Patent Publication Number: US-2022225745-A1

Title: Applicator for applying a haircare product, and associated application method

Description:
The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a haircare product, in particular a hairstyling composition comprising a fixing agent for shaping the hair. 
     Generally, in order to shape a head of hair, the arrangement of the hair is changed and then the conferred shape is fixed. This is generally carried out after each washing of the hair. 
     For this, one solution consists in styling the hair when it is wet from being washed, for example with instruments that deliver heat, such as a hot-air hair dryer, and using a brush to apply a mechanical stress to the hair, in particular to the roots. Typically, this technique, referred to as blow drying, produces a volume effect that it is desired to maintain over time. Thus, use is made of hairstyling compositions comprising a fixing agent, such as aerosol lacquers, which are able to help the hair shaping created to withstand the movements of the day, and gravity. 
     However, this solution is starting to be abandoned, as it requires a hair stylist&#39;s know-how, and is difficult for the individual to reproduce after washing the hair. Moreover, the traction to be exerted on the hair during blow drying makes it necessary to develop significant force in positions that can cause fatigue and a risk of joint discomfort. 
     Another solution consists, after washing and drying, in arranging the dry hair with the aid of a brush or comb. This can also be carried out during the day, or after sleeping. 
     This approach is much easier to implement and less tiring than blow drying, but is much less effective since generally just passing a brush or comb through the hair is not enough to give the dry hair a specific shape, since it often keeps the set, in other words the shape, adopted during drying. 
     Thus, it is often necessary to rewet the hair, causing an enormous loss of time since it means that the hair has to be dried again and then brought back into shape. This operation is even more undesirable in countries with hot and humid climates, since drying is then very long, or in countries with cold climates, since this increases the risks of the user getting cold. Thus, the aim is to be able to style or restyle dry hair without having to rewet it. 
     Therefore, according to yet another solution, it is possible to style the hair with a brush or comb without rewetting it beforehand, and then to fix it using a fixing product such as a lacquer. 
     With this latter solution, it is difficult to choose when to apply the fixing product since, after one lock has been brushed or combed, the choice needs to be made as to whether to fix the lock or to pass to the other locks and fix at the end. 
     The first approach is not satisfactory since, when the fixing product is applied to a lock, it is inevitable that the product will get onto the surrounding locks. As a result, a second lock is styled and then treated without it being possible to avoid fixing product being deposited on this second lock by the treatment of the first lock. This brings about excesses and a rewetting effect. However, the second approach is not suitable either, since, after all the locks have been arranged, the first ones that were styled will have lost the shape conferred thereon. 
     Hence, it is easy to understand that this solution also requires a hair stylist&#39;s know-how and remains difficult for most people to reproduce. 
     In order to benefit from a device that makes it possible to deposit droplets of fixing composition without spraying, the Applicant Company has developed an applicator comprising a plurality of cavities for retaining the composition to be applied. For more details on the design of this applicator, reference may be made to the Patent Application WO-A2-2012/107887. 
     This applicator makes it possible in particular to achieve precise application of composition without running or spraying. Thus, it is possible to fix a lock of hair without treating the surrounding locks. 
     However, the user still has to use a brush or comb to brush and align the dry hair before using the applicator to deposit the droplets of product that will make it possible to fix the conferred shape. 
     Thus, the user has to use the brush or comb and then put it down in order to use the applicator. Hence, it may be difficult to position the applicator exactly at the right place, and as a result of positioning errors, droplets of product may be deposited in the wrong places, creating excesses of product in certain areas, or rewetting certain locks, causing a part of the hairstyle to sag. 
     Therefore, there is a need for people, who wish to do so, to be able to style or restyle their dry hair themselves, either after washing and drying or during the day, in order to rearrange or change their hairstyle without having to rewet their hair. 
     Further more, situations also exist in which people wish to be able to consolidate the fixing of their hairstyle, when its shape has not yet deteriorated but they sense for example a risk of sagging. In this case, it is not necessary to restyle the hair, since the passing of a brush or comb through the hair would result in a deterioration of the hairstyle. 
     It will therefore be understood that there is also another need for people, who wish to do so, to be able to consolidate their hairstyle so that it holds longer, but without them having to brush or comb their hair. 
     According to a first aspect, one subject of the invention is an applicator for applying a haircare product, comprising a base provided with protruding spikes and a gripping member supporting the base. 
     According to one general feature, the base is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the gripping member. 
     According to another general feature, at least a plurality of the spikes each delimit internally a product feed duct that opens out via at least one outlet orifice, the applicator also comprising a reservoir connected to the base, or connected to the gripping member, and delimiting internally at least one storage compartment for said product that is in permanent fluidic communication with the feed ducts of the spikes. The outlet orifices may for example be provided on the end parts of the spikes, in particular at their free ends. 
     According to another general feature, the spikes are arranged in the form of parallel rows. 
     According to a second aspect, one subject of the invention is an applicator for applying a haircare product, comprising a base provided with protruding spikes and a gripping member supporting the base. 
     According to one general feature, the base is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the gripping member. 
     The term “spikes” is understood to mean separable protruding elements on the applicator. 
     The applicator may be used for brushing and fixing, making it possible to respond to the needs of people who wish to style or restyle their dry hair themselves. The applicator may also be used for fixing without brushing. This makes it possible to satisfy the need for consolidation of a hairstyle so that it holds longer. The applicator may also be used for brushing without fixing. 
     The mobile feature of the base supporting the spikes makes it possible to orient said base so as to minimize the rubbing of the applicator during brushing. This is promoted by the arrangement of the spikes in the form of parallel rows. 
     The expression “reservoir connected to the base or to the gripping member” is understood to mean that the reservoir is fixed to the base or to the gripping member, or that the reservoir is made in one piece with the base or with the gripping member, for example by moulding. 
     The expression “storage compartment in permanent fluidic communication with the feed ducts of the spikes” is understood to mean that each duct is in permanent communication with the compartment and is not joined to a selective dispensing means of the pump or valve type that makes it possible to force the product to pass through said duct. 
     Preferably, at least a plurality of the spikes each have a circular cross section. The expression “cross section” of a spike is understood to mean a section of the spike in a plane perpendicular to its height. The spikes may have a cross section that is constant over their entire height or a cross section that is variable at least partially along their height. 
     In one embodiment, all of the spikes of the applicator each have a circular cross section. Alternatively, only some of the spikes of the applicator may have a circular cross section, the rest of the spikes having a cross section that is polygonal, such as rectangular, square, etc., or irregular or elongate. 
     In another embodiment, at least a plurality of the spikes, or even all of the spikes, each have a square cross section. 
     The applicator may comprise a member for adjusting the angular orientation of the base. The member for adjusting the angular orientation of the base may comprise a motor connected to the gripping member. 
     In one embodiment, the applicator also comprises a sensor for measuring the speed or acceleration of said applicator, and a control unit that is able to control the operation of the member for adjusting the angular orientation of the base depending on the data from said measurement sensor. 
     In one embodiment, the base of the applicator delimits a frontal face from which the spikes protrude, the density of spikes on said frontal face being between 0.1 and 20 per cm 2 , and preferably between 1 and 5 per cm 2 . 
     Said frontal face of the base of the applicator may be between 10 and 1000 cm 2 , and preferably between 50 and 400 cm 2 . The total number of spikes may vary from 20 to 20 000, better still from 50 to 10 000, and preferably from 100 to 2000. 
     Preferably, the spikes extend in the same direction of extension and are also preferably the same height. In order to promote uniform application of the composition, the spikes may be identical to one another. 
     By way of indication, the height of the spikes may for example be between 10 mm and 40 mm, and preferably between 12 mm and 30 mm. 
     In one particular embodiment, the end parts of the spikes have a flat shape or a section that decreases in the direction of their free end. In a variant, it is possible to provide end parts for the spikes having other shapes, for example a concave shape so as to form cavities for retaining the product, a wavy shape, etc. 
     In one particular embodiment, the spikes may be made at least partially from porous material that is able to absorb the hairstyling composition. The expression “porous material” is understood to mean a material that is permeable to the composition, that is to say one that allows the composition to diffuse inside it. At least the end parts of the spikes are formed at least partially from porous material. It is for example possible to provide for only the end parts of the spikes to be made from porous material. Alternatively, each spike may be formed entirely from porous material. Preferably, said porous material of the spikes of the applicator comprises foam. The foam may be for example a polyurethane foam or a polyethylene foam. The foam may have open or semi-open cells. By way of indication, the density of the foam may be less than or equal to 0.8, and may preferably be between 0.1 and 0.6. 
     The reservoir of the applicator may comprise at least one deformable part such that pressure exerted on said deformable part causes the volume of said storage compartment to be reduced and the product to move towards the feed ducts and the outlet orifices of the spikes. 
     The deformable part(s) may be elastically deformable. The expression “elastically deformable part” is understood to mean a part that is capable, on account of the material used and/or the dimensioning thereof, of deforming under the action of a load exerted on said part by the user, and of returning to its initial position by elasticity once the load ceases. Alternatively, it is possible for the deformable part(s) not to revert to their original shape after deformation. 
     The reservoir may delimit internally a plurality of storage compartments that are each in fluidic communication with at least one of the feed ducts of the spikes, each feed duct being in communication with only one of said compartments. It is possible to provide for each storage compartment to be fluidically isolated from the other storage compartment(s). Thus, the different storage compartments can be filled with different products and/or filled with different quantities of product. 
     According to one particular design, the applicator comprises a plurality of elastically compressible porous members disposed inside said storage compartment. Such porous members make it possible to absorb the product and to release it when they are compressed. 
     Preferably, each porous member covers the inlet orifice(s) of the feed ducts of the spikes that open into said compartment. This thus makes it possible to avoid product getting between the porous members and the base. 
     In one particular embodiment, the applicator may comprise a system for distributing said pressure on each elastically compressible porous member, the system being mounted inside the reservoir. The distribution system may comprise a plurality of resilient members that are each interposed between a porous member and the deformable wall. The resilient members may be for example springs. 
     In one embodiment, the applicator may also comprise a system for adjusting the flow rate of the feed ducts of the spikes that is mounted inside the reservoir and is actuable from the outside. The adjusting system makes it possible to adjust the flow rate of each spike and to close them off after the applicator has been used. 
     The spikes of the base are mounted in a fixed manner relative thereto. The spikes may be integral with the base or alternatively be made in the form of attached elements fixed to the base by any appropriate means, for example by adhesive bonding or by overmoulding. 
     In one embodiment, the base comprises a skirt that fits over the gripping member. 
     In one particular embodiment, at least a plurality of spikes each have a surface tension that is variable along the length thereof, a distal application part of each spike of said plurality of spikes having a surface tension greater than that of a proximal part of said spike. 
     The “proximal part” of a spike is understood to mean the part of the spike that is closest to the base, and the “distal part” is understood to mean the end part of the spike that is furthest from the base while being situated on the same side as the proximal part relative to the base. The distal application part of each spike of said plurality of the spikes may be adjacent to the proximal part of said spike. 
     The distal parts of the spikes may have one or more surface tension values. The proximal parts of the spikes may have one or more surface tension values that remain lower than that (those) of the distal parts. 
     The surface tension values of the distal application parts and of the proximal parts of the spikes are advantageously chosen depending on the haircare product to be applied. 
     The surface tension of the distal application parts of the spikes may advantageously be greater than that of the haircare product to be applied. The surface tension of the proximal parts of the spikes may advantageously be lower than that of the haircare product to be applied. 
     During the loading of the spikes of the applicator with the haircare product, a layer of haircare product is formed on each spike. Then, before and during the introduction of the applicator into the head of hair such that the spikes penetrate under the first layer of the hair, the haircare product tends to move towards the ends of the spikes given the surface tension of the distal application parts and of the proximal parts of said spikes relative to the surface tension of the haircare product. 
     Thus, the haircare product is deposited mainly on the layer of hair that is situated under the first layer of the hair without necessarily treating the entire volume of the hair, that is to say without treating either the first layer of hair or the internal layer of hair that is located in the immediate vicinity of the scalp. 
     The deposited product may dry relatively quickly given that it is situated close to the external surface of the first layer of the hair. 
     Preferably, the distal application part of each spike of said plurality of spikes is provided with the free end of said spike. 
     According to one particular design, the distal application part and proximal part of each spike of said plurality of spikes are fixed relative to one another. 
     With such a design, the distal application part and proximal part of each spike may be made in one piece. In this case, it is possible to locally provide a step of surface treatment of each spike in order to reduce the surface tension of the proximal part. Alternatively, it is possible to produce the distal application part and proximal part of each spike as two separate pieces, which are then fixed together by any appropriate means. In another variant, each spike of said plurality of spikes is provided with a sleeve delimiting the proximal part of said spike. 
     According to another particular design, the distal application part and proximal part of each spike of said plurality of spikes are able to slide relative to one another, and are mounted partially one inside the other. 
     In this case, the applicator may also comprise an actuating member for the movement of the distal application part and proximal part of each spike of said plurality of spikes relative to one another. 
     In one embodiment, the actuating member comprises a plate that is movable relative to the base and that supports the proximal part, or the distal application part, of each spike of said plurality of spikes. The applicator may also comprise at least one elastically deformable return element that is interposed between the plate and the base. 
     A further subject of the invention is a method for applying to the hair a hairstyling composition comprising at least one fixing agent for shaping the hair with the aid of an applicator comprising a base provided with protruding spikes and a gripping member supporting the base, the base being mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the gripping member. 
     The method comprises:
         a step of loading the spikes of the applicator with the hairstyling composition, and   a step of transferring to the hair the hairstyling composition retained on the spikes of the applicator by tapping said spikes on the hair.       

     The expression “tapping the spikes of the applicator on the hair” is understood to mean the action of applying the spikes several times to the area of the hair to be treated, using a back and forth movement. The transfer can thus take place by capillary action by simple contact. 
     This type of application does not destroy the hairstyle and, without the applicator being rubbed along the hair, makes it possible to obtain a very high quality fixing effect. Preferably, the step of transferring the hairstyling composition to the hair is realized by directly tapping the spikes of the applicator on the hair. 
     Before the step of loading the spikes of the applicator with the hairstyling composition, it is possible to provide a hairstyling step in which the base is turned relative to the gripping member so as to orient the majority of the spikes in the form of rows forming an angle less than or equal to  10 ° with the direction of movement of said applicator. 
     For the variant of the applicator in which the spikes, or the parts at which the feed ducts open out, are made from porous material, the transfer can also be effected by pressing the porous material against the hair in order to deform it and release the product. 
     In one particular embodiment, in order to promote the transfer of the composition, it is possible to add an external mechanical action that assists this transfer. This mechanical action may be brought about for example by a vibration generator mounted on the applicator, for example a piezoelectric element or a flyweight driven in rotation, by a pressure source, or be a thermal or electric phenomenon. 
     The method according to the invention may be implemented on dry hair or wet hair. Preferably, the hair is dry. 
     After the composition has been transferred onto the hair, the applicator can be moved away and the composition deposited on the hair dried, for example with the aid of a hair dryer or heating hood, or left to dry naturally. 
     As indicated above, the method comprises a prior step that consists in loading the spikes of the applicator with the hairstyling composition to be applied. 
     The applicator can be loaded with composition before each use. 
     The composition may be withdrawn directly by the spikes of the applicator from a container containing the composition. In one alternative, the spikes of the applicator may for example be pressed onto a sponge impregnated with composition, in order to be loaded with composition. In a variant, the applicator is dipped in the composition. The applicator may also be brought into contact with a roller loaded with composition. In the variant in which the applicator comprises a reservoir, the spikes are loaded with composition by pressure on the deformable part(s) of this reservoir. 
     Preferably, the applicator may be cleaned after use and the composition remaining on the applicator after use can be removed easily, cleaning being carried out for example with water or with the aid of any suitable solvent, by using an absorbent fabric, by aspiration or by gas jet, etc. When the spikes are made from porous material, these spikes are pressed so that they are completely emptied of composition. 
     The fact that the applicator is reloadable with composition allows it to be reused. 
     The applicator is reloaded for example with a composition identical to the composition used previously, or it can be loaded with a different composition. 
     The loading of the applicator with composition may involve the removal of excess composition from the applicator so that the composition is not present anywhere other than on the spikes. 
     The compositions that can be used are in the form of liquids or gels, creams, pastes, which may or may not comprise a pulverulent phase, or powder. When the composition is liquid, it may be in the form of a lotion or emulsion 
     The composition may be in the form of a liquid, a lotion or a fluid emulsion or a gel that is not very thick. 
     The viscosity of the composition varies preferably from 1 to 200 cps at 25° C. and at a shear rate of 1 s −1 . The viscosity measurements to which reference is made are taken using a rheometer with cone-plate geometry. 
     In particular, a composition known to a person skilled in the art for styling and fixing the hair may be chosen, in particular those that are introduced into aerosol devices in the presence of a propellant gas so as to be used in lacquer form. It is also possible to use a composition inspired by these compositions but superconcentrated in fixing active agent. 
     The composition comprises at least one fixing agent, if necessary in a cosmetically acceptable medium, the latter preferably being water-, alcohol- or aqueous alcohol-based. 
     The cosmetic composition may in particular comprise one or more organic solvents, preferably in an amount by mass of between 0.05 and 95%, very preferably between 1 and 70% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. This organic solvent may be a C 2  to C 4  lower alcohol, in particular ethanol and isopropanol, polyols and polyol ethers such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol or glycerol. The organic solvent is preferably ethanol or isopropanol, and even more preferably is ethanol. 
     The composition may comprise one or more fixing polymers as fixing agent. The expression “fixing polymer” is understood to mean any polymer that makes it possible to give a shape to the hair or to hold the hair in a given shape. 
     All the anionic, cationic, amphoteric and nonionic fixing polymers and mixtures thereof that are used may be used as fixing polymers in the compositions to be applied to the hair using the method of the invention. For more details on the fixing polymers that can be used, reference may be made to the abovementioned Patent Application WO-A2-2012/107887. 
     As regards the applicator, it may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The base and/or the gripping member of the applicator may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The base and/or the gripping member is preferably made of a non-absorbent material. The term “non-absorbent” is understood to mean intrinsically impermeable to the composition, that is to say not allowing the diffusion of the composition inside it. The non-absorbent material may be for example a metallic or thermoplastic material, in particular chosen from polyolefins, polyamides including nylons, and polyester. 
     By way of indication, the base of the applicator may have a transverse dimension of a few centimetres, or be much larger in order to cover a large part of the head in a single action. 
    
    
     
       The present invention will be understood better from studying the detailed description of embodiments that are given by way of entirely non-limiting example and are illustrated by the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an application method according to one implementation example of the invention, 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of an applicator according to one example of the invention, which is used in the application method in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  is a view in cross section on the line in  FIG. 2 , 
       
         FIG. 4 
       
       
         FIG. 5 
       
         FIG. 6  are front views of the applicator in  FIG. 2  with a base of said applicator in different angular positions, and 
       
         FIG. 7 
       
         FIG. 8  are views in cross section of applicators according to further examples of the invention. 
     
    
    
     The method according to the invention can be implemented directly by the consumer in order to arrange or touch up their hairstyle, as is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the method can be implemented in a professional setting. 
     The method of the invention is implemented with the aid of an applicator  10  for applying a hairstyling composition comprising at least one fixing agent to the consumer&#39;s hair. The applicator  10  is pre-loaded with composition to be applied before the step of transferring it to the hair. 
     As illustrated more clearly in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the applicator  10  comprises a base  12  and a plurality of spikes  14  extending therefrom. The spikes  14  make it possible to apply the composition to the consumer&#39;s hair. 
     As will be described in more detail below, the applicator  10  also comprises a gripping member  16 , which supports the base  12  and on which said base is mounted in a rotatable manner. The base  12  is rotatable about a geometric axis X-X′. The gripping member  16  makes it possible to grip and handle the applicator  10 . 
     In this case, the base  12  has a cylindrical overall shape. In a variant, it is possible to provide other shapes, for example polygonal, oval, etc., for the base. 
     The spikes  14  extend transversely with respect to the base  12 . The longitudinal axes of the spikes  14  are mutually parallel. The spikes  14  are preferably identical to one another. The spikes  14  extend from a frontal face  18  of the base  12 . 
     The base  12  is delimited axially by the first frontal face  18  and by a second frontal face  20  on the opposite side from the first frontal face  18 . The frontal faces  18 ,  20  form end faces of the base  12 . The frontal faces  18 ,  20  are in this case flat. In a variant, these faces could be slightly convex or concave. 
     In the illustrated example, the base  12  also comprises an annular mounting skirt  22 , which axially continues the frontal face  20 . The skirt  22  partially surrounds the gripping member  16  radially. The skirt  22  is fitted around the gripping member  16 . In this example, the skirt  22  makes it possible to achieve the rotational mounting of the base  12  on the gripping member  16 . Alternatively or in combination, it is possible to provide further means for ensuring this rotational mounting, for example by providing on the base a pin that forms a pivot centred on the geometric axis X-X′ and fits inside a complementary housing of the gripping member  16 . 
     In the illustrated example, the spikes  14  are spaced apart regularly from one another. Depending on the spacing of the spikes  14 , the fixing effect of one and the same composition will be different. By way of indication, the spacing or distance between the spikes  14  may be between 2 mm and 8 mm. Alternatively, it might be possible to provide an inter-spike  14  spacing that is not regular, for example when the composition is intended to be deposited in a particular pattern. 
     The spikes  14  are arranged in a mutually parallel manner in the form of rows. The spikes  14  are arranged in an array of parallel rows. The spikes  14  extend in the same direction. 
     Each spike  14  has a circular cross section. In the illustrated example, the spikes have a cylindrical overall shape. In a variant, the spikes  14  could have a conical shape. 
     The spikes  14  have a height that may be between 2 mm and 40 mm, and preferably between 3 mm and 20 mm. By way of indication, the maximum diameter of each spike  14  may be 1.5 mm. In other embodiments, it is possible to provide a spike diameter of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm. 
     In the illustrated example, each spike  14  comprises a free end of flat shape. In a variant, it is possible to provide other shapes for the ends of the spikes, for example rounded shapes, in particular spherical shapes, or pointed shapes, or generally a section that decreases in the direction of its free end. Alternatively, the end parts of the spikes may be provided with cavities, for example of spherical shape. 
     The spikes  14  and the base  12  may be made in one piece, for example by moulding a rigid plastics material, for example PP, PE, HDPE, etc., or a flexible plastics material. In a variant, the spikes  14  may be produced in the form of attached elements that are fixed to the base  12  by any appropriate means, for example by adhesive bonding or by overmoulding. 
     In the illustrated example, the gripping member  16  has a cylindrical overall shape. The gripping member  16  is situated in the axial continuation of the base  12 . In a variant, it is possible to provide other shapes, for example polygonal or oval, etc., for the gripping member  16 . The gripping member  16  may also, in another variant, be in the form of a handle. 
     The gripping member  16  is mounted axially against the base  12 , on the opposite side from the spikes  14 . The gripping member  16  is delimited axially by a first frontal face  24  and by a second frontal face  26  on the opposite side from the first frontal face  24 . The frontal faces  24 ,  26  form end faces of the gripping member  16 . The frontal faces  24 ,  26  are in this case flat. In a variant, these faces could be slightly convex or concave. The frontal face  24  of the gripping member bears axially against the frontal face  20  of the base. 
     The base  12  is axially connected to the gripping member  16  while being rotatable about the axis X-X′ with respect to the latter. As indicated above, the skirt  22  of the base is fitted around the gripping member  16 . In order to axially retain the base  12  relative to the gripping member  16 , the skirt  22  of the base may be provided on the inside with a snap-fastening hook (not shown), which extends inside a groove (not shown) formed in the gripping member  16 . 
     As indicated above, the base  12  is rotatable relative to the gripping member  16 . The base  12  may be mounted so as to rotate freely relative to the gripping member  16 . Alternatively, it is possible to limit the rotational movement of the base  12  to a limited angular sector. In this case, it is possible, for example, to provide on the gripping member  16  two diametrically opposite studs that each fit inside a slot formed in the bore of the skirt  22  of the mounting base. 
     To effect application to the hair, the user can proceed as follows. 
     First of all, the user loads the spikes  14  of the applicator with composition, for example by dipping them into a container containing the composition. In this way, a layer of composition covers each of the spikes  14 . 
     Next, in a second step, the user brings the spikes  14  of the applicator into contact with the hair by introducing them into the thickness of the head of hair in order to apply the product by capillary action. During this step, the user taps the spikes  14  lightly against the hair in order to facilitate the deposition of the composition on the head of hair by capillary action. 
     This application movement by tapping is natural for a user, since it is reminiscent of the manner in which powder is applied to the face with the aid of a powder puff. The hairstyle can thus be shaped and/or touched up in a particularly simple and easy manner. 
     Before the first step of loading the spikes  14 , the user can also make use of the applicator for styling or restyling their hair. In this case, the user turns the base  12  relative to the gripping member  16  so as to orient the majority of the spikes  14  in the form of vertical rows forming an angle less than or equal to 1 0 ° with the direction of movement of the applicator. In  FIG. 4 , the base  12  is oriented angularly with respect to the gripping member  16  such that the rows of spikes  14  extend in a direction of vertical movement of the applicator. The orientation of the spikes  14  in the angular range indicated above makes it possible to minimize rubbing as the applicator  10  is passed through the hair, for example compared with angular positions of the base  12  as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  with a direction of vertical movement of the applicator. 
     Independently of the application of composition, the user can also make use of the applicator  10  not loaded with composition simply to style or restyle their hair. 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in which identical elements bear the same reference signs, differs from the previous example in that the gripping member  16  delimits internally, i.e. on the inside, a storage compartment  28  containing the product to be applied (not shown). In a variant, it may be possible to provide a reservoir delimiting the storage compartment that is attached to the gripping member  16  and fixed thereto by any appropriate means, for example by screwing, snap-fastening etc. In another variant, the reservoir could be delimited by the base  12  or attached thereto. 
     In this example, the spikes  14  each comprise internally a feed duct  30  in fluidic communication with the compartment  28  of the gripping member. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a base  12  equipped with a first group or plurality of hollow spikes delimiting such feed ducts, and a second group or plurality of solid spikes. 
     In this example, each spike  14  has a feed duct  30  passing through it. Each duct  30  also passes through the thickness of the base  12  and opens onto the frontal face  20 . Each duct  30  opens into the compartment  28  at a first end via an inlet orifice (not visible), and opens onto the end part of the associated spike at a second end opposite the first end via an outlet orifice  32 . Each duct  30  extends in this case axially with respect to the axis X-X′. 
     In the illustrated example, each duct  30  is in direct fluidic communication with the compartment  28 . The expression “duct in direct fluidic communication with the compartment” is understood to mean that the duct  30  is in permanent communication with the compartment  28  and is not joined to a selective dispensing means of the pump or valve type that makes it possible to force the product to pass through said duct. 
     In this example, the gripping member  16  is deformable under the action of a load exerted by the user. This deformability of the gripping member  16  can be obtained on account of its thickness and/or the nature of the material used, for example a flexible material of the elastomer type. The deformability of the gripping member  16  is provided so as to allow the spikes  14  to be loaded with composition to be applied. 
     Specifically, in order to load the spikes  14 , the user can proceed as follows. The user exerts a pressure directed towards the inside on a part of the gripping member  16 , for example the frontal face  26 , bringing about deformation of said gripping member and a reduction in the volume of the compartment  28 , this having the effect of moving the composition contained in the compartment through the feed ducts  30  of the spikes in the direction of the outlet orifices  32 . The user deforms the gripping member  16  until the spikes  14  are loaded with the desired quantity of composition. Preferably, during this step of loading the spikes  14  with product, the user orients the applicator  10  such that these spikes are directed downwards so as to promote flow by gravity. 
     In the previous examples, the angular orientation of the base  12  relative to the gripping member  16  is controlled manually by the user. 
     In a variant, the angular movement of the base  12  relative to the gripping member  16  may be controlled in an assisted manner, for example with a motor  36  as is illustrated in the embodiment in  FIG. 8 , in which identical elements bear the same reference signs. 
     The motor  36  is mounted inside the gripping member  16 . The motor  36  is connected to the gripping member  16 . The shaft of the motor  36  is connected to the base so as to drive the latter in rotation. The shaft of the motor  36  is in this case centred on the geometric axis X-X′. The motor  36  may be for example an electric stepper motor. 
     In this example, the applicator  10  also comprises an electronic control unit  38  for controlling the operation of the motor  36 . To this end, the applicator  10  comprises a sensor  40  for measuring the acceleration of said applicator. The measurement sensor  40  may be for example an accelerometer. The measurement sensor  40  is connected to the control unit  38  via a connection  42 , depicted schematically, for example of the wired or wireless type. The control unit  38  is connected to the motor  36  via a connection  44 , depicted schematically, that may also be of the wired or wireless type. The control unit  38  and the measurement sensor  40  are fixed and mounted inside the gripping member  16 . 
     The control unit  38  is able to control the operation of the motor  36  depending on signals output by the measurement sensor  40 , for example in order to orient the angular position of the base  12  relative to the gripping member  16 . 
     Typically, when the measurement sensor  40  transmits to the control unit  38  data corresponding to a movement of the applicator  10  corresponding to styling or restyling, the control unit  38  controls the operation of the motor  36  so as to orient the base  12  in a position in which the majority of the spikes  14  are oriented in the form of vertical rows forming an angle less than or equal to  10 ° with the direction of movement of the applicator. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide this type of electronic control unit in the embodiment in which the applicator comprises an integrated product reservoir.