Hair extension with enhanced durability and longevity

Abstract

An improved hair extension (102) includes a base portion (106) that is tilted with respect to a horizontal reference direction. A hair strand (108) coupled to the base portion defines a skew angle (e.g., other than a right angle) with respect to the base. In this configuration, the hair strand hangs vertically while the base is tilted. This prevents undue stress in the hair and base due to bending when a conventional hair extension is placed in a tilted manner, and reduces unwanted bulges due to these kinks.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application filed on September 29, 2023, entitled “Oblique Reception”, and claims the benefit of it under 35 USC §119(e), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments described herein relate to hair extensions, and more particularly to an extension in which attachment to the wearer’s natural hair and / or portion of the wearer’s scalp is facilitated, supported, or otherwise achieved, at least in part, by means of a base, fabric section, hair extension, adhesive length section, or other material oriented at an oblique angle relative to the wearer’s sagittal or longitudinal axis. Background Technology

[0004] Traditional hair extensions come in various forms and can be made from human hair or artificial hair. They can also be attached in a variety of different ways, depending on the wearer's budget, the time required to attach the extensions, and other user needs. In some cases, hair extensions may include clips to "clamp" into the user's hair.

[0005] Other variations include "adhesive-bonded" hair extensions that are glued to the wearer's head. In some cases, hair extensions can be sewn into or braided into the hair for a more durable hold. Regardless of the type, hair extensions typically have a base or thin strip perpendicular to the direction of the hair (e.g., the base is straight relative to the hair).

[0006] This traditional method requires the use of special high-adhesion adhesives and special application techniques, which can damage natural hair if applied improperly. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments described herein take the form of a method for installing hair extension sections at an installation site on a wearer. Each hair extension section has a base portion and multiple extension strands extending at an angle relative to a length segment of the base portion. The method includes at least: selecting an installation site; dividing the wearer's natural hair at the installation site at an angle such that an upper segment of the natural hair is separated from a lower segment by an angled path, the angled path being angled relative to the wearer's sagittal axis; selecting the base portions from a set of base portions; preparing an adhesive for attaching the base portions to the lower segments of the natural hair; aligning the base portion of the hair extension section with the angled path; placing the prepared adhesive against the lower segment of the natural hair to secure the hair extension section against the lower segment, such that the multiple extension strands hang down parallel to the natural hair strands of the lower segment; and using the adhesive to secure the hair extension section against the lower segment.

[0008] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the base portion includes linear segments and angled segments connected at the joint.

[0009] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which aligning the base portion of the receiving section with an angled path includes aligning the angled section of the base portion with the angled path.

[0010] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which fixing the adhesive to the hairline includes applying heat to the base portion.

[0011] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the adhesive may be a temperature-sensitive adhesive.

[0012] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the adhesive may be a keratin-based adhesive.

[0013] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the bevel angle can be between 30 and 60 degrees.

[0014] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the base portion comprises a fabric.

[0015] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which preparing the adhesive for attachment includes removing a backing layer of the adhesive formed on the base portion.

[0016] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which preparing the adhesive for attachment includes heating the base portion.

[0017] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which preparing the adhesive for attachment includes applying pressure to the base portion.

[0018] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which selecting a base portion from the set of base portions includes selecting a corresponding base portion based on a corresponding bevel angle, with a corresponding plurality of hairpin strands extending from the corresponding base portion at the corresponding bevel angle.

[0019] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the plurality of hair extensions comprise human hair having a common cuticle orientation.

[0020] Some embodiments described herein take the form of a method of installing hair extension sections at the installation site of the wearer. The hair extension section has a base portion with a first section and a second section, and a plurality of hair extension strands extending at an angle relative to a corresponding section of the base portion from at least one of the first or second sections. The method includes at least: dividing the wearer's natural hair at the installation site at an angle such that an upper section of the natural hair is separated from a lower section of the natural hair by an angled path, which is at least partially angled relative to the wearer's sagittal axis; aligning at least one of the first or second sections of the base portion of the hair extension section with the angled path; placing the base portion against the lower section of the natural hair to secure the hair extension section against the lower section of the natural hair, such that the plurality of hair extension strands hang down parallel to the natural hair strands of the lower section of the natural hair; and securing the hair extension section against the lower section at the installation site.

[0021] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the first segment may be a linear segment.

[0022] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which at least one of the first segment or the second segment includes a curved path portion.

[0023] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which a first segment defines a first angle relative to the sagittal axis, and a second segment defines a second angle relative to the sagittal axis, the second angle being different from the first axis.

[0024] Some embodiments may include a construction in which securing the receiving section against the lower section at the mounting location includes stitching.

[0025] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which securing the hair extension section against the lower section at the mounting location includes applying keratin-based adhesive to at least one of the hair extension section or the mounting location.

[0026] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which securing the receiving section against the lower section at the mounting location includes curing the adhesive.

[0027] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the adhesive may be a keratin-based adhesive.

[0028] The embodiments described herein employ a hair-receiving section, which includes at least one base portion having at least a first section and a second section, and a plurality of hair-receiving strands extending obliquely from at least one of the first section or the second section relative to a corresponding portion of the base portion.

[0029] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the base portion comprises a fabric.

[0030] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the plurality of hair extensions comprise natural hair having a common cuticle orientation.

[0031] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the base portion includes an adhesive layer.

[0032] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the adhesive layer comprises a keratin-based adhesive.

[0033] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the adhesive layer includes a backing.

[0034] Some embodiments may include a configuration in which the bevel angle can be between 30 and 60 degrees. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Reference will now be made to the representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit this disclosure to one included embodiment. Rather, the disclosure provided herein is intended to cover alternatives, variations, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments and as defined by the appended claims.

[0036] Figure 1A-1B A side view of a wearer wearing oblique weft hair extensions as described in this article is depicted.

[0037] Figure 2A-2B The structure of the oblique hair-receiving system is described.

[0038] Figures 2C–2D depict the increased adhesive surface area due to tilted orientation.

[0039] Figure 3 It depicts a U-shaped, obliquely angled hair extension.

[0040] Figure 4 An embodiment of the oblique hair-receiving method, such as that described herein, is depicted.

[0041] Figures 5A-5H The construction of an exemplary angled hair-receiving assembly, such as that described herein, is depicted.

[0042] Figure 6An exemplary method for attaching a slanted header is described.

[0043] Using the same or similar reference numerals in different figures indicates similar, related or identical items.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be understood that the scale and dimensions (relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and their sets and groups) provided in the accompanying drawings, as well as the boundaries, spacing and positional relationships between them, are merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and therefore may not necessarily be presented or shown to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for the illustrated embodiments to exclude the embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The embodiments described herein relate to hair extensions. More specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to hair extensions having a base / extension band that is inclined relative to the hair strands and is mounted at an angle relative to the wearer's sagittal plane.

[0046] Hair extensions are a popular option for those looking to enhance the appearance of their natural hair. Various types of extensions can be installed to provide additional length, volume, color, and / or size, allowing for a wider range of styling choices. Depending on the desired effect, maintenance preferences, and other factors, hair extensions can be applied temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently. Temporary options may be more suitable for special occasions or short-term style changes, while long-term installations may accommodate other preferences and style goals.

[0047] As mentioned above, in addition to increasing length and volume, hair extensions offer more creative and diverse styling options, serving as a valuable tool for personal expression. Wearers and stylists can experiment with different hair textures, colors, and styles that are impossible with natural hair alone.

[0048] Generally, hair extensions, hair bundles, or hair sections comprise a strand of natural hair or a strand of synthetic material. In many cases, although not essential, sections comprise strands of natural human or animal hair oriented in a common cuticle direction. Each strand or bundle of hair may then be secured or otherwise fastened to a base, carrier, adhesive, or other material, which in turn may be attached to a strand of natural hair or a portion of the wearer's scalp. In some cases, the carrier may be secured to and remain attached to the wearer's scalp and / or hair section. In other cases, the carrier may be partially removed during or after installation (e.g., an adhesive backing). In other embodiments, the carrier may be cured, melted, or otherwise chemically or structurally changed during installation (e.g., multipart epoxy, cured keratin-based adhesive, thermosetting adhesive, etc.). Other carrier structures are also possible in other cases. It is understood that, generally, different types of hair extensions may be secured to the wearer's hair in different ways.

[0049] Exemplary types of hair extensions include clip-on extensions, adhesive-bonded extensions, sewn-in extensions (also known as braided extensions), blended extensions, micro-linked extensions, glued extensions, halo and / or flipped extensions, etc. Other hair extensions can generally be categorized as hairpieces, small hair extensions, hairpieces, lace front wigs, etc.

[0050] Broadly speaking, clip-on hair extensions are temporary extensions that can be mechanically attached to sections of natural hair and removed later without damaging or permanently attaching to the natural hair. Clip-on extensions feature clips sewn into the base of the extension strand (whether natural, synthetic, or a combination thereof), allowing for faster installation than other types of extensions. Installation typically involves sectioning the natural hair, selecting the installation area, selecting a section of natural hair to attach the clip-on extension to, and clipping the extension around the selected section close to the root of the natural hair. The clips can be double-sided and can be held around the sectioned natural hair at the selected installation area. In other cases, the clips can be single-sided and can be folded / folded in half to hold around the sectioned natural hair at the selected installation area. As mentioned above, clip-on extensions may be preferred for short-term use.

[0051] Broadly speaking, adhesive-backed hair extensions are semi-permanent hair extensions that are secured to sections of natural hair using adhesive tape, which can be supported by a carrier known as a weft. Like other types of hair extensions, adhesive-backed extensions can be made from human or animal hair, synthetic materials, or a combination thereof. The installation process may include sectioning the hair, selecting the installation area, selecting a strand of natural hair at the installation area, and positioning the active side of the adhesive material onto the sectioned natural hair at the selected installation area. Compared to clip-on extensions, adhesive-backed extensions can be thinner and lighter, offering a more natural look and a more comfortable experience for the wearer. However, in some cases, adhesive-backed extensions can be made with adhesives that may damage natural hair, or cause damage during removal or repositioning.

[0052] Stitched hair extensions, also known as braided hair extensions, are installed by braiding or twisting natural hair tightly against the scalp and then sewing the extensions into the braids. Like other types of hair extensions, the strands can be made of human hair or synthetic fibers. Stitched hair extensions consist of a fabric or synthetic carrier (which may be called a hairpiece) that supports the individual strands of human hair, animal hair, or synthetic material. In these constructions, the carrier (also called a strip) can be sewn into the individual braids or twists to permanently or semi-permanently attach the strands to the wearer. Stitched hair extensions can last for several weeks but require proper care to prevent damage to the natural hair.

[0053] In general, keratin-based adhesives can be used to attach pre-bonded hair extensions to natural hair strands, bonding the extension strands to the natural hair. During installation, localized heating can be used to melt the adhesive. In other cases, heating may not be necessary; instead, the adhesive can be mechanically agitated using an ultrasonic transducer or by the stylist or other installer. Blended hair extensions provide a long-lasting and natural look, but the application process can be very time-consuming and requires specialized tools and expertise to avoid heat damage to the natural hair.

[0054] Glue-bonded hair extensions, also known as adhesive hair extensions, are attached to natural hair by applying an adhesive (e.g., powder, gel, etc.). The installation of glue-bonded hair extensions involves, for example, applying adhesive to the base of a bundle of extension strands (optically activating the adhesive through heating, mechanical agitation, or pressure, or a mixture of one or more constituent materials, or any combination thereof), and positioning the adhesive section against selected sections of natural hair. These extensions can be made from natural or synthetic fibers or strands. Glue-bonded hair extensions can be used for short-term wear because the adhesive weakens over time and may require frequent maintenance.

[0055] Micro-link hair extensions involve attaching small strands of hair using silicone or metal hair beads, which are mechanically clamped around the natural hair to secure it. Human hair or synthetic materials can be used for the extension strands. The installation process involves selecting a small strand of natural hair and guiding it through the hair beads. The hair beads can then be clamped or curled to hold the extension in place.

[0056] In a broader sense, halo hair extensions (also known as "flipped" hair extensions) use fine threads to secure the extensions around the wearer's head like a halo. These threads are located on the top of the head, below one or more strands of natural hair. To conceal the halo threads, the extensions can be hidden by covering them with natural hair.

[0057] The aforementioned exemplary types of hair extensions are not exhaustive. Generally, it is understood that hair extensions can be mechanically or adhesively attached to the wearer's scalp or natural hair. Mechanical attachment techniques include clips, curling edges, clamps, threads, and micro-links. Adhesive attachment techniques include pre-bonded (pointed) hair extension bundles, adhesive hair extension bundles (glued), or tape-attached hair extension bundles.

[0058] In many cases, a section of hair extension (whether natural or synthetic) is supported by a piece of material commonly referred to as a carrier, strip, or hairpiece. Examples of types of hair extensions that include a section of hair (as opposed to a small section) include adhesive-backed extensions, clip-on extensions, and sewn-in extensions.

[0059] For hair extensions that include hairpins, traditional products oriented the hairpins perpendicular to the strand length. This orientation supports mass production and a wide range of applications and technologies.

[0060] However, the vertical orientation of a hairpiece (regardless of whether it is constructed as a sewn-in, adhesive-band, or clip-on hairpiece) has a limited area on which it can potentially adhere to selected sections of natural hair. For example, if the potential contact area of ​​a conventional hairpiece is 2mm × 20mm, the chosen adhesive must be strong and durable enough to bond the hairpiece to the 2mm surface of each corresponding natural hair. Furthermore, unless the hairpiece is installed directly parallel to the natural hair, the wearer's combing and / or styling will apply shear forces to the hairpiece itself, potentially causing the extension to detach and / or separate.

[0061] To put it more simply, if the hair extensions are not installed parallel to the natural hair, combing the extensions will apply shearing force to the natural hair, and similarly, combing the natural hair will apply shearing force to the extensions. More practically, the wearer will comb and style both the natural hair and the extensions together, thus applying shearing force to the hairline, which may damage the adhesive bond or, in some cases, harm the underlying natural hair.

[0062] Furthermore, traditional hair extensions installed at an angle can cause strain and / or deformation in the strands, as both styling and gravity can cause the strands to bend. This can significantly shorten the lifespan of the hair extensions.

[0063] Given the above, it's understandable that traditional hairpiece-based hair extensions have several drawbacks. First, the small usable area for the adhesive to bond with natural hair necessitates the use of high-strength adhesives by extension manufacturers, which can damage the hair, potentially causing discomfort to the wearer or harming the natural hair. Second, unless installed parallel to the natural hair, traditional hairpiece-based extensions may introduce shear forces that weaken the extensions, the hairpiece adhesive, or the natural hair. Third, unless installed parallel to the natural hair, traditional hairpiece-based extensions may prematurely fail or wear down due to stress on the extension strands. Furthermore, unless installed parallel to the natural hair, traditional hairpiece-based extensions create a noticeable bulge at the installation site, which may not suit all styles or preferences.

[0064] The embodiments described herein address these problems of conventional hair-pin-based hair splicing by oriented the hairpin and the strands attached to it at an oblique angle. More generally, the hairpin / strip / carrier can be attached to the strands of the splice (whether natural or synthetic) at a non-perpendicular angle (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, or any other suitable angle).

[0065] Understandably, this arrangement provides a geometrically increased surface area for bonding to natural hair, which in turn relaxes the requirements for adhesive strength. More specifically, by utilizing angled hair rows, longer natural hair lengths can engage with the adhesive, which in turn allows for the use of less aggressive adhesives that may be more comfortable for the wearer. In other cases, longer bonding distances or greater bonding lengths with natural hair can be used to increase retention and / or durability.

[0066] Furthermore, as described herein, the angled hairpiece can be installed at an angle to the installation site (e.g., to conceal the extensions from a specific viewing angle) while remaining parallel to the natural hair. Therefore, combing and / or styling the natural hair and extension strands will not create lateral stress, tension, or shear force on the extensions, hairpieces, or natural hair.

[0067] Furthermore, the angled launchers described in this article occupy a smaller horizontal area; multiple angled launchers can be installed in the same horizontal area to increase the apparent volume.

[0068] The foregoing embodiments and advantages are not exhaustive. For example, although the above description describes a slanted hair extension positioned towards the front of the face, other variations and positions are conceivable. In some cases, the slanted hair extension can be applied towards the wearer's neck and / or towards the top of the wearer's head, where different orientations of the extension allow for alternative placements of the slanted orientation. In some cases, the extension can be constructed and oriented with a "U"-shaped base, a "V"-shaped base, a serrated base, or any combination of non-perpendicular orientations of the base, wherein the hair is positioned at a slanted or non-perpendicular angle relative to the base.

[0069] The following reference Figure 1A-6 The foregoing and other embodiments are discussed. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the detailed description of these figures given herein is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0070] Figure 1A An exemplary angled hair extension 102 is depicted on a wearer 104. As depicted in this example, the angled hair extension 102 may be defined at an angle ɵ1 relative to a horizontal reference point. This angle ɵ1 can be any suitable angle that can be positioned along the wearer's head. As shown, the carrier or base portion 106 of the angled hair extension 102 is angled.

[0071] In this configuration, the edge of the carrier or base portion 106 can be vertical to allow adjacent hair extensions (e.g., conventional hair extensions) to abut against the angled hair extension 102. The strands 108 of the angled hair extension 102 (which can be natural, synthetic, human, or any suitable mixture thereof) can be configured to hang vertically relative to the longitudinal axis of the wearer 104. As shown, in this configuration, the natural hanging direction of the strands 108 is angled relative to the carrier or base portion 106.

[0072] The carrier or base portion 106 can be formed of a variety of suitable materials. Examples include, but are not limited to: fabrics; synthetic materials; organic materials; plastics; acrylic resins; adhesives; multi-component adhesives; keratin-based adhesives; heat-sensitive adhesives; powdered adhesives; adhesives with removable backings; and the like.

[0073] In some cases, the carrier or base portion 106 may include a first side and a second side. The first side may be configured to engage and adhere to natural hair, and the second side may be configured to engage and adhere to human, animal, or synthetic hair extension strands.

[0074] In some cases, the carrier or base portion 106 can be sewn into the hair extension and / or natural hair. In some cases, the carrier or base portion 106 can be partially sewn and partially adhered to the natural hair. Many constructions and structures are possible.

[0075] Figure 1B Another embodiment of the angled hair extension 110 is depicted. The angled hair extension 110 can be constructed and oriented at an angle ɵ2 relative to a horizontal reference point. As shown in this embodiment, ɵ2 can be an angle different from ɵ1. The angle of the angled hair extension can be selected based on the user's head size, hair quantity, hair volume, personal preference, etc.

[0076] exist Figure 1A-1B The foregoing embodiments and their various alternatives and variations described herein are generally presented for illustrative purposes and to facilitate understanding of the various constructions and structures of connectors such as those described herein. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some of the specific details given herein may not be necessary for practicing the particular embodiments described herein or their equivalents.

[0077] Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing and following description of the specific embodiments are presented for limited purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the precise forms set forth herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings.

[0078] For example, although the term "hair extension" is used to describe an attachment and / or fastening system for securing the hair extension strands described herein to natural hair, it is understood that similar advantages can be achieved by using adhesive threads, strips, carriers, or other systems. For example, the chains of individual hair beads or microlinks can follow the bevels described herein.

[0079] Furthermore, it is understood that in some cases, one or more different adhesives may be used, which may be keratin-based or other. For example, the first portion of the carrier may include a first adhesive, and the second portion of the carrier may include different adhesives of different types.

[0080] Figure 2AAn exemplary angled hair extension 200a is depicted. In this example, the extension 200 can be defined at an angle ɵ relative to a horizontal reference direction perpendicular to the wearer's longitudinal axis. In this configuration, the first end of the extension 202a is positioned higher than the second end 202b (relative to the horizontal reference direction). Each hair strand 204 hangs vertically (relative to the page), thus defining a non-perpendicular angle relative to the base 202. Although the base is shown as extending linearly between the first end 202a and the second end 202b, other intermediate shapes (e.g., arcs, curves) are also foreseeable.

[0081] Figure 2B Another exemplary angled hairpiece connector 200b is depicted. In this example, the second end 202b of the base 202 can be located at a higher position (relative to the page) than the second end 202a, thereby defining its angled feature structure. As shown in this example, the angled hairpiece connector 200b can be oriented at different angles, such as a counterclockwise angle or a negative angle relative to the horizontal direction.

[0082] Different orientations of the angle ɵ allow the wearer to use angled hair extensions 200b on different sides of the head. For example, if a downward angle (e.g., towards the ear) is used, mirrored hair extensions (e.g., with a negative angle relative to the horizontal direction) can be used on opposite sides of the head. Depending on the type of extension, the same extension can be used on both sides (flipped). However, in some embodiments (e.g., adhesive-backed extensions, clip-on extensions), the extensions can be configured such that only one side faces forward. In this case, the extensions can be configured and oriented at different angles.

[0083] As mentioned above, different orientations of the hairpin can be used to increase the adhesive contact area with natural hair, while also increasing the variability in where the hair extension can be installed. For example, Figure 2C depicts a conventional hairpin 206 placed perpendicular to the natural hair. In this example, the contact area between the conventional hairpin 206 and the natural hair, and therefore the adhesive potential and / or adhesive contact area, is defined solely by the width of the hairpin. In contrast, as... Figure 2D As shown, hair rows with a slanted orientation of similar size can exhibit an extended adhesive contact area, and therefore have a greater adhesive potential than natural hair to which the slanted hair rows 208 are configured to be attached.

[0084] exist Figure 2A-2B The foregoing embodiments and their various alternatives and variations described in 2D are generally presented for illustrative purposes and to aid in understanding the various constructions and structures of tilted orientations, such as those described herein. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some of the specific details given herein may not be necessary for practicing the particular embodiments described or their equivalents.

[0085] Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing and following description of the specific embodiments are presented for limited purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the precise forms set forth herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings.

[0086] Figure 3 An exemplary hair extension 300 following a “U” shape is depicted. As mentioned above, certain areas of the head, such as the crown, may require hair extensions to wrap around. While the “bulge” is less noticeable in these areas, forming a “U” shape generally causes the base of the extension to converge, and it does not alleviate stress caused by the hair inflection point. The “U”-shaped hair extension 300 can be constructed and oriented with a curved base 302 of a predetermined extension shape. In this construction, it maintains its curved shape when the base is tightened. Similar to the diagonal hair extensions described above, the hair strands 304 hang vertically (e.g., relative to the page), thus defining an angle approximately relative to the base. Similarly, for certain areas of the U-shape, the bonding potential is increased because in some areas, the natural hair overlaps a longer area compared to its thickness / width.

[0087] Figure 4 An exemplary hair extension 400 with a “V” shape is depicted. The “V” shape can be constructed and oriented with two oblique bases 402 having different orientations at angle ɵ. As with the oblique hair extensions described above, the hair strands 404 hang vertically (relative to the page), thus defining an oblique, non-vertical angle relative to the base 402.

[0088] In some examples, the base of the hair extension can be constructed and oriented in a zigzag shape. The zigzag shape defines angles for different parts of the base. This shape is advantageous for adding extra strands of hair to the head without adding extra rows of extensions. This construction also helps increase the surface area attached to the base of the hair, thus reducing the risk of the extension falling out. Similar to the slanted extensions described above, the strands hang vertically (relative to the paper), thus defining a slanted, non-perpendicular angle relative to the base.

[0089] Figure 6 A-6H illustrates an exemplary configuration of a slanted hairpin connector as described herein. For simplicity, the hairpin strands are indicated by downward arrows. Figure 5A An exemplary shape 502 is depicted, in which the hairline defines an arc, wherein the inflection point (and local maximum) is in the middle of the hairline (e.g., bending downwards). Figure 5B Example 504 depicts an inverted "V" shape, where the two slanted sections of the hairpiece are tilted downwards relative to a horizontal reference direction. Although both sections show the same angle ɵ, these angles can vary between the two sections.

[0090] Figure 5C Example 506 is depicted, in which the first part of the hair extension defines an angle ɵ1 relative to the horizontal direction, and the second part of the hair extension defines an angle ɵ2 relative to the horizontal direction. In this example, angle ɵ1 is different from angle ɵ2.

[0091] Figure 5D Example 508 is depicted, where the hair extension includes a straight portion and a curved portion. In this example, the curved portion can bend upwards. In contrast, from Figure 5E Example 610 has a straight portion and a curved portion that bends downwards. Figure 5F Example 612 depicts an oblique portion that connects to the curved section. The oblique portion may be defined at a clockwise angle ɵ relative to the horizontal direction. Figure 5G Another example 614 is depicted, in which the slanted portion defines a counterclockwise angle ɵ, and it is connected to the curved portion.

[0092] Figure 5H Example 616 is depicted, in which the hair splice includes a slanted portion that connects to the straight portion. The slanted portion may define an angle ɵ relative to the straight portion. This construction can reduce the amount of time required for the hair splices to come into contact with each other and can produce a better transition between splices.

[0093] Figure 6 A method 600 for attaching angled hair extensions is described. At operation 602, the angle of the angled hair extension is selected. This selection can be based on the intended location of the angled hair extension, the wearer's facial features, the wearer's head size, etc. At operation 604, the hair is sectioned to form angled paths between the sections. As described above, the angled paths can correspond to the selected angle of the angled hair extension. In some cases, having angled paths with the same angle as the selected angled hair extension facilitates installation and prevents extension misalignment to match the angled paths.

[0094] At operation 606, the base portion of the angled firing head is positioned along an angled path. After confirming the proper position, at operation 608, depending on the type of firing head, any suitable connector can be used to attach the angled firing head.

[0095] As used herein, the phrase “at least one” preceding a series of items, and the terms “and” or “or” used to separate any items, modify the list as a whole, not each member of the list. The phrase “at least one” does not require selection of at least one of each listed item; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any item, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” both refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or one or more of each of A, B, and C. Similarly, it is understood that the order of elements presented with respect to the parallel or alternative lists provided herein should not be construed as limiting this disclosure to the order presented.

[0096] It will be understood that while many embodiments have been disclosed above, the operations given with respect to the methods and techniques described herein are exemplary and therefore not exhaustive. It will also be understood that, for a particular embodiment, alternative sequences of operations or fewer or additional operations may be required or desired.

[0097] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described with respect to various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more individual embodiments are not limited to their applicability to the particular embodiments in which they are described, but can be applied individually or in various combinations to one or more embodiments of the invention, whether or not those embodiments are described, and whether or not such features appear as part of the described embodiments. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but is defined by the claims set forth herein.

Claims

1. A method for installing a hair extension section at a wearer's mounting location, the hair extension section including a base portion and including a plurality of hair extension strands, the plurality of hair extension strands extending obliquely from the base portion relative to a length segment of the base portion, the method comprising: Select the installation location; At the mounting location, the wearer's natural hair is divided at the oblique angle, such that the upper section of the natural hair is separated from the lower section of the natural hair by an angled path relative to the wearer's sagittal axis. Select the base portion from a set of base portions; Prepare an adhesive for attaching the base portion to the lower segment of natural hair; Align the base portion of the hair-receiving section with the angled path; The prepared adhesive is placed against the lower section of the natural hair to fix the hair extension section against the lower section of the natural hair, so that the plurality of hair extension strands hang down parallel to the natural hair strands in the lower section of the natural hair; and The adhesive is used to secure the hair extension section against the lower section.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a linear segment and an angled segment connected at the joint.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein aligning the base portion of the hair receiving section with the angled path comprises aligning the angled section of the base portion with the angled path.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein fixing the adhesive to the hair extension section includes applying heat to the base portion.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is a temperature-sensitive adhesive.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is a keratin-based adhesive.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the oblique angle is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a fabric.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein preparing the adhesive for attachment comprises removing a backing layer of the adhesive formed on the base portion.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein preparing the adhesive for attachment comprises heating the base portion.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein preparing the adhesive for attachment comprises applying pressure to the base portion.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the base portion from the set of base portions comprises selecting the corresponding base portion based on a corresponding angle, wherein the corresponding plurality of hair strands extend from the corresponding base portion at the corresponding angle.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair extensions comprise human hair having a common cuticle orientation.

14. A method of installing a hair extension section at an installation site on a wearer, the hair extension section comprising a base portion and a plurality of hair extension strands, the base portion comprising a first section and a second section, the plurality of hair extension strands extending at an oblique angle from at least one of the first section or the second section relative to a corresponding section of the base portion, the method comprising: The wearer’s natural hair is divided at the mounting location at the aforementioned oblique angle, such that the upper section of the natural hair is separated from the lower section of the natural hair by an angled path, the angled path being at least partially angled relative to the wearer’s sagittal axis. Align at least one of the first or second segments of the base portion of the hair-receiving section with the angled path; The base portion is placed against the lower section of the natural hair to fix the hair extension section against the lower section of the natural hair, such that the plurality of hair extension strands hang down parallel to the natural hair strands of the lower section of the natural hair; and The receiving section is fixed against the lower section at the installation location.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first segment is a linear segment.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, At least one of the first segment or the second segment includes a curved path portion.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first segment defines a first angle relative to the sagittal axis, and the second segment defines a second angle relative to the sagittal axis, the second angle being different from the first axis.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein securing the hair extension section against the lower section at the mounting location includes sewing.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein securing the hair extension section against the lower section at the mounting location comprises applying a keratin-based adhesive to at least one of the hair extension section or the mounting location.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein securing the hair-receiving section against the lower section at the mounting location includes curing the adhesive.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the adhesive is a keratin-based adhesive.

22. A receiving / sending section, comprising: The base portion includes: First section; and Second section; and Multiple receiving strands, the multiple receiving strands extending at an oblique angle from at least one of the first segment or the second segment relative to a corresponding segment of the base portion.

23. The hair extension section according to claim 22, wherein the base portion comprises fabric.

24. The hair extension section of claim 22, wherein the plurality of extension strands comprise natural hair having a common cuticle orientation.

25. The hair extension section of claim 22, wherein the base portion comprises an adhesive layer.

26. The hair extension section of claim 25, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a keratin-based adhesive.

27. The hair extension system of claim 25, wherein the adhesive layer includes a backing.

28. The hair extension system of claim 22, wherein the angle is between 30 and 60 degrees.

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