BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to ways of attaching a hair extension to an individual's hair. More particularly the present invention relates to ways of easily attaching a hair extension.

[0002] Hair extensions are well known in the prior art. One way of attaching the hair extensions is to glue them onto the head hair of the person. The glue tends to deteriorate in water, so shampooing the hair in the shower is typically avoided. Instead of shampoo and water, chemicals are used to clean the hair when the glued hair extensions are in place. The cleaning chemicals can be harsh on the hair and may cause damage to the person's natural hair. It is much healthier for the hair to remove the hair extensions during showering, so that shampoo and conditioners can be applied to the hair rather than chemical cleaning treatments.

[0003] Alternative attachment devices are needed for hair extensions, rather than glue. The alternative attachment device should be resistant to water and shampoo, so the attachment device can be left in the wearer's hair during showering. Additionally, the attachment devices should be easily removable from the hair prior to showering. The person needs to have flexible choices that allow a brief shower with the hair extensions in place or quick removal of the hair extensions for showering and shampooing. Swimming and other water related activities are attainable when the attachment devices do not require glue, which is so prone to deteriorating in water and does not easily detach.

[0004] Since, chemical treatments tend to be very harsh on the hair, repeated treatment of the hair with the cleaning chemicals over long periods of time can potentially cause the hair to lose softness, texture and body. The purpose of hair extensions is to enhance the wearer's appearance and self-confidence. Deteriorating the natural hair during cleaning is counter-productive to the goal of improved individual appearance.

[0005] The glue holds the hair extension piece in position for about a month. After about a month the glue loses some of its adhesive qualities and the hair extensions are prone to falling off. The hair extensions must then be re-glued onto the person's hair. Significant time can be required to continuously re-glue the hair extensions back onto the wearer's hair. The glue may weaken and the hair extensions fall off at inappropriate times. Such unplanned detachments of the hair extensions can be very embarrassing for the wearer.

[0006] There can also be significant concerns regarding glue potentially damaging the person's hair. Glue contains ingredients that are not beneficial for the hair and may be detrimental to the growth and health of the hair. Repeated applications of the hair extensions onto the hair with glue can allow the ingredients within the glue to leach into the hair and damage the hair. Residue from the ingredients within the glue may even be absorbed into the scalp of the person, which is not desirable.

[0007] As previously mentioned, chemical cleaners are used on the wearer's hair since water cannot be used on the glued hair extensions. There is an even greater health concern associated with the chemical cleaners than just the potentially harmful effects on the hair during cleaning. Small amounts of the chemical cleaners could be absorbed into the scalp by the pores of the skin, just as the ingredients in the glue may be absorbed by the scalp. If the chemical cleaners do become absorbed through the skin they could eventually migrate to the cells of the brain.

[0008] Many times in the past, products have been promoted that eventually were found to have harmful side effects. Since all the harmful effect may not be known at this time, the usage of chemical cleaners for the cleaning of hair could produce presently undisclosed side effects. Using an attachment device for hair extensions that does not require glue and the associated chemical cleaners may prevent undesirable health consequences. Additionally, products that minimize potentially harmful side effects often provide greater peace of mind for the user.

[0009] Furthermore, the manufacturing of chemicals is detrimental to the environment and affects the health of many people beyond the end user of the chemical cleaner. Eventually the chemical cleaner is flushed down the shower drain, where it travels to a water treatment plant. The drain water is treated and cleaned at the water treatment plant. Unfortunately, it is impossible to remove all the chemicals that we dump into our water system. Some of the chemicals eventually find their way into the ocean or ground water reservoirs, where the chemicals endanger the natural environment. All efforts should be employed to reduce the consumer demand for harsh chemicals that may be hazardous to the environment.

[0010] Easy attachment and detachment prompt the person to wear the hair extensions when they choose and remove the hair extensions when they wish. The traditional method of gluing the hair extension to the hair requires so much effort that the person tends to leave the hair extensions in the hair for long periods of time. The person may desire to remove the hair extensions while sleeping or during strenuous physical exercise. The time required to remove and reapply the hair extensions when glued to the hair does not justify the removal of the hair extensions for short periods of duration.

[0011] Flexibility in attaching and detaching hair extensions can contribute to a more diverse lifestyle. The personal freedom to choose when to wear hair extensions increases the self-confidence of the user. Hairstyle and length of hair, just like clothing and jewelry, accentuates the personal preferences of the user. Hair extensions that extend hair length, should be just as quickly changeable as are the person's clothes and other accessories.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for a hair extension device that attaches to the hair without the use of glue. The device should be easily removable from the person's hair, when showering and shampooing the hair. Additionally, the device should be easily re-attachable to the person's hair after shampooing. Easy removal and attachment of the hair extensions is most beneficial for sleeping and vigorous physical activities. Furthermore, avoiding the use of glue and chemical cleaners can be beneficial to the hair, the person's health, and the environment.

SUMMARY

[0013] An objective of a hair extension piece with a retaining clip is the quick removal of the hair extension piece from the person's hair. The advantage is that the hair can be cleaned by showering and shampooing. Glued hair extensions that require chemical cleaning can be replaced with the traditional shampoo and water cleaning.

[0014] Another objective of the hair extension piece with a retaining clip is easy attachment to the person's hair. Easy removal and attachment of the hair extensions is most beneficial for sleeping and vigorous physical activities. The hair extensions can be inserted and removed with much greater freedom, since the process is quick and easy. Glued hair extensions are time consuming to apply, thus they tend to be left in the hair for many days.

[0015] Another objective is reducing the overall usage of glue and chemical cleaners. A great advantage is the improved appearance of the person's natural hair, the benefit to the person's health, and the protection of the environment. The minimizing of the manufacture and consumption of chemical cleaners is an advantage for everyone.

[0016] Another objective is avoiding the use of glue, which does not allow the hairpiece to be easily reattached. The advantage is quick reattachment if the hairpiece inadvertently detaches from the hair. Glue is not normally available and requires some drying time.

[0017] A hairpiece with retaining clip includes a retaining clip having a top edge, a lower portion, a bottom edge, a width ‘w1’ and a height ‘h1’. The lower portion is between the top edge and the bottom edge. The width ‘w1’ is greater than the height ‘h1’ of the retaining clip.

[0018] A first hair extension is attached to the retaining clip. The first hair extension has a first upper rim with a width ‘wr1’ and a first set of hair strands each with a first upper end. The first upper rim is attached to the retaining clip at about the top edge. The first upper ends are attached to the first upper rim by weaving the first upper ends into the fabric of the upper rim. The retaining clip removably attaches the hairpiece to the hair on a user's head. The hair extension if substantially flat and blends nicely with straight hair.

[0019] The retaining clip can substantially cover the first upper rim of the first hair extension such that ‘wr1’ of the first upper rim is less than the width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip.

[0020] Alternately, the width ‘wr1’ of the first upper rim is substantially greater than the width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip. A plurality of retaining clips can be used when the first upper rim is substantially wider than one retaining clip. The first upper rim is attached to each of the plurality of retaining clip at about the top edge. Each hairclip is directly adjacent to another hairclip and the top edges of the plurality of retaining clips substantially cover the first upper rim of the first hair extension.

[0021] A second hair extension and a third hair extension are added to the hairpiece to increase the fullness of the appearance of the hairstrands. The first, second and third hair extension overlap so the hairpiece is thicker. A fabric extender is added that allows the third hair extension to be attached to the extender below the bottom edge of the retaining clip.

[0022] Although the present invention is briefly summarized, a fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.