Bantu curler system

Abstract

The present invention provides hair curlers, a hair curler system, and a method for forming Bantu knots.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hair curler for making Bantu knots, the hair curler comprising:
 (a) a flexible cylindrical body having a first end and a second end each having a diameter, a center portion extending between the first and second ends and having a center portion diameter, and at least one opening extending partially or totally through the flexible cylindrical body from the first end through the center portion, the opening configured to receive a user's finger; and   (b) a curler covering affixed to the first end of the solid cylindrical body, and dimensioned to extend the length of the flexible cylindrical body and over the second end, thereby configured to provide an outer covering over at least a portion of the flexible cylindrical body from the first end to the second end when in use.   
     
     
         2 . The hair curler of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cylindrical body is tapered from each end toward the center portion, wherein the center portion diameter is smaller than the first and second end diameters. 
     
     
         3 . The hair curler of  claim 1 , the first end and the second end have the same diameter measurement. 
     
     
         4 . The hair curler of  claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end have the different diameter measurements. 
     
     
         5 . The hair curler of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cylindrical body is perforated. 
     
     
         6 . The hair curler of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cylindrical body comprises a flexible metal, plastic, rubber, silicone, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The hair curler of  claim 1 , wherein the curler covering comprises netting material. 
     
     
         8 . The hair curler of  claim 1 , wherein the curler covering comprises a material selected from nylon, a fabric, a plastic, a polymer, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The hair curler of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cylindrical body and curler covering comprise water resistant material. 
     
     
         10 . A hair curling system for making a plurality of Bantu knots, the hair curler system comprising a plurality of hair curlers of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . A method for making a Bantu knot in an individual's hair, the method comprising the following steps: (a) obtaining a hair curler of  claim 1 ; (b) sectioning the hair of the individual to form at least one hair section having a length from a base near the scalp of the individual to an end distal to the base; (c) with the curler covering withdrawn to expose the length of the flexible cylindrical body of the hair curler, inserting a finger into the opening of the flexible cylindrical body; (d) positioning the flexible cylindrical body of the curler proximal to the base of the hair section; (e) using the finger within the flexible cylindrical body to wrap the length of the hair section from the base to the end of the hair section; (f) pulling the curler covering from the first end towards the second end over the wrapped hair and cylindrical body to cover at least a portion or all of the wrapped hair; and (g) securing the curler covering at the second end of the flexible cylindrical body, thereby securing the hair curler proximal to the scalp. 
     
     
         12 . A method for making a Bantu curl in an individual's hair, comprising the method of  claim 11 , and further comprising: h) maintaining the hair section wrapped around the hair curler for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for the hair section to retain a curl when unwrapped from the curler; i) withdrawing the curler covering from the second end to the first end, thereby unsecuring the hair section from the curler; and j) allowing the hair section to unwind thereby forming a Bantu knot. 
     
     
         13 . A method for making multiple Bantu knots an individual's hair, the method comprising the following steps:
 (a) obtaining a hair curling system of  claim 10 ;   (b) sectioning the hair of the individual into multiple sections each having a length from a base near the scalp of the individual to an end distal to the base;   (c) for each hair section, placing a hair curler proximal to the base of the hair section;   (d) with the curler covering of the curler withdrawn to expose the length of the cylindrical body of the hair curler, inserting a finger into the opening of the flexible cylindrical body;   (e) using the finger within the curler to wrap the hair section around the hair curler from the base to the end thereby forming a hair coil around the flexible body;   (f) pulling the curler covering from the first end towards the second end over the wrapped hair and cylindrical body to cover at least a portion or all of the wrapped hair;   (g) securing the curler covering at the second end of the flexible body, thereby securing the hair curler proximal to the scalp; and   (h) repeating (c) through (g) for each hair section.   
     
     
         14 . A method for making Bantu curls in an individual's hair, comprising the method of  claim 13 , and further comprising: (h) maintaining the hair sections wrapped around the hair curlers for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for the hair sections to retain a curl when unwrapped from the curlers; (i) withdrawing curler covering from the second end to the first end of each curler, thereby unsecuring each hair section from each curler; and (j) allowing each hair section to unwind from each curler thereby forming a plurality of Bantu knots.