Hair-cutting guide device and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

The invention is directed to a device used to help a stylist cut hair, such as during training. Specifically, the training device includes a fastener that is used to removably attach the device at a particular location in a client's hair. The device also includes a plurality of arms attached to the fastener at predetermined angles. The angles are beneficial, ensuring the user holds a section of hair at the proper position. The device can be used as a training tool for new stylists, or with experienced stylists to maintain skills. Advantageously, the arms of the device can be attached and removed as desired by the user, allowing the device to be customized for a particular client.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A haircutting guide device, comprising:
 a fastener configured to releasably attach to a support surface, the fastener defined by a support and a closure;   a plate defined by a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface attached to the fastener support surface;   one or more arms defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to or adjacent to the plate and the second extends outward from the plate at an angle of about 1-180 degrees relative to the plate;   wherein an indicator is positioned between the one or more arms, between an arm and the plate, or combinations thereof;   wherein the indicator provides a visual representation of the angle of the arm relative to the plate.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , comprising a single arm. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of arms. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , comprising at least one arm configured at about 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or 120 degrees relative to the plate. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a separate indicator is positioned between each arm. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each arm has a length of about 1-5 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate is permanently attached to the fastener. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the angle of the arm is adjustable relative to the plate. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the angle of the arm is permanently positioned relative to the plate. 
     
     
         10 . A kit comprising:
 a plurality of fasteners, each fastener defined by a support and a closure;   a plurality of plates defined by a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is configured to attach to the support surface of the fastener;   a plurality of arms, each arm defined by a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween, wherein the first end of each arm is configured to attach to or adjacent to the top surface of a plate and the second end of each arm extends from the plate at an angle of 1-180 degrees relative to the plate; and   instructions for use.   
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of indicators that each provide a visual representation of arm angles relative to a corresponding plate. 
     
     
         12 . A method of cutting hair, the method comprising:
 positioning a guide device in a first section of a user's hair, the guide device comprising:
 a fastener configured to releasably attach to the first section of the user's hair, the fastener defined by a support and a closure; 
 a plate defined by a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface attached to the fastener support surface; 
 one or more arms defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to or adjacent to the plate and the second end extends outward from the plate at an angle of about 1-180 degrees relative to the plate; 
 wherein an indicator is positioned between the one or more arms, between an arm and the plate, or combinations thereof; 
 wherein the indicator provides a visual representation of the angle of 
   the arm relative to the plate;   pulling all or a portion of hair in the first section in alignment with an arm of the device, wherein the arm provides the proper angle for cutting the section of hair;   cutting the first section of hair, wherein the hair is cut at a desired angle;   after the first section of hair has been cut, repositioning the guide device at a second section of the user's hair;   repositioning the arms of the device to the proper angle for cutting the second section of hair;   pulling all or a portion of hair in the first section in alignment with an arm of the device, wherein the arm provides the proper angle for cutting the second section of hair;   repeating the process until the user's entire head of hair has been cut.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the fastener has a length of about 1-8 inches, a width of about 0.25-2 inches, a thickness of about 0.25-2 inches, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the device comprises at least one arm configured at about 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or 120 degrees relative to the plate. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the device comprises about 1-5 arms. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the angle of the arm is adjustable relative to the plate. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the arms are removable and attachable to the plate; 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein each arm has a length of about 1-5 inches. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the arms have a square, rectangular, oval, circular, triangular, or hexagonal cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the plate is permanently attached to the fastener.