Device for applying a substance to the hair

Abstract

A device for applying a substance to hair may include, the device comprising at least one applicator element configured to be received between two consecutive digits of a hand. The applicator element may be configured to enable the substance to be applied to a lock of hair extending between the digits. The device may also include at least one holding portion configured to enable the device to be held on the hand of the user.

1 . A device for applying a substance to hair, the device comprising at least one applicator element configured to be received between two consecutive digits of a hand, the applicator element configured to enable the substance to be applied to a lock of hair extending between the digits, the device further comprising at least one holding portion configured to enable the device to be held on the hand of a user.  
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one applicator element is carried by a glove configured to receive at least part of the hand of the user.  
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an annular portion configured to be engaged by at least partially encircling a corresponding digit of the user.  
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising two annular portions configured to be engaged by at least partially encircling a corresponding digit of the user.  
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least two applicator elements secured to each other.  
   
   
       6 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an orifice configured to enable at least an end of a digit to pass therethrough.  
   
   
       7 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one housing open to a side of the applicator element and configured to enable a digit to be engaged therein.  
   
   
       8 . A device according to  claim 7 , further comprising two housings open to opposite sides of the applicator element, each configured to enable a corresponding digit to be engaged therein.  
   
   
       9 . A device according to  claim 7 , further comprising at least two applicator elements, each configured to be placed between two consecutive digits of the user.  
   
   
       10 . A device according to  claim 7 , wherein the device comprises a plurality of applicator elements, the applicator elements being independent from one another.  
   
   
       11 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one applicator element is configured to be placed between proximal phalanges.  
   
   
       12 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least three applicator elements, each configured to be placed between two consecutive digits of the user.  
   
   
       13 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least three applicator elements, each configured to be placed between four fingers of one hand of the user, not including a thumb.  
   
   
       14 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an applicator element configured to be placed between a thumb and an index finger of the hand of the user.  
   
   
       15 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one applicator element is configured to come into contact with an interdigital membrane of the hand during application.  
   
   
       16 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one applicator element is made at least in part out of a porous material.  
   
   
       17 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one applicator element is made at least in part of a foam.  
   
   
       18 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one applicator element is made at least in part of elastomer.  
   
   
       19 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is made entirely of a single material.  
   
   
       20 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a one-piece molding.  
   
   
       21 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one applicator element comprises at least one tooth.  
   
   
       22 . A device according to  claim 21 , wherein the at least one tooth extends parallel to the digits of the user that are adjacent to the applicator element.  
   
   
       23 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one applicator element comprises a slot.  
   
   
       24 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one applicator element comprises bristles.  
   
   
       25 . A method of treating hair, the method comprising: 
 causing a lock of hair to pass between two consecutive digits of a hand, with an applicator element being disposed between said digits, the applicator element being configured to be received between the two consecutive digits; and    placing the hand relative to the lock for at least one of applying a substance to the lock and combing the lock using the applicator element.    
   
   
       26 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein the substance is applied to the applicator element prior to at least one of applying the substance or combing the lock.  
   
   
       27 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein one hand of the user holds the lock while the other hand carries the at least one applicator element.  
   
   
       28 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein the user uses the digits as a comb to separate locks of hair.  
   
   
       29 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein the user acts on an extent to which two consecutive digits disposed on either side of the applicator element are clamped together, as a function of a desired result.  
   
   
       30 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein the lock is held with a hair comb comprising a succession of teeth, at least one of the teeth carrying a hook.  
   
   
       31 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein at least one of applying the substance and combing the lock is performed by an operator other than an individual whose hair is being treated.  
   
   
       32 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein at least one of applying the substance and combing the lock is performed by an individual whose own hair is being treated.  
   
   
       33 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein the substance does not contact the hand of the user.  
   
   
       34 . A kit for applying a substance to hair, comprising: 
 a substance configured to be applied to hair; and    a device for applying the substance according to  claim 1 .    
   
   
       35 . A kit according to  claim 34 , wherein the applicator element comprises a porous material, and wherein at least one of the substance and a component of the substance is configured to impregnate the applicator element.  
   
   
       36 . A kit according to  claim 34 , wherein at least one applicator element is packaged in a hermetically-sealed package.  
   
   
       37 . A kit according to  claim 34 , wherein the substance comprises a labile dye.  
   
   
       38 . A kit according to  claim 34 , wherein the substance comprises at least one of a dye and a bleach.