Hair clamp

Abstract

The present invention is directed to improving the existing process of hair curling or shaping by not using traditional heat to shape the hair and thus allowing a user to avoid heat damage to their hair. The invention comprises a hair clamp and methods of use whereby the user can avoid using heat to obtain a curl, form waves, or define hairstyles. The hair clamp may be concave-shaped or wave-shaped, and may comprise inner layers that are water-resistant or porous. The hair clamp may also comprise holes spaced throughout its outer layer and inner layers.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A hair clamp comprising:
 a) an outer layer comprising an underside;   b) a first inner layer and a second inner layer attached to the underside of the outer layer, wherein the first inner layer opposes the second inner layer;   c) a hinged end;   d) a clamping end comprising:
 i) teeth; 
 ii) recessed cavities configured to receive the teeth; 
 iii) side extensions; and 
 iv) tabs and recessed locking means configured to engage the tabs; and 
   e) a buffer strip attached to the outer layer configured to protect a user's scalp when the hair clamp is placed on the user's head;   
       wherein the outer layer comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end and wherein the hair clamp is configured such that when the hair clamp is closed down and locked into a secure position, the teeth are received by the recessed cavities and the locking means engage the tabs to clamp down firmly to tightly grip hair and hold the hair clamp snugly against the scalp. 
     
     
         2 . The hair clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the first inner layer and the second inner layer are water-resistant. 
     
     
         3 . The hair clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the first inner layer and the second inner layer are porous. 
     
     
         4 . The hair clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the hair clamp is concave-shaped and comprises a concave-shaped outer layer, a first concave-shaped inner layer, and a second concave-shaped inner layer. 
     
     
         5 . The hair clamp of  claim 4 , wherein the concave-shaped outer layer, the first concave-shaped inner layer, and the second concave-shaped inner layer each comprise holes configured to align with one another when the hair clamp is closed. 
     
     
         6 . The hair clamp of  claim 5 , wherein the holes are cylindrically-shaped and evenly spaced throughout the concave-shaped outer layer, the first concave-shaped inner layer, and the second concave-shaped inner layer . 
     
     
         7 . The hair clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the hair clamp is wave-shaped and comprises a wave-shaped outer layer, a wave-shaped first inner layer, and a wave-shaped second inner layer. 
     
     
         8 . The hair clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer comprises a semi-flexible material with a semi-heat resistant tolerance of up to about 167° F. 
     
     
         9 . The hair clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the first inner layer and the second inner layer each comprise a flexible water-resistant material. 
     
     
         10 . The hair clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the first inner layer, the second inner layer, and the buffer strip are each attached to the outer layer with an adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . A method of using the hair clamp of  claim 1 , wherein:
 aa) a user of the hair clamp parts their hair into one or more vertical and/or horizontal sections of hair;   bb) the user slips one of the sections of hair between the first inner layer and the second inner layer;   cc) the user presses down firmly on the hair clamp, locking the section of hair in place; and   dd) the user leaves the hair clamp in place for a period of time.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the user repeats steps (aa) to (dd) with multiple hair clamps. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the period of time is several hours and/or overnight. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein, prior to step (bb), the user applies liquid to their hair. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the vertical and/or horizontal sections of hair are from about 1 cm to about 3 cm thick.