Infrared Emitting Hair Roller And Methods Of Use

Abstract

A hair roller and roller cover that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that directly affect the disulfide bonds in hair (and may also affect alterations in secondary protein structure). The invention includes methods of perming hair and a kit of infrared emitting hair rollers.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority of U.S. 61 / 172,341, filed Apr. 24, 2009, herein incorporated by reference, in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention is in the field of hair styling. More particularly, it is in the field of hair rollers or curlers for permanent hair shaping.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,490 is herein incorporated by reference, in its entirety. FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 4A and 4B in U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,490 diagram the structure of human hair fibers, the protein components of hair, and energy levels of the disulfide bond.[0004]A fiber of human hair comprises three main morphological components: the cuticle, the cortex, and the cell membrane complex, which itself is comprised of a protein matrix of keratin peptide chains, such as cysteine. A medulla may also be present. These peptide chains are linked to each other by disulfide bonds. The natural shape and structural integrity of human hair fiber depend on the orientation of the disu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029]The wavelength and intensity of the radiation are controlled, and sufficient to break and / or weaken enough disulfide bonds, and possibly alter secondary protein structure, so that hair reshaping can occur. Such techniques are non-chemical. By “non-chemical” we mean that there is no need for a user to apply a molecule that acts as a reagent or catalyst in respect of disulfide bond cleavage and reformation. By “non-chemical” we further mean that pure energy is supplied to the disulfide bonds in hair. In this way, we may avoid all or most of the damage associated with chemical treatments. By supplying a radiation that is specific to, and resonant with, the disulfide bond, collateral damage is minimized. The hair may not swell at all, and lipids in the exocuticle are not damaged. Also, as soon as the rollers are tuned off or removed, the process of bond cleavage stops, unlike mixtures of reagents which cannot be separated, and the reaction runs until one or more reagents are exhausted.

Problems solved by technology

Such techniques are non-chemical.

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