Hair care method and apparatus for carrying out same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a non-therapeutic hair care method intended to be used on a person's hair, characterised in that the method uses a hair care appliance (10) comprising a brush (12) comprising a first series (S1) of teeth (36) connected to a positive electrical pole and a second series (S2) of teeth (36) connected to a negative electrical pole, and in that the method comprises a step of ionising the hair during which: - a cosmetic composition containing quaternary ammonium compounds is applied to the hair; and - the brush (12) is supplied with electric current and applied to the hair so as to ionise the cosmetic composition via the teeth (36).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Hair care method and apparatus for its implementation

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a non-therapeutic hair care method.

[0005] The invention relates more particularly to a hair care method aimed at beautifying the hair.

[0006] Technical background

[0007] It is common to apply hair conditioners, such as conditioners or detanglers, to the hair to soften and make it more manageable. However, these conditioners are not always sufficient depending on the condition of each person's hair.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a solution to improve the appearance of hair without damaging it.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention provides a non-therapeutic hair care method intended to be implemented on a person's hair, characterized in that it uses a hair care appliance comprising a brush comprising a first series of teeth connected to a positive electrical pole and a second series of teeth connected to a negative electrical pole, and in that it comprises a step of ionizing the hair during which:

[0011] - a cosmetic composition containing quaternary ammoniums is applied to the hair,

[0012] - the brush is supplied with electric current and applied to the hair in such a way as to cause ionization of the cosmetic composition via the teeth.

[0013] Thanks to the method according to the invention, it is possible to provide care to the hair fibers that make up the hair. In addition, it is also possible to stimulate hair regrowth and quality by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp, which stimulates the hair bulbs present in the scalp. This results in denser, more flexible, and stronger hair.

[0014] According to other characteristics of the invention:

[0015] - the quaternary ammoniums contained in the cosmetic composition are chosen from the group comprising: behentrimonium chloride, quaternium, polyquaternium, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetrimonium chloride, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, amodimethicone, silicone quaternium-16;

[0016] - during the ionization step, the teeth are electrically heated so as to promote the action of the ingredients contained in the cosmetic composition, in particular the action of the quaternary ammoniums;

[0017] - the teeth are heated to a temperature between 37 and 50 degrees Celsius, preferably 40 or 48 degrees Celsius;

[0018] - during the ionization stage, the brush is applied several times to strands of hair from the hair roots to their tips;

[0019] - the ionization step is followed by a step of stimulating blood circulation on the scalp during which a cosmetic composition containing an active ingredient with a vasodilator effect is applied to the scalp, the active ingredient with a vasodilator effect preferably being vanillyl butyl ether;

[0020] - the ionization step is followed by a vibration massage step during which a massage device is applied to the scalp;

[0021] - the vibratory massage step is implemented after the blood circulation stimulation step;

[0022] - the massager is applied repeatedly to the entire scalp from front to back following the hairline on the scalp;

[0023] The invention also provides a non-therapeutic hair care device intended for implementing the method of the invention, characterized in that it comprises a brush comprising:

[0024] - a main body forming a gripping member, - an electrical power source,

[0025] - an ionization head comprising:

[0026] -- a first series of teeth connected to a positive electrical pole of the power supply,

[0027] -- a second series of teeth connected to a negative electrical pole of the power supply,

[0028] - an electronic control unit which is connected to the ionization head and which, in ionization mode, controls the electrical energy supply to the two sets of teeth.

[0029] According to other advantageous features of the hair care device:

[0030] - the ionization head comprises at least one heating element intended to transmit heat to the teeth of the ionization head, the electrical energy supply to the heating element being controlled by the electronic control unit;

[0031] - the ionization head comprises a first base on which the first series of teeth and a first heating plate are fixed, and a second base on which the second series of teeth and a second heating plate are fixed;

[0032] - the first base and the second base each have the shape of a half-disc, and the first heating plate and the second heating plate each have the shape of a half-disc;

[0033] - the device includes a vibrating massage device;

[0034] - the device comprises a plate provided with a first housing adapted to the brush and a second housing adapted to the massage device, each housing comprising a charging socket provided for connecting the brush and the massage device to an electrical power source;

[0035] - the plate comprises a support element allowing the removable insertion of an electronic display device making it possible to visualize the manipulations necessary for the implementation of the method. Brief description of the figures Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0036] [Fig.1] is a perspective view which schematically represents a hair care apparatus for implementing the non-therapeutic hair care method according to the invention;

[0037] [Fig.2] is a perspective view from below showing a brush belonging to the hair care appliance of Figure 1 and produced according to a first embodiment;

[0038] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view along plane III-III illustrating the ionizing head of the brush of Figure 2;

[0039] [Fig.4] is an exploded perspective view showing the brush of Figure 2;

[0040] [Fig.5] is a perspective view showing a brush according to a second embodiment with a removable ionization head;

[0041] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal sectional view showing the brush of Figure 5.

[0042] Detailed description of the invention

[0043] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 10 in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

[0045] This hair care apparatus 10 is intended for carrying out a non-therapeutic hair care method intended to be carried out on the hair and scalp of a person.

[0046] The hair care appliance 10 here comprises a brush 12 and a massage appliance 14 which are placed on a plate 16 when they are at rest, that is to say before their use by an operator.

[0047] The plate 16 comprises, for example, a first housing 18 adapted to the brush 12, and a second housing 20 adapted to the massage device 14, as well as a protective cover 22 pivotally mounted at one end of the plate 16. In FIG. 1, the protective cover 22 is shown in the open position.

[0048] The brush 12 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4 which represent a first embodiment of the brush 12.

[0049] The brush 12 comprises a main body 24, of elongated shape in a longitudinal direction D1, capable of constituting a gripping member for the operator. The main body 24 here comprises a housing 26 for an electric battery 27 capable of powering an ionization head 28 arranged at a front end of the main body 24.

[0050] According to the embodiment shown, the main body 24 comprises at its front end a cylindrical housing portion 30 which extends in a vertical direction called the application direction D2, downwards, and which delimits a lower opening 32 provided to receive the ionization head 28.

[0051] The ionization head 28 here comprises a base 34 which serves as a support for teeth 36 and which is mounted in the lower opening 32 of the main body 24. The base 34 here has the shape of an inverted cup, that is to say that it is flared downwards forming a disc and it extends upwards by a tubular portion 38 fitted into the cylindrical housing portion 30.

[0052] The ionization head 28 comprises a first series S1 of teeth 36 connected to a positive electrical pole of the electric battery 27 and a second series S2 of teeth 36 connected to a negative pole of the electric battery 27.

[0053] Advantageously, the first series S1 of teeth 36 is arranged on a first base 40 in the form of a half-disc and the second series S2 of teeth 36 is arranged on a second base 42 also in the form of a half-disc.

[0054] Each base 40, 42 has a lower surface 44, on which the teeth 36 are fixed in the form of rods parallel to the direction of application D2, and an upper surface 46, on which an electrode 48, 50 is fixed, here in the form of a rod parallel to the direction of application D2. The first base 40 comprises for example a first electrode 48 which is connected to the positive pole of the electric battery 27 and the second base 42 comprises a second electrode 50 which is connected to the negative pole of the electric battery 27.

[0055] Preferably, the electrodes 48, 50 are supplied with a current of 0.49 mA to 0.5 mA at a voltage of 12 V.

[0056] In addition, according to an advantageous but optional embodiment, each base 40, 42 is provided with a heating element 52 intended to transmit heat to the teeth 36. Advantageously, the heating element 52 is constituted by a first heating plate 54 and a second heating plate 56 which are fixed respectively on the upper surface 46 of the first base 40 and on the upper surface 46 of the second base 42. Each of these heating plates 54, 56 is here in the form of a half-disc and is mounted on the associated base 40, 42 so as to be electrically connected to the electric battery 27 for example by the associated electrode 48, 50. Each heating plate 54, 56 thus forms an electrical resistance which, when it is electrically powered, produces heat transmitted to the teeth 36 by contact with the bases 40, 42.

[0057] According to the embodiment shown, each base 40, 42 is received in a complementary cavity 57 provided in the lower face of the base 34.

[0058] The brush 12 also comprises an electronic control unit 58 which is connected to the ionization head 28 and which, in an ionization mode, controls the electrical energy supply to the two series S1, S2 of teeth 36 and the electrical energy supply to the heating plates 54, 56.

[0059] The electronic control unit 58 is here arranged on a printed circuit board 60 which is received in the main body 24. Electrical connection elements (not shown), for example electrical wires, connect the printed circuit board 60 to the other electrical components, in particular to the electrodes 48, 50, to the electric battery 27, and to a control button 62 provided for triggering or stopping the operation of the ionization head 28. The printed circuit board 60 here comprises indicator lights 64 which indicate the operating state of the ionization head 28.

[0060] It is noted that the brush 12 and its electronic control unit 58 can be configured so as to be able to select predetermined temperature levels for the teeth 36. For example, a first heating temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and a second heating temperature of 48 degrees Celsius can be provided by design.

[0061] The ionization head 28 can also be equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown) which allows the electronic control unit 58 to monitor the temperature of the teeth 36 and prevent any overheating by regulating the power supply to the heating plates 54, 56.

[0062] Advantageously, the brush 12 comprises terminals 66 provided to allow the connection of the brush 12 to an electric recharging socket 68 arranged on the plate 16, so as to allow the recharging of the electric battery 27.

[0063] The massage device 14 which equips the hair care device 10 here has a general shape similar to that of the brush 12. It is distinguished therefrom mainly by a massage head 70 of hemispherical shape and provided with spikes 72. The massage device 14 comprises a drive element which makes it possible to vibrate the massage head 70 at a determined frequency so as to make it possible to apply the massage head 70 to the head and scalp of a person requiring hair care.

[0064] Advantageously, the plate 16 comprises a support element 74, here a groove arranged in a part of the plate 16, which allows the removable insertion of an electronic display device 76, for example a touch pad. Such an electronic display device 76 allows the operator to view the order and type of manipulation necessary for implementing the hair care method according to the invention.

[0065] The hair care method according to the invention is now described.

[0066] During a first step called hair ionization, the operator applies a cosmetic composition containing quaternary ammoniums to the hair of the person to be treated. The operator then grasps the brush 12 and triggers the power supply to the ionization head 28 by means of the control button 62. The operator applies the ionization head 28 to the hair so as to cause ionization of the cosmetic composition via the teeth 36. During this ionization step, the potential difference between the teeth of the first series S1 and the teeth of the second series S2 acts on the cosmetic composition present on the hair and makes it possible to neutralize the positive ions present on the hair.

[0067] During this ionization, the teeth 36 can be electrically heated thanks to the heating plates 54, 56 which promotes the action of the components contained in the cosmetic composition.

[0068] During the ionization step, the brush 12 is preferably applied repeatedly to strands of hair from the hair roots to the ends.

[0069] According to an advantageous embodiment, the cosmetic composition contains as ingredients cetearyl alcohol (or cetearyl alcohol) and behentrimonium chloride, names given in the international nomenclature of cosmetic ingredients, or INCI for “International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients”.

[0070] This cosmetic composition forms a quaternary conditioner and a self-emulsifier whose carbon chain gives exceptional softness to the hair. This cosmetic composition provides a conditioning effect without build-up.

[0071] Behentrimonium chloride is a cationic surfactant whose head end belongs to the quaternary ammonium salt family. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty acid.

[0072] The electrical charge of hair, particularly damaged hair, is negative. The cosmetic composition according to the invention, due to its positive electrical charge, therefore opposite to that of the hair, allows it to attach itself by adsorption to the hair fibers forming the hair and to adhere well to them. It is a film-forming active ingredient because it forms a protective and sheathing film around the hair which smooths / flattens the scales formed on the surface of the hair. The cosmetic composition thus reduces friction causing hair to tangle by a lubricating action which promotes the glide of a comb or brush without snagging and without hair breakage. Finally, the cosmetic composition makes it possible to reduce the static electricity which causes the hair to form spikes and become electric. Its sheathing and lubricating action is similar to that of oils, butters or even fatty acids, that is to say a nourishing and moisturizing action.However, the advantage of the cosmetic composition according to the invention is that it is deposited in a targeted manner, which makes it possible to minimize the quantity deposited and to avoid a greasy and sticky appearance of the hair. In addition, the cosmetic composition according to the invention adheres better to the hair fiber thanks to its electrical charge in affinity with that of hair keratin.

[0073] Behentrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt that deposits a nanometric layer on the hair cuticle, particularly in areas with a high negative charge, i.e. the most damaged areas of the hair.

[0074] Preferably, the cosmetic composition also includes polyquaternium-7, according to the INCI nomenclature. It is a cationic copolymer of diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and acrylamide. This highly substantive cationic copolymer improves the wet and dry properties of the cosmetic composition. It provides shine, a soft and silky feel. It also provides lubricity and allows wet hair to be combed without snagging and without excessive buildup. It also provides excellent combability for dry hair.

[0075] According to alternative embodiments, the cosmetic composition could contain other quaternary ammonium salts, replacing behentrimonium chloride, chosen from the group comprising: quaternium, polyquaternium, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetrimonium chloride, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, amodimethicone, silicone quaternium-16.

[0076] Preferably, the cosmetic composition is prepared in the form of an emulsion. It could also be in the form of a gel or a cream. Advantageously, the ionization step is followed by a step of stimulating blood circulation on the scalp of the person being treated during which a cosmetic composition containing an active ingredient with a vasodilating effect is applied to the scalp. Preferably, the active ingredient with a vasodilating effect is vanillyl butyl ether.

[0077] During the blood circulation stimulation stage, a waiting time can be provided to allow vasodilation to take place so that the hair bulbs are properly stimulated. The waiting time can be, for example, between 10 and 30 minutes, preferably around 20 minutes.

[0078] According to an alternative embodiment, the cosmetic composition which contains the quaternary ammonium salts also contains the active ingredient with a vasodilator effect, which makes it possible to apply only one product to the hair and / or the scalp.

[0079] After the blood circulation stimulation step, a vibration massage step is implemented during which the operator applies the massager 14 to the scalp. The massager 14 is preferably applied repeatedly to the entire scalp from front to back following the hairline on the scalp.

[0080] In Figures 5 and 6, a second embodiment of the brush 12 is shown in which the ionization head 28 extends in an application direction D2 which forms an open angle with respect to the main longitudinal direction D1. The angle between the two directions D1 and D2 is preferably between 180 degrees and 120 degrees so that the ionization head 28 is close to being aligned with the main body 24.

[0081] According to this second embodiment, the cylindrical housing portion 30 also extends in the direction of application D2 but it is of a reduced dimension in this direction of application D2 compared to the cylindrical housing portion 30 of the first embodiment.

[0082] It is noted that the ionization head 28 is here mounted on the main body 24 in a removable manner. For this purpose, the two electrodes 48, 50 are produced in the form of connection pins which are intended to be received by insertion into a complementary socket provided in the main body 24 to allow their electrical connection. This makes it possible to produce an interchangeable ionization head 28. It is for example possible to provide two ionization heads 28 with two different tooth lengths 36 to be able to adapt to different types of hair or different thicknesses of hair.

[0083] The operation of the brush 12 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the brush 12 according to the first embodiment.

[0084] Of course, it is possible to use an interchangeable ionization head 28 also in the first embodiment of the brush 12.

[0085] Preferably, the massage apparatus 14 can be modified in a similar manner to the second embodiment of the brush 12 so that the application direction D2 of the massage head 70 forms the same angle as the ionization head 28 relative to the main longitudinal direction D1.

[0086] Advantageously, the hair care appliance 10, in particular the first and second housings 18, 20, are suitably modified to receive the brush 12 and the massage appliance 14 according to the second embodiment.

[0087] LEGEND

[0088] 10: Hair care device

[0089] 12: brush

[0090] 14: massage device

[0091] 16: platinum

[0092] 18: first accommodation

[0093] 20: second accommodation

[0094] 22: protective cover

[0095] 24: main body

[0096] 26: housing

[0097] 27: electric battery

[0098] 28: ionization head

[0099] 30: portion of cylindrical housing 32: lower opening

[0100] 34: base

[0101] 36: teeth

[0102] 38: tubular portion

[0103] 40: first base

[0104] 42: second base

[0105] 44: lower surface

[0106] 46: upper surface

[0107] 48: first electrode

[0108] 50: second electrode

[0109] 52: heating element

[0110] 54: first hot plate

[0111] 56: second hot plate

[0112] 57: cavity

[0113] 58: electronic control unit

[0114] 60: printed circuit board

[0115] 62: control button

[0116] 64: indicator light

[0117] 66: terminals

[0118] 68: electric charging socket

[0119] 70: massage head

[0120] 72: spikes

[0121] 74: support element

[0122] 76: display device

[0123] D1: main longitudinal direction

[0124] D2: application direction

[0125] 51: first set of teeth

[0126] 52: second set of teeth

Claims

DEMANDS 1. A non-therapeutic hair care method intended to be performed on a person's hair, characterized in that it employs a hair care device (10) comprising a brush (12) having a first set (S1) of teeth (36) connected to a positive electrical pole and a second set (S2) of teeth (36) connected to a negative electrical pole, and in that it comprises a hair ionization step during which: - a cosmetic composition containing quaternary ammonium compounds is applied to the hair, - the brush (12) is supplied with electric current and applied to the hair in such a way as to cause ionization of the cosmetic composition via the teeth (36).

2. A process according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the quaternary ammonium compounds contained in the cosmetic composition are selected from the group comprising: behentrimonium chloride, quaternium, polyquaternium, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetrimonium chloride, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, amodimethicone, silicone quaternium-16.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, during the ionization step, the teeth (36) are electrically heated so as to promote the action of the ingredients contained in the cosmetic composition, in particular the action of quaternary ammonium compounds 4. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the teeth (36) are heated to a temperature between 37 and 50 degrees Celsius, preferably at 40 or 48 degrees Celsius.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, during the ionization step, the brush (12) is repeatedly applied to strands of hair from the roots to the tips.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ionization step is followed by a step of stimulating blood circulation on the scalp during which a cosmetic composition containing an active ingredient with a vasodilatory effect is applied to the scalp, the active ingredient with a vasodilatory effect preferably being vanillyl butyl ether.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ionization step is followed by a vibratory massage step during which a massage device (14) is applied to the scalp.

8. A method according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 5, characterized in that the vibratory massage step is implemented after the blood circulation stimulation step.

9. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the massage device (14) is applied repeatedly over the entire scalp from front to back following the lines of hair implantation on the scalp.

10. A non-therapeutic hair care device (10) intended for carrying out the process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a brush (12) comprising: - a main body (24) forming a grasping organ, - a power supply (27), - an ionization head (28) comprising: -- a first series (S1) of teeth (36) connected to a positive electrical pole of the power supply (27), -- a second series (S2) of teeth (36) connected to a negative electrical pole of the power supply (27), - an electronic control unit (58) which is connected to the ionization head (28) and which, in ionization mode, controls the supply of electrical energy to the two series (S1, S2) of teeth (36). Hair care device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the ionization head (28) comprises at least one heating element (52) for transmitting heat to the teeth (36) of the ionization head (28), the electrical power supply to the heating element (52) being controlled by the electronic control unit (58). Hair care device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the ionization head (28) comprises a first base (40) to which the first set (S1) of teeth (36) and a first heating plate (54) are fixed, and a second base (42) to which the second set (S2) of teeth (36) and a second heating plate (56) are fixed.Hair care device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first base (40) and the second base (42) are each in the shape of a half-disc, and the first heating plate (54) and the second heating plate (56) are each in the shape of a half-disc. Hair care device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a vibrating massage device (14). Hair care device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a plate (16) having a first housing (18) adapted for the brush (12) and a second housing (20) adapted for the massage device (14), each housing (18, 20) having a charging socket (68) provided for connecting the brush (12) and the massage device (14) to a power supply.Hair care device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plate (16) includes a support element (74) allowing the removable insertion of an electronic display device (76) enabling the visualization of the manipulations necessary for the implementation of the process.

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