Abstract:
An esthetic hair treatment method includes providing a lengthwise contractible cylindrical evolved hair tube, where the hair tube is resiliently biased toward a preformed state. A loc of hair is inserted into a longitudinally contractible cylindrical hair tubes while the hair tube is in a lengthwise contracted or extended state. The loc of human hair extends lengthwise through the hair tube. The hair tube containing the loc of hair is permitted to return to the preformed state after insertion of the loc of hair. The hair tube is applied in the preformed state to allow natural hair growth to lie flat and straighten. The hair tube can be used as an adornment until the natural hair growth reaches a selected length. The process is repeated as needed for additional locs of hair.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to hairstyling, more particularly, to devices for and methods of treatment of growing natural hair, and still more particularly to the imparting of a designed form, such as by use of a hair tube for straightening, coloring, adding slight volume, and decorating a growing loc of natural hair. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are many known devices which can be used to hold hair in place, extend hair, enclose hair, etc. These items are typically used to divide hair into sections during chemical treatments and the creation of hair extensions. While such devices are useful for their intended purposes, no device or method currently exists to adequately color, straighten, add slight volume to, decorate, and grow the natural hair without the use of heat or chemicals. Thus, there remains a need for a hair treatment device which can adequately perform these functions. It is these and other problems in the prior art that the present invention addresses. 
     In many instances in the modern hair dressing parlors, and similar operations or establishments, permanent hair treatment devices for imparting hair texture use tubes in the treatment method. Such treatment methods typically employ electric heaters together with tubes of various types for steaming hair. These tubes are generally used for waving or curling hair and are very clumsy, time consuming to use, and are otherwise inconvenient. As a further drawback, a secondary device is usually needed to keep the hair tube in place. As another step in the process the hair needs to be treated with a liquid or cream chemical hair treatment substance in order to retain the formation imparted. Heat is also often applied to the hair while it is within the tubes. When coloring hair is part of the process a chemical dyeing agent is supplied into the tube and is applied inside the tube to the hair. Such applications may lead to extreme hair damage. 
     Additionally, people have long sought to adorn their natural hair by placing removable articles and materials in the hair. Such removable articles and materials may include beads of woods and natural metals, feathers, ribbon, leather, and other devices, to name but a few. One of the technical problems which must be solved in providing such adornments lies in the mounting of the esthetic member to the hair. Preferably, the mounting element should engage the hair in a secure and durable manner, be of slight weight to avoid hair harm and breakage, yet be readily installable and readily removed. Ideally, such installations and/or removals should be effected without use of a visible structure for engaging the hair so as not to interfere with the esthetic effect there being imparted. 
     Permanently straightening growing human hair typically requires the use of straightening chemicals. It is difficult during this hair treatment process to examine the hair for the purposes of determining when the chemical process has been carried out to the desired extent. If unduly prolonged, the process will cause injury to the hair and scalp. 
     Electronic pressing devices or heated metal combs are then typically applied to the hair in conjunction with oils causing the hair to be straightened. The resultant straightening remains over a period of time notwithstanding that the hair is moistened or even cleansed, all of which may severely damage the hair, have injurious effects, and causes hair breakage. To avoid such damage a process is needed which alleviates the need for a secondary holding device, heat, and chemical hair treatment substances. 
     In order for most highly textured natural hair to grow and retain length, it must not be subjected to heavy manipulation because it is extremely prone to breakage. Further, because the hair is textured, it has an elasticity that often prevents the true length of the hair from showing, referred to by those of skill in the art, as “shrinkage”. The inventor&#39;s research has revealed that there is a large market of people with highly textured hair that would like a natural hair care option to straighten, color, and add slight volume to their hair, an option which could alleviate damage and allow their hair to show length, grow, and be healthy with minimal manipulation. 
     In many instances in modern hair dressing parlors, and similar operations or establishments, there are very few safe options to enhance the appearance of length and to avoid heavy manipulation of the natural textured hair. One option is to braid the natural hair so that the weight of the hair itself pulls the coils down and shows a more accurate reading of the length of the hair. This option requires the hair to be re-braided constantly after a few months of time or less, in order to keep a neat appearance in the hairstyle and thus may cause pain to the sensitive scalp due to constant hair jerking and be quite costly and disadvantage those without adequate funds. A second option is manipulating the natural hair into a locked hairstyle, like dreadlocks. Many people who have decided to style their natural hair in dreadlocks are left unsatisfied due to the permanence and other drawbacks of this styling option. 
     Having in mind these difficulties, presented herein is an exceptionally novel hair tube for the purpose of overcoming the drawbacks of the above-described conventional art which fills a void not currently being met in the marketplace. In contrast to known methods and devices, application of the novel hair tube allows natural hair to look neat and fresh as it grows out and highly textured natural hair retains length due to very low manipulation. The combination of more length and volume is possible as compared to previous methods. The new methods and devices described herein allow easy day to day hair management, can be used in conjunction with a healthy hair product system, promote and retain growth, provide flexible hair styling options, allow for fun experimenting with different hair colors without damage, and are appropriate for ages 3 and up. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In one aspect, an esthetic hair treatment method includes providing a lengthwise contractible cylindrical evolved hair tube, where the hair tube is resiliently biased toward a preformed state. At least one loc of hair is inserted into at least one longitudinally contractible cylindrical hair tube while the at least one hair tube is in a lengthwise contracted or extended state, said at least one loc of human hair extending lengthwise through the at least one hair tube. The at least one hair tube containing the at least one loc of hair is permitted to return to the preformed state after insertion of each loc of hair into each hair tube. The at least one hair tube is applied in the preformed state to allow natural hair growth to lie flat and straighten. The at least one hair tube can be used as an adornment until the natural hair growth reaches a selected length. 
     In yet another aspect, an esthetic hair adornment device is provided including a cylindrical outer sheet adapted to enclose a growing loc of natural hair, said outer sheet having protective wall of interwoven fibers extending lengthwise, where the weave is adapted to block debris and form spaces for hair treating substances to gain access to said growing natural hair within. A cylindrical inner lining is positioned within said outer sheet. The inner lining and the outer sheet are telescoped together to form a hair tube, where the weave of the outer sheet is constructed with a pattern adapted to block debris and form spaces for hair treating substances to gain access to growing natural hair inserted within the hair tube. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims, the invention, both as to organization and content, will be better understood and appreciated, along with other objects and features thereof, from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  schematically Illustrates a top view of a pair of rectangular sheets that produce an evolved hair tube showing in combination the inner lining of the tube, the interwoven fibers of the outer sheet of the tube, and indications of the fabrics being invisibly connected. 
         FIG. 1B  schematically illustrates a front perspective aerial internal view of a novel hair tube, where the hair tube is in a closed, circular configuration after the sheets are joined by stitching their corresponding side ends. 
         FIG. 1C  schematically illustrates the advanced hair tube extended from a contracted state with the growing loc of natural hair extending from the scalp and into the tube. 
         FIG. 2A - FIG. 2C  schematically illustrate the adapted tube in various contracted states and in the extended state. 
         FIG. 3  schematically illustrates a longitudinal sectional view through the inner lining and outer sheet and showing a growing loc of natural hair in a generally straight formation. 
         FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a progression from left to right of the back side of a person&#39;s head upon which the method of the present invention is practiced. 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates one example of an insertion process of a loc of human hair into an evolved hair tube. 
         FIG. 6A - FIG. 6D  schematically illustrate a preferred ring element used in the insertion process of the loc of human hair into the advanced hair tube. 
         FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  schematically illustrate one example of an insertion process of the loc of human hair into the adapted hair tube. 
         FIG. 9  schematically illustrates alternative formations of the evolved hair tubes in reference to width size wherein a tube retains either a single growing loc of natural hair or a selected small plurality thereof. 
         FIG. 10 - FIG. 12  schematically illustrate examples of insertion processes for a loc of human hair into the advanced hair tube. 
         FIG. 13  schematically illustrates the flattening and shaping process of the growing loc of natural hair in the adapted hair tube. 
         FIG. 14A  schematically illustrates a magnified top view of the inner lining and outer sheet highlighting the interwoven fibers and the spaces there between. 
         FIG. 14B  schematically illustrates a more detailed exploded top view of the inner lining and outer sheet highlighting the interwoven fibers and the spaces there between. 
         FIG. 15A  and  FIG. 15B  schematically illustrate the bending capabilities of the evolved hair tube which allows for styling of the loc of human hair outside of the tube. 
         FIG. 16  schematically illustrates the removal process of the growing loc of natural hair out of the evolved hair tube. 
     
    
    
     In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or components. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following disclosure describes devices and methods for employing braidloc tubes in hairstyling. Several features of methods and systems in accordance with example embodiments are set forth and described in the figures. It will be appreciated that methods and systems in accordance with other example embodiments can include additional procedures or features different than those shown in the figures. Example embodiments are described herein with respect to braidloc tubes for human hair. However, it will be understood that these examples are for the purpose of illustrating the principles, and that the invention is not so limited. Additionally, methods and systems in accordance with some example embodiments may not include all of the features shown in the figures. 
     Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.” 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one example” or “an example embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or combinations and/or variations of these terms means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     DEFINITIONS 
     Generally, as used herein, the following terms have the following meanings when used within the context of hairstyling. 
     “Adapted hair tube” and/or “Evolved hair tube”: As used herein these terms both refer to the hair tube disclosed herein which has been adapted to fit the needs of a new generation. The traditional use of a hair tube has been changed to improve and make it fit for the particular purpose of serving a society with additional time constraints, the remaining need for versatility and style and a will to do better by our planet. The evolved hair tube is clean and green compared to tubes in past technology that use messy creams and chemicals that harm the earth. 
     “Braidloc Tubes” or “Hair Tubes”: As used herein refer to novel hair treating devices worn in Nubian Braidlocs and functioning maximally when used within The Nubian Braidloc System. 
     “Nubian Braidlocs”: As used herein refer to the unique hairstyle worn with Braidloc Tubes, which could be described as a fusion between micro-braids, two-strand twists, and evolved geni-locs. 
     “The Nubian Braidloc System”: As used herein refers to a hair care system for maintaining Nubian Braidlocs comprising of healthy hair products, maintenance and routines that have been proven to work well with Braidloc Tubes and promote hair growth. 
     “Growing Loc of Natural Hair”: As used herein refers to the visible new hair growth of which is comprised of the natural hair texture and of which is gathered into a loc. 
     “Loc”: As used herein usually refers to a small grouping of about 100 strands of hair or less. 
     “Loc of Human Hair”: As used herein refers to hair strands that have been naturally grown from the scalp of the product user and may be chemically altered in some fashion which have been formed into a loc. 
     “Small Plurality”: As used in this description is defined as a grouping of 5 or less. 
     Generally, disclosed herein is a permanent evolved hair tube with an esthetic component, which may be used repeatedly and one which may be very easily and quickly placed onto the loc of human hair, which will hold therein and which may be very easily and quickly removed after the desired duration of time which may be up to 12 months, or after the natural hair growth has reached a selected length. Removal is affected by gently pinching the hair between the scalp and the tube and then gently pulling and guiding the tube down the hair shaft. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , a top view of a pair of rectangular sheets that produce an evolved hair tube showing in combination the inner lining of the tube, the interwoven fibers of the outer sheet of the tube, and indications of the fabrics being invisibly connected (i.e the connection is imperceptible to the naked eye) is schematically Illustrated. A hair tube  50  is formed from a pair of rectangular sheets  49  and  23  that are aligned along their longitudinal directions. In one useful example, an improved hair tube  50  may advantageously be constructed of fabric comprising inner sheet  49  serving as an inner lining, and outer sheet  23 . The inner and outer sheets are invisibly connected together along segmented line  51  and suitable for use on all hair textures (straight, wavy, chemically altered, etc.) so that the tubes  50  may be purchased by hairdressers for use on any client. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1A  and additionally to  FIG. 1B  where a front perspective internal view of the novel hair tube is shown. The pair of sheets  49 ,  23  are formed into the tube  50  by stitching their corresponding side ends together at the lengthwise side ends  47  and  48  of the tube  50 . As a result the hair tube  50  has closed, circular configuration with an interior volume  46  for receiving hair. In one useful example, each sheet comprises soft, supple and pliable material so as to impart flexibility to the resultant tube  50 . When in use, the outer sheet  23  protects the growing loc of natural hair in the hair tube from debris from outside elements, and it also imparts volume thereto. Color treatments are also allowed to be transferred from the hair tube to the hair contained within the hair tube by the method of coating. 
     Other preexisting tubes, as sold, are generally cylindrical throughout and there is a loss of time due to the pressing of the inner end of the tube around the hair. The unique features disclosed herein allow the adapted hair tubes  50  to save time by imparting three treatments at once due to the ability to slide onto the loc of human hair  22  with reduced friction. Material choice is fundamental to the design as it prevents breakage to textured natural hair, caused from entangling into the cylinder and in many cases, friction with the cylinder, which is inevitable when using other construction materials. 
     The construction material also allows this product to be functional during virtually all day and night activities. The advanced hair tubes  50  are of an improved type which can also be readily secured without tying to the growing loc of natural hair  24 . 
     As described hereinbefore with respect to  FIG. 1C  and  FIG. 2C , the evolved hair tube  50  has a wall formed of elements comprising interwoven fibers  19 ,  20  extending at an angle inclined to a longitudinal dimension  52  of the hair tube  50 . While the wall of the advanced hair tube  50  may conveniently be formed of interwoven fibers  19 ,  20 , the wall of the hair tube  50  may be formed in a different manner not using interwoven fibers  19 ,  20 . 
     For example instead of fibers which are interwoven  19 ,  20 , the wall may be formed of fibers or other elements which extend cross one another and are bonded together at locations at which the fibers or other elements cross one another. The wall of the improved hair tube  50  may be formed by bonding fibers or other elements together or the fibers or other elements may be formed integrally in the required bonded relationship for example by a molding process. 
     The sheet element  23  forming the outer sheet of the modified hair tube  50  is flexible and preferably made of solid velour, costume suede, crushed panne velvet, performance knit, microsuede, satin ribbon, silk, alova solid, knit jet set, moleskin, silky solid charmeuse, or faux fur and may be of other synthetic fibers or natural fibers and preferably materials that do not cause chemical reactions, in particular, corrosion and discoloration. 
     If desired the sheet element  23  may be elastic or nylon and resiliently extendible, may impart hue and other optical effects such as sparkle, reflection, and refraction, may be formed displaying sports team colors or logos, as well as other prints and textures or be furnished with suitable electric heat resistances. 
     When the wall of the adapted hair tube  50  is a mesh formed by fibers or other elements bonded together or formed integrally it will be appreciated that the elements or the interconnections between the elements or both the elements and the interconnections there between are sufficiently flexible to permit the required contraction and extension of the hair tube  50 . 
     Referring now jointly to  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C , an example of an adapted hair tube in various contracted states and in an extended state is schematically illustrated. The generally cylindrical hair tube  50  has a wall formed of elements comprising interwoven fibers  19 ,  20  extending at an angle inclined to a longitudinal reference  52  of the tube  50 , where the longitudinal reference is generally parallel to wall of the hair tube  50 . Accordingly the adapted hair tube  50  may be contracted into a lengthwise state as in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  or the tube  50  may be in an extended state as in  FIG. 2C . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1C , the advanced hair tube extended from a contracted state with the growing loc of natural hair extending from the scalp and into the tube is schematically illustrated. A projecting ligament of a coiled growing loc of natural hair  24  from the scalp  21  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) is pulled through the tube  50  and the projecting end thereof  22 . After insertion of the loc of human hair  22  through the evolved hair tube  50 , the loc of human hair  22  is gripped tight between the walls of the tube  50 , and the hair tube  50  is extended as described hereinbelow. As described above, the characteristic expansion and contraction properties of the hair tube  50  facilitate the insertion of a loc of human hair  22  through a first open end  17 , through the length of the hair tube  50  and out through a second open end  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  a longitudinal sectional view through the inner lining and outer sheet and showing a growing loc of natural hair in a generally straight formation is schematically illustrated. With the hair tube  50  in the extended state the hair tube  50  is manipulated to a determined form so as to cause the walls of the hair tube  50  to move inwards and compress the hairs of the ligament of the growing loc of natural hair  24  together imparting the desired straight form, desired color, and slight volume to the growing loc of natural hair  24  contained in the hair tube  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the flattening and shaping process of the growing loc of natural hair in the adapted hair tube is schematically illustrated. In the illustrated form of manipulation, a growing loc of natural hair  24  is flattened about a longitudinal axis and the dimensions of the modified hair tube  50  in conjunction with manual pressure  232 ,  233  cause the wall of the hair tube  50  to flatten, as a result the growing loc of natural hair  24  contained within the hair tube  50  is caused to assume a generally straight formation, and the growing loc of natural hair  24  contained therein may be compacted lengthwise to a desired extent. After the prescribed time period or after the hair growth has reached a selected length, the growing loc of natural hair  24  is released from the confines of the adapted hair tube  50  by applying manual pressure  232 ,  233  and sliding the tube downward to facilitate withdrawal of the hair tube  50  from the loc of human hair  22  as described and shown below with reference to  FIG. 16 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the back side of a person&#39;s head upon which the method of the present invention is practiced is schematically illustrated in a progression from left to right. A plurality of hair tubes  50  are applied to, and mechanical engage with the hair  22 ,  24  itself rather than relying upon engagement with the head, ears, forehead, or other parts of the anatomy and without using adhesives, elastic bands, or weaving, etc. In one example, the hair tube is applied by encircling or sandwiching the growing loc of natural hair  24  and the projecting end thereof  22  in a manner that avoids potential damage to the hair  22 ,  24  and the adhesion due to the small diameter of the hair tube is strong enough to prevent most unintended disengagement or slippage. Once removed, each loc of human hair is easily combed out of the preparatory hairstyle, shampooed, and may be restyled. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14A  and  FIG. 14B , the inner lining  49  is comprised of a smooth interior and compresses the new natural hair growth  24 , allowing the growing loc of natural hair  24  to lay flat, become straight, and thus preventing the growing loc of natural hair  24  from matting as it grows out without manipulation. The inner lining  49  preferably consists of satin, silk, or other non-absorbent material capable of allowing products to seep  54  through, access and remain in the hair  22 ,  24  until rinsed out. 
     The interwoven nature of the adapted hair tube  50  is formed so that the hair tube  50 , when used, is in condition to be compressed to fit closely around the growing loc of natural hair  24  near the head and there are small air spaces  45  in the hair tube  50 . The air spaces  45  and the non-absorbent component underneath the hair  22 ,  24  within the evolved hair tube  50  acts to properly retain cleanliness and moisture during the course of use. Where applied, shampoo and conditioner immediately surround the growing loc of natural hair  24  within the hair tube  50 . This is a decided advantage of the construction choice because these products may be leeched from the hair  22 ,  24  when using absorbable material and this inner lining  49  allows shampoo, conditioners, and oils to penetrate through the fabric and to the covered hair  22 ,  24  when being cleansed and maintained. 
     The inner lining  49  is invisibly connected to the outer sheet  23  and both are applied over the loc of natural hair  24  at the same time as shown in  FIG. 10 , for example. As a result both inner  49  and outer  23  surfaces are moistened and the inner lining  49  releases a greater quantity of moisture to the new natural hair growth  24  than the outer sheet  23  which may be comprised of heavier or more porous interwoven fibers  19 ,  20  and this advantage insures sufficient moisture for operation and variation of outward appearance in the device itself. 
     The interwoven fibers  19 ,  20  of the advanced hair tube  50  are small enough to prevent everyday debris from penetrating the growing loc of natural hair  24  within the tube  50 , but absorbent enough to adequately hold and release shampoo and conditioner so the hair  22 ,  24  can be cleansed and moisturized. Due to the materials used to construct the hair tube and its permanent nature, an applied hair tube  50  is still capable of air drying without destruction after being cleansed. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 10 , the length of the modified hair tube  50  is set appropriately depending on the length of the new hair growth  24  to be treated, and is preferably longer than the length of the new hair growth  24  to be treated. In the drawings, the loc of human hair  22  is shown as extending through and beyond the adapted hair tube  50 . It is to be understood that the length of the evolved hair tube  50  relative to the length of the new natural hair growth  24  may be such that, when the hair tube  50  is in the extended state, the loc of human hair  22  only partially extends out of the hair tube  50 . 
     Consequently, in an example embodiment the devices and methods described herein are directed to a predetermined length of hair strands. The hair strands need to be at least 3 inches in length for proper use, and the projecting end of the loc of human hair  22  preferably protrudes at least 1½ inches from the advanced hair tube to be firmly secure to the growing loc of natural hair  24  and the projecting end  22  thereof. 
     Returning to the process shown in  FIG. 4  while still jointly referring to  FIG. 1C , at step A, preparatory to using the device in the treatment of a growing loc of natural hair  24 , each coil of hair  25  is first separated  26  from the other hair on a scalp  21  and arranged into a loc which is characterized by:
         a. braiding the natural hair into tiny braids, recognized by those of skill in the art, as “micro-braids”  22 ,   b. the more sensitive areas of the hair, as recognized by those of skill in the art, are twisted into two-strand twists rather than micro-braids  22 .       

     Having done this all hair textures are compatible with the diameter of the improved hair tube  50  although it is specifically designed to fulfill the unique needs of a particular hair texture and after a time period, when there is visible new natural hair growth  24 , the loc of human hair  22 , is drawn through the first open end  17  of the hair tube  50  into and through the hair tube  50  entrapping the hair  22 ,  24  thereby, securing the adornment thereto (see  FIGS. 8 and 12 ) and thus allowing the growing loc of natural hair  24  to grow through the tube  50 . The hair tubes may also be applied immediately after the hair is put into locs and twists. 
     It is the inner lining composition of the modified hair tube  50  that allows the tube  50  to be readily slipped over a loc of human hair  22 , the ligaments of such loc of human hair  22  being then sealed snuggly into the adjacent wall of the applied tube  50  by means of enclosure. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the position of the adapted hair tube  50  along the length of the loc of human hair  22  may then be adjusted such that the second open end  18  of the hair tube  50  lies adjacent the root ends of the growing loc of natural hair  24  and is directly touching the scalp  21 . The second open end  18  of the evolved hair tube  50  adjacent the head is pressed in the direction of arrows  132 ,  133  closely about the loc of natural hair  24  within the tube  50  and the opposite hand is used to smooth and constrict the tube  50  in a longitudinal flattening direction  135  lengthwise of the hair shaft so that the tube  50  and the growing hairs  24  lay flat in order to prevent relative displacement of the growing loc of natural hair  24 . This process is repeated until all new hair growth is covered with a permanent treatment device  50 . However, if desired the advanced hair tube  50  may be located at any position along the lateral length of the loc of human hair  22 . 
     Generally, less than 200 improved hair tubes  50  are used almost simultaneously in treating a head of growing locs of natural hair  24 . Each growing loc of natural hair  24  under treatment may be separately examined as the condition of each growing loc of natural hair  24  may be different and may require different treatment. 
     While the evolved hair tube  50  has been described hereinbefore as being of woven construction, other constructions that result in a soft outer sheet  23 , spaces  45  (including and unlimited to perforations or suitable vents), and permit the hair tube  50  to be manipulated in the desired manner may be utilized. 
     It will be recognized by those of skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the first open end  17  may have other shapes (ex. square, polygonal, etc.) consequently, the invention is considered unlimited to the circular opening chosen for purposes of disclosure. The invention is intended to include any and all suitable opening shapes and thereby unlimited to a particular shape, length or decorative pattern. 
     It will be appreciated that after the loc of human hair  22  is put into the advanced hair tube  50 , the growing loc of natural hair  24  will remain permanently straightened for as long as the tube  50  is in place. The bending  36  of the improved hair tube allows for styling of the loc of human hair  22  outside of the tube  50 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 15A  and  FIG. 15B , if the loc of human hair  22  is put onto rollers  53 , the roller  53  can be rolled up and onto the modified hair tube  50  to reach the scalp  21 . When the rollers  53  are released, only the loc of human hair  22  outside of the tube  50  will curl. 
     Moreover, the hair tube itself is the treating agent which will automatically prevent hair, other than the hair  22 ,  24  inserted into the hair tube  50 , from being colored, straightened, imparted with volume  46 , or otherwise affected. Accordingly, the treatment using the evolved hair tube  50  of the present embodiment is suitable for partially coloring, partially straightening, and partially adding volume  46  to the hair on one&#39;s head. Further, the treating agent is contained in the advanced hair tube  50  in a relatively sealed state thus the latter is advantageous in that the treatments can be performed efficiently and that the negative effects, such as smarting of the eyes from volatile components and chemical burns, can be prevented. 
     As described with reference, for example, to  FIG. 3 , the improved hair tube  50  may have a generally circular cross-section. After inserting of the loc of human hair  22  into the tube  50 , the loc of human hair  22  is gripped securely between the walls of the tube  50 . The hair tube  50  is then manipulated and flattened to a final form to impart a desired straight formation, desired color, and add volume  46  to the growing loc of natural hair  24  contained in the hair tube  50 . Accordingly it is convenient when it is desired to insert a loc of human hair  22  into the modified hair tube  50 , to initially contract the hair tube  50  to permit insertion of the loc of human hair  22  contained in the hair tube  50  as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . It should be noted that the color is in and on the tube itself and there are over 40 color options to choose from. 
     Referring now simultaneously to  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6B ,  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  one example of an insertion process of the loc of human hair into the adapted hair tube is schematically illustrated. To facilitate insertion of the loc of human hair  22  into the adapted hair tube  50 , a resilient ring shaped element  28  may be secured respectively to one end of the loc of human hair  22  and to the tube  50 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Normally the ring shaped element  28  is of oval form. When it is desired to insert a loc of human hair  22  into the evolved hair tube  50 , a tube  50  is placed onto the straight portion of the ring element  29 . The ring shaped element  28  is then held between thumb  27  and finger  44  positioned at  30  and  31  so that when manual pressure is applied as indicated by arrows  32  and  33  the ring  28  flattens around the loc of human hair  22  in the direction of arrows  34  and  35  to a linear form as shown in  FIG. 6B  and demonstrated in  FIG. 7 . Upon release of manual pressure  32 ,  33  on the ring  28 , the advanced hair tube  50  is permitted to be inserted through the insertion orifice of the first open end  17  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     After the loc of human hair  22  has been securely inserted into the modified hair tube  50 , the mouth of the ring shaped element  28  is pulled in the opposite direction and the end of the loc of human hair  22  is released. The ring  28  reverts to the oval form as shown in  FIG. 6A . It will be appreciated that the handle of the ring element  29  is also capable of being manipulated, through expansion and contraction to fit the length of the adapted hair tube  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6C  and  FIG. 6D  Accordingly it is preferred to provide a ring shaped element  28  with the width of the ring  28  being approximately ¾ inches wide and the straight portion of the ring element  29  having a maximum length height of approximately 14 to 22 inches long and having a form illustrated in  FIG. 6A - FIG. 6D . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , alternative formations of the evolved hair tubes in reference to width size wherein a tube retains either a single growing loc of natural hair or a selected small plurality thereof are schematically illustrated. Another aspect of the disclosed devices and methods relates to providing an alternative design formation in reference to width size wherein a tube  50  is adapted to encircle and retain either a single growing loc of natural hair  24  or a small plurality thereof and where tube  50  availability may enhance the desired appearance in the width of the hair  22 ,  24  up to five times the original dimension. In order to do this, and after the initial preparation of the locs, a secondary preparation is necessary to braid the individual locs of human hair  22  together before insertion into a wider evolved hair tube  50 . As a result of the above preparation the growing locs of natural hair  24  are held in close proximity and this juxtaposition allows for the same result in the wider advanced hair tube  50  as when a single growing loc of natural hair  24  is used in the regular sized tube  50 . 
     In further comprehending  FIG. 9 , it should be noted that the number of locs of human hair  22  in each variation of the modified hair tube  38 ,  39 ,  40 ,  41 ,  42 , are first arranged in the secondary preparation, as described above with reference to step B of  FIG. 4 . The hair tubes would then be secured at the highest lateral portion of the hair shaft so as to touch the scalp  21 . While a plurality of hair tubes of different width sizes are shown, this is for illustrative purposes only. It will be understood that, in most applications, only a singular width size would be worn in the hair at any given time. 
     In one example, the hair tube has a cross-sectional outer radius transverse to its length substantially equal to half the circumferential length of the inner surface of each opening. Both the device  50  and the method described above may include embodiments in which the adapted hair tube&#39;s  50  length from the top end to the bottom end is between approximately 1½ inches and 20½ inches and the radial distance is between 1/16 inches and 25/128 inches. In the smallest embodiment 38, the evolved hair tube&#39;s  50  length from top end to bottom end is 1½ inches and the radial distance is 1/16 inches. 
     In one embodiment 39, the advanced hair tube&#39;s  50  length from top end to bottom end is 3 inches and the radial distance is ⅛ inches. In another embodiment, the modified hair tube&#39;s  50  length from top end to bottom end is 6 inches and the radial distance is 1/16 inches. In another embodiment 40, the adapted tube&#39;s  50  length from top end to bottom end is 12 inches and the radial distance is 5/32 inches. In one embodiment 41, the evolved hair tube&#39;s  50  length from top end to bottom end is 12 inches and the radial distance is 23/128 inches. In the largest embodiment 42, the advanced hair tube&#39;s  50  length from top end to bottom end is 20½ inches and the radial distance is 25/128 inches. 
     Further, in the method described herein, the number of locs of human hair  22  held by each tube  50  may be selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the lengths of the tubes  50  may be selected from 1½ inches, 3 inches, 6 inches, 12 inches, and 20½ inches and the color options are limitless. Thus, by using the hair tube  50  it is very easy to change the appearance of the hair treatment without detrimental manipulation. 
     Referring now simultaneously to  FIG. 10 - FIG. 12 , examples of insertion processes for a loc of human hair into the advanced hair tube are schematically illustrated. Insertion of the loc of human hair  22  into the modified hair tube  50  is also conveniently accomplished by use of a latch-hook  37  on an elongated handle. With the clasp  43  open, the latch-hook  37  is passed through the adapted hair tube  50  until it emerges and then is engaged with the loc of human hair  22  as showing in  FIG. 10 . The clasp  43  of the latch-hook  37  is then closed as in  FIG. 11 . The evolved hair tube  50  is then is inserted through the latch-hook  37  thereby drawing the loc of human hair  22  into and through the hair tube  50  and the hair tube  50  is applied thereto, such hair tube  50  being guided over the ligament of the growing loc of natural hair  24  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     However it will be appreciated that the latch-hook  37  should have a form that permits passage of the latch-hook  37  through the advanced hair tube  50  both during insertion and withdrawal without snagging the hair tube  50 . Note here that in using the ring shaped element  28  rather than the latch-hook  37 , superior operability is achieved because expansion and contraction is easily done by (a) bending  36  and (b) straightening the long piece of the ring element  28  which results in a tool that may easily be used with all modified hair tube  50  lengths. 
     The adapted hair tube disclosed herein may be regarded as a hair adornment device and can be worn for up to 12 months. It will be recognized that a plurality of similar or different esthetics may optionally be provided depending on the application or esthetics of the user. Where different, the appearance imparted by the evolved hair tube  50  according to any aspect of the present invention could be changed at will by substituting one esthetic color or width size for another. The hair tube itself gives the hair color and the tubes are so small that to any onlooker, it gives the illusion that the hair has been dyed. 
     From the prior description and drawings, it will be seen that a novel hair tube  50  is disclosed. The hair tube can be reused a number of times, thus providing a time, money and labor saver, a product that is safe, and reduces waste in the environment, and is inexpensive to make in all of its various forms. The improved structure is characterized by the advantages already pointed out, and by the additional advantages of rapidity and smoothness, and rapidity of manipulation. 
     The invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles of the present invention, and to construct and use such exemplary and specialized components as are required. However, it is to be understood that the invention may be carried out by different equipment, and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the equipment details and operating procedures, may be accomplished without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.