WO2025218970A1

WO2025218970A1 - Hair extension weft

Info

Publication number: WO2025218970A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/056476
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louise SKÖLD
Original assignee: Big Hair Big Dreams AB
Current assignee: Big Hair Big Dreams AB
Priority date: 2024-04-15
Filing date: 2025-03-10
Publication date: 2025-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-15
Also published as: SE2430205A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a faux hand-tied hair extension weft (100) comprising: a narrow central strip (104) made from a polymer material and having a plurality of holes distributed in a single row along its length; and a layer of hair extensions (102) attached along each side of the central strip and extending in an essentially perpendicular direction to the length of the central strip, wherein the layers of hair extensions are configured to fall in the same direction when the hair extension weft is applied to a user's head, causing any attachment means for the central strip to be sandwiched between and concealed by the hair extension layers. A method for applying a faux hand-tied hair extension weft to a user's head is also described.

Description

HAIR EXTENSION WEFT

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the technical field of hair extensions and their application systems, and specifically to a faux hand-tied hair extension weft and a method for applying the same.

BACKGROUND

The field of hair extensions has seen a considerable amount of development over the years. The aim has always been towards creating natural-looking, comfortable-to-wear, and easy-to-apply hair extensions that do not cause damage to the user's natural hair. Hair extensions provide users with the ability to change their hairstyle at will and add volume and length to their existing hair without waiting for it to grow naturally. They may also help people who suffer from various hair-related conditions, such as various types of alopecia, to maintain a natural, full-body hair appearance. These advantages have made hair extensions increasingly popular.

In the context of hair extensions, a weft refers to a collection or curtain of hair strands which have been sewn together on a thin strip of cloth or other material at their top ends. This technique creates a horizontal hairpiece that can be applied or attached to a person's natural hair in various ways, such as by sewing, gluing, or clipping, to add length, volume, or both. Wefts can come in different sizes, lengths, and qualities, depending on the method of installation and the desired outcome. They are popular because they offer a relatively easy and versatile way to achieve a variety of hairstyles without permanently altering one's natural hair.

A "faux weft" in the context of hair extensions refers to a type of hairpiece or extension that mimics the appearance and functionality of a traditional weft, but is made from synthetic fibers instead of human hair. The term "faux" itself means "false" or "imitation," indicating that these wefts are designed to offer a cost-effective and sometimes more durable alternative to genuine human hair wefts. Faux wefts can be used in the same way as real hair wefts and are particularly appealing to individuals who want the look and feel of real hair extensions without the higher cost or who prefer not to use human hair for personal or ethical reasons. Hair extension wefts generally come in hand-tied or machine-sewn types, which differ mainly in their production methods and some key characteristics that affect their application, durability, and overall look. Hand-tied wefts are created by manually tying strands of hair onto a thin thread. This process is labor-intensive and requires skilled craftsmanship, contributing to a higher cost. They are typically thinner and lighter than machine-sewn wefts. The thinner construction allows for a more seamless and less detectable blend with the natural hair. The manual tying technique makes hand-tied wefts more flexible, allowing them to lay flatter against the scalp. This flexibility provides a more natural hair movement and a comfortable wear. Hand-tied wefts can be more easily customized in terms of width, making them suitable for various head shapes and sizes. However, they require a more delicate and skilled method of installation, often involving beading techniques. While hand-tied wefts offer a natural look, they can be more delicate and less durable than machine-sewn wefts. They may require more careful maintenance and handling and can generally not be cut to a particular size as this tends to lead to unraveling.

In contrast, machine-sewn wefts are produced by sewing hair strands onto a weft using a sewing machine. This automated process makes them more readily available and cost-effective. These wefts are generally thicker and heavier compared to hand-tied wefts. The added weight and bulk might not blend as seamlessly, especially on individuals with fine or thin hair. Machine-sewn wefts are also less flexible, which can make them feel bulkier or be more noticeable on the head. They might not lay as flat or feel as comfortable as hand-tied wefts. Machine-sewn wefts are typically offered in standard widths, which might require cutting to fit the head properly. Such cutting may lead to shedding if not done correctly. Due to their construction, machine-sewn wefts are generally more durable and can withstand more rigorous washing and styling practices. They are also less likely to unravel than hand-tied wefts, and can typically be cut to size. Often machine-sewn and hand-tied wefts are used in combination, where the machine-sewn weft provides structural support for the hand-tied weft.

Document AU 2019200473 Al describes a hair extension weft made from bundles of human hair set into a polyurethane strip with holes at regular intervals. This design enables natural hair to be pulled through these holes, securing the hair extension weft on the head while maintaining a natural fall of the extended hair. The absence of tape, glue, heat, braiding or chemicals mitigates potential damage to the natural hair. Distribution of holes along the strip ensures that the weft sits flatter than other available wefts while distributing weight evenly throughout the head, which might enhance comfort. While this document contributes in improving wearer comfort and minimizing damage by avoiding harmful adhesion methods, the width of the polyurethane strip limits the locations on the head where the weft can be applied while maintaining a natural look. The width of the strip also affects the comfort level for the user, making it very noticeable. In addition, when applied, the weft pulls the user's own hair in a direction perpendicular out of the skull rather than in the natural fall direction of the user's own hair. These aspects may cause discomfort and additional stress on the user's own hair, thereby limiting its use cases, in particular for people having various medical conditions, such as alopecia.

Document US 2023/0320445 Al, describes a customizable hair extension systems where bands are coupled to arrays of hairs and can be joined together at one edge. This system provides customization options including varying lengths, colors and textures within one single extension system which empowers wearers with personalized solutions according to distinct preferences. However, given the variability in terms of array sizes (lengths), colors and textures provided by this system, application can become complex especially when working on multiple arrays simultaneously for achieving desired results. Moreover, this system does not explicitly address issues related to even distribution of weight on user’s head or reducing potential harm caused by traditional attachment means such as glue or heating methods.

Therefore, despite significant advancements within the domain, certain challenges remain that are related both technical aspects involved during production phase concerns arising out practical utilization aspects regarding application processes and various affective factors, such as wearer comfort, personalization opportunities, etc. It is thus apparent that a need exists for improved solutions which address these challenges while maintaining critical objectives, such natural appearance, comfort during wear and ease of application.

SUMMARY

The object of the invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a hair extension weft and method that simplifies the process of applying hair extension wefts, ensuring comfort, flexibility, durability, and adaptability to various hair thicknesses and styles. In some aspects, embodiments of the invention relate to a faux hand-tied hair extension weft comprising: a narrow central strip made from a polymer material and having a plurality of holes distributed in a single row along its length; and a layer of hair extensions attached along each side of the central strip and extending in an essentially perpendicular direction to the length of the central strip, wherein the layers of hair extensions are configured to fall in the same direction when the hair extension weft is applied to a user's head, causing any attachment means for the central strip to be sandwiched between and concealed by the hair extension layers.

Different embodiments of the invention can include one or more of the following features. The diameter of the holes can be smaller than half the width of the central strip. The central strip can be made from polyurethane. The central strip can be designed for threading of the user's natural hair through the holes and be sufficiently thick, flexible and durable to be held in place on the user's head by microrings attached to the threaded natural hair. The diameter of the holes can be approximately one third of the width of the central strip. The central strip can be approximately 3 mm wide, and the holes can have a diameter of approximately 1 mm. The holes can be spaced approximately 1 cm apart along the length of the central strip.

In another aspect, embodiments of the invention relate to a method for applying a faux hand-tied hair extension weft to a user’s head. The method comprises: providing a hair extension weft according to claim 1 ; threading a user’s natural hair through the holes in the central strip; securing the threaded natural hair to the central strip by microrings to attach the hair extension weft to the user's natural hair; and letting the hair extension layers fall in the same direction after securing the threaded natural hair to the central strip, thereby causing the microrings to be sandwiched between and concealed by the hair extension layers.

Different embodiments of the invention can include one or more of the following features. The central strip can be cut into a suitable length to fit an area of application of the hair extension weft on the user's head without affecting the integrity or appearance of the hair extension. Two or more hair extension wefts according to claim 1 can be stacked on top of each other, such that the central strips are aligned on top of one another, and the user’s natural hair can be threaded through the overlapping holes in the stack of central strips, such that the stack of hair extension wefts, rather than a single hair extension weft, is secured by the microrings.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a hair extension weft 100, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the hair extension weft 100 of FIG. 1, showing how the hair extensions 102 are attached to the central strip 104, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates how the hair extension weft 100 is attached to the user's hair during the application process, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates how the hair extension weft 100 is attached to the user's hair during a later time of the application process, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates the hair extension weft 100 is when fully attached to the user's natural hair, and before the rest of the user’s natural hair covers the hair extension weft 100, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As was noted above, the various embodiments that are described herein pertain to a hair extension weft and methods for applying the hair extension weft to the user's head. In particular, the various embodiments described herein fall under the general category of faux hand-tied hair wefts, meaning that it is a hand-tied weft that can be cut to size, as needed to fit a user’s head, without unraveling. For simplicity, this will be referred to herein as a hair extension weft.

The hair extension weft features a narrow central strip made from a polymer material, such as polyurethane (PU), and has several holes distributed in a single row along its length. On the respective edges of the central strip, layers of extension hair are attached and extending in an essentially perpendicular direction to the length of the central strip. The diameter of the holes is smaller than half the width of the central strip, so as to enable sufficient integrity of the strip for the weight of the hair extensions and secure attachment by microrings to the user's own hair. The use of microrings eliminates the need for sewing into the user's natural hair, as is done in many conventional hair extension solutions, facilitating quicker application. The various embodiments of this invention find their application in the beauty and hair care industry, particularly in hair extension services.

As will be described in further detail below, this flexible, durable, and easy-to-use solution for hair extensions can accommodate various hair thicknesses and styles, while ensuring comfortable wear and ease of application. The unique integration of handtied faux wefts with a narrow central PU strip significantly reduces the application time compared to traditional hair extension weft methods, and also provides increased flexibility with respect to where on the user's head the weft can be applied, while still maintaining a natural look and being comfortable to the user.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example and with reference to the figures. However, it should be noted that these examples are merely illustrative and that many other embodiments are encompassed within the scope of the claimed invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a hair extension weft 100, in accordance with one embodiment, laid out on a flat surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the hair extension weft 100 has a central strip 104 to which hair extensions 102 are tied along the length of either side. The central strip 104 is made from a soft polymer material, such as polyurethane (PU), and has several holes distributed in a single row along its length. As will be described in further detail below, the length of the central strip 104 can be cut to size so as to fit the particular area of the user's head where the hair extension weft 100 will be applied. It should be noted that PU is only one example of a suitable material and that other materials with similar properties to polyurethane include neoprene, silicone, and epoxy resins. These materials also offer the durability and flexibility, that is similar to the PU.

The hair extensions 102 are attached to the central strip 104, for example, by use of an adhesive or other conventional technique. It should be noted that while the hair extensions 102 described herein are made from natural human hair, the same techniques could also be used with synthetic hair. The hair extensions 102 can have any suitable color, for example, to match and blend in with the user’s natural hair, or to create contrasting highlights with the user’s natural hair. The central strip 104 can be partly or fully transparent, and can be clear or have a color that matches the hair extension 102 in order to blend in even better.

The central strip 104 in the illustrated embodiment has a width of 3 millimeter and the holes 106 have a diameter of approximately 1 millimeter, thus occupying no more than % of the width of the central strip 104. The minimized width of the central strip 104 is a deliberate choice aimed at enhancing user comfort and discretion. Such a narrow profile renders the strip 104 virtually imperceptible to the wearer, ensuring it does not cause discomfort or disrupt the natural contour of the user's scalp when applied. This attribute is of paramount importance, considering the central strip 104 operates as the backbone of the hair extension weft 100, securing the hair extensions 102 in place. Moreover, the subtle width and the positioning of the central strip 104 under the user’s natural hair make it practically invisible to external observers. This inconspicuousness is crucial for users seeking a natural appearance, as it allows the hair extension weft 100 to blend seamlessly with the user's natural hair, without drawing attention to the presence of an artificial enhancement.

The spacing between the holes 106 is approximately 10 millimeters, that is, about ten times the diameter of the holes 106. This spacing has been chosen to ensure that the hair extension weft 100 will fit snugly to the user's head when the user’s natural hair is pulled through the holes 106 and secured with microrings, as will be described below. A larger separation between the holes 106 might make it more difficult to attach the central strip 104 snugly to the user's head, as there may be sections of the central strip 104 that “bulge out” rather than lay flat against the user's head when being weighed down by the hair extension 102, thereby increasing the risk the central strip 104 getting caught, for example, when the user washes or brushes his hair. Conversely, having a smaller spacing between the holes 106 might result in an application process that is inefficient and takes an unnecessarily long time to accomplish.

Regarding the arrangement of the holes 106, the current embodiment highlights these features aligned along a central axis of the strip 104, creating a uniform line of attachment points. However, it is essential to recognize the potential for variations in this design. In alternative embodiments, the placement of holes 106 could deviate from this central alignment, positioned instead in an offset pattern relative to the strip's longitudinal axis. Such variation does not detract from the utility of the holes 106; rather, it offers flexibility in design and application, accommodating diverse attachment strategies while preserving the functionality of securely anchoring the hair extensions 102 to the central strip 104. This adaptability emphasizes the inventive aspect of the hair extension weft 100, catering to a broad spectrum of user preferences and application requirements.

FIG. 2 illustrates the hair extension weft 100 previously depicted in FIG. 1, now positioned such that the hair extension segments 102 on one side are overlapped atop the segments 102 on the opposite side. Specifically, this arrangement is achieved by folding the central strip 104 along its longitudinal central axis. This action effectively folds the weft in half, thereby creating a dual layer arrangement of the hair extension segments 102. The result of this folding technique is a noticeably enhanced thickness and volume, achieving a fullerbodied appearance of the hair once the weft 100 is applied to the user's scalp. Additionally, FIG. 2 provides a more detailed visualization of the mechanism through which the hair extension segments 102 are securely affixed to the central strip 104, ensuring both a stable and natural integration with the user's own hair when worn.

FIG. 3 through FIG. 5 detail the sequential application process of the hair extension weft 100 onto a user's head. Initially, as depicted in FIG. 3, the weft 100 is prepared by unfurling it so that the hair extensions 102 are arrayed on either side of the central strip 104, mirroring the orientation highlighted in FIG. 1. Following this preparation, the next step involves integrating the user’s natural hair with the hair extension weft 100. This is accomplished by threading the natural hair through the openings or holes 106 present in the central strip 104. To secure this integration, microrings 312, a common technology within the hair care industry, are used. Explicitly shown in FIG. 3, the embodiment illustrates a scenario where the natural hair threaded through two adjacent holes 106 is consolidated and secured using a single microring 312. It's important to acknowledge the versatility in application methods; for some scenarios, each hole 106 might correspond to a separate microring 312, or alternatively, a single microring 312 may gather natural hair from more than two holes 106. The method of application, including the configuration of microrings 312, is generally determined by the hair professional based on the specific needs and conditions of the user’s natural hair and desired outcome. As natural hair continues to grow, the microrings 312 offer a sustainable solution, enabling them to be opened and repositioned as needed to maintain a snug and aligned fit of the central strip 104 against the user's scalp. This adaptability ensures that the hair extension weft 100 remains properly aligned and secure over time, providing a consistent appearance and feel. The incorporation of microrings 312 not only facilitates a seamless and less invasive application process by negating the need for sewing but also simplifies the adjustment and reapplication processes, catering to the dynamic nature of hair growth and ensuring enduring comfort and a natural look for the user.

FIG. 4 shows a subsequent step of the application process for the hair extension weft 100, after the microrings 312 have been applied. In this step, the hair extension 102 on the top side is being folded down over the microrings 312 so as to conceal them and also create a fuller appearance of the hair extension 102, similar to what is shown in FIG. 2.

A noteworthy aspect of this folding method is its impact on the distribution of tensile forces exerted on the user’s natural hair. By folding the hair extension 102 in such a manner, the generated tensile forces align more harmoniously with the natural fall of the user's hair. This alignment contrasts significantly with the force dynamics associated with traditional hair extension wefts, which tend to exert a more perpendicular pull on the natural hair. Such conventional methods can lead to an unnatural strain direction, deviating from the natural, vertical direction of hair growth due to gravity.

The redirection of tensile forces to emulate the natural direction of hair growth achieved through this method offers significant benefits in terms of user comfort and the durability of the hair extension weft 100. Importantly, this gentle approach to force application minimizes the risk of stress and potential damage to the user's natural hair. This consideration is particularly crucial for individuals experiencing hair conditions such as alopecia, where the integrity of the natural hair might be compromised. By ensuring that the pull on the natural hair mimics its natural directionality, the hair extension weft 100 presents a viable and less intrusive option for enhancing hair volume and appearance without exacerbating existing conditions or discomfort.

In the illustrated embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the hair extension weft 100 is shown in its final position following application to a user's scalp. This figure elucidates the achievement of a snug engagement of the weft's central strip 104 with the scalp, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Significantly, this configuration results in the microrings 312 being entirely obscured by the dual layers of hair extensions 102. This strategic concealment is pivotal in fostering a seamless integration of the hair extension weft 100 with the user's natural hair, once the latter is draped over the central strip 104, thus enhancing the aesthetic appeal by presenting a natural and inconspicuous look. In some cases, the hair extension weft 100 can even be placed on the crown of the user’s head, due to the inconspicuous appearance, something this is typically not available with conventional hair extensions.

The innovative design of the hair extension weft 100 not only prioritizes aesthetic discretion but also introduces a notable flexibility in hairstyling options unavailable with conventional hair extension wefts. The utility of the hair extension weft 100 is exemplified by the user's ability to fashion their hair into a variety of styles, including updos, without revealing the typically hidden components of the weft, such as the microrings 312 and central strip 104. This versatility is facilitated by the reversible nature of the hair extension 102, which ensures the concealment of the weft's structural elements, irrespective of the hair's arrangement. Consequently, the hair extension weft 100 offers an enhanced level of adaptability and styling freedom, positioning it as a superior alternative to existing models in the realm of hair extension technology.

Thus, embodiments of the invention have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, while the above embodiments have been described with respect to a single hair extension weft 100, the sleek design of the hair extension weft 100 makes it possible to stack several, e.g., two or mor hair extension wefts on top of each other, such that the PU strips 104 and holes 106 are aligned, and the user’s own hair can be threaded through the respective aligned holes prior to being secured by the microring 312. This makes it possible to achieve a more full-bodied hair appearance, while still being very light weight. Thus, many variations to the above examples lie well within the scope of the attached claims and within the capabilities of a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A faux hand-tied hair extension weft comprising: a narrow central strip made from a polymer material and having a plurality of holes distributed in a single row along its length; and a layer of hair extensions attached along each side of the central strip and extending in an essentially perpendicular direction to the length of the central strip, wherein the layers of hair extensions are configured to fall in the same direction when the hair extension weft is applied to a user's head, causing any attachment means for the central strip to be sandwiched between and concealed by the hair extension layers.

2. The hair extension weft of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the holes is smaller than half the width of the central strip.

3. The hair extension weft of claim 1 or 2, wherein the central strip is made from polyurethane.

4. The hair extension weft of any one of claims 1-3, wherein: the central strip is designed for threading of the user's natural hair through the holes and is sufficiently thick, flexible and durable to be held in place on the user's head by microrings attached to the threaded natural hair.

5. The hair extension weft of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the diameter of the holes is approximately one third of the width of the central strip.

6. The hair extension weft of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the central strip is approximately 3 mm wide, and the holes have a diameter of approximately 1 mm.

7. The hair extension weft of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the holes are spaced approximately 1 cm apart along the length of the central strip.

8. A method for applying a faux hand-tied hair extension weft to a user’s head, the method comprising the steps of: providing a hair extension weft according to claim 1 ; threading a user’s natural hair through the holes in the central strip; securing the threaded natural hair to the central strip by microrings to attach the hair extension weft to the user's natural hair; and letting the hair extension layers fall in the same direction after securing the threaded natural hair to the central strip, thereby causing the microrings to be sandwiched between and concealed by the hair extension layers.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: cutting the central strip into a suitable length to fit an area of application of the hair extension weft on the user's head without affecting the integrity or appearance of the hair extension.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, further comprising: stacking two or more hair extension wefts according to claim 1 on top of each other, such that the central strips are aligned on top of one another; and threading the user’s natural hair through the overlapping holes in the stack of central strips, such that the stack of hair extension wefts, rather than a single hair extension weft, is secured by the microrings.