Heatless Hair Curler with Bend-Retentive Support Assembly

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a heatless hair curler including an elongated support assembly and a compressible curling body disposed around at least a portion of the support assembly. The elongated support assembly may include a bend-retentive element and a surrounding structural body. The heatless hair curler is configured to receive wrapped hair and to be manually bent into a retained configuration without the use of heat or separate fastening elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63 / 750,328 filed Jan. 28, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of hair styling tools, and more particularly to heatless hair curling devices configured for manual deformation and prolonged wear.BACKGROUND

[0003] Hair curling tools have been developed in a variety of forms to impart curl or wave to hair. Some hair curling devices rely on the application of heat to induce deformation of hair strands, while others employ mechanical interaction between the hair and a curling structure without the application of heat.

[0004] Depending on design and usage conditions, existing hair curling devices may involve trade-offs relating to handling convenience, comfort during wear, and retention consistency of the resulting curl. Certain non-heated curling devices may also present challenges in maintaining a selected configuration without reliance on external fastening components or additional accessories.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for hair curling devices that provide reliable curl retention through manual configuration while improving adaptability across different usage conditions.SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a heatless hair curler and associated methods configured to impart curl to hair through controlled manual deformation of a bend-retentive support assembly and a compressible curling body.

[0007] In one aspect, the heatless hair curler comprises an elongated support assembly having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the length of the support assembly. The support assembly may include a bend-retentive element configured to be manually deformable and to retain a user-selected configuration during use, and a surrounding structural body operatively associated with the bend-retentive element. The bend-retentive element is disposed inside the surrounding structural body. A curling body formed of a compressible material is disposed radially outward of the support assembly along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis.

[0008] The heatless hair curler is configured such that hair is wrappable around the curling body and the support assembly is manually deformable to establish a retained configuration through cooperative deformation of the bend-retentive element and the surrounding structural body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support assembly further comprises a surface-modifying layer associated with an outer region of the support assembly. In some further embodiments, the surface-modifying layer comprises a low-friction barrier layer formed from at least one of a textile, woven, non-woven, knit, coated, laminated, or composite material configured to reduce friction between hair and the curling body.

[0010] In some embodiments, opposing end portions of the support assembly are configured to be bent toward a common direction relative to the longitudinal axis to establish the retained configuration. The bend-retentive element is selected to provide shape retention under repeated manual bending, thereby resisting rotational unwinding of hair wrapped around the curling body during normal use.

[0011] In some embodiments, the surrounding structural body is formed from a deformable material configured to bend in response to manual force while transmitting retention force from the bend-retentive element to the curling body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bend-retentive element has an elongated configuration and is formed from a material and cross-section selected to exhibit a deformation response sufficient to provide shape retention under repeated manual bending, such that, upon manual bending into a non-linear configuration, the bend-retentive element retains the non-linear configuration with a restoring torque sufficient, during normal use, to resist rotational unwinding of hair wrapped around the curling body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the curling body comprises a flexible, compressible body having a surface structure and material compliance selected, during normal use, to resist axial slippage and rotational unwinding of hair wrapped therearound.

[0014] In some embodiments, the curling body comprises a material system selected to provide compressibility and surface compliance.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support assembly comprises an internal retention feature configured to secure the bend-retentive element within the surrounding structural body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the support assembly is enclosed within the curling body.

[0017] In some embodiments, opposing end portions of the support assembly are positioned substantially at or within corresponding end regions of the curling body.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least one end portion of the support assembly extends beyond an end region of the curling body to facilitate direct manual manipulation of the support assembly.

[0019] In some embodiments, the heatless hair curler is configured to establish the retained configuration without requiring applied heat or separate fastening elements.

[0020] In another aspect, a method for using the heatless hair curler is provided. The method may include:

[0021] (a) winding at least a portion of a strand of hair onto the curling body;

[0022] (b) bending opposing end portions of the support assembly toward a common direction to establish a retained configuration of the curler;

[0023] (c) maintaining the curler in the retained configuration for a duration sufficient to impart a curled configuration to the hair; and

[0024] (d) unbending the support assembly to release the hair from the curling body.

[0025] In some embodiments, in the step (a), the curling body is rolled such that the longitudinal axis of the support assembly is substantially perpendicular to a lengthwise extension direction of the wound hair strand.

[0026] In some embodiments, in the step (a), the curling body is rolled such that the longitudinal axis of the support assembly is substantially parallel to a lengthwise extension direction of the wound hair strand.

[0027] In some embodiments, the steps (a)-(d) are performed without applying heat and without using clips, ties, elastic bands, or separate fastening components.

[0028] The disclosed curler and methods provide controlled curl formation through functional interaction between bend-retentive shape retention and compressible surface compliance, enabling consistent results without reliance on external heat sources or separate fastening components.

[0029] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further details of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate example implementations of the disclosed subject matter. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example heatless hair curler according to the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heatless hair curler shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an internal arrangement of a support assembly and a curling body.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a lateral direction of the heatless hair curler of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates several possible implementations of example end-region retention and closure configurations for securing a bend-retentive element within a support assembly of the heatless hair curler.

[0035] FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an example method of using the heatless hair curler according to an embodiment, including different arrangements for retaining, enclosing, or terminating a bend-retentive element relative to surrounding structural components.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0036] curling body: 100

[0037] support assembly: 110

[0038] surface-modifying layer: 120

[0039] surrounding structural body: 130

[0040] bend-retentive element: 140

[0041] lid: 150

[0042] hook portion: 160

[0043] end cap: 170

[0044] accommodation cavity: 180

[0045] longitudinal axis: LDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] As used herein, the term “bend-retentive” refers to a structure or element that can be manually deformed into a bent or otherwise non-linear configuration and that substantially maintains the manually imposed configuration during use. This definition is intended to describe functional performance rather than to limit the disclosure to any particular material class or deformation regime. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, descriptive terms of degree (e.g., “substantially,”“sufficient,”“relatively”) are interpreted in the context of functional performance of the heatless hair curler during normal use, including resistance to axial slippage and rotational unwinding of wrapped hair while maintaining a curled configuration during wear.

[0047] The following description presents example implementations of the disclosed subject matter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and embodiments are provided for purposes of illustration and explanation and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Where orientation or positional terms (e.g., upper, lower, front, rear, left, right) are used, such terms are employed for convenience in describing features as illustrated and do not require any particular orientation, construction, or manner of operation. Further, unless explicitly defined otherwise, relational terms such as “arranged,”“mounted,”“connected,” and similar expressions are intended to be interpreted broadly in view of the disclosure, and features described in connection with one example embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an example heatless hair curler includes a support assembly 110 having a longitudinal axis L extending in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the support assembly 110, and a curling body 100 disposed radially outward of the support assembly 110 along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis. The support assembly 110 includes a bend-retentive element 140 and a surrounding structural body 130 operatively associated with and at least partially surrounding the bend-retentive element 140.

[0049] In use, hair is wrappable around the curling body 100, and the support assembly 110 is manually deformable to establish a retained configuration through cooperative deformation and shape retention of the bend-retentive element 140 in combination with the surrounding structural body 130 and the curling body 100. This retained configuration can resist rotational unwinding and axial slippage of wrapped hair during wear without requiring applied heat or discrete external fastening components.

[0050] When the heatless hair curler is in use, the bend-retentive element 140 is configured to undergo manual deformation and to substantially maintain a user-imposed configuration during use. This shape-retention capability enables the support assembly 110 to maintain a selected curvature after bending, thereby supporting consistent curl formation. In operation, hair may be wrapped around the curling body 100, while the surrounding structural body 130 cooperates with the bend-retentive element 140 to accommodate varying curvatures and to distribute retention forces along at least a portion of the curler length. The curling body 100 at least partially covers the surrounding structural body 130, providing a compliant surface for contacting hair while cushioning and distributing forces to enhance comfort during use.

[0051] In some embodiments, the heatless hair curler may be used without applied heat or chemical styling agents. Retention of the wrapped hair is achieved through cooperative deformation and shape retention of the bend-retentive element 140 in combination with the surrounding structural body 130 and the curling body 100. This interaction can resist rotational unwinding and axial slippage of wrapped hair during wear, reducing loosening or styling failure associated with devices that rely primarily on elastic rebound or friction alone. The multilayer structure formed by the bend-retentive element 140, the surrounding structural body 130, and the curling body 100 transmits deformation forces while maintaining a compliant exterior, making the curler suitable for prolonged wear under low-activity conditions.

[0052] In some embodiments, the support assembly 110 further includes a surface-modifying layer 120 disposed around at least a portion of the surrounding structural body 130. The surface-modifying layer 120 may provide secondary encapsulation and reinforcement of internal components and may inhibit migration or exposure of the bend-retentive element 140 during repeated bending. Additionally, the surface-modifying layer 120 can reduce friction between internal components and the curling body 100, slow material wear, and improve durability of the overall structure. By providing an additional compliant and protective interface, the surface-modifying layer 120 may further enhance safety, comfort, and service life of the heatless hair curler.

[0053] In some embodiments, the support assembly 110 includes a surface-modifying layer 120 disposed around at least a portion of the surrounding structural body 130. The surface-modifying layer 120 may be configured to provide a low-friction interface relative to hair during wrapping and release. For example, the surface-modifying layer 120 may comprise a textile, woven, non-woven, knit, coated, laminated, or composite material selected to reduce friction between hair and adjacent portions of the curler. By providing a smooth contact surface, the surface-modifying layer 120 can reduce snagging, tangling, or uneven loading of hair strands during winding, thereby facilitating more uniform distribution of hair and consistent curl formation.

[0054] In some embodiments, the surrounding structural body 130 is formed from a deformable material selected to transmit retention forces from the bend-retentive element 140 while providing cushioning and compliance. The surrounding structural body 130 may accommodate bending of the support assembly 110 into a variety of curvatures and may distribute forces along the length of the curler to reduce localized stress concentrations. This cooperative interaction between the bend-retentive element 140 and the surrounding structural body 130 can contribute to smooth curvature formation and improved comfort during use.

[0055] The surrounding structural body 130 may further buffer tactile sensation associated with the bend-retentive element 140, thereby reducing discomfort during contact with the scalp or hair. By distributing retention forces through compliant material layers, the surrounding structural body 130 can apply restraint to wrapped hair in a more uniform manner, which may reduce localized over-tightening and contribute to smooth, natural-appearing curl profiles.

[0056] In some embodiments, the bend-retentive element 140 has an elongated geometry, such as a strip-like, wire-like, ribbon-like, or other elongate configuration capable of supporting manual deformation and shape retention. An elongated geometry may promote distribution of bending forces along at least a portion of the curler length and may reduce localized stress concentrations during repeated bending.

[0057] The bend-retentive element 140 is configured to be manually deformable and to substantially retain a manually imposed configuration during use. In operation, the bend-retentive element 140 functions as a shape-defining structural member that supports formation and maintenance of a desired curl geometry while permitting repeated bending and straightening during normal use.

[0058] When a user applies manual force to the heatless hair curler, the bend-retentive element 140 undergoes controlled deformation that allows the support assembly 110 to be shaped into a selected retained configuration. The retained configuration may include curved, segmented, angular, or multi-bend geometries defined by one or more bends along the support assembly. The bend-retentive element 140 provides sufficient structural support to resist rotational unwinding of wrapped hair while permitting repeated bending and straightening during normal use. This enables users to adjust curvature through intuitive manual manipulation without specialized tools or training.

[0059] The bend-retentive element 140 may be formed from one or more materials selected to provide the described shape-retention and durability characteristics under repeated manual deformation. Material selection is based on functional performance rather than composition, provided the element is capable of maintaining a manually imposed configuration during use.

[0060] The curling body 100 comprises a compressible body configured to receive and retain wrapped hair through increased surface contact and frictional engagement. In operation, localized deformation of the curling body 100 under wrapping tension can increase effective contact area between hair and the curling body, thereby increasing resistance to relative movement. This friction-enhancing interaction can reduce slippage of hair during styling and retention, even under gravity or minor external forces.

[0061] By promoting stable engagement between hair and the curling body 100, the curling body facilitates uniform wrapping tension and consistent curl formation along the length of the hair. As a result, curls may be more uniform, defined, and durable. In some embodiments, the curling body 100 provides sufficient frictional engagement to maintain hair positioning without the need for additional styling products, while remaining comfortable for extended wear.

[0062] In some embodiments, a thickness or cross-sectional dimension of the curling body 100 may be selected to influence curl geometry. For example, a curling body having a smaller effective diameter may produce tighter curls, while a curling body having a larger effective diameter may produce looser curls. Selection of curling body dimensions may be based on hair type, hair length, and desired styling outcomes, enabling a range of curl profiles using the same curler architecture.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments the surrounding structural body 130 includes an axially extending accommodation cavity 180 configured to receive the bend-retentive element 140. One or more end openings may communicate with the accommodation cavity 180 to facilitate insertion of the bend-retentive element 140. The accommodation cavity 180 may constrain the bend-retentive element 140 radially while permitting axial force transmission, thereby supporting cooperative deformation of the support assembly 110. In some embodiments, the bend-retentive element 140 may be removable to facilitate assembly, replacement, or customization, although fixed configurations are also contemplated.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bend-retentive element 140 may be removably received within the surrounding structural body 130 to facilitate assembly, replacement, or customization. For example, the bend-retentive element 140 may be inserted into an accommodation cavity 180 after manufacture of the surrounding structural body 130. Such configurations can enable replacement of the bend-retentive element 140 without replacement of the entire curler and may facilitate manufacturing, maintenance, or variation of deformation characteristics. Fixed, non-removable configurations are also contemplated.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4, the support assembly 110 may include one or more end-region retention features configured to limit axial movement of the bend-retentive element 140 and to close or cover openings communicating with the accommodation cavity 180. In various embodiments, end-region retention may be achieved using one or more of end caps 170 (FIG. 4a), sealing members (FIG. 4b), heat-formed closures (FIG. 4c), interference fits, snap-fit structures, or combinations thereof.

[0066] In one example, the support assembly comprises an internal retention feature configured to secure the bend-retentive element within the surrounding structural body. For example, refer to FIG. 4d, the internal retention feature is composed of a lid 150 covering one end of the support assembly and a hook portion 160 located at an end region of the bend-retentive element. The lid 150 includes a connection to be connected to the hook portion 160, such that the ends of bend-retentive element can be safely maintained in the accommodation cavity 180. Such retention features may inhibit exposure of internal components, reduce ingress of debris or moisture, and enhance safety and durability during repeated use.

[0067] In some embodiments, an end-region retention feature includes a sealing member coupled to an end portion of the bend-retentive element 140 and positioned to engage an opening of the surrounding structural body 130. The sealing member may cooperate with the surrounding structural body 130 to limit axial displacement of the bend-retentive element 140 and to provide a barrier between internal components and the external environment. Detachable configurations may be used to facilitate assembly or replacement, although permanently secured configurations are also contemplated.

[0068] In various embodiments, an axial length relationship between the curling body 100 and the support assembly 110 may be selected to achieve different handling, comfort, and manipulation characteristics. For example, in some configurations, the curling body 100 may extend beyond one or more end portions of the support assembly 110 such that end regions of the curler are formed primarily from compliant material. In other configurations, end faces of the curling body 100 and the support assembly 110 may be substantially aligned. In still other configurations, one or more end portions of the support assembly 110 may extend beyond an end region of the curling body 100 to permit direct manual manipulation of the support assembly 110.

[0069] Selection of an axial length relationship may influence user handling, force application, comfort, and ease of manipulation during styling. For example, recessed end configurations may enhance comfort during contact with hair or skin, while protruding end configurations may facilitate manual bending or adjustment of the support assembly 110. These configurations are provided as non-limiting examples, and other axial arrangements consistent with the disclosed structure are contemplated.

[0070] In some embodiments, a heatless hair curler includes a support assembly 110 and a curling body 100. The support assembly 110 includes a bend-retentive element 140 and a surrounding structural body 130 configured to cooperatively deform and retain a manually imposed configuration during use. In some embodiments, the surrounding structural body 130 includes an accommodation cavity 180 extending along at least a portion of its length and configured to receive the bend-retentive element 140. One or more end openings may communicate with the accommodation cavity 180 to facilitate insertion of the bend-retentive element 140.

[0071] In some embodiments, the support assembly 110 further includes a surface-modifying layer 120 disposed around at least a portion of the surrounding structural body 130. The surface-modifying layer 120 may provide a low-friction interface relative to hair and may enhance comfort, durability, and containment of internal components during repeated bending and use.

[0072] The curling body 100 is disposed radially outward of the support assembly 110 along at least a portion of the curler length and is configured to provide a compressible, compliant surface for receiving wrapped hair. In operation, the curling body 100 cooperates with the support assembly 110 to distribute forces and to resist rotational unwinding and axial slippage of wrapped hair while maintaining comfort during wear.

[0073] In various embodiments, an axial length relationship between the curling body 100 and the support assembly 110 may be selected to achieve different handling and comfort characteristics. For example, the support assembly 110 may be recessed relative to end regions of the curling body 100, substantially flush with corresponding end regions, or may extend beyond one or more end regions to permit direct manual manipulation. These configurations are provided as non-limiting examples, and other axial arrangements are contemplated.

[0074] In some embodiments, one or more dimensional characteristics of the curling body 100, the support assembly 110, or the accommodation cavity 180 may be selected to accommodate different hair types, curl profiles, or styling preferences. Such dimensions are not limiting and may vary depending on desired performance characteristics.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, an example method of using the heatless hair curler includes winding at least a portion of a strand of hair onto the curling body 100 to establish an initial wrapped configuration. Wrapping may be performed in different orientations relative to a length axis of the curling body 100, as further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] When both end portions of the support assembly 110 are manually bent toward a common lateral direction, the bend-retentive element 140 undergoes controlled deformation, causing the overall geometry of the hair curler to transition from a generally linear configuration to a curved configuration. This geometric change establishes a retained configuration that resists relative movement between the wrapped hair and the curling body 100.

[0077] During this operation, the support assembly 110 is shaped such that opposing end portions are oriented toward the same side of the curler, resulting in a retained configuration defined by one or more curved, angular, or segmented bend regions. In various embodiments, the retained configuration may include generally C-shaped, U-shaped, bracket-like, hinge-like, or partially angular profiles that cooperate to resist rotational unwinding of wrapped hair. The resulting curvature increases contact conformity between the curling body 100 and the wrapped hair, thereby increasing resistance to rotational unwinding and axial slippage through geometric interaction rather than discrete fastening.

[0078] The deformation of the support assembly 110 produces a distributed restoring bias within the bend-retentive element 140 that cooperates with the surrounding structural body and the curling body 100 to maintain the retained configuration during use. This interaction provides a stabilizing retention effect without requiring clips, ties, elastic bands, or separate fastening components.

[0079] In some embodiments, the degree of retention varies with the initial wrapping condition of the hair, such that tighter wrapping produces increased resistance to unwinding while looser wrapping produces a correspondingly reduced retention effect. This adaptive behavior allows the hair curler to accommodate a range of hair types, lengths, and styling preferences using the same structural configuration.

[0080] After the hair has been maintained in the retained configuration for a duration sufficient to allow the hair to conform to the imposed curl geometry, the end portions of the support assembly 110 may be manually returned toward a less curved configuration. This reduces the retention effect and allows the wrapped hair to be released from the curling body 100 while substantially maintaining the formed curl.

[0081] The described method enables curl formation through manual shaping and geometric retention, without the application of heat, chemical agents, or external fasteners, thereby providing a simple and intuitive styling process.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, hair may be wrapped around the curling body 100 in different orientations relative to a longitudinal axis of the curler. In some examples, the curling body 100 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the length of the hair strand during wrapping, producing a wavy curl profile. In other examples, the curling body 100 is oriented substantially parallel to the length of the hair strand during wrapping, producing spiral or helical curl profiles. These orientations are non-limiting and may be selected based on desired styling outcomes.Method of Use

[0083] A method of using a heatless hair curler includes the following steps.

[0084] First, at least a portion of a strand of hair is wrapped around the curling body 100. During wrapping, the curling body 100 may be oriented in different directions relative to the user's head, including orientations substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to the length of the hair strand, depending on a desired curl profile.

[0085] Next, opposing end portions of the support assembly 110 are manually bent toward a common lateral direction, causing the hair curler to transition from a generally linear configuration to a curved retained configuration. In this configuration, a bend-retentive element disposed within the support assembly undergoes controlled deformation and cooperates with surrounding structural components to resist rotational unwinding and axial slippage of the wrapped hair.

[0086] The hair curler is maintained in the retained configuration for a duration sufficient to allow the hair to conform to the imposed curl geometry.

[0087] Finally, the opposing end portions of the support assembly 110 are manually returned toward a less curved configuration, thereby reducing the retention effect and allowing the styled hair to be released from the curling body 100.

[0088] The described method enables curl formation primarily through manual shaping and geometric retention, without requiring the application of heat, chemical agents, or external fasteners, although such agents or heat may be used in combination with the curler in some implementations.Retention Mechanism

[0089] In an embodiment, retention of wrapped hair is achieved through bending deformation of the support assembly 110. After hair is wrapped around the curling body 100, opposing end portions of the support assembly are bent toward a same lateral direction to establish a retained configuration. The retained configuration may include one or more curved, angular, or segmented bend regions, including but not limited to C-shaped, U-shaped, hinge-like, or bracket-like configurations, depending on the degree and location of manual bending applied by the user.

[0090] This bending deformation produces a distributed restoring bias within a bend-retentive element of the support assembly, which cooperates with the surrounding structural body and the curling body to resist rotational unwinding of the wrapped hair. The resulting retention is achieved through geometric interaction and material compliance, without the use of clips, ties, elastic bands, or separate fastening elements.

Claims

1. A heatless hair curler, comprising:an elongated support assembly having a longitudinal axis, the support assembly comprising a bend-retentive element configured to be manually deformable and to retain a selected configuration, and a surrounding structural body operatively associated with the bend-retentive element; anda curling body formed of a compressible material and disposed radially outward of the support assembly along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis,wherein the heatless hair curler is configured such that hair is wrappable around the curling body and the support assembly is manually deformable to establish a retained configuration through cooperative deformation of the bend-retentive element and the surrounding structural body.

2. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly further comprises a surface-modifying layer associated with an outer region of the support assembly.

3. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein opposing end portions of the support assembly are configured to be bent toward a common direction relative to the longitudinal axis to establish the retained configuration.

4. The heatless hair curler according to claim 2, wherein the surface-modifying layer comprises a low-friction barrier layer formed from at least one of a textile, woven, non-woven, knit, coated, laminated, or composite material configured to reduce friction between hair and the curling body.

5. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding structural body is formed from a deformable material configured to bend in response to manual force while transmitting retention force from the bend-retentive element to the curling body.

6. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the bend-retentive element has an elongated configuration and is formed from a material and cross-section selected to exhibit a deformation response sufficient to provide shape retention under repeated manual bending, such that, upon manual bending into a non-linear configuration, the bend-retentive element retains the non-linear configuration with a restoring torque sufficient, during normal use, to resist rotational unwinding of hair wrapped around the curling body.

7. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the curling body comprises a flexible, compressible body having a surface structure and material compliance selected, during normal use, to resist axial slippage and rotational unwinding of hair wrapped therearound.

8. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the curling body comprises a material system selected, during normal use, to provide compressibility and surface compliance.

9. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises an internal retention feature configured to secure the bend-retentive element within the surrounding structural body.

10. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly is enclosed within the curling body.

11. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein opposing end portions of the support assembly are positioned substantially at or within corresponding end regions of the curling body.

12. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein at least one end portion of the support assembly extends beyond an end region of the curling body to facilitate direct manual manipulation of the support assembly.

13. The heatless hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the heatless hair curler is configured to establish the retained configuration without requiring applied heat or separate fastening elements.

14. A method for using a heatless hair curler as claimed in claim 1, comprising:(a) winding at least a portion of a strand of hair onto the curling body;(b) bending opposing end portions of the support assembly toward a common direction to establish a retained configuration of the curler;(c) maintaining the curler in the retained configuration for a duration sufficient to impart a curled configuration to the hair; and(d) unbending the support assembly to release the hair from the curling body.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, in the step (a), the curling body is rolled such that the longitudinal axis of the support assembly is substantially perpendicular to a lengthwise extension direction of the wound hair strand.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein, in the step (a), the curling body is rolled such that the longitudinal axis of the support assembly is substantially parallel to a lengthwise extension direction of the wound hair strand.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the steps (a)-(d) are performed without applying heat and without using clips, ties, elastic bands, or separate fastening components.

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