HAIR PROSTHESIS AND CORRESPONDING MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical sector of hair prostheses (also known as tricological prostheses or hair implants) and to the relative production method.

[0002] Hair prostheses are often personalised, also on the basis of the cranial conformation and the nature of the baldness of the user. They differ in many aspects from wigs, attenuators, toupées or hairpieces, in particular because, differently to the above, they can be worn continuously for several days together, as they are made to adhere to the bald or thinning natural scalp of a user. A hair prosthesis can be removed to enable the bald or thinning natural scalp to be washed and to renew the anchoring component used to fix the hair prosthesis. With the aim of obtaining a good fixture, it is particularly important for the lower surface of the hair prostheses to be as uniform as possible and conformed in such a way as to be able to adhere perfectly to the bald or thinning head of the user for whom it has been created.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] The hair prostheses of known type are made starting from an artificial scalp. Having to face the bald or thinning natural scalp of a user, the artificial scalp is shaped like a corresponding cap. Further, it is made of a polymeric material that gives it flexibility. At present, the known production method of a hair prosthesis includes inserting a plurality of hairs in the artificial scalp, using special needles, in such a way that each hair is inserted with a relative first part exiting from the convex surface and a relative second part exiting from the relative concave surface of the artificial scalp. The first part of the hair which exits from the convex surface is, obviously, considerably longer than the second part which exits from the concave surface.

[0004] Once the artificial scalp has been turned inside out, by deforming it in such a way that the relative concave surface is made temporarily convex, and the convex surface temporarily concave, with the aim of limiting the thickness of the hair prosthesis, the second part of each hair inserted is then cut to 3-5 mm. Thereafter, the fixing material is distributed (by spreading, extrusion or spraying) on the second part of each cut hair which is then bent using an iron and made to adhere to the concave surface, temporarily convex, with the purpose of fixing the hairs to the artificial scalp. It follows that, in this way, a permanent layer is created, constituted by a fixing material and by the remaining part of each hair inserted, flattened and bent. This permanent layer appreciably distances the artificial scalp from the natural and bald or thinning scalp of the user. It follows that the presence of the hair prosthesis is evident both visually and in a tactile way. Additionally to this, the permanent layer can unfortunately not have a relative constant thickness as it is impossible to succeed in bending all the second parts of the hairs in the same way and with regular overlapping. This can have an influence on the adherence of the hair prosthesis to the natural scalp. It is further highlighted that by virtue of the fact that in the production method of the hair prosthesis, the relative artificial scalp is turned inside out, and tends not to maintain its original cap conformation, but flattens and tends to broaden the relative edge which rises with respect to the natural scalp or, in specific terms in the sense of the field of the invention, it "lifts". In this way the relative hair prosthesis is even more perceptible both visually and from the tactile point of view, i.e. the border between the forehead and the hair prostheses can be felt. Sometimes, in order to prevent the edge of the artificial scalp of a prosthesis from not maintaining its original cap-conformation by flattening and "lifting" in proximity of the periphery thereof, a "hem" to the hair prosthesis. The "hem" consists of one or more rows of stitching in proximity of the edge of the artificial scalp.

[0005] Sometimes, in order to render the presence of a hair prosthesis less obvious, a hair transplant is carried out in an area of 2-3 cm between the forehead and the area where the hair prosthesis is to be arranged and fixed. However, the transplant is clear to view. Further, when the prosthesis is not used, the presence of the transplant gives a decidedly unnatural appearance. KR2009 01169631 discloses a production method of a hair prosthesis comprising: predisposing an artificial scalp shaped like a cap and comprising, a relative concave surface, destined to face onto the bald or thinning scalp of a user, and relative and opposed convex surface; predisposing a plurality of hairs; inserting each hair of the plurality of hairs by realising a relative hole in the artificial scalp, which extends from a relative first point at the convex surface to a relative second point at the concave surface, whit a first part of each hair and a second part exiting from the first point and the second point, respectively; shaving to zero the second part of each hair at the concave surface in such a way that each hair has a relative first end which projects from the convex surface and a relative second end arranged in the relative hole at the concave surface; and obtaining, on the concave surface a first permanent fixing layer solidly constrained to the concave surface.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to obviate or limit the drawbacks concerning the known hair prostheses and relative production methods. In particular, the main objective of the present invention is to allow obtaining a hair prosthesis comprising an artificial scalp shaped like a cap which, with respect to the prior art, is less evident, from both the visual and tactile points of view and which at the same time facilitates the fixing of the hair prosthesis to the natural scalp, or to the thinning scalp. The objective of the present invention is obtained with a production method of a hair prosthesis according to independent claim 1 and with the hair prosthesis, obtainable by actuating the production method, according to independent claim 5. In the present document, the term "artificial head of hair " is taken to mean the hair arrangement of the hair prosthesis even if realised with natural hairs and preferably virgin hairs, while the term "thinning", in reference to the natural scalp, is taken to mean that the density of the natural hairs present is extremely low and enables the fixing of the hair prosthesis.

[0007] According to the invention, it is possible to obtain a hair prosthesis, in which, in contrast to the prior art, there is no presence of the above-mentioned second parts of hairs, which instead exit from the concave surface of the artificial scalp of the known hair prostheses. Therefore, according to the invention, the first permanent layer has a relative thickness that is constant and smaller with respect to the permanent layer of the hair prostheses of the prior art. Even when the second permanent layer is present (see figure 11B), the overall thickness of the first and second permanent layer is much smaller with respect to the permanent layer of the hair prostheses of the prior art. In fact, according to the invention, the thickness of the first and second permanent layer can be comprised between 10 and 20 micrometres. According to the invention, the artificial scalp, comprised in the proposed hair prosthesis, can be arranged and fixed to the bald or thinning natural scalp, and with respect to the hair prosthesis of known type mentioned in the foregoing, and further, the surface of the first or second layer of permanent material is uniform, facilitating the fixing of the hair prosthesis to the bald or thinning natural scalp and minimising, at the same time, the visual and tactile impact.

[0008] The first permanent fixing layer of material, the permanent fixing elements and the second permanent layer (when present) contribute to maintaining the artificial scalp of the hair prosthesis according to the invention in the relative cap conformation. Consequently the artificial scalp of the hair prostheses according to the invention does not tend to flatten or "open up" and thus does not "lift" (in the sector jargon) in proximity of the relative edge and indeed tends to "close down". This enables the hair prosthesis to adhere to the bald or thinning natural scalp, in a like way to a contact lens to an eye.

[0009] It follows that, once the hair prosthesis is arranged and fixed to the bald or thinning natural scalp, the hair prosthesis of the invention has a visual and tactile impact that is extremely minimised with respect to the prior art. In fact, it can adhere in a more effective way to the natural and bald scalp, or thinning scalp, by virtue of the thickness of the relative first and, when present, of the second permanent layer which is practically constant and minimal due to the fact that the second permanent layer (95) is made of a relative medical grade material and is thus suitable for contact with the skin and with the natural scalp. Consequently, the adherence of the hair prosthesis or tricological prosthesis to the natural scalp is improved, facilitating the fixing thereto.

[0010] The second permanent layer is preferably included in the prosthesis and serves to prevent the first permanent fixing layer from being in direct contact with the bald or thinning natural scalp and, being made of a relative medical grade material, guarantees greater comfort than the first permanent layer.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The characteristics of the invention will be described in the following in which some preferred but not exclusive embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying tables of drawings, in which: figure 1 is a schematic view in section of a first embodiment of an artificial scalp arranged on a support shaped like a head which, for clarity, has not been sectioned; figure 2 is a schematic view in section of the artificial scalp of figure 1 in which hairs have been inserted; figure 3 is a schematic view in section of the artificial scalp of figure 2 to which a temporary layer of the first material has been applied, the first material being soluble in a first solvent; figure 4 is a schematic view in section of the artificial scalp of figure 3 in which the hairs have been cut to zero at the concave surface of the artificial scalp; figure 5 is a schematic section view of an embodiment of the hair prosthesis comprising the artificial scalp of figure 4; figures 6-11B are partial schematic views, larger though not in scale, and in section, which exemplify various steps of the production method of a hair prosthesis according to the invention; figure 12 is a schematic view from above of a second embodiment of an artificial scalp; figure 13 is a schematic view from above of a third embodiment of an artificial scalp; figure 14 is a schematic and lateral view of the artificial scalp of figure 12; figure 15 is a schematic and lateral view of the artificial scalp of figure 13; figure 16 is a schematic view in section of the artificial scalp of figure 1 in which some insertion directions of the hairs are indicated; figure 17 is a schematic view from above illustrating the artificial scalp of figure 1 and the relative reference point which is destined to be positioned at the lambda point of the cranium and at the radial directions having origin in the reference point; figure 18 is a schematic view from above illustrating the artificial scalp of figure 1 and some relative portions.

[0012] For the purpose of clarity, owing to the small scale of the drawings, the sections are not shaded.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] With reference to the figures of the drawings, reference numeral (6) denotes a hair prosthesis according to the invention.

[0014] The production method of a hair prosthesis (6) comprises following steps: A) predisposing an artificial scalp (1) shaped like a cap and comprising, a relative concave surface (19), destined to face onto the bald or thinning scalp of a user, and relative to a convex surface (2), opposite the concave surface (19); B) predisposing a plurality of hairs; C) inserting each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs by realising a relative hole (33) in the artificial scalp (1), which extends from a relative first point (P1) at the convex surface (2) to a relative second point (P2) at the concave surface (19), causing a first part of each hair (5) to exit from the relative first point (P1); and causing a second part of each hair (5) to exit from the relative second point (P2); D) obtaining, on the convex surface (2) from which the first part of each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs exits, a temporary layer (30) made of a first material, which is soluble in a first solvent, so as to fix, temporarily, the inserted plurality of hairs to the artificial scalp (1); E) shaving to zero the second part of each hair of the plurality of hairs at the concave surface (19) while the plurality of hairs inserted is temporarily fixed to the convex surface (2), in such a way that each hair (5) has a relative first end which projects from the convex surface (2); and a relative second end arranged in the relative hole (33) at the concave surface (19); F) obtaining, on the concave surface (19): a first permanent fixing layer (31) solidly constrained to the concave surface (19); and a plurality of permanent fixing elements (84), wherein each permanent fixing element (84) of the plurality of permanent fixing elements: originates from the first permanent layer (31) and extends into a relative hole (33), realised in the insertion step C); and is solidly constrained to the relative hole (33) and to the relative hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted therein (in particular the relative second ends), wherein the first permanent layer (31) and the plurality of permanent fixing elements (84) are made of a second material, which is insoluble in the first solvent, to fix together and permanently each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the insertion step C); G) optionally, spreading or spraying onto the first permanent fixing layer (31) a liquid composition comprising a second solvent and a third medical grade material and insoluble in the first solvent and / or a precursor of the third material, solubilised or dispersed in the second solvent, and leaving to evaporate or cause to evaporate the second solvent in order to obtain a second permanent layer (95) which is solidly constrained to and facing the first permanent fixing layer (31) and is made of the third medical grade material; and H) solubilising the temporary layer (30) of the first material by means of the first solvent.

[0015] When the third material is polymeric the relative precursor can be a relative monomeric oligomeric precursor of the third polymeric material. The second permanent layer (95) is preferably included and serves to prevent the first permanent fixing layer from being in direct contact with the bald or thinning natural scalp and, being made of a relative medical grade material, guarantees greater comfort than the first permanent layer.

[0016] Obviously the above-described steps are to be carried out in the above-indicated order.

[0017] Each permanent fixing element (84) functions as an artificial hair bulb which fixes the hairs (5) to the artificial scalp.

[0018] The first permanent fixing layer (31) and the second permanent layer (95) can advantageously have a thickness of 10-20 micrometres and thus also when the second permanent layer (95) is present, the overall thickness of the first and second permanent layer (95) is much smaller than that of the permanent layer of the hair prostheses of known type and this minimises the visual and tactile impact of the hair prosthesis of the invention with respect to the prior art.

[0019] With reference to figures 6-11B, the insertion step C) of the hairs, as in the prior art, includes use of a special needle, and thus the creation of a hole (33) in the artificial scalp (1) (illustrated in figure 6) which is crossed by at least a hair (5) (see figure 7) and, preferably, is crossed by 1-2 hairs, and which naturally has a greater dimension than the at least a hair (5) or the 1-2 hairs. Figure 8 shows the first temporary layer (30) of the first material obtained in step D). Note that the hairs (5) inserted are temporarily fixed to the artificial scalp (1) on the first temporary layer (30) of the first material and for this reason it is possible to carry out the following step E) of shaving. Figure 9 illustrates what is obtained following step E) of shaving, when all the hairs (5) inserted, once closely shaved, are in any case retained by the first temporary layer (30) of the first material. Figure 10 illustrates the first permanent fixing layer (31) and a permanent fixing element (84), both in the second material. Once step H of solubilisation of the first temporary layer (30) has been concluded, the hair prosthesis (6) according to the invention is obtained, where the temporary layer (30) is not present (see figure 11A). Figure 11B illustrates an embodiment of the hair prosthesis (6) also comprising the second permanent layer (95).

[0020] The method of the invention preferably includes the temporary layer (30) being made of a first material which is water-soluble or soluble in a watery solution and which, advantageously, is a hydrocolloid. In this way it is possible to solubilise the temporary layer (30) by washing, preferably in a first solvent which is hot water and / or water with additions of detergents, i.e. water and soap, water and shampoo, etc.

[0021] The first permanent fixing layer (31) and the plurality of permanent fixing elements (84) can be made, for example by spreading, spraying or extruding a further liquid composition comprising: a third solvent; and the second material, and / or a precursor of the second material, dissolved or suspended in the third solvent; on the surface of the first concave surface (19), once step E) of shaving the hairs (5) has been carried out. The second material, which can also be described as a "fusion component", is "filled" with the hair (5) and also penetrates into the holes (33). Once the third solvent has evaporated, the first permanent fixing layer (31) and the plurality of permanent fixing elements (84) are obtained in the second material, which is preferably a polymeric material. In this case, the precursor of the second polymeric material can be a relative precursor can be a relative monomeric oligomeric precursor of the second polymeric material.

[0022] The hair prosthesis (6) obtainable using the method comprises: an artificial scalp (1) shaped like a cap and comprising a relative concave surface (19), destined to face onto the bald or thinning scalp of a user, and relative to a convex surface (2), opposite the concave surface (19); a plurality of hairs, wherein each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs is inserted in a relative hole (33) arranged in the artificial scalp (1) between a relative first point (P1) at the convex surface (2) and a relative second point (P2) at the concave surface (19); has a relative first end which projects from the convex surface (2); has a relative second end arranged in the relative hole (33) at the concave surface (19) and has a first part of each hair (5) that exits from the relative first point (P1); a first permanent fixing layer (31) which is solidly constrained to the concave surface (19); a plurality of permanent fixing elements (84), corresponding to a plurality of holes (33) in which the plurality of hairs is inserted, wherein each permanent fixing element (84) of the plurality of permanent fixing elements originates from the first permanent fixing layer (31); extends into a relative hole (33) and is solidly constrained to the relative hole (33) and to the second end of the hairs (5) inserted therein, wherein the plurality of permanent fixing elements (84) and the first permanent fixing layer (31) are made of a same material and fix together and permanently each second end of each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the relative hole (33) to the artificial scalp (1); and optionally, a second permanent layer (95) which is solidly constrained to and facing the first permanent fixing layer and is made of a relative medical grade material.

[0023] So as to obtain a direction and an inclination of the hairs (5), with respect to the convex surface (2) of the artificial scalp (1), alike to those of the hairs of a natural hair arrangement, with respect to the relative natural scalp, a production method of a hair prosthesis (6) is preferable, in which the artificial scalp (1) comprises (see figure 12) a first annular perimetral area (3) having a first average thickness (S1), and a remaining second area (4), which: originates from the first annular perimetral area (3); is surrounded by the first annular perimetral area (3); is solidly constrained to the first annular perimetral area (3) and has a relative second average thickness (S2) greater than the first average thickness (S1) and wherein in the insertion step C) of each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs in the artificial scalp (1) is inserted along a relative insertion and inclination direction (D2) that goes from a relative first point (P1) of the convex surface (2) to the relative second point (P2) of the concave surface (19) of the artificial scalp (1), in which every insertion and inclination direction (D2) forms, with the convex surface (2), a relative minimum angle (α), which increases along a reference direction (D3) which goes from the first annular perimetral area (3) to the second area (4) so as to obtain a direction and an inclination of the hairs (5), with respect to the convex surface (2) of the artificial scalp (1). In fact, in this way the natural inclination of the natural hairs is stably reproduced with respect to the natural scalp and so as to minimise the visual and tactile impact of the artificial scalp (1) when the hair prosthesis (6) is arranged and fixed to the bald or thinning natural scalp.

[0024] For the same reasons, it is preferable that, in the corresponding hair prosthesis (6), the artificial scalp (1) comprises: a first annular perimetral area (3) which has a relative first average thickness (S1); and a remaining second area (4), which: originates from the first annular perimetral area (3); is surrounded by the first annular perimetral area (3); is solidly constrained to the first annular perimetral area (3) and has a relative second average thickness (S2) greater than the first average thickness (S1), wherein each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs in the artificial scalp (1) is inserted along a relative insertion and inclination direction (D2) that goes from the relative first point (P1) to the relative second point (P2); and in which every insertion and inclination direction (D2) forms, with the convex surface (2), a relative minimum angle (α), and wherein the minimum angle (α) increases along a reference direction (D3), which goes from the first annular perimetral area (3) to the second area (4) of the artificial scalp (1). In this way the natural inclination of the natural hairs is stably reproduced with respect to the natural scalp and the visual and tactile impact of when the hair prosthesis is arranged and fixed to the bald or thinning natural scalp is minimised.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the production method of a hair prosthesis (6), the second area (4) of the artificial scalp (1) can advantageously comprise: a relative intermediate annular portion (7) (see figure 13), that: originates from the first annular perimetral area (3); is surrounded by the first annular perimetral area (3); is solidly constrained to the annular perimetral area; and has a third average thickness; and a central portion (8) which: originates from the intermediate annular portion (7); is surrounded by at least an intermediate annular portion (7); is solidly constrained to the intermediate annular portion (7); and has a fourth average thickness; wherein the third average thickness is greater than the first average thickness (S1) and than the second average thickness (S2) and is smaller than the fourth average thickness and wherein the reference direction (D3) goes from the first annular perimetral area (3) to the central portion (8) of the artificial scalp (1).

[0026] Note that the intermediate annular portion (7); circumscribes a reference point (80) of the artificial scalp (1), which is destined to be positioned at the lambda point of the cranium.

[0027] The intermediate annular portion (7) can preferably be sub-divided into a plurality of intermediate annular elements (9) which together define the intermediate annular portion (7). The intermediate annular elements (9) of the plurality of intermediate annular elements (9) are solidly constrained to one another; have a relative average thickness which increases, along a direction (D1) of increasing thickness which goes from the first annular perimetral area (3) to the central portion (8), and have relative extensions (98), measured orthogonally to the relative thickness which decrease along a direction (D1) of increasing thickness (see figures 13 and 15). In this way, there is a greater graduality in the increase in thickness of the scalp. Consequently the hair prosthesis (6) which comprises it is even less evident. The intermediate annular elements (9) are arranged in series from the smallest to the largest in such a way that, considering two in series, the smallest is arranged internally of the largest and originates therefrom. Obviously the intermediate annular elements (9) are solidly constrained to one another.

[0028] In the production method according to the invention, the artificial scalp (1) preferably comprises a relative outer edge (90), a relative frontal portion (32) (see figure 5), which originates from the outer edge (90) and which is destined to be arranged adjacent to a user's forehead and at least a remaining portion, and wherein insertion step C) is carried out in such a way that hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the frontal portion (32) of the artificial scalp (1), have a smaller average diameter and / or a shorter length than the first part of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs, which are inserted in the at least a remaining portion, and preferably are kinked or wavy, with the purpose of reproducing a natural growth effect of the new hair adjacent to the forehead, creating the "growth" effect of the hairs.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the production method of the invention, step A) of predisposing further comprises the following substep: A1) subdividing the artificial scalp (1) into a relative plurality of zones, solidly connected to one another; and insertion step C) comprises following substeps: C1) establishing, for each single zone into which the artificial scalp (1) is subdivided: a relative hair insertion density of the plurality of hairs (5) to be inserted therein; and a relative desired value of the length of the first part of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs to be inserted therein, in such a way as to obtain, only by means of the insertion of the plurality of hairs, a desired artificial head of hair having a predefined hair style; C2) inserting the plurality of hairs, in such a way as to insert, in each single zone, a relative quantity of hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs, corresponding to the relative insertion density, and in such a way that the length of the relative first part of the hairs (5) has the relative desired value of length, directly obtaining the desired artificial head of hair having the predetermined hair style with the aim of preventing cutting, by a hairdresser, of the plurality of hairs inserted to obtain the desired artificial head of hair having the predefined hair style. Note that, in accordance with this embodiment it is possible to accurately realise the desired artificial head of hair having the predefined hair style in a more precise way than what can be obtained with a cut made by a hairdresser, and the hairdresser's work is dispensed with. The hairdresser cannot obtain the perfect and extraordinary layering of the hair obtained according to the invention. This is due to the subdivision of the scalp into relative zones, preferably of about 1 cm 2,< as well as the fact of being able to establish the relative hair insertion density (thick hair), but especially the relative length of the first part of the hairs enables realising a predefined perfect hair style. Further, this enables limiting the times and costs of production.

[0030] The central portion (8) is advantageously conformed and arranged in such a way that, once the artificial scalp is arranged and fixed to the bald or thinning natural scalp, or the hair prosthesis comprising it is positioned on the aforementioned lambda point of the cranium, i.e. the join point of the sagittal suture and the lambdoid suture, the natural hairs form a whorl, being a different inclination and a different direction including with respect to the lambda point.

[0031] A preference is for a hair prosthesis (6) according to the invention, wherein in a zone (81) of the artificial scalp (1) circumscribing the reference point (80) of the artificial scalp (1) which is destined to be positioned at the lambda point of the cranium, a portion of the plurality of hairs is inserted, wherein the first point (P1) and the relative second point (P2) relative to each hair of the portion of the plurality of hairs are arranged, in a plan view from above of the hair prosthesis (6), along a radial direction (D4) originating in the reference point (80) and wherein the first point (P1) of each hair (5) is arranged further from the reference point (80), with respect to the second point (P2). This is because in this way the whorl of the natural hair arrangement is reproduced. Note that the second average thickness of the artificial scalp enables maintaining the hairs in differing inclinations with respect to the point destined to face the lambda point, in such a way as to reproduce the natural whorl (see figure 17).

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the hair prosthesis (6), the first annular perimetral area (3); and / or the second area (4) or, when included, the central portion (8), the intermediate annular portion (7) or the intermediate annular elements (9) have a relative thickness that is substantially constant. The first average thickness (S1) can be comprised between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably 0.4 mm and / or the second average thickness and / or the fourth thickness, when present, has an average comprised between 2.5 and 3.5 mm, preferably between 2.8 and 3.2 mm, more preferably 3 mm. This also applies when those average thicknesses are constant.

[0033] According to the invention, the first annular perimetral area (3) and / or, when present, the intermediate annular portion (7) or the intermediate annular elements (9), of the artificial scalp (1) can have a relative extension (E) comprised between 0.3 cm and 1.3 cm, (preferably 0.4 cm and 1.2 cm and advantageously 0.5 cm, 0.7 cm or 1 cm). This extension (98) is measured, along a reference direction (D3) which goes from the first annular perimetral area (3) to the second area (4), or which, when the central portion (8) of the artificial scalp, coincides with the direction (D1) of increasing thickness (see figures 13 and 15).

[0034] For the purpose of more greatly personalising the hair prosthesis (6) according to the invention, preferably by subdividing the relative artificial scalp (1) into relative zones that are solidly constrained to one another and selected from among; the first annular perimetral area (3); and the second area (4) or, when included, the at least an intermediate annular portion (7); the central portion (8); the intermediate annular elements (9) and relative sectors thereof; at least two different zones differ by: the insertion density of the plurality of hairs (5) in the artificial scalp (1), the average diameter of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs (5), the average length of the hair (5), the insertion and inclination direction (D2) of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs (5) and combinations thereof. By changing the diameter of the hairs it is possible to reproduce the effect of growth of the hairs i.e. of the natural new hair in proximity of the forehead, by changing the insertion density of the plurality of hairs it is possible to obtain a non-constant density alike to the density of the natural hair arrangement and / or to the zones of the scalp in proximity of which the hair prosthesis must be arranged. In this way the visual and tactile impact of the hair prosthesis (6) is further minimised, according to the invention, which is much less evident with respect to the known hair prostheses, when in use. Further, the invention makes hair transplanting as used in the prior art, which is clearly visible and obvious, useless.

[0035] It is possible to vary the diameter of the hairs using the tips of the hairs, collected in a braid, when a smaller diameter is needed, and a remaining part of the hairs of the same braid, when a greater diameter is needed.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hair prosthesis (6) can include, in the first annular perimetral area (3) of the artificial scalp (1), or in a relative frontal sector destined to be arranged adjacent to a user's forehead, insertion of hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs that are kinked and / or wavy that have a smaller average diameter and / or an average length of the first part of the relative hairs (5) that is smaller than the length of the first part of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted into the remaining second area (4), and, when included, in the at least a relative intermediate annular portion (7), in the central portion (8) and in the intermediate annular elements and / or than the hairs (5) inserted. In this way the natural new hair in proximity of the forehead is imitated.

[0037] Alternatively (see figure 18), in the hair prosthesis (6) according to the invention, the artificial scalp (1) can comprise a relative outer edge (90), a relative frontal portion (32), which originates from the outer edge (90) and which is destined to be arranged adjacent to a user's forehead; a central portion (8) comprising a reference point (80), which is destined to be positioned at the lambda point of the cranium; and an intermediate portion (106) which extends from the frontal portion (32) to the central portion (8); and wherein hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the frontal portion (32) , and have a smaller average diameter and / or a smaller average length than the average diameter and / or than an average length of the first part of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs, which are inserted in the intermediate portion (106) and in the central portion (8) and wherein, preferably, hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the frontal portion (32) are kinked or wavy, with the purpose of reproducing a natural growth effect of new hair adjacent to the forehead. Consequently the artificial head of hair of the hair prosthesis (6) is comparable to a natural hair arrangement, in particular, as in the first annular perimetral area (3) the minimum angle (α) is smaller than in other parts of the scalp and the hairs (5) inserted therein are alike to natural new hair (growth effect).

Claims

1. A production method of a hair prosthesis (6) comprising following steps: A) predisposing an artificial scalp (1) shaped like a cap and comprising, a relative concave surface (19), destined to face onto the bald or thinning scalp of a user, and relative to a convex surface (2), opposite the concave surface (19); B) predisposing a plurality of hairs; C) inserting each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs by realising a relative hole (33) in the artificial scalp (1), which extends from a relative first point (P1) at the convex surface (2) to a relative second point (P2) at the concave surface (19), causing a first part of each hair (5) to exit from the relative first point (P1); and causing a second part of each hair (5) to exit from the relative second point (P2); D) obtaining, on the convex surface (2) from which the first part of each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs exits, a temporary layer (30) made of a first material, which is soluble in a first solvent, so as to fix, temporarily, the inserted plurality of hairs to the artificial scalp (1); E) shaving to zero the second part of each hair of the plurality of hairs at the concave surface (19) while the plurality of hairs inserted is temporarily fixed to the convex surface (2), in such a way that each hair (5) has a relative first end which projects from the convex surface (2); and a relative second end arranged in the relative hole (33) at the concave surface (19); F) obtaining, on the concave surface (19): a first permanent fixing layer (31) solidly constrained to the concave surface (19); and a plurality of permanent fixing elements (84), wherein each permanent fixing element (84) of the plurality of permanent fixing elements: originates from the first permanent fixing layer (31) and extends into a relative hole (33), realised in the insertion step C); and is solidly constrained to the relative hole (33) and to the relative hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted therein, wherein the first permanent fixing layer (31) and the plurality of permanent fixing elements (84) are made of a second material, which is insoluble in the first solvent, to fix together and permanently each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the insertion step C); G) optionally, spreading, spraying or extruding onto the first permanent fixing layer (31) a liquid composition comprising a second solvent and a third medical grade material and insoluble in the first solvent and / or a precursor of the third material, solubilised or dispersed in the second solvent, and leaving to evaporate or cause to evaporate the second solvent in order to obtain a second permanent layer (95) which is solidly constrained to and facing the first permanent fixing layer and is made of the third medical grade material; and H) solubilising the temporary layer (30) of the first material by means of the first solvent.

2. A production method of a hair prosthesis (6) of the preceding claim, wherein the artificial scalp (1) comprises a first annular perimetral area (3) having a first average thickness (S1), and a remaining second area (4), which: originates from the first annular perimetral area (3), is surrounded by the first annular perimetral area (3); is solidly constrained to the first annular perimetral area (3) and has a relative second average thickness (S2) greater than the first average thickness (S1) and wherein in the insertion step C) of each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs in the artificial scalp (1) is inserted along a relative insertion and inclination direction (D2) that goes from a relative first point (P1) of the convex surface (2) to the relative second point (P2) of the concave surface (19) of the artificial scalp (1), wherein each insertion and inclination direction (D2) forms, with the convex surface (2), a relative minimum angle (α), which increases along a reference direction (D3) which goes from the first annular perimetral area (3) to the second area (4) so as to obtain a direction and an inclination of the hairs (5), with respect to the convex surface (2) of the artificial scalp (1), which stably reproduces the natural inclination of the natural hairs with respect to the natural scalp and so as to minimise the visual and tactile impact of the artificial scalp (1) when the hair prosthesis (6) is arranged and fixed to the bald or thinning natural scalp.

3. The production method of a hair prosthesis (6) according to any one preceding claim, wherein the artificial scalp (1) comprises a relative outer edge (90), a relative frontal portion (32), which originates from the outer edge (90) and which is destined to be arranged adjacent to a user's forehead and at least a remaining portion, and wherein insertion step C) is carried out in such a way that hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the frontal portion (32) of the artificial scalp (1), have a smaller average diameter and / or a shorter length than the first part of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs, which are inserted in the at least a remaining portion, and, hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the frontal portion (32) of the artificial scalp (1) are, preferably, kinked or wavy, with the purpose of reproducing a natural growth effect of new hair adjacent to the forehead.

4. The production method of any one preceding claim, further wherein step a) of predisposing comprises a following substep: A1) subdividing the artificial scalp (1) into a relative plurality of zones, solidly connected to one another, and wherein insertion step C) comprises following substeps: C1) establishing, for each single zone into which the artificial scalp (1) is subdivided: a relative hair insertion density of the plurality of hairs (5) to be inserted therein; and a relative desired value of the length than the first part of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs, in such a way as to obtain, only by means of the insertion of the plurality of hairs, a desired artificial head of hair having a predefined hair style; C2) inserting the plurality of hairs, in such a way as to insert, in each single zone, a relative quantity of hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs, corresponding to the relative insertion density, and in such a way that the length of the relative first part of the hairs (5) has the relative desired value of length, directly obtaining the desired artificial head of hair having the predetermined hair style with the aim of preventing cutting, by a hairdresser, of the plurality of hairs inserted to obtain the desired artificial head of hair having the predefined hair style.

5. A hair prosthesis (6), obtainable by actuating a method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - an artificial scalp (1) shaped like a cap and comprising: a relative concave surface (19), destined to contact the bald or thinning scalp of a user, and relative to a convex surface (2), opposite the concave surface; - a plurality of hairs, wherein each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs is inserted in a relative hole (33) arranged in the artificial scalp (1) between a relative first point (P1) at the convex surface (2) and a relative second point (P2) at the concave surface (19); has a relative first end which projects from the convex surface (2); has a relative second end arranged in the relative hole (33) at the concave surface (19) and has a first part of each hair (5) that exits from the relative first point (P1); - a first permanent fixing layer (31) which is solidly constrained to the concave surface (19); and - a plurality of permanent fixing elements (84), corresponding to a plurality of holes (33) in which the plurality of hairs is inserted, wherein each permanent fixing element (84) of the plurality of permanent fixing elements originates from the first permanent fixing layer (31); extends into a relative hole (33) and is solidly constrained to the relative hole (33) and to the second end of the hairs (5) inserted therein, wherein the plurality of permanent fixing elements (84) and the first permanent fixing layer (31) are made of a same material and fix together and permanently each second end of each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the relative hole (33) to the artificial scalp (1); and - optionally, a second permanent layer (95) which is solidly constrained to and facing the first permanent fixing layer (31) and is made of a relative medical grade material.

6. The hair prosthesis (6) of the preceding claim, wherein the artificial scalp (1) comprises: a first annular perimetral area (3) which has a relative first average thickness (S1); and a remaining second area (4), which: originates from the first annular perimetral area (3), is surrounded by the first annular perimetral area (3); is solidly constrained to the first annular perimetral area (3) and has a relative second average thickness (S2) which is greater than the first average thickness (S1), wherein each hair (5) of the plurality of hairs in the artificial scalp (1) is inserted along a relative insertion and inclination direction (D2) that goes from the relative first point (P1) to the relative second point (P2); wherein each insertion and inclination direction (D2) forms, with the convex surface (2), a relative minimum angle (α), and wherein the minimum angle (α) increases along a reference direction (D3), which goes from the first annular perimetral area (3) to the second area (4) of the artificial scalp (1), with the purpose of stably reproducing the natural inclination of the natural hairs with respect to the natural scalp and for minimising the visual and tactile impact of the hair prosthesis, when the hair prosthesis is arranged and fixed to the bald or thinning natural scalp.

7. The hair prosthesis (6) of the preceding claim, wherein the second area (4) of the artificial scalp (1) comprises: - a relative intermediate annular portion (7), which: originates from the first annular perimetral area (3); is surrounded by the first annular perimetral area (3); is solidly constrained to the annular perimetral area; and has a third average thickness; and - a central portion (8) which: originates from the intermediate annular portion (7); is surrounded by at least an intermediate annular portion (7); is solidly constrained to the intermediate annular portion (7); and has a fourth average thickness; wherein the third average thickness is greater than the first average thickness (S1) and than the second average thickness (S2) and is smaller than the fourth average thickness; and wherein the reference direction (D3) goes from the first annular perimetral area (3) to the central portion (8) of the artificial scalp (1).

8. The hair prosthesis (6) of any one preceding claim, wherein, by subdividing the relative artificial scalp (1) into relative zones that are solidly constrained to one another and selected from among; the first annular perimetral area (3); and the second area (4) or, when included, the at least an intermediate annular portion (7); the central portion (8); and relative sectors thereof; at least two different zones differ by at least a parameter selected from a group consisting of: the insertion density of the plurality of hairs (5) in the artificial scalp (1), the average diameter of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs (5), the average length of the first part of the hair (5), the insertion and inclination direction (D2) of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs (5) and combinations thereof.

9. The hair prosthesis (6) of any one of claims from 6 to 8, wherein, the artificial scalp (1) comprises a first annular perimetral area (3) having a frontal sector destined to be arranged adjacent to a user's forehead, in which hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs are herein inserted, have a smaller average diameter and / or an average length of the first part of the hairs (5) inserted therein that is smaller than the average diameter and / or of the length of the first part of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted into the remaining second area (4) , and when present, in the at least a relative intermediate annular portion (7), in the central portion (8) and in the intermediate annular elements (9) and in which the hair inserted in the frontal sector are, preferably, kinked or wavy.

10. The hair prosthesis (6) of any one of claims from 6 to 8, wherein the artificial scalp (1) comprises a relative outer edge (90), a frontal portion (32) which originates from the outer edge (90) and which is destined to be arranged adjacent to a user's forehead; a central portion (8) comprising a reference point (80), which is destined to be positioned at the lambda point of the cranium; and an intermediate portion (106) which extends from the frontal portion (32) to the central portion (8); and wherein hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the frontal portion (32), have a smaller average diameter and / or an average length that is smaller than the average diameter and / or of the length of the first part of the hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs, which are inserted in the intermediate portion (106) and in the central portion (8) , and wherein hairs (5) of the plurality of hairs inserted in the frontal portion (32) are, preferably, kinked or wavy, with the purpose of reproducing a natural growth effect of the new hair growing adjacent to the forehead.