Capillary fiber harvesting device

Abstract

Hair fiber sampling device: Hair fiber sampling rod comprising a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and having, in its distal part, a slit extending substantially longitudinally so as to form at least a first branch and at least a second branch, the length of the first branch being less than that of the second. Figure for abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for harvesting capillary fibers technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for collecting hair fibers, and a method for collecting such fibers. Previous technique

[0002] Hair fiber sampling from a client's hair is commonly carried out by hairdressers in order to test that the effect of a product that they wish to apply to the client's hair is in accordance with that expected.

[0003] There are various devices for collecting capillary fibers comprising collars with a collection groove, collars with a textured surface or an adhesive material, or suction devices.

[0004] Furthermore, in some cases, the collected hair fibers are sent to a third party, typically in an envelope, loose or attached, for example by means of adhesive tape or a self-locking collar.

[0005] Sampling methods have also been developed to avoid direct contact between the fingers of the operator performing the sampling and the hair fibers collected when the sampling is carried out as part of a forensic investigation. These methods typically use adhesive materials and combs, possibly including a rod to select and isolate a row of fibers. The fibers thus collected are generally tied together before being placed in a container such as an envelope. Description of the invention

[0006] There is a need for a tool that is easy to make and use, allowing not only the selection of a desired quantity of hair fibers and the collection of the selected hair fibers, but also the introduction of them into a relatively small container, such as a bottle or a pillbox, allowing the transport and / or application of a treatment to said hair fibers, preferably while avoiding any direct contact between the operator in charge of the collection and the collected hair fibers.

[0007] In addition, there is a need to allow the simultaneous collection of a predetermined quantity of hair fibers, as well as the introduction of these fibers into a device or a bottle, in a short handling time and without resorting to a step of attaching the fibers together.

[0008] There is also an interest in having a device and a method that minimizes the number of hair fibers to be collected. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention meets all or part of these needs by means of a hair fiber sampling rod, comprising a shaft which extends along a longitudinal axis and has in its distal part a slit extending substantially longitudinally so as to form at least a first branch and at least a second branch, the length of the first branch being less than the length of the second branch.

[0010] The first and second arms, separated by the slot, allow for the selection and retention of hair fibers for extraction. Specifically, the longer second arm is used to select the hair fibers to be extracted. Once the desired quantity of hair fibers has been selected, the operator can slide them into the slot to secure them between the first and second arms of the wand. The operator can then wrap the hair fibers around the first and second arms before finally cutting them.

[0011] The rod may have a length greater than 10 cm, and / or less than 20 cm, and preferably the length of the rod is between 13 cm and 17 cm, in particular substantially equal to 15 cm.

[0012] The term "rod" refers to a long, thin tool. In particular, the largest transverse dimension of the rod does not exceed 1 / 5 of its length. Specifically, unlike a sardine key, the rod does not have a large loop at its proximal end.

[0013] The length of the rod corresponds to its maximum length along the longitudinal axis X.

[0014] Such a length offers good maneuverability. In particular, it allows the operator to precisely manipulate the rod with one hand.

[0015] The length of the first branch may be less than or equal to ¾ of the length of the second branch, better less than or equal to half the length of the second branch, preferably still less than or equal to a quarter of the length of the second branch.

[0016] The difference in length between the first branch and the second branch may be less than or equal to 2.5 cm, better less than or equal to 2 cm, even better less than or equal to 1.5 cm.

[0017] The length of the first branch may be less than or equal to 2 cm, preferably less than or equal to 1 cm, and / or greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0018] The length of the second branch may be greater than or equal to 8mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1 cm, and / or less than or equal to 8cm, preferably less than or equal to 4 cm.

[0019] These dimensions are particularly well suited to the collection of hair fibers.

[0020] The stem may have a generally cylindrical shape, when the slot is not considered. The sheathing surface containing the two branches may have a generally cylindrical, or conical, possibly truncated shape.

[0021] The rod may have a rounded cross-section, for example a circular or elliptical cross-section.

[0022] The rod may have a constant cross-section, particularly over more than half of its length. Alternatively, the rod may have a cross-section of variable dimensions.

[0023] Preferably, the cross-section of the rod has a larger dimension between 3 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, for example substantially equal to 5 mm.

[0024] In one embodiment, the slot extends to a distance greater than or equal to 1 mm and / or less than or equal to 5 mm, or even less than 2.5 mm, from the external surface of the rod.

[0025] The slot can extend over a depth of between 5 mm and 2 cm. The depth is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod when the slot is parallel to it.

[0026] The slot may have a width greater than or equal to 1 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0027] The slot may have a width less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0028] The distal part of the stem may be beveled and / or truncated.

[0029] Preferably, the beveled distal part has a conical envelope.

[0030] The beveled distal part can be truncated.

[0031] The beveled distal portion may extend over at least 5% of the length of the baguette, better at least 10% of the baguette length, better at least 15% of the baguette length.

[0032] Such a tapered wand at the end allows in particular a finer and easier selection of hair fibers in a head of hair.

[0033] In addition, the rod may include a gauge extending transversely to the longitudinal axis X.

[0034] The gauge advantageously allows for a more precise estimation of the quantity of hair fibers to be extracted, thus enabling calibrated, rapid, and accurate fiber extraction. In particular, the extraction of hair fibers from a head of hair by a hairdresser is often perceived as unpleasant by clients. This is why it is essential to extract only a limited and necessary number of hair fibers.

[0035] The gauge may be a hole, an annular groove, or a recess intended to receive capillary fibers. In particular, the gauge may form a V flush with the surface of the stem.

[0036] The gauge preferably has a maximum depth of between 0.7 mm and 1 mm, in particular the maximum depth may be about 0.9 mm.

[0037] The maximum width of the gauge can be between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm, in particular the maximum width can be about 1 mm.

[0038] These dimensions are particularly well suited to obtain a sufficient quantity of hair fibers to perform a test on a sample of hair fibers, in particular for the purpose of checking the reaction of a coloring or bleaching on the hair fibers.

[0039] The gauge can be formed in a proximal or median portion of the stem.

[0040] The gauge can be formed near the bottom of the slot, in other words near of the junction between the first branch and the second branch, in particular at a distance from the bottom of the slot less than or equal to 10 mm, 8 mm, or 5 mm.

[0041] Thus, after selecting hair fibers to be collected and before wrapping the hair fibers around the first and second branches, the operator can measure the quantity of hair fibers selected by engaging it in the gauge and check whether this quantity corresponds or not to that which one wishes to collect.

[0042] The operator can, for example, visually check whether the selected quantity of hair fibers overflows the gauge or does not completely fill the gauge. The operator can then adjust the quantity of hair fibers before proceeding with the actual sampling.

[0043] The presence of a gauge is particularly advantageous because it allows the optimal quantity of hair fibers to be efficiently collected.

[0044] The rod may include a retaining element intended to hold hair fibers to be taken from the stem.

[0045] Such a retaining element advantageously allows the collected hair fibers to be transported to a container without loss, while avoiding, where appropriate, any direct contact between the operator and the collected hair fibers.

[0046] The retaining element can be positioned on the stem so as to retain the hair fibers after the operator has wrapped the fibers around the first and second branches and before the operator cuts said hair fibers.

[0047] The retaining element may be in the form of a ring, sliding along the stem, with slight friction if necessary.

[0048] In particular, the retaining element may have an insertion cone diverging towards the distal end of the rod and arranged to cover the coiled hair fibers during hair fiber harvesting.

[0049] The retaining element can be elastically deformable.

[0050] The rod may include at least one protrusion which, through the friction it generates, provides a position for immobilizing the retaining element around the rod.

[0051] The rod may include at least two end stops for the retaining element, the retaining element sliding between these two stops.

[0052] Alternatively, the retaining element may be removable.

[0053] The retaining element may have a flat on its surface facing the rod in order to limit its rotational movements around the rod, the latter then having a non-circular external section adapted to the shape of the retaining element.

[0054] It may also be advantageous to be able to pack the hair fibers taken into a container intended to receive them and / or to be able to extract them from this container.

[0055] For this purpose, the rod according to the invention may include an enlarged proximal part, for example with a diameter greater than that of a median portion of the rod.

[0056] The enlarged part can be formed by molding, cutting or be an added end piece.

[0057] The enlarged portion may have a larger transverse dimension, in particular a diameter, between 8 and 12 mm, preferably about 10 mm, and / or a length between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 7 mm and 10 mm, for example about 8 mm.

[0058] The enlarged part can be arranged so as to allow the packing of capillary fibers taken from a particular container, and preferably has a circular end section, for example being substantially cylindrical in shape of revolution.

[0059] The rod may have a hook at the proximal end of the rod.

[0060] This hook may be provided in the aforementioned enlarged part, if necessary.

[0061] The hook can have a width between 2 and 9 mm, preferably between 4 and 6 mm.

[0062] The baguette can be, at least partially, covered with a coating, so as to provide a smooth surface and / or a slightly rough surface and / or an adhesive surface.

[0063] Such a coating facilitates the adhesion of hair fibers to the stem, in particular to branches.

[0064] The first branch and / or the second branch may be at least partially provided with surface studs, the studs extending radially, the studs preferably being flexible.

[0065] At least part of the wand, preferably the first and / or second branch(s), may be light in color, in particular a beige, pastel or white tone.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the wand, preferably the first and / or second branch(s), may be dark in color, in particular a grey or black tone.

[0067] Such colours make it possible to optimize the contrasts with the colour of the hair and to better distinguish the hair fibres to be collected.

[0068] The baguette may in particular be, at least partially, made of injected plastic or wood, for example bamboo.

[0069] The stem may have a smooth or rough surface at the sampling surface.

[0070] A device according to the invention is particularly well suited to collecting hair fibers from a head of hair.

[0071] The mass of the baguette is in particular less than or equal to 15 g, preferably less than or equal to 10 g, preferably even less than or equal to 5 g.

[0072] Such a mass allows precise manipulation of the rod and thus facilitates the sampling.

[0073] The invention also relates to a method for collecting hair fibers, in particular by means of a rod according to the invention, comprising the following successive steps: (1) select the required quantity of hair fibers to be collected, with the distal end of a rod, in particular a branch of a wand according to the invention; (2) optionally, assess the quantity taken preferably using the aforementioned gauge, and possibly adjust the quantity of fibre to be taken; (3) wrap the selected hair fibers from step (1), possibly adjusted, around the stem to a fiber length greater than or equal to 1 cm; (4) section the hair fibers to keep the fibers on the stem coiled; (5) preferably, insert the hair fibers carried by the stem into a container, possibly inserting both the hair fibers and the stem on which the hair fibers are wound into the container, the stem possibly serving after its insertion as a stopper for the container.

[0074] The method is preferably implemented using a rod according to the invention, as defined above, but alternatively a sardine key and a comb, or a knitting hook and a comb, can be used.

[0075] Preferably, before step (1), the process according to the invention includes a preliminary step consisting of isolating a set of hair fibers using a comb, and in step (1), the fibers taken are selected from this set.

[0076] The number of hair fibers selected in step (1) may be greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 15, in particular between 10 and 15 inclusive.

[0077] Preferably, step (2) is implemented.

[0078] The assessment of the quantity of hair fibers to be collected may involve positioning the hair fibers, for example manually or by sliding them along the shaft, in the aforementioned gauge. If the hair fibers fill the gauge, the quantity of hair fibers selected corresponds to the quantity needed for the test; if the hair fibers protrude from the gauge, the quantity of hair fibers selected is greater than the quantity of hair fibers required; and if the gauge is not completely filled, the quantity of hair fibers selected is less than the recommended quantity of hair fibers.

[0079] If necessary, an adjustment of the quantity of hair fibers selected is made before collecting them.

[0080] When using a wand according to the invention, the hair fibers can be slid into the slot after step (1), preferably after step (2), and before step (3). The operator can easily wind the bundled hair fibers around the rod.

[0081] In step (3), the selected hair fibers are preferably wound over a fiber length greater than or equal to 5 cm.

[0082] Preferably, the selected hair fibers are wound along their length until a length of unwound fibers greater than or equal to 1 cm remains, preferably substantially equal to 1 cm.

[0083] In particular, when the process is implemented to harvest hair fibers from an individual's head, the hair fibers may be coiled up to 1 cm from the root. Furthermore, the hair fibers are preferably harvested below the occipital bone of the head, with the individual in a seated or standing position and holding their head upright. Preferably, after step (3) and before step (4), the coiled hair fibers are secured to the shaft, for example, by means of a retaining element as defined above.

[0084] This retaining element can be positioned on the fibers by sliding it from the distal end of the rod to its proximal end. The retaining element can be arranged to achieve an immobilization position at a larger section of the distal portion, or at a protrusion present on the rod.

[0085] Alternatively, the retaining element can be permanently attached to the rod, for example by being held there by two end stops. In this case, the capillary fibers are at least partially wound between these stops in step (3), and then the operator slides the retaining element over the wound fibers so as to immobilize them.

[0086] The process preferably includes a step (5) of inserting the hair fibers into a container, for example a test tube or a bottle.

[0087] The hair fibers can be inserted into the container while being held immobilized on the stem. Alternatively, the hair fibers are released from the stem at the time of insertion into the container.

[0088] The invention further relates, according to another aspect, to a sampling kit comprising a wand according to the invention conditioned with a reagent. Alternatively, the sampling kit comprises another tool for sampling hair fibers, for example a knitting hook or a sardine can wrench.

[0089] The kit may include at least one bottle containing or intended to contain the reagent.

[0090] The bottle can be pre-filled or to be filled. Brief description of the drawings

[0091] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, on which:

[0092] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] represents an example of a baguette according to the invention,

[0093] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents an enlargement of the distal part of the rod of the [Fig.l];

[0094] [Fig. 3] [Fig. 3] is a cross-sectional view along II-II of a rod such as shown in figures 1 and 2;

[0095] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents another example of a baguette according to the invention, including a gauge,

[0096] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents another example of a baguette according to the invention, including a retaining element,

[0097] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is another example of a baguette according to the invention;

[0098] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is another example of a baguette according to the invention,

[0099] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates steps in the sampling process according to the invention,

[0100] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] illustrates the evaluation of the quantity of hair fibers with the gauge,

[0101] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 schematically illustrates the insertion of a retaining element onto the rod,

[0102] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] represents a sampling kit according to the invention,

[0103] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] illustrates examples of sardine keys, and

[0104] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] illustrates an example of a crochet hook for knitting.

[0105] In the following description, identical elements or elements with identical functions bear the same reference numeral. Their description is not repeated opposite each figure; only the main differences between the embodiments are mentioned. Detailed description

[0106] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a hair fiber sampling rod 1 according to the invention, comprising a shaft 10 which extends along a longitudinal axis X and having at a distal end a slot 18 extending substantially longitudinally so as to form a first branch 12 and a second branch 14, the length Li2 of the first branch measured along the axis X between its free end and the bottom of the slot 18 being less than the length LM of the second branch.

[0107] The baguette advantageously has a length L1 between 10 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 13 cm and 17 cm, preferably substantially equal to 15 cm.

[0108] The wand 1 can be used to collect hair fibers from an individual's head, for example to test the hair before coloring at a hairdresser's.

[0109] The rod has a main portion 10c which is preferably of constant cross-section, for example circular.

[0110] This main portion may extend over a length LiOc greater than half the total length Li of the rod, better more than two-thirds of its length LH, or even better more than three-quarters of its length Lb

[0111] The slot 18 can have a substantially constant width, as illustrated in [Fig.2]. This width d[8 can be greater than or equal to 1 mm and / or less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0112] The slot 18 can be less wide than the maximum thickness e^ of the branch 12 and also less than the maximum thickness ei4 of the second branch 14, as seen in [Fig.3].

[0113] In a variant, the thickness e^ of the first branch is equal to the thickness eu of the second branch at least at one point on the X axis.

[0114] The length Li2 of the first branch is less than the length Lw of the second branch.

[0115] The length Ln of the first branch can be between 5 mm and 2 cm, preferably between 5 mm and 1 cm, including terminals.

[0116] The Lu length of the second branch can be between 8 mm and 8 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 4 cm, including terminals.

[0117] The length Li2 of the first branch may be less than or equal to half the length LM of the second branch, preferably less than or equal to one-third of the length LM of the second branch, preferably less than or equal to one-quarter of the length LM of the second branch.

[0118] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], branches 12 and 14 each have a tapered shape. Thus, the thickness of the first branch and / or the thickness of the second branch may not be constant. In particular, the thickness of the first branch and / or the thickness of the second branch may decrease towards the distal end ldist of the rod.

[0119] Preferably, the distal end of the first branch 12 and / or the distal end of the second branch 14 are truncated.

[0120] The thickness of the first branch can be between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2.5 mm, including terminals.

[0121] The thickness of the second branch may be greater than or equal to 2.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0122] Preferably, the thickness of the first branch is less than the thickness of the second branch, for a given cross-section.

[0123] The rod 1 may include a distal part 20 which is generally tapered, for example having a generally truncated conical envelope surface, the branches 12 and 14 being part of this distal part 20.

[0124] The distal part can extend over a length L20 greater than the length L^ of the first branch and / or the length Lu of the second branch.

[0125] Preferably, the distal portion 20 extends over a length L20 greater than or equal to 5% of the length of the rod LB, better greater than or equal to 10% of the length Lb, or even better greater than or equal to 15% of the length Lp

[0126] The maximum diameter of the distal part may be greater than or equal to 5 mm and / or less than or equal to 10 mm, preferably less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0127] The distal part may have a minimum diameter greater than or equal to 3 mm and / or less than or equal to 5 mm

[0128] Steps of a sampling process using such a rod are detailed in [Fig.8].

[0129] A comb can be used to first isolate a set of hair fibers. The second arm then allows, in a first step (1) of the process, the operator to precisely select the hair fibers to be taken from this set, by pointing the root of the hair with the free end of the arm, then making a circular movement with the shaft around the fibers while keeping the free end of the arm substantially immobile.

[0130] The operator can then slide the selected hairs into the slot 18 between the two branches 12, 14.

[0131] Once the fibers are engaged in the slot, the operator slides the rod along the hair fibers thus selected while keeping them in the slot and away from the scalp, then wraps the fibers around the rod or around the branches, thus forming a wrap 52, which corresponds to step (3).

[0132] Preferably, the fibers are wound to a length of between 1 cm and 10 cm, including the terminals. The fibers may, in particular, be wound to a length corresponding to their total length less a cutting value of between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, in particular a cutting value substantially equal to 1 cm.

[0133] The fibers are then, in step (4), sectioned, preferably by being cut at a point located between the root and the stem.

[0134] Preferably, the hair fibers are cut at a distance dr greater than or equal to 0.5 cm from their root and preferably less than or equal to 2 cm, better less than or equal to 1 cm.

[0135] The hair fibers can then be deposited in a container 60, in step (5), if it is planned to bring them into contact with a reagent or to ship them to a remote analysis site.

[0136] The container may be a test tube or a bottle, possibly a postal envelope.

[0137] The container may contain a reagent.

[0138] Once collected and placed in the container, the operator can pack the hair fibers into it, so as to position them correctly inside said container, for example to minimize the amount of reagent used.

[0139] The rod may advantageously include for this purpose a proximal part 24 having an enlarged diameter and whose end lprox defines a substantially flat surface S.

[0140] The proximal part 24 can have a cylindrical envelope surface of revolution with axis X.

[0141] The proximal part 24 may be made of material with the stem or be added.

[0142] There may be an advantage to extracting the hair fibers from the container once the analysis carried out, for example in such a way as to allow the recycling of the container.

[0143] It is then preferable to avoid any contact between the reagent present in the container and the operator.

[0144] The wand may advantageously include a hook 26 allowing the hair fibers to be extracted from the container.

[0145] This hook 26 can be formed, as seen in [Fig. 1], in the proximal part 24 of the stem. The hook 26 can be formed between substantially parallel opposite surfaces S24i and S242 which are inclined at angles α and θ respectively, these angles each being, for example, substantially 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0146] The hook 26 can alternatively be formed of a leg 26' extending axially towards the distal end as shown in [Fig.7].

[0147] It can be seen in [Fig.5] that the hook and the slot can each have a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane containing the X axis, parallel to the plane of [Fig.5],

[0148] The variant in [Fig.6] illustrates the possibility of making the proximal part without a hook.

[0149] Preferably, after step (1) and before step (4), the operator performs a check of the quantity of hair fibers being collected. Preferably, this check is performed during the implementation of step (2).

[0150] The wand may for this purpose include a gauge 22 as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0151] This gauge 22 may be a recessed relief formed in the stem and preferably extends along a Y axis perpendicular to the X axis.

[0152] The gauge 22 may be a V-shaped notch as illustrated, or alternatively present any other hollow shape of predefined section, defining a fiber reception space.

[0153] The gauge 22 can be formed at a distance d from the bottom of the slot 18, this distance d being preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm and / or less than or equal to 2 cm.

[0154] The maximum width L22 of the gauge is for example between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably being substantially equal to 1 mm.

[0155] The length h22 of the gauge depends on its depth and is for example less than half the circumference of the stem.

[0156] The maximum depth of gauge 22 (measured at mid-length) is for example between 0.7 mm and 1 mm, this depth being measured radially.

[0157] As illustrated in [Fig.9], the operator can position the capillary fibers 50 in the gauge 22, for example by bringing their ends into the gauge.

[0158] In particular embodiments, the operator can slide the hair fibers 50 into the gauge during the implementation of step 3, when the operator begins to wind the hair fibers around the rod, step (2) then being carried out simultaneously with step (3). This advantageously avoids any contact with the hair fibers.

[0159] The operator may optionally check by touch whether the gauge is full by running their finger over its surface. Preferably, the operator visually checks whether the capillary fibers 50 fill the gauge 22.

[0160] In order to avoid any loss of hair fibers during the transfer of the fibers from the sampling site to the container, the rod may include a retaining element 30, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0161] The retaining element 30 can slide along the rod, and has, for example, an annular shape.

[0162] This retaining element 30 is configured so as to allow the fibers to be held on the rod during sampling, the capillary fibers being held tightly between the retaining element 30 and the rod 10.

[0163] As illustrated in [Fig.10], the operator can, after winding the hair fibers onto the rod, position the retaining element on the fibers wound onto the rod by sliding it from the distal end to the proximal end of the rod.

[0164] Generally, the rod 1 can be, at least partially, made of injected plastic and / or wood and / or plastic and / or metal.

[0165] The rod can be machined and / or molded

[0166] In particular, the rod may be made of an inert plastic material.

[0167] The baguette can be manufactured by molding, in particular by injection. It can possibly be manufactured by 3D printing.

[0168] The surface condition of the wand can optionally be adjusted by a treatment such as sanding, so as to obtain the desired adhesion with the hair.

[0169] The stem 10 may be at least partially covered with a coating, so as to provide a smooth surface and / or a slightly rough surface and / or an adhesive surface; in particular, the first and / or the second branch may be at least partially covered with such a coating.

[0170] The first branch and / or the second branch may be at least partially provided with surface studs, the studs extending radially, preferably being flexible.

[0171] At least part of the wand, preferably the first branch and / or the second branch, may be light in color, in particular beige, pastel or white.

[0172] The invention also relates to a sampling kit 2 comprising a container 60, a wand 1 according to the invention, and optionally a package 62.

[0173] Preferably, the container is a bottle.

[0174] The kit may include a reagent. In particular, the reagent may be intended for testing the fibers before applying a treatment product to the hair, for example, a hair color.

[0175] The reagent may be contained in one or more vials.

[0176] The reagent may be ready to use or may be prepared by mixing the contents of several bottles and / or by adding an aqueous solution.

[0177] The invention is not limited, however, to a kit comprising a wand according to the invention, nor to an implementation of the sampling method using a wand according to the invention.

[0178] In particular, the kit may include a sardine key 64 or a knitting hook instead of the rod according to the invention.

[0179] The sampling method can thus be implemented using a sardine key or a knitting hook.

[0180] A sardine key classically comprises a shaft 10', the latter having at a distal end two branches 12';14' separated by a slit 18', and at a proximal end a portion forming a loop 24' with a flattened head 28', as schematically shown in [Fig. 11].

[0181] A sardine key is not a rod according to the invention, due to the presence of the large loop at the end. Furthermore, the largest dimension in cross-section is located at the loop 24' and is greater than 1 / 5 of the length of the sardine key.

[0182] Alternatively, a knitting hook 66 can be used to implement the method according to the invention.

[0183] A knitting hook classically comprises a 10” shank, the latter having at its distal end a 40” hook, as schematically shown in [Fig. 10].

Claims

Demands

1. Hair fiber sampling wand (1) comprising a shaft (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising in its distal part a slot (18) extending substantially longitudinally so as to form at least a first branch (12) and at least a second branch (14), the length of the first branch being less than that of the second, comprising a gauge (22) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis X.

2. Sampling rod according to the preceding claim, wherein the distal part (20) of the shaft is beveled and / or truncated.

3. A wand according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a retaining element (30) for retaining the hair fibers on the shank.

4. Rod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod has a generally cylindrical shape.

5. Rod according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a proximal part (24) having a cross-section enlarged compared to that of a median portion of the rod.

6. Baguette according to any one of the preceding claims, at least a part of the baguette, preferably the first and / or second branch(s), being light in colour, in particular of a beige, pastel or white tone.

7. Baguette according to any one of the preceding claims, being, at least partially, made of injected plastic and / or wood.

8. Sampling kit (2) comprising a wand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one container (60), in particular a container containing a reagent for testing the effect of a hair colour.

9. A method for collecting hair fibers, in particular by means of a rod according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a kit according to claim 8, comprising the following successive steps: (1) selecting a desired quantity of hair fibers to be collected, with the distal end of a rod, in particular a branch of a rod according to any one of claims 1 to 7; (2) optionally, assess the quantity taken, preferably using the aforementioned gauge, and possibly adjust the quantity of fibre to be taken; (3) wrap the selected hair fibers from step (1), possibly adjusted, around the stem to a hair fiber length greater than or equal to 1 cm; (4) section the hair fibers to keep the fibers on the stem coiled; (5) preferably, insert the hair fibers carried by the stem into a container, possibly inserting both the hair fibers and the stem on which the hair fibers are wound into the container, the stem possibly serving after its insertion as a stopper for the container.

10. The method according to the preceding claim, being implemented by means of a rod according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a sardine key and a comb, or a knitting hook and a comb.

11. A method according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the number of selected hair fibers is greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 15, preferably being between 10 and 15.

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