Hair extension system

Abstract

A system and method for installing hair extensions utilizes a hair extension installation clip comprising opposing clip arms biased toward a clamped position and configured to segment a section of natural hair into discrete portions. A shield portion of the clip supports a hair attachment layer comprising hook-and-loop fasteners that secures a portion of the natural hair while an upper portion is clamped between the clip arms which maintain separation of adjacent hair portions during installation.

Description

[0001] This application claims benefit to Provisional Application No. 63 / 779,486 filed Mar. 28, 2025, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of hair extension systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methods for installing keratin-tip (k-tip) hair extensions.

[0003] K-tip hair extensions comprise individual hair strands pre-tipped with a keratin-based adhesive and are commonly used for long-term, custom, and discreet hair lengthening or volumizing. In conventional application techniques, each extension is applied by using heat to melt the keratin adhesive and fuse the extension directly to a small section of a wearer's natural hair. However, due to the need to isolate and shield individual sections of natural hair, installation may be time-consuming. Additionally, conventional techniques may result in adjacent hairs becoming inadvertently caught or bonded within the keratin adhesive, leading to discomfort, poor aesthetics, or difficulty during removal.

[0004] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved system that addresses the above-mentioned issues.SUMMARY

[0005] According to various embodiments, disclosed is a system and / or method of installing hair extensions on a user's natural hair, which utilizes a hair extension installation clip which may include a hook-and-loop component. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise positioning the installation clip relative to a selected section of the user's natural hair, the clip comprising opposing clip arms biased toward a clamped position and a hair attachment layer supported on a shield portion of the clip; securing a lower portion of the selected section of natural hair to the hair attachment layer; clamping an upper portion of the selected section of natural hair between the opposing clip arms; segmenting the selected section of natural hair into a plurality of discrete hair portions using slot-defining structures formed between the clip arms; applying keratin-tip hair extensions to exposed portions of the segmented natural hair while the segmented natural hair is retained by the clip; and removing the clip after the keratin-tip hair extensions are secured to the natural hair.

[0006] In some embodiments, the hair attachment layer may comprise the hook-and-loop component. In certain embodiments, the hair attachment layer is adhesively secured to an interior surface of the shield portion of the clip. In some embodiments, the method further comprises disengaging the hair attachment layer from the natural hair prior to removing the clip. In some embodiments, segmenting the selected section of natural hair comprises receiving teeth formed on one clip arm into corresponding openings formed in the opposing clip arm to define the plurality of hair-receiving slots. In some embodiment, the teeth have a generally triangular profile that maintains a defined spacing between generally planar surfaces of the opposing clip arms. In some embodiment, the plurality of hair-receiving slots laterally separate adjacent hair portions to provide consistent spacing for application of the hair extensions. In some embodiment, the shield portion includes a generally rounded surface supporting the hair attachment layer.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will be made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the figures disclose one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair extension system, the system including a hair extension installation clip which is shown in use, according to certain embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hair extension installation clip.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of the clip.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a section view depicting opening of the clip.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The disclosed subject matter provides a hair extension installation system utilizing a hair extension installation clip 50 for applying k-tip hair extensions to a user's hair 28.

[0014] In certain embodiments, installation clip 50 may generally comprise an inner clip arm 10 and an outer clip arm 12 that are rotationally coupled to one another and configured to selectively clamp together. In some embodiments, a spring 14 or other biasing mechanism operatively couples the inner and outer clip arms and biases the clip arms toward a clamped position. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner clip arm 10 and the outer clip arm 12 are pivotally connected by a pin 16 extending through aligned openings 15 formed in the respective clip arms, thereby defining a hinged connection. A torsion spring 14 may be disposed about the pin 16, with opposing end portions of the torsion spring bearing against respective actuating portions 17 of the clip arms, such that the torsion spring urges the clip arms toward one another. In operation, a user may apply a pinching force to the actuating portions 17 to rotate the clip arms against the bias of the torsion spring 14 and selectively open the clip 50.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the inner clip arm 10 and the outer clip arm 12 may each include respective flat or generally planar surfaces that face one another when the clip 50 is in a clamped position. In some embodiments, the generally planar surfaces cooperate with a toothed interface to define a plurality of discrete hair-receiving slots 13 between the clip arms. In one embodiment, the outer clip arm 12 includes a plurality of spaced teeth 20 formed on or extending from its generally planar surface, wherein each tooth 20 has a generally triangular profile. The inner clip arm 10 includes a plurality of holes 22 formed in or through its generally planar surface and positioned to correspond with the teeth 20. When the clip 50 is in the clamped position, the triangular teeth 20 of the outer clip arm 12 are received within the holes 22 of the inner clip arm 10. The outwardly expanding side walls of the triangular teeth 20 engage opposing surfaces of the holes 22 to prevent the generally planar surfaces of the clip arms from contacting one another, thereby maintaining a defined spacing between the planar surfaces. This spacing defines the hair-receiving slots 13, with the teeth 20 and holes 22 further forming opposing side walls that laterally separate adjacent slots. Any number of slots may be provided depending on the number of the teeth 20 and holes 22, and in one exemplary embodiment, six hair-receiving slots are defined between the clip arms.

[0016] In further embodiments, a planar shield 18 extends downwardly from the inner clip arm 10 and supports a hair attachment layer 26 comprising hook-and-loop fasteners on its interior surface. In certain embodiments, the hair attachment layer 26 includes an adhesive backing that enables a user to secure the layer 26 to the interior surface of the shield 18, or optionally use the shield 18 without the hook-and-loop attachment layer. In further embodiments, a pad 24 is provided on an exterior surface the outer clip arm 12 and may be configured to improve comfort during the installation process.

[0017] In use, the clip 50 is configured to facilitate precise, even, and clean application of k-tip hair extensions. A user or stylist may first identify a section of natural hair 28 for application of the hair extensions. The clip 50 is then positioned such that the attachment layer 26 is secured to a lower portion of the selected hair section, while an upper portion of the hair, closer to the hair roots, is clamped between the clip arms 10, 12. In this configuration, the hair is segmented into discrete portions by the hair-receiving slots 13 and held in place by the hook-and-loop attachment layer 26. With the hair segments isolated and retained, keratin-tip hair extensions may be applied to exposed upper portions of the hair segments, typically proximate the roots, using a heat tool known in the art to form clean and consistent bonds. The clip 50 minimizes interference from adjacent hair, as the hook-and-loop attachment layer 26 resists movement of the hair segments while holding the clip 50 in place. After the extensions are secured, the clip 50 may be removed by disengaging the attachment layer 26, leaving the applied extensions cleanly bonded and consistently spaced.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the clip 50 is formed primarily from a plastic material, while components such as the pin and the spring may be formed from metal. It shall be appreciated, however, that any suitable materials may be used in alternate embodiments. It shall further be appreciated that the clip 50 may utilize different types of hair-separating structures, including, without limitation, grooves, comb features, or various slot-defining elements, in alternate embodiments. In certain embodiments, the shield 18 or a lower portion of the clip 50 includes a generally rounded surface that supports a hook-and-loop attachment interface. It shall be appreciated that the shield 18 may have different dimensions and geometric configurations in alternate embodiments. Furthermore, it shall be appreciated that the disclosed system and clip may be used for different types of hair extensions in alternate embodiments.

[0019] Hence, the disclosed hair extension installation system and clip enables a controlled and organized work area during installation of k-tip hair extensions, thereby reducing tangling and minimizing cross-section contamination between adjacent hair segments. By consistently isolating and retaining discrete hair sections, the system reduces guesswork and shortens overall application time, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient installation process. In contrast to conventional techniques that require repeated re-sectioning and individual bonding, the disclosed system enables multiple hair extensions to be bonded in a single application sequence while maintaining uniform spacing between hair segments. This consistent segmentation promotes even distribution of the hair and improves accuracy during keratin bonding. Additionally, by maintaining controlled spacing and stable retention of the hair segments, the system enhances comfort for the client during installation and reduces manipulation of the natural hair. The result is improved bonding consistency, cleaner sectioning, and a more efficient and repeatable installation process for the stylist.

[0020] It shall be appreciated that the system described herein may have different configurations and applications in alternate embodiments. It shall be appreciated that the components of the system described herein may comprise any alternative known materials in the field and be of any size and / or dimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of the system described herein may be manufactured and assembled using any known techniques in the field.

[0021] It shall be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as “outer”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “inside”, “outside” is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for convenience and simplification of describing the disclosed subject matter, rather than indicating or implying that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation or are constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0022] As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has”, “have”, “having”, “with” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0023] The constituent elements of the disclosed device and system listed herein are intended to be exemplary only, and it is not intended that this list be used to limit the device of the present application to just these elements. Persons having ordinary skill in the art relevant to the present disclosure may understand there to be equivalent elements that may be substituted within the present disclosure without changing the essential function or operation of the garment system. Terms such as ‘approximate,’‘approximately,’‘about,’ etc., as used herein indicate a deviation of within + / −10%. Relationships between the various elements of the disclosed device as described herein are presented as illustrative examples only, and not intended to limit the scope or nature of the relationships between the various elements. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]The disclosed subject matter provides a hair extension installation system utilizing a hair extension installation clip 50 for applying k-tip hair extensions to a user's hair 28.

[0014]In certain embodiments, installation clip 50 may generally comprise an inner clip arm 10 and an outer clip arm 12 that are rotationally coupled to one another and configured to selectively clamp together. In some embodiments, a spring 14 or other biasing mechanism operatively couples the inner and outer clip arms and biases the clip arms toward a clamped position. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner clip arm 10 and the outer clip arm 12 are pivotally connected by a pin 16 extending through aligned openings 15 formed in the respective clip arms, thereby defining a hinged connection. A torsion spring 14 may be disposed about the pin 16, with opposing end portions of the torsion spring bearing against respective actuating portions 17 of the clip arms, such that the torsion spring urges the clip a...

[0001] This application claims benefit to Provisional Application No. 63 / 779,486 filed Mar. 28, 2025, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of hair extension systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methods for installing keratin-tip (k-tip) hair extensions.

[0003] K-tip hair extensions comprise individual hair strands pre-tipped with a keratin-based adhesive and are commonly used for long-term, custom, and discreet hair lengthening or volumizing. In conventional application techniques, each extension is applied by using heat to melt the keratin adhesive and fuse the extension directly to a small section of a wearer's natural hair. However, due to the need to isolate and shield individual sections of natural hair, installation may be time-consuming. Additionally, conventional techniques may result in adjacent hairs becoming inadvertently caught or bonded within the keratin adhesive, leading to discomfort, poor aesthetics, or difficulty during removal.

[0004] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved system that addresses the above-mentioned issues.SUMMARY

[0005] According to various embodiments, disclosed is a system and / or method of installing hair extensions on a user's natural hair, which utilizes a hair extension installation clip which may include a hook-and-loop component. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise positioning the installation clip relative to a selected section of the user's natural hair, the clip comprising opposing clip arms biased toward a clamped position and a hair attachment layer supported on a shield portion of the clip; securing a lower portion of the selected section of natural hair to the hair attachment layer; clamping an upper portion of the selected section of natural hair between the opposing clip arms; segmenting the selected section of natural hair into a plurality of discrete hair portions using slot-defining structures formed between the clip arms; applying keratin-tip hair extensions to exposed portions of the segmented natural hair while the segmented natural hair is retained by the clip; and removing the clip after the keratin-tip hair extensions are secured to the natural hair.

[0006] In some embodiments, the hair attachment layer may comprise the hook-and-loop component. In certain embodiments, the hair attachment layer is adhesively secured to an interior surface of the shield portion of the clip. In some embodiments, the method further comprises disengaging the hair attachment layer from the natural hair prior to removing the clip. In some embodiments, segmenting the selected section of natural hair comprises receiving teeth formed on one clip arm into corresponding openings formed in the opposing clip arm to define the plurality of hair-receiving slots. In some embodiment, the teeth have a generally triangular profile that maintains a defined spacing between generally planar surfaces of the opposing clip arms. In some embodiment, the plurality of hair-receiving slots laterally separate adjacent hair portions to provide consistent spacing for application of the hair extensions. In some embodiment, the shield portion includes a generally rounded surface supporting the hair attachment layer.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will be made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the figures disclose one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair extension system, the system including a hair extension installation clip which is shown in use, according to certain embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hair extension installation clip.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of the clip.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a section view depicting opening of the clip.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The disclosed subject matter provides a hair extension installation system utilizing a hair extension installation clip 50 for applying k-tip hair extensions to a user's hair 28.

[0014] In certain embodiments, installation clip 50 may generally comprise an inner clip arm 10 and an outer clip arm 12 that are rotationally coupled to one another and configured to selectively clamp together. In some embodiments, a spring 14 or other biasing mechanism operatively couples the inner and outer clip arms and biases the clip arms toward a clamped position. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner clip arm 10 and the outer clip arm 12 are pivotally connected by a pin 16 extending through aligned openings 15 formed in the respective clip arms, thereby defining a hinged connection. A torsion spring 14 may be disposed about the pin 16, with opposing end portions of the torsion spring bearing against respective actuating portions 17 of the clip arms, such that the torsion spring urges the clip arms toward one another. In operation, a user may apply a pinching force to the actuating portions 17 to rotate the clip arms against the bias of the torsion spring 14 and selectively open the clip 50.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the inner clip arm 10 and the outer clip arm 12 may each include respective flat or generally planar surfaces that face one another when the clip 50 is in a clamped position. In some embodiments, the generally planar surfaces cooperate with a toothed interface to define a plurality of discrete hair-receiving slots 13 between the clip arms. In one embodiment, the outer clip arm 12 includes a plurality of spaced teeth 20 formed on or extending from its generally planar surface, wherein each tooth 20 has a generally triangular profile. The inner clip arm 10 includes a plurality of holes 22 formed in or through its generally planar surface and positioned to correspond with the teeth 20. When the clip 50 is in the clamped position, the triangular teeth 20 of the outer clip arm 12 are received within the holes 22 of the inner clip arm 10. The outwardly expanding side walls of the triangular teeth 20 engage opposing surfaces of the holes 22 to prevent the generally planar surfaces of the clip arms from contacting one another, thereby maintaining a defined spacing between the planar surfaces. This spacing defines the hair-receiving slots 13, with the teeth 20 and holes 22 further forming opposing side walls that laterally separate adjacent slots. Any number of slots may be provided depending on the number of the teeth 20 and holes 22, and in one exemplary embodiment, six hair-receiving slots are defined between the clip arms.

[0016] In further embodiments, a planar shield 18 extends downwardly from the inner clip arm 10 and supports a hair attachment layer 26 comprising hook-and-loop fasteners on its interior surface. In certain embodiments, the hair attachment layer 26 includes an adhesive backing that enables a user to secure the layer 26 to the interior surface of the shield 18, or optionally use the shield 18 without the hook-and-loop attachment layer. In further embodiments, a pad 24 is provided on an exterior surface the outer clip arm 12 and may be configured to improve comfort during the installation process.

[0017] In use, the clip 50 is configured to facilitate precise, even, and clean application of k-tip hair extensions. A user or stylist may first identify a section of natural hair 28 for application of the hair extensions. The clip 50 is then positioned such that the attachment layer 26 is secured to a lower portion of the selected hair section, while an upper portion of the hair, closer to the hair roots, is clamped between the clip arms 10, 12. In this configuration, the hair is segmented into discrete portions by the hair-receiving slots 13 and held in place by the hook-and-loop attachment layer 26. With the hair segments isolated and retained, keratin-tip hair extensions may be applied to exposed upper portions of the hair segments, typically proximate the roots, using a heat tool known in the art to form clean and consistent bonds. The clip 50 minimizes interference from adjacent hair, as the hook-and-loop attachment layer 26 resists movement of the hair segments while holding the clip 50 in place. After the extensions are secured, the clip 50 may be removed by disengaging the attachment layer 26, leaving the applied extensions cleanly bonded and consistently spaced.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the clip 50 is formed primarily from a plastic material, while components such as the pin and the spring may be formed from metal. It shall be appreciated, however, that any suitable materials may be used in alternate embodiments. It shall further be appreciated that the clip 50 may utilize different types of hair-separating structures, including, without limitation, grooves, comb features, or various slot-defining elements, in alternate embodiments. In certain embodiments, the shield 18 or a lower portion of the clip 50 includes a generally rounded surface that supports a hook-and-loop attachment interface. It shall be appreciated that the shield 18 may have different dimensions and geometric configurations in alternate embodiments. Furthermore, it shall be appreciated that the disclosed system and clip may be used for different types of hair extensions in alternate embodiments.

[0019] Hence, the disclosed hair extension installation system and clip enables a controlled and organized work area during installation of k-tip hair extensions, thereby reducing tangling and minimizing cross-section contamination between adjacent hair segments. By consistently isolating and retaining discrete hair sections, the system reduces guesswork and shortens overall application time, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient installation process. In contrast to conventional techniques that require repeated re-sectioning and individual bonding, the disclosed system enables multiple hair extensions to be bonded in a single application sequence while maintaining uniform spacing between hair segments. This consistent segmentation promotes even distribution of the hair and improves accuracy during keratin bonding. Additionally, by maintaining controlled spacing and stable retention of the hair segments, the system enhances comfort for the client during installation and reduces manipulation of the natural hair. The result is improved bonding consistency, cleaner sectioning, and a more efficient and repeatable installation process for the stylist.

[0020] It shall be appreciated that the system described herein may have different configurations and applications in alternate embodiments. It shall be appreciated that the components of the system described herein may comprise any alternative known materials in the field and be of any size and / or dimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of the system described herein may be manufactured and assembled using any known techniques in the field.

[0021] It shall be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as “outer”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “inside”, “outside” is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for convenience and simplification of describing the disclosed subject matter, rather than indicating or implying that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation or are constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0022] As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has”, “have”, “having”, “with” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0023] The constituent elements of the disclosed device and system listed herein are intended to be exemplary only, and it is not intended that this list be used to limit the device of the present application to just these elements. Persons having ordinary skill in the art relevant to the present disclosure may understand there to be equivalent elements that may be substituted within the present disclosure without changing the essential function or operation of the garment system. Terms such as ‘approximate,’‘approximately,’‘about,’ etc., as used herein indicate a deviation of within + / −10%. Relationships between the various elements of the disclosed device as described herein are presented as illustrative examples only, and not intended to limit the scope or nature of the relationships between the various elements. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]The disclosed subject matter provides a hair extension installation system utilizing a hair extension installation clip 50 for applying k-tip hair extensions to a user's hair 28.

[0014]In certain embodiments, installation clip 50 may generally comprise an inner clip arm 10 and an outer clip arm 12 that are rotationally coupled to one another and configured to selectively clamp together. In some embodiments, a spring 14 or other biasing mechanism operatively couples the inner and outer clip arms and biases the clip arms toward a clamped position. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner clip arm 10 and the outer clip arm 12 are pivotally connected by a pin 16 extending through aligned openings 15 formed in the respective clip arms, thereby defining a hinged connection. A torsion spring 14 may be disposed about the pin 16, with opposing end portions of the torsion spring bearing against respective actuating portions 17 of the clip arms, such that the torsion spring urges the clip a...

Claims

1. A method of installing hair extensions on a user's natural hair, comprising:positioning a hair extension installation clip relative to a selected section of the user's natural hair, the clip comprising opposing clip arms biased toward a clamped position and a hair attachment layer supported on a shield portion of the clip;securing a lower portion of the selected section of natural hair to the hair attachment layer;clamping an upper portion of the selected section of natural hair between the opposing clip arms;segmenting the selected section of natural hair into a plurality of discrete hair portions using slot-defining structures formed between the clip arms;applying keratin-tip hair extensions to exposed portions of the segmented natural hair while the segmented natural hair is retained by the clip; andremoving the clip after the keratin-tip hair extensions are secured to the natural hair.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the lower portion of the selected section of natural hair comprises engaging the natural hair with a hook-and-loop fastener forming the hair attachment layer.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the hair attachment layer is adhesively secured to an interior surface of the shield portion of the clip.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the hair attachment layer comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein retaining the segmented natural hair with the hair attachment layer reduces movement of the clip during application of the hair extensions.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising disengaging the hair attachment layer from the natural hair prior to removing the clip.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein segmenting the selected section of natural hair comprises receiving teeth formed on one clip arm into corresponding openings formed in the opposing clip arm to define the plurality of hair-receiving slots.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the teeth have a generally triangular profile that maintains a defined spacing between generally planar surfaces of the opposing clip arms.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair-receiving slots laterally separate adjacent hair portions to provide consistent spacing for application of the hair extensions.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the shield portion includes a generally rounded surface supporting the hair attachment layer.

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