Patent Abstract:
A hair extension, according to one embodiment, includes a section of hair having front and back sides, and an adhesive layer attached to the back side of the section of hair. The section of hair is affixed together at one lengthwise end by a pliable polymer. The affixed-together end of the section of hair is retained within the polymer, and the polymer is exposed widthwise across the section of hair on the section of hair&#39;s front and back sides. The polymer on the front side of the section of hair is sized and shaped to facilitate attachment of an adhesive layer that may be separately applied by a user or stylist. The adhesive layer on the back side of the section of hair facilitates attachment of the section of hair to natural hair of a user. Alternatively, adhesive layers may be pre-attached to both sides of the section of hair.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFRENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/317,810, which was filed on Dec. 29, 2008 and is incorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth herein. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/317,810 is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US2006/036890, now expired, which was filed on Sep. 23, 2006 and is also incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/317,810 further claims priority upon U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/010,411, which was filed on Jan. 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to hair enhancement techniques and, more particularly, to hair extensions and methods for attaching hair extensions to users&#39; natural hair. 
         [0004]    Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Hair extensions have been used in the hair styling industry for many years. Users and stylists have made use of products to enhance the length of a user&#39;s hair or to add body or bulk to thinning hair. Many of the products on the market are made from synthetic hair, but these products up until now have not been able to be heat-styled with a blow dryer, flat iron, or hot rollers. Prior synthetic products would melt when a heat source was used. 
         [0006]    To facilitate attachment to users&#39; hair, some existing hair extension products use clip-on extensions. These clip-on extensions are available for the home or professional market. Clip-on extensions are not semi-permanent, must be re-applied daily, can damage natural hair, can fall out unexpectedly and are only feasible if the user&#39;s hair is thick enough to cover the clip. 
         [0007]    Many other hair extension products on the market require the use of a liquid adhesive to secure the extensions to users&#39; hair. This generally prevents the average consumer from installing their own extensions. Sewn in extensions, braided style extensions and heat applied extensions can be as damaging to natural hair as liquid adhesive applied with latex glue. 
         [0008]    Some hair extension products on the market permit the use of adhesive tape to secure the extensions to a user&#39;s hair but require the tape portion to be applied to the user&#39;s hair first and then the hair extensions to be placed on the already applied tape portion. Such an application process is difficult for the average consumer and can result in poorly attached extensions. 
         [0009]    Other background methods use pre-tipped hair, which must be tediously applied, uses chemicals and heat for application and removal, and can cause significant damage to natural hair. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the area of hair extensions there is a need for a new style of human or synthetic fiber hair extensions that are semi-permanent. 
         [0011]    A first objective of these embodiments is to provide hair extensions that can be relatively easily applied or attached and removed. 
         [0012]    It is yet another objective of these embodiments to provide a synthetic hair extension that can be blow dried, curled and able to be styled using a flat iron, hot roller and other styling tools used in the industry. 
         [0013]    It is a still further objective of these embodiments to provide hair extensions that have an attachment means that blends with the hair extension or the users&#39; hair. 
         [0014]    An additional objective of these embodiments is to provide hair extensions that can be applied and maintained for a relatively long period of time. 
         [0015]    Another objective of these embodiments is to provide complete kits to apply or re-apply the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions. 
         [0016]    Another objective of these embodiments is to provide an affordable product that is simple to install and remove with little likelihood of damage to the natural hair. 
         [0017]    An additional objective of these embodiments is to provide a product that is almost undetectable in a user&#39;s hair and is affordable at all levels of users. 
         [0018]    These together with other objectives of these embodiments, along with various features of novelty which characterize these embodiments, are pointed out with particularity in the remainder of this application. For a better understanding of these embodiments, the operating advantages and the specific objects attained by the uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred and alternative embodiments. 
         [0019]    Human or synthetic fiber hair extensions as described herein provide great value to the consumer by providing a reasonably priced, high quality extension with human hair quality and many colors and color combinations. Other high temperature synthetic fiber hair extensions currently on the market do not provide as wide a selection of color choices. Most products on the market have only limited colors with extensions no longer than 16″. The disclosed extensions may include up to 10 colors with 6 color combinations being reversible and 18-20″ in length, for at least 16 color possibilities. Various additional colors and color combinations may be added in the future. No other product on the market provides a two color or reversible extension where there is one color on one side and a second color on the second side. A two color or reversible hair extension can provide added value to consumers, where they receive two colors for the price of one. 
         [0020]    Many women, especially those that are post-menopausal, can experience hair thinning and loss. The disclosed hair extensions provide an affordable alternative without the use of potentially dangerous hair growth drugs or chemicals. 
         [0021]    The disclosed hair extensions may be made with human or synthetic fiber heat activated hair and be included in kits. The kits can contain 18″-20″ long hair with double sided ¾″ medical grade tape applied to the extensions which may be approximately 4″ wide. Obviously other lengths of hair, widths of tape, and widths of hair extensions are anticipated. Each kit can also include a bottle of adhesive remover and a “before and after” proprietary clarifying shampoo. The shampoo is recommended for use before the application of the hair extensions to remove oils from the natural hair and after removal of the extensions to remove adhesive and solvent (remover). The kit can also contain a CD-ROM with an instructional video, printed application instructions containing styling pages showing different applications and styles that are possible. 
         [0022]    Different kits may be provided depending upon the users need. There may be a home kit for those who wish to install the extensions themselves and a commercial kit for use by professional hair stylists. 
         [0023]    An additional kit can also contain replacement tape if a user wishes to remove the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions and use them again at a later date, or if repositioning of existing extensions is desired. This kit could include the adhesive remover, shampoo, new tapes and instructions on how to re-apply the tapes to re-use the extensions. While the shampoo should be used in the natural hair before application of the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions, it can also be used to clean the adhesive remover from the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions before re-use. 
         [0024]    The extensions can have one color or solid color of hair on both sides or a corresponding but different color on each side providing a reversible color effect. Alternatively, these hair extensions can have a blended color on both sides of the extensions or have a darker and lighter color on each side of the extension allowing a high light or low light type of application. When, for example, the dark side is applied out from the head, the strands of the light colored hair would show through from the side against the head and vice versa for a highlight and low light effect. 
         [0025]    The highlight or low light kits can have human or synthetic fiber hair extensions with a lesser width, for example 2″ wide and 18-20″ long, and can also be provided with a weft or seamless. While weft-less or seamless human or synthetic fiber hair extensions are better able to be hidden in a user&#39;s natural hair, they are more fragile and best suited for application to an area closer to the top of the head as highlight pieces. Complete kits of coordinating colors can also be sold having the same color, blended color, coordinating color or some combination of colors for highlights, low lights or multi-dimensional hair colors. 
         [0026]    Some embodiments of the disclosed hair extension may include a uniquely blended color system in that the colors blend with each other up or down one or two levels in most cases, which enhances the color dimension of one&#39;s hair. These blended color options create unique color blends when used together. For example, using two or more individual kits together can create an entirely new color blend. This also eliminates the need in most cases for an exact match to the users hair. The choice of colors can also provide a highlight or low light effect without bleach or coloring, which can damage the natural hair. The blended color extensions can be reversed to provide custom color choices. 
         [0027]    The disclosed hair extensions can be provided in a straight or wavy configuration. They benefit from the advantage that they can hold the last heat activation that was performed or have a memory. For example, if a synthetic fiber hair extension had hot rollers placed in the extension, the hair would maintain this wavy configuration even after washing and until it is subject to a new heat activation, such as straightening. 
         [0028]    According to one exemplary embodiment, the human or synthetic fiber hairs are sewn together at a sewn end or weft. In one embodiment, the weft is placed in between and located in the middle of two pieces of double-sided tape. In an alternative embodiment, the hair of the extension is placed between the two pieces of double-sided tape, and the weft is placed above the two pieces of tape. In this alternative embodiment, the weft is then cut off, such that the weft is removed and no weft is visible. The hair remains secured between the two pieces of double sided tape. Other methods of securing the hair together before removing the weft are also disclosed. 
         [0029]    The weft-less, or as commonly known in the industry as “seamless,” human or synthetic fiber hair extensions can be used in the same manner as hair extensions that contain wefts. The advantage to the seamless extensions is that it lessens the likelihood of seeing or feeling the extensions in your hair with the weft removed. No other product on the market uses a weft-less application done in this manner on human or synthetic fiber hair. All other weft-less or seamless extensions are used only on human hair with a different tape system. 
         [0030]    Both the weft-containing and weft-less (seamless) human or synthetic fiber hair extensions can be provided with double-sided tape tinted or colored to match or coordinate with the color of the hair extension. Up until now, no other tape adhesive has ever been tinted to match the color of the hair extension. Background art currently uses a clear tape which may be visible in darker hair and uses a different tape application method and smaller tape size. To produce tinted tape for hair extensions, clear tape is run through a rotary die press printing machine where ink is applied by rollers to the tape. Several passes may be required to get the correct shade or tint that matches or corresponds to the color of the hair extensions. 
         [0031]    Installation of the disclosed hair extensions is relatively simple to perform and can be completed without the use of messy and often difficult to use liquids or chemicals. The extensions can be installed and removed in minutes, and there is a significant reduction of damage to the user&#39;s natural hair, as compared to other products on the market. Once installed, the extensions can be kept in place for up to two months or more. The hair extensions can be washed, conditioned, and styled with a flat iron, hot rollers or blow dryer, similar to styling a user&#39;s natural hair. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of one exemplary embodiment of a human or synthetic fiber hair extension as affixed to a user&#39;s head. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  shows a more detailed side view of the hair extension embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  shows an exaggerated end view of the hair extension embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  shows an exaggerated end view of the hair extension embodiment of  FIG. 1  as attached to a user&#39;s head. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of a human or synthetic fiber hair extension. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  shows an exaggerated side view of the hair extension of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  shows an exaggerated view of another embodiment of a human or synthetic fiber hair extension with the addition of a third tape for use in thicker natural hair applications. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  shows an exaggerated end view of the hair extension embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  shows an exaggerated view of another embodiment of a human or synthetic fiber hair extension with a netted backing affixed to the hair and located between first and second tapes. 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  show an exaggerated end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  shows an exaggerated alternative end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  shows an exaggerated front view of a hair extension with which a user can use glue or adhesive to make the extension weft-less. 
           [0044]      FIG. 13  shows an exaggerated end view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 14  shows an exaggerated end view of an alternative embodiment of  FIG. 13  having one glue or adhesive application to make the extension weft-less. 
           [0046]      FIG. 15  shows an exaggerated side view of the fixed ends of two extensions combined. 
           [0047]      FIG. 16  shows an exaggerated front view of another embodiment using a polymer such as liquid polyurethane or liquid PU to hold the hair in the hair extension with a single piece of tape for bonding to the users head. 
           [0048]      FIG. 17  shows an exaggerated end view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 18  shows an exaggerated alternative embodiment of a hair extension with rounded liquid PU corners. 
           [0050]      FIG. 19  shows an exaggerated view of another embodiment of tape on the weft or weft-less. 
           [0051]      FIG. 20  shows an exaggerated view of an assembly of hair and the tape shown in  FIG. 19  to create a hair extension. 
           [0052]      FIG. 21  shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of a hair extension attached to human hair. 
           [0053]      FIG. 22  shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of two hair extensions attached to human hair. 
           [0054]      FIG. 23  shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of two hair extensions attached to human hair. 
           [0055]      FIG. 24  shows a flow chart of various methods of applying extensions to different types of hair. 
           [0056]      FIG. 25  shows a flow chart of various methods of applying extensions to different types of hair. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0057]    Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, there is shown in  FIG. 1  one embodiment of a human or synthetic fiber hair extension  12  affixed to a user&#39;s head. The hair extension  12  has a fixed end  16  which is attached to the user&#39;s hair along a part line. The hair extension  12  has a free end  14  in which hair  18  hangs freely at a user desired length. A preferred length of the hair is approximately 18 to 20 inches long. Obviously the hair extensions  12  can be cut or styled if a shorter length is desired. 
         [0058]    Hair  18  is preferably manufactured from a polyester, one that is capable of being styled with a blow drier, flat iron, hot rollers, or other heat appliances and behaves much like natural hair. Hair  18  can also be a human or synthetic blend. 
         [0059]      FIG. 2  shows a detailed view of the fixed end  16 . A hair weft  34  is attached to the second tape  22  along a mid-line  28 . The hair  18  is secured between the second tape  22  and the first tape  20 , not shown. A preferred length of the first and second tapes  20 ,  22  and width of the hair extension  12  is approximately 1.5 to 4 inches. A preferred width of the first and second tapes  20 ,  22  is ¾″ wide, but other widths may be functional. Obviously the length of hair  18  can be cut depending upon the user&#39;s preference. The first tape  20  and the second tape  22  should be of a thickness that is relatively thin such that it is relatively pliable and soft and cannot be felt by the wearer. 
         [0060]    The first and second tapes  20 ,  22  can also have “tabs” (not shown) to ease the removal of the first and second covers  24 ,  26 . The tabs can be extended backing so that the user can grasp the covers  24 ,  26  easier to remove them. Alternatively, the covers  24 ,  26  can be scored such that the user can fold the tapes  20 ,  22  to ease the removal of the covers  24 ,  26 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  shows an end view of the fixed end  16 . Here it can be seen that the hair  18  is secured between the first tape  20  and the second tape  22  at the mid-line  28 . The mid-line  28  is about halfway between the top and bottom edges of the first tape  20  and second tape  22 . The first tape  20  is a piece of double sided tape. To assemble the hair extension  12  requires the removal of a cover or liner (not shown) from one side of the first tape  20  and securing the hair  18  at the mid-line  28 . A cover or liner (not shown) is removed from one side of the second tape  22  and the exposed side is secured to the hair  18  and in a corresponding location to the first tape  20 . 
         [0062]    A preferred width of the first and second tape is approximately ¾ inches wide. Obviously other widths may be functional, but it has been determined that a width of ¾ inches provides the best extended retention ability while still being able to be hidden in the user&#39;s natural hair. 
         [0063]    Attached to the other side of the first tape  20  is first cover or liner  24 . Attached to the other side of second tape  22  is second cover or liner  26 . The covers  24 ,  26  are removed and discarded to attach the hair extension  12  to the user&#39;s hair. 
         [0064]    The hair  18  can show a first color  46  on the first side  30  and a second color  48  on the second side  32 . This would allow a user to secure the hair extension  12  with either the first side  30  or second side  32  for view depending on the effect that was desired. The first and second sides  30 ,  32  of the extension&#39;s hair  18  can be corresponding colors or much different colors. This provides more options for the user. It may be desirable to have a color that matches the user&#39;s hair or one that is slightly different to achieve a different look or a color that is much different than the user&#39;s hair color. 
         [0065]    First tape  20  can also correspond to the first color  46  of the hair  18  on the first side  30 . Likewise, second tape  22  can correspond to the second color  48  of the hair  18  on the second side  32 . The matching of the tapes  20 ,  22  to the sides  30 ,  32  of the hair  18  helps to hide the fixed end  16  of the hair extension  12  when attached to the natural hair  13  of the user. 
         [0066]    In one embodiment, the first tape  20  corresponds to the color of the hair  18  first side  30  and second tape  22  corresponds to the color of the hair  18  second side  32 . Alternative embodiments have the first tape  20  and second tape  22  made from a clear double sided tape which also aids to hide the fixed end  16  of the hair extension  12 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 4  is an exaggerated view of the fixed end  16  of the hair extension  12  attached to a user&#39;s natural hair  13 . To attach the hair extension  12 , the user should shampoo first with a clarifying shampoo that removes oils and other residue that may adversely affect the attachment of the hair extensions  12 . Once the hair is dried, the user makes a part line in the natural hair  13  and secures the natural hair  13  with, for example, a hair clip  11 , such as shown in  FIG. 1 . The user than removes the first cover or liner  24  and places the first tape  20  onto the user&#39;s hair  13  below the part line. The second cover or liner  26  is then removed and discarded, and the user&#39;s hair that had been retained by the hair clip  11  is released to fall naturally over the second tape  22 . After the hair falls naturally onto the second tape  22  it can be pressed to the fixed end  16  of the hair extension  12  and the hair extension  12  is then secured to the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions  12  where the sewn end or weft  34  is placed above the first and second tapes,  20 ,  22  and then cut off at the cut line  36  along with a small length of human or synthetic fiber hair. This allows the use of the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions  12  in places on a user&#39;s head that may be more visible. This embodiment may also be more useful in hiding hair extensions  12  on the side of a user&#39;s head because the weft  34  is not present. 
         [0069]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of the alternative embodiment in  FIG. 5  of the hair extension  12  where the weft or sewn end  34  extends beyond the first and second tapes  20 ,  22  and the weft  34  and small portion of human or synthetic fiber hair is cut off at the cut line  36 , providing better concealment of the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions  12  in the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
         [0070]    To remove the hair extension  12 , it is suggested that the user begin with the hair extension highest on the head. The natural hair is parted and the upper hair is clipped up. The solvent (not shown) is then sprayed onto the second tape  22  and the first tape  20  or both above and below the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions  12 . The solvent is then rubbed into the adhesive on the tapes  20 ,  22  and the hair extension  12  lifted with a rat tail comb. The natural hair is then removed from the second tape  22 . The natural hair attached to the first tape  20  is likewise gently removed and the hair extension  12  removed from the user&#39;s head. Clarifying shampoo can then be used to wash the natural hair to remove the solvent and prepare the natural hair for re-application of the hair extensions  12 , if desired. 
         [0071]    A replacement hair extension  12  (not shown) can have its hair sewn end or weft  34  placed on the mid-line  28  of a new first tape  20 , after removal of its cover or liner (not shown), and a new second tape  22 , after its cover or liner (not shown) is removed, and the sewn end  34  is then secured to the new second tape  22  at the mid-line  28 . Replacement first and second tapes  20 ,  22  can be used to replace or enhance attachment of the hair extensions  12 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of hair extension  12 . This embodiment can be useful for users that have thick natural hair  13 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , a third tape  40  is affixed to the natural hair  13  at a part line. This third tape  40  has a cover (not shown) that is removed and the third tape  40  is attached to the natural hair  13 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . A second cover (not shown) is removed and the hair extension  12  is affixed to the third tape  40 . The first cover (not shown) of first tape  20  of hair extension  12  is removed and hair extension  12  is placed or secured to the third tape  40 . The second cover (not shown) of second tape  22  of hair extension  12  is removed and the natural hair  13  above the part line is secured to second tape  22 . 
         [0073]    This approach works well with users who have thick hair and provides additional securing of the hair extension  12  to a user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of hair extension  12  secured to a user&#39;s natural hair  13 .  FIG. 10  shows an exaggerated end view of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the hair  18  is secured to a netted backing  38 . The netted backing  38  and hair  18  are then sandwiched between first tape  20  and second tape  22 . This netted backing  38  helps secure the hair  18 . This embodiment of hair extension  12  is attached to the natural hair  13  as has been previously described. 
         [0075]      FIG. 11  shows an alternative to the embodiments shown and disclosed in  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  FIG. 11  shows an exaggerated end view of a hair extension  12  best used on individuals with thinning hair. In this embodiment, there is shown a first tape  20  affixed to a netted backing  38 , which in turn is affixed to hair  18 . This embodiment eliminates the use of second tape  22  which may become visible in users with thinning hair, especially those with thinning hair on top of the head. This method can also be beneficial for attaching hair extensions to the bang area of the head. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 19 and 20  show another embodiment of a third tape  61  for use in forming a hair extension  12 . Third tape  61  has a third cover  63  on one side and a fourth cover  65  on an opposite side and is generally a wider double-sided tape. 
         [0077]    This wider tape  61  can be scored in the center such that the user can remove fourth cover  65  (shown in hidden line) and fold third tape  61  along a center line  67  to affix third tape  61  to the extension&#39;s section of hair  18 . The third cover  63  can then be removed and the hair extension  12  can be installed as has been previously disclosed. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show exaggerated front and end views of another hair extension  12 . This embodiment shows one method of creating a weft-less extension  12 . To create a weft-less extension, the user places a bead of adhesive  41  just below the fixed end  16  of the extension and allows the adhesive  41  to dry. The extension  12  is then flipped over and a second bead of adhesive  41  is applied to a corresponding location on the opposite side of the extension  12  and allowed to dry. A first tape  20  and a second tape  22  are then applied over the adhesive  41 , one tape on each side. The user can then cut the hair  18  along cut line  36  thus removing the weft  34  from the extension  12 . The removal of the weft  34  allows the extension  12  to be used in thinning hair. 
         [0079]      FIG. 14  shows an alternative embodiment to that shown in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 14  also shows the removal of the weft  34  from the extension  12 , but in this embodiment, only one bead of adhesive  41  is used on one side of the hair  18 . The first tape  20  and the second tape  22  are still used as has been previously described to affix the extension  12  to the user&#39;s hair. 
         [0080]      FIG. 15  shows an exaggerated end view of two extensions creating a double extension  50 . This double extension  50  may be used for users who have thicker hair or wish to greatly enhance their natural hair.  FIG. 15  shows a first extension  12  attached to a second extension  12 ′. First extension  12  and second extension  12 ′ may be coordinating colors or any color combination that a user may choose. To affix first extension  12  to second extension  12 ′ requires the user to remove the second cover  26  (not shown) from second tape  22  and the first cover  24 ′ (not shown) from first tape  20 ′. The weft  34 ′ of second extension  12 ′ should be placed above the weft  34  of first extension  12  and the second tape  22  and the first tape  20 ′ secured to one another. This double extension  50  is then ready to be applied to a user&#39;s head as has been previously described. 
         [0081]    The liquid PU used in these embodiments is a new form of attachment different than that used in the background art. 
         [0082]    The background art polyurethane “skin wefts” are mainstream in the hair extension market. They are known as “seamless” in the industry. They are quite different from the embodiments disclosed herein as the embodiments disclosed herein are a brand new form of Liquid Polyurethane (PU) extension. 
         [0083]    Background PU skin wefts are denser, heavier, thicker, solid, and the hair is vented into the side of the polyurethane, creating hair on the front side of the extension and “returns” on the back side of the extensions. The background art PU skin wefts, create a solid ridge in the hair which can be felt by the wearer, and by others who may feel the head of the wearer. They also add more weight to the extension, which may cause more tension to the wearer&#39;s natural hair, and in some cases may cause a condition called “tension alopecia” or baldness in spots, caused by the weight and tension from the hair extension applied to the wearer&#39;s natural hair. 
         [0084]    The disclosed liquid PU extensions herein are extremely light weight, paper thin, soft and flexible. The embodiments disclosed are essentially weightless and, when applied correctly, will create virtually no tension on the wearer&#39;s natural hair. In addition, there are several different attachment methods that may be used when installing the extensions to lessen the possibility of damage to the natural hair of the user/wearer. Because the present embodiments may be constructed to be paper thin, soft, flexible, and extremely comfortable, they can barely be felt by the wearer or by others. This is a major breakthrough in the hair extension industry. 
         [0085]    In the present embodiments, the hair is attached directly into the liquid PU attachment, and therefor has no “returns” on the back side of the attachment as does the background art. 
         [0086]    One major problem with background art hair extensions is that they can be clearly felt by the wearer, and by others who may feel the wear&#39;s hair. One may feel ridges, lumps, bumps, plastic or metal nubs, thick tracks, or comb clips in the hair. The weight of these background art extensions and the application methods employed by these various types of background art systems, causes them to be less esthetically desirable and much more damaging to the wearer&#39;s natural hair. 
         [0087]    Background art skin weft extensions come on long strips and need to be cut to fit each application. The present embodiments may be packaged in 3″ wide or 1½″ wide strips, pre-taped, stacked one above the other, and attached to both sides of a plastic card. The card can have a notch at the top to hang the card from a hook provided with the package. Each strip is simply peeled off the card, the liner is removed, and the extension is attached to the hair. Each card comes enclosed in a package which has complete application directions printed inside with corresponding photographs explaining the installation of these extensions. 
         [0088]    The present embodiments disclose liquid PU extensions that are 1½″ to 3′ wide and include approximately ¼″ liquid PU strips, with rounded corners and no shine to moderate shine, with tape applied to one side. The hair in the present embodiments can be a solid color, highlighted colors, or piano stripe colors, and can be applied in any of these various color combinations. 
         [0089]    Additional embodiments can include extensions that are 1½″ to 3′ wide and include ¼″ to ½″ liquid PU strips with rounded corners, and have tapes applied to both sides of the extensions. Hair in these embodiments can likewise be a solid color, highlighted colors, piano stripe colors or “reversible colors,” or have one color on one side of the extension and a different or corresponding color on the opposite side of the extension as has been discussed above. 
         [0090]      FIGS. 21 and 22  show another embodiment and attachment method for hair extensions  12  and  12 ′. In  FIG. 21 , the hair  13  is parted at part P 1  and lifted and retained. The first tape cover  24  (not shown) is removed and hair extension  12  is firmly pressed with first tape  20  below part P 1  to natural hair  13 ′. Hair extension  12  and natural hair  13 ′ are then lifted up forming part P 2 . Part P 2  is then cleared of any stray natural hair  13  leaving a clean part P 2 . This allows hair extension  12 ′ to be adhered with first tape  20 ′ to natural hair  13 ′ and aligned end to end with hair extension  12 . The two extensions  12  and  12 ′ are then pressed together firmly. The hair extensions  12  and  12 ′ together with natural hair  13 ,  13 ′ and hair  18  are then lowered providing a sandwich like attachment of extensions  12  and  12 ′. 
         [0091]    These embodiments can likewise have the polymer or liquid PU  55  and first tapes  20 ,  20 ′ colored to match or co-ordinate with the hair  18  of the extensions  12  and  12 ′. Likewise, the corners of the fixed end  16  can have rounded corners  57  to lessen the chance of feeling the extension  12  or  12 ′ when installed. The liquid PU  55  can be manufactured having no shine to moderate shine to hide better in the user&#39;s natural hair  13  and  13 ′. 
         [0092]    It should be understood that the converse to the method of hair extensions installation disclosed in  FIGS. 21, 22  is also anticipated. This method could be reversed wherein extension  12  is installed as has been discussed and instead of pulling extension  12  up, the natural hair  13  above the installed extensions  12  is lowered and a part (not shown) made above natural hair  13  wherein extension  12 ′ is affixed in the manner shown in  FIG. 22  on top of extension  12  creating the dual extension  12 ,  12 ′ sandwich method of installation. 
         [0093]    Another embodiment is shown in  FIG. 23 .  FIG. 23  shows two hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′ attached to a user&#39;s natural hair  13 ,  13 ′. In this embodiment, a part P 1  is made and the first cover  24  (not shown) is peeled from first tape  20  and hair extension  12  is attached to the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . Extension  12  and hair  13 ′ are then lifted to form part P 2 . P 2  is then cleared of any hair  13 ′ leaving a clean part P 2  creating a good surface for the attachment of hair extension  12 ′. Extension  12 ′ is installed end to end matching hair extension  12  with natural hair  13  between the first tapes  20 ,  20 ′. Extensions  12  and  12 ′ are pressed together firmly. 
         [0094]    First part P 1  is made again and second tape  24  with cover  26  is secured to extension  12 . Second cover  26  (not shown) is peeled off and hair  13 ′ is allowed to drop onto second tape  22  where it is pressed firmly to second tape  22  and secured. 
         [0095]    This embodiment uses two extensions  12 ′ and  12 , and hair extension  12  uses two tapes  20 ,  22  to secure it to hair extension  12 ′ and natural hair  13 ,  13 ′. This embodiment essentially has one extension with tape on one side and a second extension with tapes on two sides. 
         [0096]    It should be understood that hair extensions  12  and  12 ′ can be removed and the tapes  20 ,  22 ,  20 ′ can be replaced. This allows the extensions  12  and  12 ′ to be removed and re-applied. These replacement tapes  20 ,  22 ,  20 ′ likewise can be color matching to the polymer  55  or liquid PU and the hair  18 , or the replacement tapes  20 ,  22 ,  20 ′ may be clear and provided in rolls. As has been previously discussed, these extensions  12  disclosed herein can have a single color hair  18 , or the hair  18  may be multi-colored, piano stripe colors, highlighted, have one color on one side and another color on the other side, or be a blended color. 
         [0097]    These hair extension embodiments can have a width of approximately 1.5″ to 3″ and include polymer  55  that is approximately ¼″ to ½″ wide. 
         [0098]      FIG. 16  shows an exaggerated front view of another embodiment of the hair extension  12 . In this embodiment, the hair  18  is fixed into a receiver (not shown) and a polymer  55 , by way of example only, liquid polyurethane or liquid PU, is poured onto the hair  18  retaining the hair in the polymer  55  for attachment to the user. This embodiment of hair extension  12  has rounded corners  57  on each of the ends of the fixed end  16 . The polymer  55  and first tape  20  can match the color of the hair  18  or can be clear. This embodiment of hair extension  12  uses a single tape first tape  20  and first cover  24 . One preferred width of this hair extension  12  is approximately 1.5″ to 3″ and having a polymer height of approximately ¼″ with no shine to moderate shine on the surface of the liquid PU or polymer  55 . The low shine or no shine liquid PU or polymer  55  can help hide the extensions  12  in the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . The second tape  22  can be added to the extension  12  once it has been attached to the natural hair  13 . Second tape  22  is applied to the polymer  55  or liquid PU, second cover  26  is removed, and the natural hair  13  is dropped and secured to second tape  22  and pressed together firmly. 
         [0099]    Separate tapes or additional tapes can be provided with this embodiment and the others disclosed in this application. These supplemental tapes can be used to enhance the securement of single extension  12  to the user. These supplemental tapes can also be used if the extensions  12  are removed and then re-attached. 
         [0100]      FIG. 17  shows an exaggerated end view of the embodiment in  FIG. 16 . It can be seen that the hair  18  is retained within polymer  55 , to which is attached first tape  20  with first cover  24  or liner. The first cover  24  is removed and the first tape  20  is used to attach the hair extension  12  to the user&#39;s natural hair as has been previously described. The polymer  55  is relatively soft, paper thin, pliable, and has rounded corners  57  so that the wearer can barely feel or not feel at all the hair extension  12  when attached. The polymer  55  is also exposed on font and back sides of the hair  18  as illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . The height of the polymer  55  in this embodiment can be approximately ¼″. This attachment  12  is and feels completely seamless and has been designed so that the wearer will not feel the attachment in their head. It is lighter and causes less stress to the natural hair  13 , and no one will feel the extension being worn as it feels like nothing at all is in the natural hair  13 . 
         [0101]    Second tape  22  (not shown) with second cover  26  could be added to the polymer  55  or liquid PU to the side opposite first tape  20  and first cover  24  as has been described above. 
         [0102]      FIG. 18  shows an alternative embodiment of hair extension  12  with rounded corners  57  and weft-less hair  18 . These rounded corners  57  lessen the chances of snagging hair implements or the user feeling the hair extensions  12  when installed. Obviously, rounded corners can be used with the other embodiments disclosed in this application. In this embodiment, the polymer  55  or liquid PU and tapes  20 ,  22  can be colored the same or corresponding color to the hair  18 . This extension  12  can be attached to the natural hair  13  with the first tape  20  as has been previously described. The second cover  26  from the second tape  22  can then be removed and the natural hair  13  above the part can be lowered and affixed to second tape  22 . This embodiment likewise can be manufactured with a polymer height of approximately ¼″ to ½″ and an extension width of approximately 1.5″ to 3″. 
         [0103]    This embodiment of hair extension  12  is extremely thin, has no weft, and has rounded corners. As a result, this hair extension  12  embodiment is soft, pliable and there is virtually no shedding from the extension  12 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 24  shows various methods for attaching hair extensions  70  to a user&#39;s head.  FIG. 24  specifically shows variations of the “sandwich” method. Three variations are shown in  FIG. 24 . The “A” method can be used for persons having medium or thick hair. In this method, two extensions  70  having pre-applied adhesive on one side of each extension are affixed to the user&#39;s natural hair  13 , in essence sandwiching the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
         [0105]    The “B” method can be used on thin, fine or medium natural hair and utilizes two extensions  70  with pre-applied adhesive. This method can also be beneficial for use where the hair parts, near a cowlick, or with shorter layered hair. The natural hair  13  is sandwiched in between with the addition of adhesive  41  on the second side of one extension  70  for adhering to another section of the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
         [0106]    The “C” method can be used for users that need additional support or hold and involve two extensions  70  with pre-applied adhesive on a first side. The addition of adhesive  41  to the second side of each extension  70  is used for affixing additional sections of the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . This essentially sandwiches the user&#39;s natural hair  13  between two extensions  70  with pre-applied adhesive on a first side of the extension and additional adhesive  41  applied to the second side of each extension  70 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 25  shows another flow chart showing various methods of hair attachment that can be used for various permutations of desired hair and hair types.  FIG. 25  shows a variation to the methods shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         [0108]    The methods shown in  FIG. 25  use a single extension  70  with adhesive pre-applied to a first side  30  with the addition of either a narrow adhesive  72  or a wide adhesive  74  applied to the second side  32 . 
         [0109]    The “D” method shows an extension  70  and natural hair  13  attached to the first side  30  of extension  70 . The second side  32  of extension  70  has a narrow adhesive  72  applied and then a second piece of natural hair  13 ″. This method can be used for users who have very fine, thin damaged, brittle hair or for application high on the users head. 
         [0110]    Method “E” can be used for a wide variety of hair, but is especially beneficial to those having very oily hair that may benefit from the additional hold of the wide adhesive  74 . 
         [0111]    The extension first side  30  is affixed to the user&#39;s natural hair  13  and a wide adhesive  74  is attached to the second side  32  of extension  70  where a second strip of natural hair  13 ″ is then attached. 
         [0112]    Method “F” can be applied to users who require additional support or hold. Method “F” is applied where the natural hair  13  is affixed to the pre-applied adhesive on the first side  30  of extension  70 . The other side of this natural hair  13  is applied a narrow adhesive  72  and an additional strip of natural hair  13 ′ is then applied to the other side of a narrow adhesive  72 . 
         [0113]    The second side  32  of extension  70  has a wide adhesive  74  applied to which another strip of natural hair  13 ″ is affixed. 
         [0114]    The foregoing disclosure describes various hair extension configurations and methods for installing hair extensions in a user&#39;s/wearer&#39;ss hair based on the individual needs of the user, including based on the user&#39;s hair type and the application location about the user&#39;s head. The disclosed methods provide processes for attaching hair extensions to a user&#39;s hair so as to provide the appropriate support or hold required by the user&#39;s hair type, while mitigating damage to the user&#39;s hair. 
         [0115]    It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments, improvements, details and uses can be made consistent with the letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure and within the scope of this disclosure, construed in accordance with the patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0