Patent Application
20230060980
The present invention is an improved and gentler way to secure micro, small and standard hair locs and loose afro without the damage that the elastics and plastics used in traditional ponytail holders like scrunchies, hair elastics, bubble ponytail holders i.e and others can do to this hair type. Locs are gripped with the Twisty, a beautiful sleeve fabric ponytail/pigtail/headband holder. Users can secure their locs with the Twisty without fear of loc or hair breakage.
The hair accessory gives wearers of micro, small and standard hair locs and loose afro the option of wearing their locs in ponytails, pigtails and headband with a thin beautiful fabric sleeve referred to as “The Twisty.” Used to give hairstyle decorative options besides wearing the locs down and keeps the locs out of the face as they grow longer and prevents loc breakage while using the hair product.
Traditional ponytail holders on the market are typically made of elastic, plastic, velcro, rubber, synthetic bands and some are covered by cloth (scrunchies i.e) in order to secure a ponytail, pigtail or hair off the face hairstyle. However, while the traditional hair accessories may work well for people who have straight textured hair types, it does not work well for people with afro/coily textured hair especially those who wear micro, small and standard sized locs or wear loose afro as this hair texture is easily prone to fraying and breakage with the wrong hair accessories. Traditional hair elastics and hair accessories can weaken locs and hairlines because of the tension needed to grip the locs in a certain way. Many of these traditional hair accessories and hair ties may be pretty and have an elegant finishing, however these products are not widely tested on people who have afro/coily textured locs or afro/coily loose natural hair. In addition, people with small, micro and standard sized locs want options besides wearing their hair down daily or may want to wear their hair off their face for work, fashion, special occasions, sports or convenience. Traditional scrunchies and ponytail holders can either over time weaken and cause breakage to locs or cause a massive amount of breakage even after one day of usage because many of these hair accessories are not designed to hold the bulk of locs or support afro/coily-textured hair. Some hair accessories on the market for locs are geared towards those who have bulkier and freeform locs that can handle a bit more weight however this is not the case for micro, small and traditional sized locs that require carefully handling especially when wet or pulled into an updo or hair style. Even those who wear thicker bulkier and freeform locs must be mindful that many of the present traditional hairties on the market can eat away at their locs. People with locs also like to use hair accessories that adorn the hair in an attractive manner and not put lint onto their locs.
Many who wear the traditional hair elastics and scrunchies and have locs have to double them (double helix style) in order to hold the bulk of the locs which can cause severe damage that cannot be fixed once the hair follicles are pulled too tight. Unlike the traditional scrunchies or ponytail holders which have a permanent O shape or the shape of an horizontal 8 like the traditional bubble ponytail holders, the Twisty is straight and can be manipulated into an O shape to create a loop around the locs and a twist or two at the base of the Twisty to hold it into place. With the Crown Act so far enacted in 13 US States and 29 Municipalities (with more expected), many people of afro descent are now free to wear their natural hair in office settings and therefore the popularity of locs has grown. The Twisty is a game changer in the hair market allowing women, children and men with locs to access hair accessories that are gentler to their hair without fear of breakage and the ability to wear various trendy hair styles and also keep their hair in a professional look especially for those who work in industries that they are expected to wear their hair off their face. This hair accessory is great for locs of any length. The user may wear several Twisty's depending on the look they are trying to achieve. The Twisty also comes in two lengths (10 inches & 34 inches) and various widths (which will be explored but for now 4 to 6 chenille stems), various fabric colors and decorations (bows/ribbons/flowers).
According to the present invention, the Twisty is a hair accessory made of chenille stems (four to six pieces) that are braided together to create one stem with each opposite end bonded (to prevent it from fraying the fabric sleeve at the ends), then that braided chenille stem is sewn into a thin fabric sleeve, however the twisty isn't sewn into a O shape. The Twisty when completed will be in a straight shape, however will end up curving naturally. The user will take the Twisty and loop it around from the front or back (depending on their preference) a section of their locs to create a ponytail, pigtail or headband look and the twist the base to secure in place. To keep the Twisty clean one can rinse the Twisty into a mixture of cold water and liquid soap for about 20 minutes, rinse off with cold water and then air dry only (do not machine dry). The Twisty is reusable, however one may buy multiple colors and lengths to color coordinate with their wardrobe and have multiple hairstyle options.
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying black and white drawings showing the alternative ways to wear the hair invention (Twisty) wherein:
