US20260041182A1
2026-02-12
19/292,732
2025-08-06
Smart Summary: A new hair extension system uses a flexible strip that is angled, making it better than traditional tape-in extensions. This design allows the extensions to be applied at various angles, which helps prevent hair from buckling and allows for a more natural look near the hairline. The system includes special adhesive tape with a tab that keeps fingers away from the sticky part, ensuring it stays clean. The angled strip also follows the shape of the head, improving how the extensions blend in with natural hair colors. Overall, this method allows for quicker application and more styling options. 🚀 TL;DR
A hair extension system featuring an angled flexible hair extension strip that overcomes limitations of traditional horizontal tape-in extensions. The hair extension comprises hair strands held by an angled strip having opposing ends in different horizontal planes, allowing application at 10-70 degrees relative to horizontal. This angled configuration prevents hair buckling, enables closer placement to hairlines and part lines, and provides natural movement for ponytails. The system includes adhesive tape with an extended tab that allows manipulation without contaminating the adhesive surface, preventing transfer of oils and dirt from fingers. The tab is secured by perforations for easy removal. The angled design follows natural head contours, creating softer visual lines, improved color blending, and enhanced concealment compared to horizontal extensions while enabling faster application and superior styling versatility.
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A41G5/008 » CPC main
Hair pieces, inserts, rolls, pads, or the like; Toupées; Hair pieces; Fastening thereof by adhesives
A41G5/00 IPC
Hair pieces, inserts, rolls, pads, or the like; Toupées
The present disclosure relates to hair extensions and methods of attaching the hair extensions to a user's hair.
Hair extensions represent a multi-billion-dollar global industry, with tape-in extensions comprising approximately 30-40% of the professional salon market due to their balance of application speed, durability, and client comfort. Hair extensions are widely used to enhance the length and volume of natural hair, with conventional attachment methods including clip-in, sew-in, micro-link, fusion, and tape-in techniques. Among these methods, tape-in extensions have gained significant popularity in professional salons due to their relatively simple and fast application, typically taking 45-90 minutes for a full head application compared to 3-4 hours for individual strand methods such as fusion or micro-link systems.
Traditional tape-in extensions typically consist of two wefts of hair with pre-applied adhesive strips that are used to sandwich a section of the user's natural hair between them. These extensions are conventionally aligned horizontally along the scalp and secured using medical-grade adhesive tape designed to withstand washing and styling for 6-8 weeks. The horizontal placement method has become the industry standard primarily due to manufacturing simplicity and case of initial application training for entry-level stylists.
However, traditional horizontal tape-in extensions present several fundamental design limitations that cannot be overcome through improved application techniques alone. Their rigid, straight-line configuration inherently conflicts with the natural three-dimensional curvature and contour of the human scalp, resulting in an unnatural appearance, poor blending with natural hair, and severely limited styling flexibility.
Clinical observations and stylist feedback consistently demonstrate that horizontal placement causes the extensions to buckle, lift, or stick out awkwardly, particularly when applied near the curved temporal and occipital areas of the head where the scalp transitions from flat to rounded surfaces. These geometric incompatibilities create visible attachment points and compromise the natural appearance that users seek.
The buckling effect becomes most pronounced when users attempt upstyles or ponytails, as the horizontal attachment works directly against the natural directional flow of hair toward the crown. This directional conflict creates visible stress lines and unnatural hair movement patterns that detract from the desired aesthetic result.
The horizontal orientation creates additional technical limitations that significantly impact both appearance and functionality. Extensions must be positioned at least one inch away from the hairline and part line to avoid obvious detection, severely limiting coverage area and preventing natural-looking applications near the face. The rigid horizontal lines create harsh, unnatural demarcation points that become particularly visible in certain lighting conditions and when hair moves naturally during daily activities.
Furthermore, traditional horizontal orientation severely restricts non-chemical color placement options, forcing colorists to apply extensions in stark, linear patterns that create visually harsh color transitions. This limitation prevents the soft, dimensional effects achievable with natural highlighting techniques that professional colorists prefer for their artistic work.
These color placement restrictions have prevented many professional colorists from incorporating tape extensions into their color services, as the results appear artificial and detract from the sophisticated aesthetic standards expected in modern salon applications. The horizontal design thus limits both the technical capabilities and commercial appeal of traditional tape-in extensions.
Additionally, the current standard process of applying tape-in extensions involves manual removal of the tape's protective paper liner, requiring direct contact between the stylist's fingers and the exposed adhesive surface. This conventional application method inherently exposes the medical-grade adhesive to contamination by natural oils, dirt, moisture, and microscopic debris from the stylist's hands, even when protective gloves are worn. Independent laboratory testing has demonstrated that even minimal finger contact can reduce adhesive bond strength by 15-30%, leading to premature detachment, the need for costly mid-cycle reapplication, and significant client dissatisfaction. Contaminated tape may also create uneven bonding pressure distribution, resulting in areas of weak adhesion that can cause selective failure, visible lifting, and hair damage from uneven stress distribution during normal activities.
Professional stylists have consistently identified the need for a hair extension system that enables angled or diagonal attachment to better conform to natural head anatomy, reduce visual detection, and dramatically improve styling versatility. Comprehensive market research conducted across multiple salon chains indicates that 73% of extension wearers specifically desire the ability to wear ponytails and updos without visible extension detection, while 84% of professional stylists report that their clients consistently request more natural-looking color placement options that current horizontal systems cannot provide. Additionally, salon efficiency studies demonstrate that contamination-related adhesive failures and subsequent reapplication issues account for approximately 12% of extension service callbacks, representing significant time, material costs, and negative impact on salon reputation and client retention.
Despite decades of technological development in the hair extension industry, no prior art has successfully addressed the fundamental geometric and directional incompatibilities between horizontal attachment systems and natural head contours. The technical challenge lies in creating a flexible attachment system that can follow natural scalp curvature while simultaneously maintaining proper hair strand alignment, adhesive integrity, and long-term durability under the demanding conditions of frequent washing, heat styling, and active lifestyles. Previous diagonal or angled approaches developed in related industries such as medical bandages, athletic tape, or adhesive strips have not been successfully adapted to address the specific and complex requirements of hair extensions, including the need for extended wear periods, compatibility with chemical treatments, resistance to repeated washing cycles, and maintenance of natural hair movement and styling patterns.
There remains a significant and unmet need in the professional hair extension market for an innovative system that enables angled or diagonal attachment to better conform to the head's natural shape, eliminate buckling and protrusion issues, reduce visual detectability, and provide superior styling versatility. Equally important is the critical need for an adhesive tape handling and application system that allows precise, contamination-free placement while enhancing both the initial strength and long-term durability of the adhesive bond, thereby reducing service callbacks, material waste, and client dissatisfaction. The present disclosure addresses these substantial and interconnected technical shortcomings by introducing a novel angled tape hair extension design combined with an innovative tabbed adhesive tape system that collectively solves multiple persistent problems that have limited the hair extension industry for decades.
The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented below.
The present disclosure provides an improved hair extension system comprising an angled flexible hair extension strip and a tab-equipped adhesive tape that addresses the significant limitations of traditional horizontal tape-in extensions.
The present disclosure features a hair extension with an angled flexible hair extension strip that holds a layer of hair strands in a unique configuration where opposing ends of the strip lie in different horizontal planes. This structural design enables the extension to be applied diagonally across the scalp, typically at angles ranging from 10 to 70 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. The angled application reduces hair buckling that occurs when traditional horizontal extensions are repositioned, follows the natural curvature of the head, and results in a more natural appearance with enhanced concealment and styling flexibility.
The angled design provides numerous advantages over conventional horizontal extensions, including the ability to place extensions closer to the hairline and part line, improved movement for ponytails and upstyles, more natural color blending, and superior conformity to natural head contours. The angular orientation follows natural hair growth patterns and creates softer visual lines while enabling unlimited non-chemical color techniques.
The present disclosure introduces a contamination-free adhesive tape system featuring double-sided tape with a protective backing and a handling tab that allows users to apply the tape without touching the adhesive surface, thereby preserving adhesive integrity and improving bonding performance. This tab prevents contamination from finger oils, dirt, and moisture that traditionally compromise tape adhesiveness and bonding strength.
The tab may be secured by perforations for easy removal and may be color-coded for identification. The tabbed system is available in multiple configurations: original extensions with pre-attached tabbed tape, replacement tape for re-use applications, and single-sided tabbed tape for fine hair applications. All variations feature rounded corners to prevent brush catching and packaging designed for both right and left-handed stylists.
The present disclosure encompasses multiple application methods, including sandwiching natural hair between two angled extensions, applying a single extension underneath natural hair, and applying a single extension on top of natural hair. Each method utilizes the tabbed tape system to ensure contamination-free application and optimal adhesion strength.
Together, these features enable quicker, cleaner, and more precise application of hair extensions. The system accommodates various hair types and styling preferences, supports non-chemical color techniques, and offers improved durability and user comfort over traditional horizontal hair extensions. The combination of the angled strip design and tabbed tape system represents a significant advancement in hair extension technology, providing faster application times, stronger adhesion, more natural appearance, and superior styling versatility that meets the demands of both professional stylists and individual users seeking high-quality hair enhancement solutions.
The angled flexible hair extension strip may incorporate additional features including curvature along its length to better conform to head contours, rounded corners to prevent brush catching, and specialized backing materials selected from polyurethane, PET film, or mesh-backed substrates. The adhesive system may utilize medical-grade, hypoallergenic acrylic or silicone-based adhesives capable of maintaining bond strength for 6-8 weeks under typical washing and styling conditions.
The tabbed adhesive system may feature color-coding for easy identification of tape types, adhesive strengths, or extension lengths. In certain embodiments, dual-adhesive configurations provide both semi-permanent and temporary hold options, enabling repositioning during installation while maintaining optimal final bond strength.
The features, nature, and advantages of the present aspects may become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.
FIG. 1A illustrates a prior art method showing traditional horizontal tape-in hair extensions applied to a head, demonstrating the rigid horizontal placement that creates visible lines and limits styling versatility.
FIG. 1B illustrates a prior art detail view of a traditional horizontal hair extension strip structure showing the uniform horizontal configuration of hair strands within the strip.
FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the angled flexible hair extension strip of the present disclosure, showing the angled configuration with hair extension strip, first side end, opposing second side end, and hair strands.
FIG. 3 illustrates the angled hair extension of the present disclosure applied to a head, demonstrating how the angled placement follows natural head contours and creates a more natural appearance compared to the horizontal placement shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 4 illustrates a method of applying a pair of hair extensions to sandwich a section of natural hair between two extensions using double-sided adhesive tape.
FIG. 5 illustrates a method of applying a single hair extension underneath a section of natural hair using an angled flexible hair extension strip.
FIG. 6 illustrates an intermediate step in applying a single hair extension, showing the positioning of additional adhesive tape above the natural hair section.
FIG. 7 illustrates a method of applying a single hair extension on top of a section of natural hair, with a tab-equipped adhesive tape being positioned underneath the natural hair.
FIG. 8 illustrates a sheet of replacement adhesive tape strips, each equipped with tabs extending outwardly from the tape pieces for contamination-free handling.
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tabbed adhesive tape system showing the tape structure with protective backing and extended tab.
FIG. 10 illustrates the completed application of the paired hair extensions from FIG. 4, showing the final result with natural hair sandwiched between two extensions.
FIG. 11 illustrates the completed application of the single hair extension from FIG. 5, showing the final natural appearance of the angled extension placement.
FIG. 12 illustrates the completed application of the single hair extension from FIG. 6, demonstrating the final result of the top-positioned extension method.
In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.
The term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless their usage in context indicates otherwise. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.
To prevent fingers from coming into direct contact with the adhesive side, the present disclosure provides for a piece of tape having an extended tab that allows users to grasp and apply the tape without direct contact with the adhesive surface, thereby maintaining adhesive integrity and preventing contamination. As a result, the transfer of oils, dirt, and moisture from hands, which can compromise the tape's adhesiveness is significantly reduced. By keeping the adhesive clean, the tab ensures optimal adhesion when the tape is applied, resulting in stronger bonds and more reliable performance. Additionally, the tab provides a convenient and easy way to handle the tape, minimizing frustration during application and allowing for precise placement without the risk of misalignment.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, traditional horizontal hair extensions create rigid horizontal lines across the scalp that conflict with natural head contours. The horizontal strip structure shown in FIG. 1B demonstrates how hair strands 102 are uniformly attached to horizontal strip 104, creating the limitations described above when horizontal extension 106 is applied to the head as shown in FIG. 1A.
In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the present disclosure provides angled hair extension 200 with angled flexible hair extension strip 202 having first side end 202a and opposing second side end 202b positioned in different horizontal planes. Hair strands 204 are attached to angled strip 202, allowing the extension to follow natural head contours as demonstrated in FIG. 3, creating a significantly more natural appearance than the horizontal placement shown in FIG. 1A.
Aesthetically, the angled design creates softer, more flattering lines while generating increased movement and flow in the hair. The extensions blend seamlessly with natural hair, and any added volume appears organic rather than artificial. This sophisticated approach represents a more designer-driven solution that elevates hair extension applications from basic enhancement to professional artistry.
FIG. 2 illustrates a hair extension 200 having an angled flexible hair extension strip 202 that allows for the hair extension to be placed on the scalp of a user at an angle without the hair buckling allowing the hair to hang naturally.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the hair extension 200 comprises a plurality of hair strands 204; and an angled flexible hair extension strip 202 that holds the plurality of hair strands 204, the angled flexible hair extension strip 202 having a first side end 202a and an opposing second side end 202b, where the first side end 202a and the second side end 202b are located in different horizontal planes; and wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held, by the angled hair extension strip 202 and a second end that is free, wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer; wherein the second end of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; and wherein the first end of the hair strands are located in multiple horizontal planes.
The angled flexible hair extension strip 202 comprises a strip glue layer on one side of the angled flexible hair extension strip so that the strip glue layer holds the thin layer of hair strands.
The angled flexible hair extension strip can have many different angles relative to a horizontal plane. For example, the angle may be, including but not limited to, 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, of between 10-45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 10-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane, between 20-45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, between 45-70 degrees relative to the horizontal plane between 45-70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
The angled configuration of the flexible hair extension strip is specifically engineered to distribute stress forces more evenly across the attachment area compared to horizontal systems. The angular geometry allows the strip to flex and conform to natural head contours without creating pressure points or buckling, as the angled orientation naturally accommodates the three-dimensional curvature of the scalp from temporal to occipital regions.
According to one aspect, the optimal angle range of 10-70 degrees relative to horizontal has been determined through extensive testing to provide the best balance of natural appearance, styling versatility, and structural integrity. Angles below 10 degrees provide insufficient differentiation from horizontal systems, while angles above 70 degrees can create application difficulties and reduced hair coverage efficiency. This angled configuration enables placement closer to the hairline and part line while facilitating natural movement for ponytails and updos, as the angle naturally follows the directional flow of hair toward the crown.
According to one aspect, a method for attaching hair extensions to natural hair of a user is provided. The method comprises sectioning natural hair of the user to create a horizontal part; positioning a first angled hair extension beneath the sectioned natural hair at an optimal angle between 10-70 degrees relative to horizontal, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip comprises hair strands secured by a solidified polymer base that is flexible, thin, and pliable; applying a first adhesive tape to the angled strip, wherein the adhesive tape features a contamination-prevention tab system; securing the first hair extension to the scalp through the adhesive bond; and optionally positioning a second angled hair extension above the sectioned natural hair to create a sandwich configuration, thereby maximizing hold strength and natural appearance.
According to one aspect, the first angled hair extension comprises: includes a first section of hair and a first adhesive tape, a plurality of hair strands; and an angled flexible hair extension strip that holds the plurality of hair strands, the angled flexible hair extension strip having a first side end and an opposing second side end, where the first side end and the second side end are located in different horizontal planes; and wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held by the angled hair extension strip and a second end that is free, wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer; wherein the second end of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; and wherein the first end of the hair strands is located in multiple horizontal planes. When installing angled hair extensions, positioning the highest point of the angled strip toward the face achieves optimal aesthetic results and natural color blending capabilities.
The tabbed adhesive tape system provides significant advantages in both application speed and adhesion strength through contamination-free handling. The tab prevents finger contact with adhesive surfaces, eliminating transfer of oils, dirt, and moisture that can reduce bond strength by 15-30%. This contamination prevention results in stronger, more reliable adhesion while enabling faster, more precise application.
The tabbed system is available in multiple configurations optimized for different applications. Original extensions feature pre-attached tabbed tape for immediate use, while replacement tape comes on sheets with large front liners for easy removal during re-taping procedures. Single-sided tabbed tape offers additional versatility for fine hair applications, incorporating a semi-matte finish for improved camouflage and natural blending.
The tabbed adhesive system incorporates advanced design features including perforated tear lines engineered for clean separation without residue transfer, rounded corners to prevent brush catching, and packaging designed for both right and left-handed stylists. The tab material comprises semi-rigid polymer film or treated paper selected for optimal grip characteristics while maintaining dimensional stability during application.
The medical-grade adhesive formulation includes specialized additives such as UV stabilizers to prevent degradation from sunlight exposure, plasticizers to maintain flexibility over extended wear periods, and release agents that facilitate clean removal without hair damage. The hypoallergenic adhesive system is designed to withstand repeated exposure to shampoos, conditioners, heat styling tools, and various hair care chemicals while maintaining bond strength for 6-8 weeks under typical washing and styling conditions.
FIG. 4 illustrates a method of applying a pair of hair extensions 402, 404, with a section of a user's natural hair 406 located in between, to the scalp of the user. In this method, the hair extension comes with double-sided tape with a first adhesive side secured to the hair strands in the hair extension and the second adhesive side covered by paper.
First, a piece/section of the natural hair 406 of the user is selected by the hairdresser. Next, the hairdresser takes the first hair extension 402 and peels the paper off the tape exposing the second adhesive side of the first hair extension 402 which is placed underneath the section of natural hair 406 and pressed onto the scalp. The paper is then peeled off the second hair extension 404 exposing the second adhesive side of the second hair extension 404 which is placed on top of the section of natural hair 406. In other words, the section of natural hair 406 is sandwiched between the first and second hair extensions 402, 404.
The adhesive used in the strip or in the tape system may comprise medical-grade, hypoallergenic acrylic or silicone-based adhesives. These adhesives may include additives such as UV stabilizers, plasticizers, and release agents to enhance flexibility, weather resistance, and clean removal. In some embodiments, a dual-adhesive configuration may be used where one side offers temporary tack and the other offers a long-term bond to facilitate repositioning during application.
In certain embodiments, the angled tape hair extension system may be provided as a kit. The kit may include multiple angled extensions, pre-tabbed adhesive strips, replacement tape sheets, adhesive remover solution, and one or more stencils or alignment guides to assist with consistent angled placement. Instructions for use may be printed or digitally accessible via QR code for stylist convenience
FIG. 10 illustrates the completed application of the paired hair extensions from FIG. 4, showing the final result with natural hair sandwiched between two extensions.
FIG. 5 illustrates a method of applying a single hair extension 502 underneath a section of natural hair 504. First, a piece/section of the natural hair 504 of the user is selected by the hairdresser. Next, the hairdresser takes the hair extension 502 and peels the paper off the tape exposing the second adhesive side of the hair extension 502 which is placed underneath the section of natural hair 504 and pressed onto the scalp.
Next, a piece of double-sided tape 506 may be pulled off a sheet. The replacement tape may come on a sheet 800 (See FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, a first adhesive side 506a of the tape 506 is detachably secured to the sheet 800. A second adhesive side 506b of the tape 506 is covered by a piece of paper or film 508 having a tab 508a which extends outwardly past the hair in the hair extension. The tab 508a is grasped with the fingers and the fingers only touch tab and not adhesive side of tape.
The hairdresser may grasp the tab 508a of the piece of tape 506 and pull the tape 506 off the sheet exposing the adhesive side of tape 506b. The adhesive side of the tape 506b is placed on top of the natural hair 504. After firmly pressing down the piece of tape 506 onto the natural hair 504, the tab 508a is removed by the hairdresser. In one embodiment, the tab 508a is secured to the paper 800 covering the adhesive side 506b by perforations 508b which allow for easy detachment.
FIG. 11 illustrates the completed application of the single hair extension from FIG. 5, showing the final natural appearance of the angled extension placement.
FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a method of applying a single hair extension 602 on top of a section of natural hair 604. First, a piece/section of the natural hair 604 of the user is selected by the hairdresser. Next, the hairdresser takes the hair extension 602 and peels the paper 508 off the tape 506 exposing the second adhesive side of the hair extension 602 which is placed on top of the section of natural hair 604 and pressed onto the scalp.
Next, a piece of double-sided tape 506 may be pulled off a sheet 800. The replacement tape may come on a sheet 800 (See FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, a first adhesive side 506a of the tape 506 is detachably secured to the sheet 800. A second adhesive side 506b of the tape 506 is covered by a piece of paper or film 508 having a tab 508a which extends outwardly past the hair in the hair extension. The tab 508a is grasped with the fingers and the fingers only touch tab 508a and not adhesive side 506b of tape.
The hairdresser may grasp the tab 508a of the piece of tape 506 and pull the tape 506 off the sheet 800 exposing the adhesive side 506b of tape 506. The adhesive side 506b of the tape 506 is placed on the underside of the section of natural hair 604. After firmly pressing down the piece of tape 506 onto the natural hair 604, the tab is removed by the hairdresser. In one embodiment, the tab 508a is secured to the paper 508 covering the adhesive side by perforations 508b which allow for easy detachment.
According to one aspect, the tape 506 used to apply the hair extension 604 may be replaced. First, a bond remover may be used to remove or dissolve the adhesive so that the tape can be removed from the hair extension. The hair extension 604 may then be placed on a first adhesive side 506a of a piece of double-sided tape. The second adhesive side 506b of the tape 506 may then be pressed firmly down on the scalp of the user allowing for the re-use of the hair extension.
FIG. 12 illustrates the completed application of the single hair extension from FIG. 6, demonstrating the final result of the top-positioned extension method.
A hair extension comprises hair strands and a flexible horizontal hair extension strip that holds the hair strands. Each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held by the horizontal hair extension strip and a second end that is free. The first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer. The thin layer of hair strand is contained in the horizontal hair extension strip.
Traditional tape-hair or strip-type hair extensions utilize only horizontal lines for attachment. These horizontal hair extension applications are used frequently due to their shorter application times and ease. The horizontal hair extension method is harsh in appearance, antiquated, and limits the outcome while looking and performing less naturally.
The horizontal tape hair extensions come in the form of wefts rather than single strands. The wefts contain equal amounts of hair, laid out uniformly on the weft. If the wefts are not installed horizontally on the hair, the wefts will not have a natural look. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, traditional horizontal hair extension strips are designed only for horizontal placement and will buckle and not hang naturally when repositioned at an angle.
Traditional tape-hair or strip-type hair extensions utilize only horizontal lines for attachment. These horizontal hair extension applications are used frequently due to their shorter application times and case of use. The horizontal hair extension method is harsh in appearance, antiquated, and limits the outcome while looking and performing less naturally.
Traditional horizontal tape or strip-type hair extensions suffer from fundamental design limitations that cannot be overcome by simply repositioning them at an angle, as the vertically attached hair will buckle and fail to hang naturally. These extensions create numerous problems that compromise both appearance and functionality.
The rigid horizontal design conflicts with natural head contours, causing the extensions to stick out awkwardly at the rounded areas of the head. This becomes particularly problematic near the part line, where the extensions become glaringly obvious and must be positioned at least one inch away from the hairline to maintain any semblance of concealment. The horizontal orientation severely limits styling options for non-chemical color techniques, resulting in stark, harsh color applications that appear unnatural and artificial.
From a styling perspective, horizontal extensions work against the hair's natural growth patterns and directional flow, creating particular difficulties when attempting ponytails or upstyles. The rigid horizontal attachment creates hard, visible lines throughout the hair while restricting natural movement and flow. These extensions remain visibly obvious and tend to stick out from natural hair rather than blending seamlessly.
The horizontal design also produces bulky, unnatural volume that appears artificial rather than enhancing the hair's natural fullness. This approach limits natural hair growth and represents an entry-level, antiquated method that fails to meet the sophisticated standards expected in modern hair extension applications.
Angles are utilized in architecture, fashion, interior design, art, photography, make-up, and hair design for many reasons. The reasons include (1) Connects vertical to horizontal lines; (2) Creates interest; (3) Initiates movement or flow; (4) Softens hard lines; (5) Builds focus; (6) Increases volume/space; and (8) Enhances or decreases light.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an angled hair tape extension is provided that overcomes the deficiencies of the horizontal tape hair extensions. People want hair extensions for length, volume, or both. Angled tape hair extension applications provide people with a more natural result in all categories. When the hair extension attachment is shifted to an angular/diagonal direction, and the extension hair is vertically attached to the angled strip, a new function and design element is now possible.
Every head shape has round and flat areas. Utilizing angled tape hair extensions where the shape of a person's head transitions from round to flat areas will result in the hair extensions looking more natural and providing a more natural movement to the hair.
Also, utilizing angled tape hair extensions significantly increases the ability to conceal tape-hair or strip-type hair extensions, especially in the hairline and part line, by allowing placement closer to the front without creating visible horizontal demarcation lines. The angle of the tape makes it viable to create a more natural focal point with color placement and dimension.
Entry-level stylists typically use traditional horizontal attached strip-type hair extensions. By shifting the application to an angle, even established hair artists will see the angle benefits of creating personalized and high fashion hair extension designs for sophisticated clients. The entry-level stylist can quicken their service and clientele progress using angled strip-type hair extensions.
More and more people are searching for a “non-chemical” hair color change and hair extensions are an excellent non-chemical color solution. Established professional colorists do not use traditional horizontal strip-type extensions because they look unnatural or too obvious. With angled strip-type extensions, non-chemical color changes are limitless and become more enticing for all colorists and clients.
Furthermore, many people with long hair want the option to pull their hair into a ponytail or up style. When pulling hair up with horizontal hair extensions, the hair buckles, appear unnatural, and can break easily due to tension. However, when wearing an angled hair extension, the hair naturally moves to the ponytail point of the head seamlessly with little to no stress.
As such, angled strip-type extension attachments will perform and look more natural, hug all head shapes better, create more movement, soften harsh lines, conceal attachment, add design elements, increase non-chemical color techniques, improve styling options, and boost hair extension performance.
The use of angled tape hair extensions provides numerous benefits that significantly enhance both the natural appearance and styling versatility of hair enhancement applications. These extensions naturally conform to the head's shape, creating a more organic fit that follows the contours of the scalp. The angled design makes concealment at the part line considerably easier while allowing attachment closer to the front hairline than traditional horizontal methods permit.
From a color perspective, angled extensions offer unlimited possibilities for non-chemical color techniques, making color blending effortless and enabling the addition of softer dimensional effects. The resulting color appearance looks significantly more natural compared to conventional horizontal applications. The angled orientation works harmoniously with the hair's natural growth patterns, supporting the natural direction required for ponytails and upstyles rather than working against it.
In certain aspects, the angled flexible strip may include a curvature along its length to better conform to the contours of the user's head. The curved extension may be pre-molded or thermoformable prior to use.
The adhesive layer used in the strip or in the tape system may comprise a medical-grade, hypoallergenic acrylic or silicone-based adhesive capable of retaining hold for up to 6-8 weeks under typical washing and styling conditions. The adhesive may further include additives for UV resistance or to aid in bond removal.
The tab feature of the adhesive tape system may be formed from a semi-rigid polymer film or treated paper and may be color-coded according to tape type, adhesive strength, or extension length for easy identification by stylists.
In some aspects, the adhesive strip may include a dual-adhesive configuration, where one side provides a stronger semi-permanent bond and the other a temporary hold, enabling repositioning during installation. The tab may include printed alignment markers or branding.
The angled flexible strip may be manufactured from a variety of flexible backing materials including polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, thermoformable polymer sheets, or mesh-backed substrates to accommodate different styling needs, breathability, and scalp sensitivity.
The hair extensions may be provided as part of a kit, including multiple angled extensions, tabbed adhesive strips, a remover solution, and instructional guides or stencils to assist with precise angular placement.
Performance testing has demonstrated that the angled hair extension system provides superior results compared to traditional horizontal systems across multiple metrics. Bond strength testing shows 25-40% improved adhesion due to contamination-free application methods. Styling versatility assessments indicate 60% better performance in upstyle and ponytail configurations. Visual detection studies demonstrate 50% improved concealment near hairlines and part lines when using angled placement versus horizontal attachment.
The system accommodates various hair types including fine, medium, and coarse textures through adjustable application techniques and specialized tape formulations. Single-sided tape variants provide optimal solutions for fine hair applications, while double-sided configurations offer maximum hold strength for thick or heavy hair types
One or more of the components and functions illustrated in the FIGS. may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component or embodied in several components without departing from the disclosure. Additional elements or components may also be added without departing from the disclosure. Additionally, the features described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, as a business method, and/or combination thereof.
While certain exemplary aspects have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such aspects are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad disclosure, and that this disclosure is not to be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
1. A hair extension comprising:
a plurality of hair strands; and
an angled flexible hair extension strip that holds the plurality of hair strands, the angled flexible hair extension strip having a first side end and an opposing second side end, where the first side end and the second side end are located in different horizontal planes; and
wherein each of the hair strands comprises a first end that is held by the angled flexible hair extension strip and a second end that is free;
wherein the first ends of the hair strands are arranged in a thin layer;
wherein the second end of the hair strands are parallel to a horizontal plane; and
wherein the first end of the hair strands is located in multiple horizontal planes;
wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip is configured to allow placement on a scalp at an angle between approximately 10-70 degrees relative to horizontal without causing buckling of the hair strands.
2. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip comprises a strip glue layer on one side for securing the hair strands in place.
3. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip is positioned at an angle of between approximately 20 and 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.
4. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip has rounded corners to reduce catching during brushing.
5. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip allows the hair extension to be placed closer to a hairline and part line without being visually obvious compared to horizontal hair extensions.
6. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip provides improved movement for ponytail and upstyle arrangements and creates softer visual lines compared to horizontal hair extensions.
7. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip is configured at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane to optimize natural appearance and styling versatility.
8. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the angled flexible hair extension strip includes a curved shape along its length to better conform to contours of a user's head.
9. A method of applying hair extensions to natural hair comprising:
selecting a section of natural hair of a user;
positioning a first hair extension having an angled flexible strip underneath the section of natural hair;
removing a protective backing from adhesive tape by grasping a tab that extends beyond the adhesive tape without contacting an adhesive surface of the adhesive tape;
applying adhesive tape to secure the first hair extension to a scalp of the user; and
positioning a second hair extension on top of the section of natural hair to sandwich the natural hair between the first and second hair extensions.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising
grasping the tab with fingers while avoiding contact with the adhesive surface;
peeling the protective backing from the adhesive tape in a single motion; and
removing the tab by tearing along perforations after the adhesive tape is applied, wherein the tab removal leaves no adhesive residue.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first hair extension is positioned at an angle that follows a natural hairline of the user and prevents buckling of hair strands, and wherein the angled flexible strip conforms to natural head contours without creating pressure points.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying the first and second hair extensions closer to a natural hairline of the user than would be possible with horizontal hair extensions due to the angled flexible strip; and
achieving improved concealment at a part line by positioning the angled flexible strip to follow natural scalp curvature.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying a single hair extension by:
positioning only one hair extension with an angled strip underneath the section of natural hair;
removing a protective backing from a piece of double-sided tape using a tab to expose an adhesive surface without touching the adhesive surface;
applying the exposed adhesive surface to the top of the section of the natural hair; and
removing the tab after application.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising replacing adhesive tape by:
applying a bond remover to dissolve existing adhesive;
removing old tape from the one hair extension;
placing the hair extension on a first adhesive side of new double-sided tape having a tab; and
applying a second adhesive side of the new double-sided tape to a user's scalp using the tab to avoid adhesive contamination.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the positioning of the angled flexible strip creates more natural color blending and follows natural head contours and hair growth patterns.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein a highest point of the angled flexible strip is positioned toward a face of the user to achieve optimal aesthetic results.
17. An adhesive tape system for hair extensions comprising:
a double-sided adhesive tape having a first adhesive side and a second adhesive side;
a protective backing covering the second adhesive side; and
a tab extending outwardly from the protective backing, wherein the tab allows manipulation of the double-sided adhesive tape without direct contact with adhesive surfaces of the double-sided adhesive tape; and
wherein the tab is secured to the protective backing by perforations that allow for easy detachment.
18. The adhesive tape system of claim 17, wherein the tab prevents transfer of oils, dirt, and moisture from fingers to the adhesive surfaces of the double-sided adhesive tape.
19. The adhesive tape system of claim 17, wherein the tape comes pre-packaged on a sheet with the first adhesive side attached to the sheet and has rounded corners to prevent catching during hair brushing.
20. The adhesive tape system of claim 17, wherein the tape includes a semi-matte finish for better camouflage and blending with natural hair;
wherein the tab is color-coded according to tape type, adhesive strength, or extension length for easy identification by stylists; and
wherein the double-sided adhesive tape comprises a medical-grade, hypoallergenic adhesive capable of maintaining bond strength for 6-8 weeks under typical washing and styling conditions.