&#39;s hair. The hair extensions are movably attached to the hair fastener via a hair extension connector. When the assembly is applied, a small section of the person&#39;s hair is attached through the fastener, but the at least one hair extension is not directly in contact with fastener, and instead is spaced apart from the inside of the fastener via a hair extension connector. Preferably, a portion of the length of the hair extension connector extends below the hair fastener and spaces the at least one hair extension below the hair fastener whereby the at least one hair extension is movably connected to the fastener. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1   a , an exaggerated side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of hair extension assembly  20  is depicted. Hair extension assembly  20  comprises a hair fastener  30 , and two hair extensions  22  and  24 . For ease of illustration, the size of hair fastener  30  has been exaggerated relative to hair extensions  22  and  24 . In the figure, hair extensions  22  and  24  are spaced apart from hair fastener  30  in a direction along and away from the lengthwise axis (z-axis). The hair extensions  22 ,  24  comprise a plurality of synthetic or natural hair strands and may be provided in a variety of colors, styles and lengths as dictated by the wearer&#39;s preferences. The hair extension strands comprising hair extensions  22 ,  24  may also be provided in a number of different shape configurations, such as straight, curly, wavy, feathers, metallic, plastic, or fiber-optic. Different lengths, styles, colors and materials can be combined to create a style customizable for the wearer. Because different lengths, styles, colors and materials can be selected for different attachment locations, the stylist or wearer can customize the look as desired. In certain implementations, the hair strands are pre-treated with a material that enhances the softness of its texture. 
         [0026]    Hair fastener  30  is generally annular and includes a through-opening  36  along its length (in the z-axis direction). Although the length/diameter ratio of fastener  30  appears to be greater than 1 in the figure, no particular ratio is required. In addition, hair fasteners having shapes other than annular may be used. However, hair fastener  30  is preferably configured for attachment to a wearer&#39;s actual hair. 
         [0027]    Hair extension connectors  32  and  34  each connect respective hair extensions  22  and  24  to hair fastener  30 . In certain implementations, hair extension connectors  32  and  34  are thin loops. In the example of  FIGS. 1   a  and  2   a - 2   b , the hair extension connectors  32  and  34  each encircle the length (but not the perimeter) of the hair fastener  30  from a location inside opening  36  to a position outside of hair fastener  30 . Hair extension connectors  32  and  34  are preferably thin, flexible, strong and moveable with respect to hair fastener  30 . Hair extension connectors  32  and  34  may comprise synthetic or natural materials, and are preferably in the form of fibers, threads, or strings. Hair extension connectors  32  and  34  are preferably strong enough to withstand the weight of hair extensions  22  and  24  while still remaining flexible to give hair extensions  22  and  24  a free-flowing and natural appearance. In the embodiment of hair extension assembly  20  of  FIG. 1 , each hair extension connector  32  and  34  is moveable around the length axis (z) of the hair fastener  30  in circumferential direction C around the entire perimeter of hair fastener  30 . 
         [0028]    Hair fastener  30  may have shapes other than cylinders. In one example, shown in  FIGS. 1   f  and  1   g , a partially-cylindrical hair fastener  30  defining a U-shaped cross-section is used. As shown in the figures, hair fastener  30  has a first end  35  and a second end  37  which lie in a common plane P that is perpendicular to length axis L. A portion of hair extension connector  32  lies in plane P and is movable from first end  35  to second end  37 . Partially-cylindrical hair fastener  30  may also have retaining features for preventing hair connector  30  from sliding off of hair fastener  30 . 
         [0029]    In  FIG. 1   a , the hair extensions  22  and  24  are spaced apart from hair fastener  30  in both the lengthwise (z-axis) direction of fastener  30  and in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. This is how the assembly  20  might appear laid out on a table. However, in certain embodiments, if fastener  30  is picked up and held in the air, the hair extensions  22 ,  24  will fall downward and toward the z-axis, in which case extensions  22  and  24  will be spaced apart from the fastener  30  in the z-axis direction, but not necessarily in a direction perpendicular to it. In an attached condition, the hair extension assemblies  20  will be attached to the wearer&#39;s head at the hair fastener  30  and will otherwise generally hang downward such that the hair extensions  22  and  24  will be spaced apart from the hair fastener  30  along the z-axis direction and/or in a direction away from the z-axis direction. In an attached condition, hair extensions  22 ,  24  will not be crimped within the fastener  30  and only a small section of the wearer&#39;s actual hair will be crimped within fastener  30  next to any material of the connector on the interior of fastener  30 . 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 1   a , hair extension  22  has a first end  26   a  and a second end  26   b . First end  26   a  is generally formed into a tip by closely aggregating individual hairs and binding them together, such as by using an adhesive or mechanical fastener (like a small band or thread). In certain embodiments, an adhesive is further used to attach first end  26   a  to hair extension connector  32 . Second end  26   b  of hair extension  22  is not formed into a tip and the individual hairs comprising second end  26   b  are not attached to one another, giving the extension  22  a free flowing and natural appearance. Correspondingly, first end  28   a  of hair extension  24  is formed into a tip by closely aggregating and binding individual hairs together. Second end  28   b  is not formed into a tip and the individual hairs comprising second end  28   b  are not attached to one another. In preferred embodiments, a biocompatible adhesive is used to form the first ends  26   a  and  26   b  of hair extensions  22  and  24  into tips. Suitable examples of a biocompatible adhesive are those comprising a keratin protein. Commercially available examples of such adhesives include hot melt keratin glues supplied under the trade names BLS-9093 to BLS-9097 by Balice Hair of Yiwu City, China. The adhesives are preferably selected to avoid ingredients that may lead to scalp irritation. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 1   b  and  1   c , in certain preferred implementations, hair extension connector  32  has a cross-sectional area, (π/4)D 1   2  ( FIG. 1   b ) that is less than the cross-sectional area of the first end  26   a  of hair extension  22 , (π/4)D 2   2  ( FIG. 1   c ). This difference in cross-sectional area allows the opening  36  of hair fastener  30  to accommodate a greater amount of the wearer&#39;s hair than would be possible if first end  26   a  of hair extensions  22  were disposed in opening  36  and crimped with the wearer&#39;s hair, as is the case in certain known assemblies. Thus, fastener  30  need not be sized to account for the retention of hair extensions  22 ,  24  within the opening of fastener  30 . The relative cross-sectional areas of hair extension connector  34  and first end  28   a  of hair extension  24  may be configured similarly. 
         [0032]    The cross-sections of hair extension connector  32  and/or first end  26   a  of hair extension  22  need not be circular and may other regular or irregular shapes. In certain examples, hair extension connector  32  will have a maximum dimension when viewed in cross-section (e.g., a maximum linear distance from one portion of the cross-section to another) which will be less than a maximum dimension of first end  26   a  of hair extension  22  when first end  26   a  is viewed in cross-section. For example,  FIG. 1   d  depicts an irregularly shaped cross-section of hair extension connector  32 , and  FIG. 1   e  depicts a generally rectangular cross-section for first end  26   a  of hair extension  22 . The maximum dimension of the cross-section of hair extension connector  32  in  FIG. 1   d  is X. The maximum dimension of the cross-section of first end  26   a  of hair extension  22  in  FIG. 1   e  is Z. As  FIGS. 1   d  and  1   e  indicate, the length X is less than that of diagonal Z. In additional embodiments, the maximum cross-sectional dimension of hair extension connector  32  may be less than the minimum cross-sectional dimension of first end  26   a  of hair extension  22 , in which case X would be less than W. 
         [0033]    Hair extensions  22  and  24  have more degrees of freedom relative to hair fastener  30  than in many known hair extension assemblies. Prior to crimping, the extensions  22  and  24  may be manipulated in a number of directions and orientations relative to hair fastener  30  while still being connected to it via their respective hair extension connectors  32  and  34 . For example, the hair extensions  22  and  24  may be placed together or apart along the perimeter of the hair fastener  30 . In addition, the first ends  26   a  and  28   a  may be placed in abutting engagement with the hair fastener  30  or spaced apart from it by a maximum distance dictated by the dimensions and flexibility of hair extension connectors  32  and  34 . However, as mentioned previously, in normal use the extensions  22  and  24  will simply hang freely from the hair fastener  30  such that the first ends  26   a  and  26   b  will be spaced apart from it in the z-axis direction and/or in a direction away from the z-axis. The particular orientation of the spacing between the first ends  26   a  and  26   b  will depend on the location of placement of hair extension assembly  20  on the wearer&#39;s head, the length of the hair between the wearer&#39;s scalp and the hair fastener  30 , and the curvature of the wearer&#39;s head. 
         [0034]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1   a , hair fastener  30  is generally rigid but is plastically deformable through the application of force in its radial (perpendicular to the z-axis) direction. In certain implementations, a threshold deformation force generated by mechanical assistance is required. Tools for providing such mechanical assistance include pliers, vice grips, or other devices that can apply a compressive force in the radial direction of hair fastener  30 . The deformable nature of hair fastener  30  facilitates its secure attachment to human hair threaded through opening  36 . Suitable materials of construction for hair fastener  30  include aluminum, and copper. Hair fastener  30  preferably has a color that is selected to match the wearer&#39;s hair and/or that of hair extensions  22  and/or  24 . The dimensions of hair fastener  30  and its opening  36  are also preferably configured to facilitate deformation. Suitable hair fasteners  30  include aluminum micro-rings supplied under the trade names BLS-9030 to BLS-9049 by Balice Hair. 
         [0035]    In certain implementations, it is desirable to provide a material on the inner surface of hair fastener  30  which is biocompatible with human hair. As best seen in  FIG. 3 , in certain examples, hair fastener  30  includes an inner surface material  38 . Inner surface material  38  may be formed from a variety of materials, but is preferably a biocompatible polymeric material. Suitable examples include silicone polymers. In certain examples, the inner surface is coated with inner surface material. In other examples, an insert is preformed and is inserted into the opening  36  of fastener. Suitable micro-rings with silicone insert linings are commercially available and include those sold under the trade names BLS-9060 to BLS-9063 by Balice Hair. 
         [0036]    In  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , hair extension assembly  20  is shown with hair extension  24  and its corresponding hair extension connector  34  removed in order to better illustrate the degrees of freedom of the hair extensions  22  and  24 . As shown in the figures, while hair extension connector  32  is at a fixed position around the perimeter of hair fastener  30 , the entire length of hair extension  22  is moveable from a first position ( FIG. 2   a ) in which the entire length of extension  22  (including first end  26   a  which is the end most proximate hair fastener  30 ) is generally parallel to the length axis (z-axis) of hair fastener  30  to a second position ( FIG. 2   b ) in which the entire length of extension  22  (including first end  26   a ) is oriented oppositely but still generally parallel to the length axis (z-axis) of hair fastener  30 . This degree of movability is made possible by the hair extension connector  32 . Hair extension connector  32  attaches hair extension  22  to hair fastener  30 , while still allowing hair extension  22  to remain outside the interior of hair fastener  30  and, preferably, spaced apart from hair fastener  30 . In the preferred embodiment, some movability is preserved even after the hair extension assembly  20  is attached to the wearer&#39;s hair to achieve a natural movement. In known hair extension designs, the first end  26   a  of hair extension  22  is disposed in a connecting ring along with the wearer&#39;s actual hair and the ring is then crimped. As a result, part of the hair extension is fixedly attached to the wearer&#39;s hair and unable to move freely with respect to the connecting ring. Hair extension assembly  20  overcomes this drawback. Even when hair extension assembly  20  is in an attached configuration on a wearer&#39;s head, the entire lengths of both hair extensions  22  and  24  are free to naturally move with the motion of the head. 
         [0037]    To facilitate the application of hair extension assemblies  20  to a wearer&#39;s head, a plurality of such assemblies  20  may be provided as a kit. In a kit configuration, each hair extension assembly  20  is separate from and disconnected from the other hair extension assemblies. In certain examples, a common color will be used for all of the hair extensions  22  and  24  in a kit. Similarly, a common color may be used for all of the hair fasteners  30  and/or all of the hair extension connectors  32  and  43  in a kit. The kit may alternatively provide differing lengths, colors, textures, and/or styles in one kit to be applied around the head to achieve a specifically designed look. 
         [0038]    Hair extension assembly  20  may include one or more hair extensions  22 ,  24 . Because the hair extension connector  32  is thin, the amount of hair extension strands that can be used in association with a single fastener is not limited by the need to fit the hair extension strands within the inner diameter of the fastener. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , two extensions  22  and  24  are provided. Additional hair extensions may also be provided. In one example, hair extension assembly  20  may be provided with three (3) hair extensions. However, in certain preferred implementations, the number of hair extensions in a single hair extension assembly  20  will be limited to two in order to avoid excessive gravitational pulling force on the wearer&#39;s actual hair. 
         [0039]    A method of making the hair extension assembly of  FIG. 1  will now be described with reference to the flow chart of  FIG. 8  and  FIGS. 4-5 . Referring first to FIG.  8 , a hair fastener  30  of the type described previously is provided (step  1002 ). A hair extension connector  32  is provided in an unlooped configuration and is threaded through opening  36  in hair fastener  30  so that hair extension connector  32  is axially disposed on the hair extension connector  32  between first hair extension connector section  40   a  and second hair extension connector section  40   b  (step  1004 ). The first and second sections  40   a  and  40   b  are then looped and joined together at a location  44 , such as by tying a knot (step  1006 ). Excess length of the hair extension connector material may then be cut and discarded. 
         [0040]    In step  1008 , first end  26   a  of hair extension  22  is attached to hair extension connector  32  proximate location  44  where first and second hair extension connector sections  40   a  and  40   b  are joined. In one implementation, strands of hair used to form first end  26   a  of hair extension  22  are aggregated in a generally flat configuration and coated with an adhesive of the type described previously, such as a hot melt keratin glue. The coated hair strands are then rolled around hair extension connector  32  to form tip  26   a . One exemplary method of performing step  1008  is depicted in  FIG. 5 . As shown in the figure, a fastener retainer  48  (such as a pin or a needle) is secured to a support object  50  (such as a pin cushion). Hair fastener  30  is then disposed on fastener retainer  48  so that the retainer  48  projects through opening  36  in hair fastener  30 . Adhesive-covered fibers used to form first end  26   a  of hair extension  22  are then rolled around hair extension connector  32  to form a tip. Alternative methods of securing the hair extension strands to the connector may be advantageous to increase speed of manufacture and/or costs. For example, a preferred method includes the use of multiple fastening rings placed in a slidable position along a rigid wire with the connector looped through the fastening rings and knotted, whereby groupings of hair strands are repeatedly secured to the loops using an adhesive and completed assemblies can be pushed down the wire. 
         [0041]    Returning to  FIG. 8 , in step  1010  it is determined whether additional hair extensions are to be added. For example, to construct the hair extension assembly  20  of  FIG. 1 , the process would be repeated by returning to step  1002  and attaching hair extension connector  34  to hair fastener  30  in the same manner described previously for hair extension connector  32  and then repeating steps  1004  to  1006 . In the method of FIG.  8 , hair extension  22  is attached to hair extension connector  32  before second hair extension connector  34  is attached to hair fastener  30 . However, other sequences may be used. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , second hair extension connector  34  may be attached to hair fastener  30  before attaching first hair extension  22  to first hair extension connector  32 . 
         [0042]    A method of applying hair extension assembly  20  to a wearer&#39;s hair will now be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . Application tool  52  is provided and is a generally elongated tool with a handle section  54  and a hair engagement section  56 . Handle section  54  is preferably rigid and is configured to be gripped by a single hand. Handle  54  may be formed from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, polymeric resins, composites of polymeric resins and additives/fillers, etc. Handle  54  may also include surface features such as grooves, ridges, indentations, and the like to facilitate gripping. 
         [0043]    Engagement section  56  preferably includes a thin, elongated rigid shaft  57 . Tip  58  is preferably configured to facilitate engagement with a person&#39;s hair. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , tip  58  is formed as a hook. A gripping latch  60  may also be provided to facilitate engagement of the wearer&#39;s hair with the elongated shaft  57 . Gripping latch  60  has a first end connected to the elongated shaft  57  and a second, free end. Gripping latch  60  is pivotable about its point of connection to the elongated shaft  57 , and preferably pivots in a direction toward shaft tip  58  and the shaft  57 . 
         [0044]    In accordance with the method, hair extension assembly  20  is provided, and a stylist grips handle  54  of application tool  52 . Application tool tip  58  is then pushed through opening  36  of hair fastener  30  until reaching the position shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0045]    With the application tool  52  positioned as shown in  FIG. 6 , the stylist uses tip  58  and gripping latch  60  to grip several strands of the wearer&#39;s hair. Once gripped, the strands of the wearer&#39;s air are pulled back through the opening  36  in hair fastener  30  as shown in  FIG. 7 . During this step, gripping latch  60  engages hair fastener  30  as latch  60  is pulled backward through the opening  36  of hair fastener  30 , causing the latch  60  to pivot toward a position parallel to the elongated shaft  57 . Hair fastener  30  is adjusted to a desired location along the length of the hair strands that have now been pulled through it. A compressive force is applied to hair fastener  30  to secure it to the wearer&#39;s hair strands projecting through opening  36 . The compressive force is preferably applied with mechanical assistance such as through the use of conventional hand tools. Pliers are preferred. Other tools, such as vise-grips may also be used. The stylist then repeats the process until the desired number of hair extension assemblies  20  have been applied to selected locations on the wearer&#39;s actual hair. 
         [0046]    Once the hair extension assembly  20  is applied, extensions  22  and  24  remain moveable with respect to the now-crimped hair fastener  30 . For example, their first ends  26   a  and  28   a  may be moved from one position in which they are in abutting engagement with hair fastener  30  or spaced apart from the hair fastener  30  in a direction perpendicular to the length axis (z-axis). First ends  26   a  and  28   b  may also be spaced apart from the hair fastener  30  in a direction parallel to the length (z-axis). However, during normal as applied to a wearer&#39;s head, the extensions  22  and  24  will hang freely with the first ends  26   a  and  26   b  spaced apart from the length (z-axis) in a direction that is parallel to the length (z-axis) and/or in a direction away from the length (z-axis). 
         [0047]    With the hair extension assemblies  20  in place on the wearer&#39;s head, the wearer can shower, bathe, shampoo, condition, brush and/or blow dry her actual hair as well as the hair extensions  22 ,  24 . After having been worn for a desired length of time, the hair extension assemblies  20  can be removed from the wearer&#39;s head. For example, if deformable rings, such as aluminum micro-rings, are used to form hair fastener  30 , the fastener  30  can again be deformed to allow the hair fastener  30  to be removed from the wearer&#39;s actual hair. In one example, a compressive force is applied to fastener causing the opening  36  (which has since been somewhat flattened) to expand and facilitate removal of the fastener  30 . With care, the ring can be decrimped and re-used. 
         [0048]    Hair extension assembly  20  provides several advantages over many known hair extensions, some of which have been described above. For example, in many known configurations, the amount of hair extension strands that can be connected to a given hair fastener is limited because the ring must accommodate the wearer&#39;s actual hair and all of the hair extension strands being applied within the opening of the fastener. However, as shown in  FIG. 1 , hair extension assembly  20  readily accommodates a greater amount of hair extension strands including multiple hair extensions. Hair extension assembly  20  allows a wearer to attach more hair extension strands in less space and with fewer rings. The fewer number of rings, along with the pre-assembly of the pieces, makes application easier. Comfort is also enhanced by the reduction in the number of required rings (and other material used to achieve the attachment of the hair extension strands). A reduction in the number of attachments and/or smaller size of the fasteners provides an integrated and natural appearance, which is especially beneficial for people with thinner hair where the excessive numbers of rings tended to be needed to achieve the desired fullness or style can lead to discomfort and an unattractive visibility of the hair extension ring. The ability to reduce the number of hair fasteners  30  also can be less damaging to the hair. The lack of adhesive or glue in close contact with the wearer&#39;s actual hair provides a substantial benefit. 
         [0049]    Also, because hair extensions  22  and  24  are connected to hair fastener  30  via hair extension connectors  32 ,  34  the hair extensions  22  and  24  may be more readily re-used than with many conventional hair extensions because the hair extensions  22 ,  24  are not crimped in hair fasteners  30 . As a result, the extensions  22 ,  24  can readily be separated from hair extension assembly  20  for subsequent re-use, such as by cutting hair extension connectors  32  and  34 . 
         [0050]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, with modifications and variations suited to the particular use contemplated.