The present invention relates to a non-surgical hair replacement, i.e., wig, designed to duplicate a women's hair loss area.
A hairpiece for men and a method of making same is disclosed in Publication No. U.S. 2006/0081267, which is incorporated herein by reference.
However, women experience difference hair loss patterns than men. Accordingly, there is a need for a high quality, affordable, natural looking hair replacement that is specifically designed for women.
The present invention relates to a wig that has been specifically designed to address hair loss conditions of women. This wig is made in two designs (i) top of the head or ¾ cap and (ii) full cap. Both of these designs can be made in either stock/pre-inventory or custom made. The ¾ cap design is preferably carried in stock in one size to accommodate women with hair loss on the top of the head. The full cap design is preferably carried in stock in 3 different sizes, i.e., 54, 55, or 56 centimeters. The two designs are constructed to address the various types of hair loss that women may suffer. The full cap design remedies the most extreme types of hair loss such as Alopecia Aerate, Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universals as well as hair loss due to Chemotherapy and Radiation.
The full cap is designed with cut away sections, i.e., the “keys,” that allow the wig to be adjusted to fit the average women's head size. The keys are made of a polyurethane material that can be cut into, adjusted and then sewn back together to give the most comfortable fit. The keys allow the wig fitter to “customize” the full cap design to fit the woman's head shape by removing or adding sections as needed. The woman benefits greatly as this customizing may be done in most situations while the woman is waiting. According to the present invention, in most cases, women suffering from hair loss may solve their hair loss needs in only one visit because the designs, both the ¾ and full cap, may be customized to fit the woman's head shape and hair loss areas while the woman waits. Accordingly, the present invention allows women to receive a high quality product that in most cases can be fitted on the first visit.
The materials used are the finest available. The full cap preferably uses five (5) different materials in five (5) different sections, as further described below. The five (5) different materials help accommodate different types of knotting procedures and quantities of hair and hair direction. The different sections and materials used help depict natural hair growth and aid in comfort and fit. The hair used in both designs is preferably a combination of fine Indian and European hair, which is typically a source of the highest quality hair. Preferably, the hair is hand selected for quality, softness, shine, wave pattern and color.
The color choices represent the most popular shades found in nature and high end dramatic color selections. A color ring is used to give women a wide selection of hair color choices and to make the hair replacement. The hair replacement of the present invention has between five (5) to fourteen (14) different hair color shades blended into each color selection so that light may be reflected and give a variety of shade and tone differences. This color blend gives the hair replacement for women of the present invention the most natural look.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a high quality, mass produced, affordable hair replacement available to women generally.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a mass produced hair replacement for women of superior quality due to the workmanship, attention to detail and exact hair growth depiction.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement for women of superior comfort and durability.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement for women that can be fitted on a first visit, contrary to the usual six (6) to twelve (12) week waiting time generally needed for custom ¾ or full caps.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement for women comprising a reinforced back area, wherein the reinforced back area comprises horizontal, horseshoe shaped polyurethane lines and polyurethane tabs or keys, wherein the polyurethane can be adjusted to fit the woman's head.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement for women comprising front and side hairline areas comprised of coated lace.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a woman's hair replacement, wherein the hair is knotted in a crisscross pattern on the top and upper crown areas, wherein the hair is knotted towards the neck in the sides of the lower nape area, and wherein the hair is knotted towards the face and down, using alternating split and flat knots, respectively, in the front side hairline area.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a woman's hair replacement, wherein the different knotting regions are blended together to avoid directional breaks.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement for women comprising hair of Indian and European origins to produce both a soft effect and to help retain life expectancy of the hair replacement.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a woman's hair replacement, wherein the ventilation occurs in a stripe pattern on the top and in a diamond pattern in all areas but the top.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a woman's hair replacement, wherein the hair replacement has a lighter shade on the front hairline, a medium shade predominantly in the top and crown areas, and a darker shade predominantly in the nape area.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a woman's hair replacement, wherein the hair is darker at the roots and lighter at the ends to simulate a natural bleaching effect.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hair replacement for women comprising a blend of hair colors that gives the most natural results and looks more like growing hair.
Density I (full): two hairs (3-4 for lighter colors) are knotted every hole using flat knots only. This creates a very full top for women who desire full hair and less movement (mainly for straight sleek styles).
Density 2 (medium full): single hair split knots are alternated with two hair flat knots. This creates a medium full density with natural movement but without puff volume and is suitable for women with long layer hairstyles or for women with natural bouncy, curly textures.
Density 3 (Medium): single hair is knotted with split knots only. This creates a light weight top but with a lot of volume and lift without been heavy. This density is suitable for women with finer hair volume or for children.
In all cases on top 17 and up to about 2 mm behind the single zigzag stitch line 28, the hair is knotted in a crisscross pattern, alternating one row to the right and one row to the left. The transition 64 between the sides and the top and front must not have a gap and preferably, meets in a zigzag pattern to ensure a smooth transition between the top, sides and back.
It is of course understood, that the color patterns can be modified depending on the desired effect. For example, if a large black streak is desired on one side, then the color pattern will have to be modified accordingly to obtain the desired effect. To follow are examples of certain color blends. With respect to the following examples, the color number is based on the international hair color coding system used in salons.
Example 1, N-Series (natural or neutral) shades are compared to the NG or NA shades on a neutral base. Their range goes from 1 N (black) to 10 N (palest natural blonde).
1N-back: custom-blended color 1
1N-top: original 1+10% 1B
1N-front: original 1+10% 1B+10% Russian blend 5
1Soft-back: custom-blended original color 1B
1Soft-top: original 1B+10% original 1+20% Russian blend 5
1Soft-front: original 1B+10% original 1+30% Russian blend 5 +10% Russian blend
2N-back: custom blended match original 2
2N-top: original 2+10% original 1B+20% Russian blend 5
2N-front: original 2+10% original B+20% Russian blend 5 +10% Russian blend 6+10% Russian blend 7
3N-back: custom blended match original 3
3N-top: original 3 +20% original 1B+30% Russian blend 5+10% Russian blend 6
3N-Front: original 3 +10% original 1B+30% Russian blend 5 +20% Russian blend 6 +10% Russian blend 7
4-N (4NG)-back: back color 4+300% 4G-mix
4-N (4NG)-top: top color 4+200% 4G-mix
4-N (4NG)-front: front color 4+200% 4G-mix
5N-back: 50% original Indian 5+50% original Russian 5to match original color 5
5N-top: Indian/Russian blend 5+10% 1B+30% Russian blend 6+5% Russian blend 7 +5% Russian blend 8
5N-front: Indian/Russian 5+10% 1B+30% Russian blend 6+10% Russian blend 7+10% Russian Blend 8
6N-back: 40% original Indian 6+40% original Russian blend 6 to match original 6
6N-top: 1/R6+10% IB+30% Russian blend 7+20% Russian blend 8
6N-front: Indian/Russian 6+10% IB+40% Russian blend 7+30% Russian blend
7N-back: 20% original Indian 7+80% original Russian blend 7 to match original 7
7N-top: Indian/Russian 7+10% original 4A+50% Russian blend 8
7N-front: Indian/Russian7 +10% original 4A+80% Russian blend 8
8N-back: 20% original Indian 8+80% original Russian blend 8 to match original 8
8N-top: 1/R8+10% colored 6 A-mix+50% Russian blend 9A
8N-front: Indian/Russian 8+10% natural Russian 7+60% Russian blend 9A+10% Russian bleached 10N
9N-Back: 10% original Indian 9+90% original Russian blend 9 to match color 22
9N-top: Indian/Russian 9+10% Russian blend 7+50% Russian blend 9A+10% Russian bleached 11W
9N-front: Indian/Russian 9+10% Russian Blend 7+70% Russian blend 9A+20% Russian bleached 11 W
10N-back: 2 part 9N-top+1 part 9N-front+1 part 14
10N-top: 1 part 9N-top+1 part 9N-front+1 part 14+1 part 9A/7AB-A
10N-front: 1 part 10N-top blend and 1 part Russian bleach blonde 1
Example 2, NA-Series (natural ash), this series is cooler in undertone as compared to the N series. This range goes from 5-NA (light natural ash brown) to 9-NA (pale natural ash blonde).
5NA-back: back color 5+200% Russian 5A-mix+10% 1B
5NA-top: top color 5+200% Russian 5A-mix+10% 1B
5NA-front: top color 5+100% 5A-mix
6NA-back: back color 6+200% 6A-mix+10% 1B
6NA-top: top color 6+200% 6A-mix
6NA-front: front color 6+100% 6A-mix
7NA-back: back color 7+200% 7A-mix+10% 1B
7NA-top: top color 7+200% 7A-mix
7NA-front: front color 7+100% 7A-mix
8NA-back: back color 8+200% 8A-mix+10% 6A-mix
8NA-top: top color 8+200% 8A-mix
8NA-front: front color 8+100% 8A-mix
9NA-back: back color 9+100% Russian 9A mix+10% 8A-mix
9NA-top: top color 9+10% Russian 8A-mix+60% Russian blend 9A+10% Russian bleached 11W
9NA-front: front color 9+60% Russian 9A-mix+20% Russian bleached 11W
Example 3, NG-Series: (natural gold). This series is warmer more golden in undertone compared to the N series. It's perfect as a base for highlighting to archive a sun touched warm or summer blonde shade. Its range goes from 5NA (light natural golden brown) to 9NG (pale natural golden blonde).
5NG-back: back color 5+200% 5 G-mix
5NG-top: top color 5+200% 5 G-mix
5NG-front: front color 5+200% 5 G-mix
6NG-back: back color 6+200% 6 G-mix
6NG-top: top color 6+200% 6 G-mix
6NG-front: front color 6+100% 6 G-mix
7NG-back: back color 7+200% 7 G-mix
7NG-top: top color 7+100% 7 G-mix
7NG-front: front color 7+100% 8 G-mix
8NG-back: back color 8+200% 8 G-mix
8NG-top: top color 8+100% 8 G-mix
8NG-front: front color 8+100% 8 G-mix
9NG-back: back color 8+200% 8 G-mix+10% Russian 11W
9NG-top: top color 8+100% 8 G-mix+20% Russian 11W
9NG-front: front color 8+100% 8G-mix+30% Russian 11W
Example 4, GG-Series: GG (extra gold) is an enhanced NG Series by using a higher percent of G-mix and adding various golden colors from the factory lady stock color ring. Its caramel undertone is a perfect base to create warm rich highlight effects and caramel blondes.
4GG-back: use 4NG back color
4GG-top: 1 part 4NG top+1 part G-mix 5
4GG-front: 2 part 4GG top+2 part 4NG front+1 part G-mix 6
5GG-back: use 5NG-back
5GG-top: 1 part 5NG top+1 part G-mix 5
5GG-front: 2 part 5GG top mix+2 Part 5NG front+1 part G-mix 6
6GG-back: use 6NG back
6GG-top: 2 part 6NG top+1 part 6GG back+1 part G-mix 6+1 part G-mix 7
6GG-front: 2 part 6GG top+1 part G-mix 7
7GG-back: 7NG back
7GG-top: 2 part 7NG top+1 part 7NG front+2 part G-mix7
7GG-front: 2 part 7GG top+1 part G-mix 7
8GG-back: 1 part 8NG back+1 part G-mix 7
8GG-top: 2 part 8NG top+1 part G-mix 7+1 part G-mix 8
8GG-front: 2 part 8GG top+1 part G-mix 8
9GG-back: use 9NG back color
9GG-top: 1 part 9NG top+1 part G-mix 8+1 part 27
9GG-front: 2 part 9GG top+1 part new mix shade blonde 1
Example 5, GK-Series (golden copper) is similar to the Irish red series in the men's ring. It's perfect to simulate a more natural grown red head rather than a brighter more fashionable KG or KK. Its range goes from a 6GK (dark golden copper blonde) to 9GK (pale golden copper blonde or strawberry). The all over appearance is natural, not fashion.
6GK-back: 1 part 6K back+1 part G-mix 6+1 part 7KR-A
6GK-top: 1 part 6K top+1 part G-mix 6+1 part 7KR-A
6GK-front: 2 part 6K front+2 part G-mix 7+1 part 7KR-A
7GK-back: 1 part 7K+1 part 7 KR-A+1 part 33D
7GK-top: 1 part 7K top+1 part 7KR-A+1 part 33D
7GK-front: 1 part 7K H front+1 part G-mix-7+1 part 7KR-A+1 part G-mix 8
8GK-back: 1 part 7K top+1 part G-mix 8+1 part 33D
8GK-top: 1 part 7K top+1 part G-mix 8+1 part 33D
8GK-front: 1 part 7K front+1 part 8GB/7NB/B+1 part G-mix 8
The color 9GK has slightly darker roots which will enhance the natural appearance. The Russian hair used in this color blend is based on the color “FX blonde G.”
9GK-back: 1 part FX blonde G back+1 part 8GB/7NB/B
9GK-top: 2 part FX blonde G top+1 part D7N/4NB-D
9GK-front: 2 part FX blonde G front+2 part 7N/4NB/D+1 part new blonde mix 1
Example 6, KG-Series (copper gold): These colors are more copper than gold and are more fashionable than the GK series. Their range goes from 6KG (dark copper gold blonde) to 9KG (pale copper gold blonde).
6KG-back: 1 part 6K back+1 part 7KR/A+1 part 33/B
6KG-top: 2 part 6K Top+2 part 7KR/A+1 part 33/D+1 part 33B
6KG-front: 2 part 6K Top+2 part 7KR/A+1 part 33/D+1 part 33 B
7KG-back: 1 part 6K top+1 part 7K back+1 part 7KR/A+1 part 33/D+1 part new red 1
7KG-top: 1 part 6K top+1 part 7KR/A+1 part 33/D+1 part new red
7KG-front: 2 part 6K front+1 part 7KR/A+1 part 33/D+1 part new Red
8KG-back: 1 part 6Ktop+1 part 7KR/A+1 part new red 1+1 part 28
8KG-top: 1 part 6K front+2 part 7KR/A+1 part 7N/4NB/D+1 part new red 1+1 part 28
8KG-front: 1 part 8KG top+1 part 28+1 part 7N/4NB/D
9KG-back: 2 part 9NG back+2 part G-mix 8+2 part 7N/4NB/D+2 part 28+1 part new red 1
9KG-top: 2 part 9NG top+2 part G-mix 8+1 part new blonde 2+1 part new red 1+2 part 28
9KG-front: 1 part 9NG+1 part G-mix 8+2 part new blonde 2+2 part 28
Example 7, KN-Series (extra copper): These colors are extra clear copper reds. The range goes from 6KK (dark extra copper) to 8KK (light extra copper).
6KK-back: 1 part 6K back+2 part new red mix 3
6KK-top: 1 part 6K+2 part new red mix 3+1 part 7KR/A
6KK-front: 1 part 6K front+part 28+2 part new red mix 3
7KK-back: 1 part 7K back+2 part new red mix 3
7KK-top: 1 part 7K top+2 part new red mix 3+1 part 7KR/A
7KK-front: 1 part 7K front+2 part 28+2 part new red mix 3
8KK-back: use 7KK top 2 part+2 part 28+1 part new red mix 3
8KK-top: use 7KK front 2 part+2 part 28+2 part new red mix 3
8KK-front: 1 part new red mix 3+1 part 28+1 part 7KR/B
The following reds are truly fashion reds and do not simulate any natural color. They are for the fashion forward client:
Example 8, R (neutral red) this bright true red is on a base of a level 5 to 6.
6R-back: 1 part new red mix 2+1 part 33B+1 part 4RB/7NB/B
6R-top: 2 part new red mix 2+1 part 33B+1 part 4RB/7NBB
6R-front: 3 part new red mix+1 part 33B
Example 9, RV (red violet) This bright red with burgundy undertones is set on a level 4 to 5.
5RV-back: 2 part new red 4+2 part 4RB/7NBB+1 part new red 2
5RV-top: 2 part new red 3+1 part 4RB/7NBB+2 part new red 2
5RV-front: use 5RV top 1 part+1 part new red 4+1 part new red 2
Example 10, RB (reddish brown) there are 2 reddish brown colors both deep and rich. 3 RB is a deep plum reddish brown. 4RB is a deep Auburns Brown with a hint of copper.
3RB-back: 2 parts 4RB/7NB/D+1 part 4RB/7NB/C+1 part 4RB/7NB/B+1 part new red mix 4
3RB-top: 1 part 4RB/7NB/D+1 part 4RB/7NB/C+1 part 4RB/7NB/B+1 part new red mix 4
3RB-front: 1 part 4RB/7NB/D+2 part 4RB/7NB/C+1 part 4RB/7NB/B+1 part new red mix 4
4RB-back: 2 part 4RB/7NB/C+2 part 6K back+1 part new mix red 1
4RB-top: 2 part 4RB/7NB/C+2 part 6K back+1 part new red mix 1+1 part new red mix 2
4RB-front: 1 part 4RB/7NB/A+2 part 6K back+1 part new red mix 1+1 part new red mix 2
Example 11, pastel blondes and cool blondes: These two colors are pale cool blondes with ash undertones
11A-back: 2 part A19+1 part A20+1 part BA33+1 part B13
11A-top: 2 part A19+2 part A20+1 part BA33+1 part B13
11A-front: 1 part A20+1 part BA33+3 part B13
12A-back: 2 part A20+1 part BA33+2 part B13+1 part A22
12A-top: 1 part A20+1 part BA33+2 part B13+2 part A22
12A-front: 1 part A20+1 part BA33+3 part B13+3 part A22
Example 12, Beige Blondes: These two colors are pale blondes which are more neutral beige not gold but not cool either.
11B-back: 1 part B9+1 part BA33+1 part B12+1 part B11
11B-top: 1 part B9+1 part BA33+2 part B12+2 part B11
11B-front: 1 part B9+1 part BA33+3 part B12+3 part B11
12B-back: 1 part B9+1 part B11+1 part B12
12B-top: 1 part B9+2 part B11+1 part B12
12B-front: 1 part B9+3 part B11+2 part B12
Example 13, Gold Blondes: These blondes are rich pastel golden blondes.
11G-back: 1 part Y39+5 part RG35+5 part B11+1 part B12
11G-top: 1 part RG35+1 part B11+1 part B12
11G-front: 1 part RG35+5 part B11+5 part B12
11GK-back: 2 part Y39+5 part RG35+part B11
11GK-top: 1 part Y39+4 part RG35+5 part G36
11GK-front: 2 part RG35+5 part G36+2 part B11
Having now described a few embodiments of the invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Numerous modifications and other embodiments are within the scope of the invention and any equivalent thereto. It can be appreciated that variations to the present invention would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is intended to include those alternatives.
Further, since numerous modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/792,953, filed on Apr. 19, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60792953 | Apr 2006 | US |