Hair extension and hair extension system

Abstract

Hair extensions and hair extension systems are disclosed herein, suitable for use with a human end user, which include a plurality of hair strands engaged with a fabric weft comprising silk, having a plurality of mounting holes disposed therethrough, configured to allow strands of the end user's hair to protrude there-through, the plurality of mounting holes dimensioned and arranged such that a malleable ring disposed about, and secured to the strands of the end user's hair protruding first through the mounting hole then through the malleable ring secures the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. 63 / 734,862 filed Dec. 17, 2024; the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed to hair extensions, more particularly, to a hair extension and a hair extension system and a method of installing a hair extension to a human scalp.BACKGROUND

[0003] A variety of hair accessories have been developed to adorn human hair, and to replace and / or enhance the hair of a human end user. Hair extensions are engaged with a human end user via the use of clips, ponytail holders, and other artificial members in order to further adorn human hair. Representative background references include US 2020 / 0163394 A1 directed to an apparatus for clip in hair extension; US 2013 / 0133680 is directed to a hair extension system including a hair weft made of human or synthetic hair; U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,559 is directed to a hair extension system providing a skin weft; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,434 directed to a hair on hair extension system wherein the attachment hair strands are braided directly into braids formed in the native hair of the wearer. CA 2567072 is directed to hair extension including an anchor band, while U.S. Pat. No. 9,339,072 is directed to hair extensions and methods of attachment using double sided tape.

[0004] It has also been desirable to adorn human hair with hair sourced from another human, or which is artificially produced to mimic human hair so as to provide varied colorations, fullness, length, and other characteristics. Some methods of attaching these hair extensions have included sewing into the natural hair close to the scalp, gluing weft onto the user's scalp; using deformable beads or malleable rings to secure the weft onto the scalp, and taping strands of auxiliary hair to the natural hair of the human head. It has been found that generally using glue or tape as the type of attachment mechanism can fail when the adhesive degrades thus no longer providing its holding characteristics. In addition, these hair extensions trap moisture and other materials, which can result in bacterial and / or fungal growth on the end user. There is a need to provide an improvement over both the attachment and construction of hair extensions for use with the human scalp.SUMMARY

[0005] A hair extension and a hair extension system are provided herein. In embodiments, a hair extension for use with a human end user comprises a plurality of hair strands engaged with a fabric weft; the fabric weft comprising a plurality of mounting holes disposed therethrough, configured to allow strands of the end user's hair to protrude there-through, the plurality of mounting holes dimensioned and arranged such that a malleable ring disposed about, and secured to the strands of the end user's hair protruding first through the mounting hole then through the malleable ring secures the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user; and wherein the fabric weft comprises silk.

[0006] In embodiments, a hair extension system for use with a human end user scalp, comprises a hair extension according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, and a plurality of malleable rings sized and dimensioned to secure the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user.

[0007] Other and further embodiments of the present disclosure are described below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Referring now to the drawings, illustrative embodiments are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent some embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated, removed, or partially sectioned to better illustrate and explain the present invention. Further, the embodiments set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the claims to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a hair extension according to embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 1B is a perspective view having hair on the top and bottom edge of the weft.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view illustrating the engagement of a hair extension to an end user's hair according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a malleable ring according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates threading of a malleable ring on an users hair pulled through the hole in the weft according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates the crimping the malleable ring onto the users hair pulled through the hole in the weft according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates the use of a hook tool to pull the users hair through the hole in the weft according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates the malleable rings crimped to hair pulled through the holes in the weft thereby securing the weft next to the scalp of the end user according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates the crimping tool according to embodiments disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In embodiments, a hair extension for use with a human end user, comprises a plurality of hair strands engaged with a fabric weft, the fabric weft comprising a plurality of mounting holes disposed therethrough, configured to allow strands of the end user's hair to protrude there-through, the plurality of mounting holes dimensioned and arranged such that a malleable ring disposed about, and secured to the strands of the end user's hair protruding first through the mounting hole then through the malleable ring secures the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user; and the fabric weft comprises silk.

[0018] In embodiments, the fabric weft has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 mm. In embodiments, the fabric weft consists essentially of silk. In embodiments, the silk has a rating of Grade A or higher when determined according to the International Silk Association.

[0019] In embodiments, the plurality of hair strands are arranged in a plurality of hair strand groups, and wherein one of the plurality of mounting holes is disposed between two of the hair strand groups. In some of such embodiments, a first hair strand group is engaged on an outer face of the fabric weft, and a second hair strand group is engaged on an inner face of the fabric weft. In some of such embodiments, the hair strands forming the first group of hair strands have a different length than the hair strands forming the second group of hair strands. Alternatively, the hair strands can also be secured to the top and bottom edges of the weft (per FIG. 1B) respectively. The hair strands on the top and bottom edges (or on the inner and outer edges of the weft) may be the same length or different lengths on the top versus the bottom edge. Once placed on the user, the top strands of hair will fold over the weft providing additional depth and fullness to the user's hair. The extension system, including the top and bottom strands of hair also provide for more flexibility in customizing hair styles for the user. The hair system can be placed anywhere on the head of the user such as the top, sides, or back portion of the scalp.

[0020] In embodiments, the hair extension is provided as a roll or other length configured such that the fabric weft may be cut to a length according to an end users' head profile. In embodiments, at least a portion of the fabric weft comprises a hydrophobic coating. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fabric weft comprises an antibacterial coating. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fabric weft comprises an antifungal coating.

[0021] In embodiments, the hair strands comprise synthetic hair strands. In some embodiments, the hair strands comprise human hair strands. In embodiments, the hair strands consist of human hair strands, which have been cuticle aligned and attached to the weft.

[0022] In embodiments, a hair extension system and / or kit for use with a human end user scalp, comprises a hair extension according to one or more embodiments, disclosed herein, and further includes a plurality of malleable rings sized and dimensioned to secure the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a crimping tool sized and dimensioned to crimp the malleable ring about the strands of the end user's hair. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a hook tool sized and dimensioned to pull strands of the end user's hair through the holes in the fabric weft. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a threader sized and dimensioned to dispose the malleable ring about the strands of the end user's hair pulled through the holes in the fabric weft.

[0023] In embodiments, each of the plurality of mounting holes disposed through the weft has a diameter of less than or equal to about 0.5 mm. In embodiments, the malleable rings have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 1 mm. In embodiments, an inner diameter of each of the malleable rings is coated with an elastomer, which in embodiments is or comprises a silicone elastomer. In embodiments, the malleable rings comprise, or are formed from copper. Alternatively, the metal for the rings may be made of any non-rusting malleable metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, brass, bronze, gold, silver, platinum or alloids thereof. Copper is the preferred metal. The malleable rings used herein are sized to be at least slightly larger in outer diameter than the mounting holes disposed through the weft.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1A, a hair extension 10 comprises a plurality of hair strands 12 engaged with a fabric weft 14. The fabric weft 14 comprising a plurality of mounting holes 16 disposed therethrough, configured to allow strands of the end user's hair (See FIG. 3) to protrude there-through. The plurality of mounting holes 16 dimensioned and arranged such that a malleable ring (See FIGS. 4 and 5) disposed about, and secured to the strands of the end user's hair protruding first through the mounting hole 16 then through the malleable ring secures the fabric weft 14 proximate to a scalp of the end user.

[0025] In embodiments, the fabric weft 14 comprises silk. In embodiments, the fabric weft 14 has a top edge and bottom edge as well as a thickness (i.e., distance from an inner face 18 to an outer face 20 of the fabric weft 14) of preferably less than or equal to about 1 mm, or more preferably less than or equal to about 0.8 mm, or most preferably less than or equal to about 0.5 mm.

[0026] In embodiments, the fabric weft 14 is, or consists essentially of silk, i.e., a woven silk cloth. The inventor has discovered that silk does not retain moisture and also appears to have antibacterial or antifungal properties. Likewise, the inventor has discovered that silk has the strength necessary for use as a weft, despite being relatively thin compared to weft materials known in the art. Silk is light weight, a strong fabric, and dries quickly when the user washes their hair. Accordingly, the use of an all silk weft provides a durable, yet natural looking hair extension, which does not result in fungal and / or bacterial growth associated with hair extensions in the art.

[0027] In embodiments, the silk has a rating of Grade A or higher when determined according to the International Silk Association. In some embodiments, the silk has Grade 1A, or 2A, or 3A, or 4A, or 5A, or 6A rating when determined according to the International Silk Association.

[0028] In embodiments, the silk is a Mulberry silk, or a Tussah silk, also known as a wild silk, or an Eri silk, or a Muga silk. In embodiments, the silk has a Momme density from about 8 to 12, or from about 14 to 19, or from about 20 to 28. In embodiments, the silk has a Momme of greater than or equal to about 30, wherein one Momme is equal to about 4.34 grams per square meter.

[0029] In embodiments, the fabric weft of the hair extension comprises a hydrophobic coating, and / or an antibacterial coating, and / or an antifungal coating. In embodiments, these coatings may include various organic compounds known to those of skill in the art, or, in embodiments, the fabric weft may be infused with a metal salt, e.g., comprising silver and / or copper, known to have antibacterial and / or antifungal properties. Methods to infuse the weft with coatings are well known in the art.

[0030] In embodiments, the hair strands of the hair extension comprise, or consist of synthetic polymers similar in appearance to human hair. In other embodiments, the hair strands comprise or consist of actual human hair. In other embodiments, the hair strands comprise or consist of animal hair.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1A, in embodiments, the plurality of hair strands 12 are arranged in a plurality of hair strand groups, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A are arranged as inner hair strand groups 22 (only one of which is numbered for clarity) attached to, and depending away from the inner face 18 of the fabric weft 14, and outer hair strand groups 24, attached to, and depending away from the outer face 20 of the fabric weft 14. Alternatively, the hair strand groups are each arranged on the same side of the silk weft, i.e., both on the inner or the outer face of the weft. The hair strand groups are arranged such that each of the mounting holes 16 are disposed between two of the hair strand groups, e.g., between two inner hair strand groups 22, between two outer hair strand groups 24, and / or between an inner hair strand group 22 and an outer hair strand group 24. Generally, the hair strand groups are secured to (i.e., engaged with) the top and / or the bottom edges, and / or between the top and the bottom edges of the weft with the mounting holes therebetween. FIG. 1B illustrates hair strands 12 on both top and bottom edge of the weft; alternatively both sides of the weft can have the hair strands on the inner and outer side thereof. In embodiments, a single mounting hole is disposed along a single vertical line between the top and bottom edges of a portion of the weft. In other embodiments, a plurality of mounting hole are disposed along a single vertical line between the top and bottom edges of a portion of the weft.

[0032] In embodiments, a length of the hair strands forming the inner hair strand groups 22, has a different length than the hair strands forming the outer hair strand groups 24. In other embodiments, a length of the hair strands forming the inner hair strand groups 22 is essentially equal to the length of the hair strands forming the outer hair strand groups 24. A further embodiment of the hair extension involves having hair of same or different length on each side of the fabric weft 14.

[0033] In embodiments, the hair extension may be provided in a roll or other arrangement, configured such that the fabric weft may be cut to a length according to an end users' head profile.

[0034] In embodiments, the end user's hair stands may be pulled through the mounting holes of the fabric weft of the hair extension using a hook, e.g., a latch hook tool, sized and dimensioned to pull strands of the end user's hair through the mounting holes in the fabric weft. Generally, it has been found that 1 malleable ring is employed for use with about 3-5 strands of the end user's hair strands pulled through each mounting hole. The number of strands ultimately depends on the thickness of each strand.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, a malleable ring 40 is then disposed over the end user's hair stands 30 and the malleable ring 40 is collapsed, e.g., crimped with a crimping tool 42 sized and dimensioned to crimp the malleable ring 40 about the strands of the end user's hair 30 thereby securing the fabric weft 14, and thus the hair extension 10 proximate to a scalp 44 of the end user.

[0036] In embodiments, the malleable ring 40 may be disposed about the end user's hair strands 30 protruding through the mounting hole using a threading device, e.g., a split needle threader 46, and / or the like.

[0037] In embodiments, a pulling step includes disposing a malleable ring 40 about a hook, grasping the end user's natural hair 30 and pulling it through the mounting hole, and sliding the malleable ring down around the end user's natural hair 30 and utilizing the crimping tool 42 to secure the malleable ring 40 about the end user's hair.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the malleable ring 40 has an outer diameter 48 of less than or equal to about 1 mm; and an inner surface 52 e.g., an inner diameter 50 of each of the malleable rings 40 is coated with an elastomer. In embodiments, the inner surface 52 is coated with a silicone elastomer. In embodiments, the malleable ring is formed from a metallic ring 54, which in embodiments comprises, or consists essentially of copper metal.

[0039] In embodiments, a human head (the end user) is prepared to receive the hair extension according to embodiments disclosed herein by exposing a portion of the person's scalp. A portion of the hair extension is then cut from a longer portion of the hair extension and then applied to the human head and the hair of the end user is pulled through the mounting holes FIG. 4 illustrates threading a malleable ring on the end users'hair pulled through the hole in the weft according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 4, a split threading needle or other threading device may be employed to dispose a malleable ring on the end users hair pulled through the hole in the weft according to embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 5 illustrates crimping of the malleable ring onto the users hair pulled through the hole in the weft according to embodiments disclosed herein thereby securing the weft to the users head.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates using a hook tool to pull the users hair through the hole in the weft according to embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 7 illustrates the malleable rings crimped to hair pulled through the holes in the weft thereby securing the weft next to the scalp of the end user according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 7, in embodiments, the users' hair is pulled through two adjacent holes and a single malleable ring is used to secure the weft between the users scalp and the malleable ring. Hair may be pulled through 1 hole and secured with a ring as shown in FIG. 2; or as an alternative, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates the crimping tool according to embodiments disclosed herein. The Applicant has discovered that in embodiments, the crimping of the malleable ring should be conducted with such force which prevents the elastomeric material from being forced out of the ring such that the hair is in direct contact with the metal ring. However, sufficient force is required to crimp the ring and secure the hair extension to the end user's head.

[0041] The Applicant has discovered that utilizing silk as the weft material according to embodiments disclosed herein allow the hair extension to be in place and in use for two or more months without the adverse effects of hair extensions known in the art in which the weft retains moisture and also weighs down the user's hair follicles. The silk weft has been further observed to allow the user to sleep comfortably, wash their hair, and conduct normal activities without adverse consequences due to the light weight and lack of water retention properties of the silk hair extensions. Indeed, the hair extensions disclosed herein have been worn by users for over 12 months without adverse effects.

[0042] The flexibility of the silk weft has also been observed to allow fitting of the hair extension to the unique characteristics of each end user's head, and can be readily cut and trimmed to provide an undetectable product worn by the user. It can be attached in larger sections or smaller sections as the end use dictates. The strength and inert properties of the silk weft further allow for the hair extension to be repositioned on the head of the end user over time as their natural hair grows. This is accomplished by removing the malleable ring, repositioning the hair extension, and then installing another malleable ring to secure the hair extension in an appropriate location. The repositioning generally occurs as the user's normal hair grows out.

[0043] The properties of the silk weft have further been observed to essentially eliminate issues of fungal and / or bacterial growth due the water sheading and quick drying of the silk weft during normal use.

[0044] In embodiments, a hair extension system, or kit, comprises one or more of the hair extension according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a hook dimensioned and arranged to pull the end user's hair through the mounting holes in the fabric weft, a plurality of malleable rings sized to be disposed over the strands of the end user's natural hair, and a crimping tool sized and dimensioned to crimp the malleable ring about the strands of the end user's hair thereby securing the fabric weft of the hair extension proximate to a scalp of the end user.

[0045] The hair extension once placed on the user with the system, can be removed by using the crimping tool to remove the rings and sliding the weft off the head of the user. Alternatively, the weft can be re-secured to the head of the user by replacing or re-crimping the rings. Over time it is expected that the weft will shift or move by the growth of the natural hair of the user, or by daily use and touching of the weft or combing the hair by the user, actions which may cause the rings to loosen and hence loosen the weft.

[0046] In embodiments, a method, comprises positioning a hair extension according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein proximate to an end users scalp; pulling a plurality of the end user's hair strands through at least one mounting hole; disposing the malleable ring about the plurality of the end user's hair strands; and crimping the malleable ring about the plurality of the end user's hair strands to secure the hair extension to the strands of the end user's hair between the end user's scalp and the malleable ring proximate to the end user's scalp.Embodiments

[0047] Embodiments according to the instant disclosure include:E1. A hair extension for use with a human end user, comprising:a plurality of hair strands engaged with a fabric weft wherein the weft has an inner face, an outer face, a top edge and a bottom edge;

[0049] the fabric weft comprising a plurality of mounting holes disposed therethrough, configured to allow strands of the end user's hair to protrude there-through, the plurality of mounting holes dimensioned and arranged such that a malleable ring disposed about, and secured to the strands of the end user's hair protruding first through a mounting hole then through the malleable ring secures the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user; and

[0050] wherein the fabric weft comprises silk.E2. The hair extension according to Embodiment E1, wherein the fabric weft has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 mm.E3. The hair extension according to Embodiment E1 or E2, wherein the fabric weft consists essentially of silk.E4. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E3, wherein the silk has a rating of Grade A or higher when determined according to the International Silk Association.E5. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E4, wherein the plurality of hair strands are arranged in a plurality of hair strand groups, and wherein one of the plurality of mounting holes is disposed between two of the hair strand groups.E6. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E5, wherein a first hair strand group is engaged on the outer face of the fabric weft, and a second hair strand group is engaged on the inner face of the fabric weft.E7. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E5, wherein the first and second hair strand groups are engaged on the same side of the weft.E8. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E7, provided in a roll configured such that the fabric weft may be cut to a length according to an end users' head profile.E9. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E8, wherein at least a portion of the fabric weft comprises a hydrophobic coating.E10. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E9, wherein at least a portion of the fabric weft comprises an antibacterial coating.E11. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E10, wherein at least a portion of the fabric weft comprises an antifungal coating.E12. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E11, wherein the hair strands comprise synthetic hair strands.E13. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E12, wherein the hair strands comprise human hair strands.E14. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E13, wherein the hair strands comprise animal hair strands.E15. The hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E14, wherein the hair strands forming the first hair strand group has a different length than the hair strands forming the second hair strand group.E16. A hair extension system for use with a human end user scalp, comprising:

[0051] a hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E15; and

[0052] a plurality of malleable rings sized and dimensioned to secure the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user.E17. The hair extension system according to Embodiment E16, further comprising a crimping tool sized and dimensioned to crimp the malleable ring about the strands of the end user's hair.E18. The hair extension system according to any one of Embodiments E15 through E17, further comprising a threader sized and dimensioned to dispose the malleable ring about the strands of the end user's hair pulled through the holes in the fabric weft.E19. The hair extension system according to any one of Embodiments E15 through E18, wherein the each of the plurality of mounting holes has a diameter of less than or equal to about 0.5 mm;

[0053] the malleable rings have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 1 mm; and

[0054] an inner diameter of each of the malleable rings is coated with an elastomer.E20. The hair extension system according to any one of Embodiments E15 through E19, wherein the elastomer comprises a silicone elastomer.E21. The hair extension system according to any one of Embodiments E15 through E20, wherein the malleable rings are formed from copper.E22. The hair extension system according to any one of Embodiments E15 through E21, wherein the hair strands forming the first hair strand group has a different length than the hair strands forming the second hair strand group.E23. The hair extension system according to any one of Embodiments E15 through E22, further comprising a hook sized and dimensioned to pull strands of the end user's hair through the holes in the fabric weft.E24. A method, comprising: positioning a hair extension according to any one of Embodiments E1 through E15 proximate to an end user's scalp;

[0055] pulling a plurality of the end user's hair strands through at least one mounting hole;

[0056] disposing the malleable ring about the plurality of the end user's hair strands; and

[0057] crimping the malleable ring about the plurality of the end user's hair strands to secure the hair extension to the strands of the end user's hair between the end user's scalp and the malleable ring proximate to the end user's scalp.

[0058] The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the hair extension and a system comprising the hair extension. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. The scope of the invention is limited solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. A hair extension for use with a human end user, comprising:a plurality of hair strands engaged with a fabric weft wherein the weft has an inner face, an outer face, a top edge and a bottom edge;the fabric weft comprising a plurality of mounting holes disposed therethrough, configured to allow strands of the end user's hair to protrude there-through, the plurality of mounting holes dimensioned and arranged such that a malleable ring disposed about, and secured to the strands of the end user's hair protruding first through a mounting hole then through the malleable ring secures the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user; andwherein the fabric weft comprises silk.

2. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the fabric weft has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 mm.

3. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the fabric weft consists essentially of silk.

4. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the silk has a rating of Grade A or higher when determined according to the International Silk Association.

5. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair strands are arranged in a plurality of first hair strand groups and second hair strand groups, and wherein one or more of the plurality of mounting holes is disposed between one of the first hair strand groups and one of the second hair strand groups.

6. The hair extension of claim 5, wherein a first hair strand group is engaged on the outer face of the fabric weft, and a second hair strand group is engaged on the inner face of the fabric weft.

7. The hair extension of claim 5, wherein both a first hair strand group and a second hair strand group are engaged on only one of the outer face or the inner face of the fabric weft.

8. The hair extension of claim 5, wherein the hair strands forming the first hair strand group has a different length than the hair strands forming the second hair strand group.

9. The hair extension of claim 1, provided in a roll configured such that the fabric weft may be cut to a length according to an end users' head profile.

10. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the fabric weft comprises a hydrophobic agent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, or a combination thereof.

11. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the hair strands comprise synthetic hair strands, human hair strands, animal hair strands, or a combination thereof.

12. A hair extension system for use with a human end user scalp, comprising:a hair extension comprising:a plurality of hair strands engaged with a fabric weft wherein the weft has an inner face, an outer face, a top edge and a bottom edge;the fabric weft comprising a plurality of mounting holes disposed therethrough, configured to allow strands of the end user's hair to protrude there-through, the plurality of mounting holes dimensioned and arranged such that a malleable ring disposed about, and secured to the strands of the end user's hair protruding first through a mounting hole then through the malleable ring secures the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user; wherein the fabric weft comprises silk; anda plurality of malleable rings sized and dimensioned to secure the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user.

13. The hair extension system of claim 12, further comprising:a crimping tool sized and dimensioned to crimp the malleable ring about the strands of the end user's hair;a hook sized and dimensioned to pull strands of the end user's hair through the holes in the fabric weft;a threader sized and dimensioned to dispose the malleable ring about the strands of the end user's hair pulled through the holes in the fabric weft;or a combination thereof.

14. The hair extension system of claim 12, wherein the each of the plurality of mounting holes has a diameter of less than or equal to about 0.5 mm;the malleable rings have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 1 mm; andan inner diameter of each of the malleable rings is coated with an elastomer.

15. The hair extension system of claim 14, wherein the elastomer comprises a silicone elastomer;wherein the malleable rings are formed from copper;or a combination thereof.

16. A method, comprising:positioning a hair extension for use with a human end user proximate to an end users scalp;wherein the hair extension comprises:a plurality of hair strands engaged with a fabric weft wherein the weft has an inner face, an outer face, a top edge and a bottom edge;the fabric weft comprising a plurality of mounting holes disposed therethrough, configured to allow strands of the end user's hair to protrude there-through, the plurality of mounting holes dimensioned and arranged such that a malleable ring disposed about, and secured to the strands of the end user's hair protruding first through a mounting hole then through the malleable ring secures the fabric weft proximate to a scalp of the end user; andwherein the fabric weft comprises silk;pulling a plurality of the end user's hair strands through at least one mounting hole;disposing the malleable ring about the plurality of the end user's hair strands; andcrimping the malleable ring about the plurality of the end user's hair strands to secure the hair extension to the strands of the end user's hair between the end user's scalp and the malleable ring proximate to the end user's scalp.

17. The hair extension of claim 1 wherein the malleable ring consists of non-rusting malleable metal selected from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, brass, bronze, gold, silver, platinum or alloids thereof.

Images