A HAIR DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hair device, in particular a hair styling device; more particularly but not exclusively a device for curling Afro hair.

Background of the Invention

Increasing awareness of hair styling needs in regard to Afro hair is a factor common across many societies.

Currently as it stands, the art of creating a temporary Afro twisted/dreads which lasts for a day is done manually with a systematic perforated foam-brush-like foam.

And the end result (temporary twisted Afro Hair) is achieved by manually rotating the perforated foam clockwise or anticlockwise with your hand (whichever way, it has to be consistent in the same direction).

Prior Art

WO 2019 213 944 (TO) discloses a hand-held hair styling device includes a body having a front side, a back side, and a side edge extending between the front and back sides. A rotatable base is mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation. The rotatable base has a surface facing generally away from the body. The axis of rotation of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body. At least one hair styling element is mounted on the surface of the rotatable base for rotation with the rotatable base. The hair styling element includes a twisted elongate member.

US 2017 0 332 762 (CHEE) discloses a handheld motorized hair styling device is a battery-operated, motorized, hair styling tool that produces a styled pattern of curls, twists, and/or coils in hair. The handheld motorized hair styling device creates the styled pattern by moving a contoured styling pad against the hair in a roto-linear motion. The speed and direction of the roto-linear motion may be changed using controls on the

1 handheld motorized hair styling device. The styling pad may be removed and replaced and the battery is rechargeable.

US 5 725 000 (RICE) discloses a hair curling device which curls hair in less time and with less effort than utilizing ones hands. The hair curling device is specifically designed to comb and twist naturally curly (unprocessed) Afro-American hair, comprises a circular comb having a plurality of comb teeth which rotates within a head. The hair curling device can spin hair cowls (locks) in either direction. The hair curling device is powered by an electric motor which rotates the comb. On an inner circumference of the comb ring are the plurality of comb teeth, with preferably two rows offset from each other.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a hair device comprising: a body; and a hair engagement part for engagement with the body, in which the hair engagement part provides an engagement surface configured in use to contact the hair of a user, and an opposed contact surface configured in use to be located at or adjacent the body, and in which the hair engagement part defines at least one opening extending between the engagement surface and the opposed contact surface; at least one open-ended tubular head configured in use to be positioned within and extend through a corresponding opening of the hair engagement part; and a motor operable to rotate the at least one tubular head relative to the hair engagement part , wherein at least some of the hair engagement part is arranged to rotate such that curls are formed within the hair during rotation with respect to the body and wherein the hair engagement part includes one or more holes for receipt of hair so as to form curls during rotation.

The at least one tubular head is preferably configured to engage the hair of a user.

Preferably, the hair device comprises a plurality of tubular heads. The tubular heads are preferably spaced apart from each other along the engagement surface of the hair

2 engagement part. The tubular heads may be provided in any suitable configuration depending on the requirements for the device.

In one embodiment, the tubular heads are located across a substantially central region of the engagement surface of the hair engagement part.

The tubular heads may be located around or adjacent a peripheral region of the engagement surface of the hair engagement part.

The tubular heads may be located across a substantially central region and a peripheral region of the engagement surface of the hair engagement part.

The tubular head may have a first end located in use at or adjacent the engagement surface of the hair engagement part, and a second opposed end located at or adjacent the contact surface of the hair engagement part.

Preferably, the, or each, tubular head defines an elongate channel extending from the first end to the second end thereof. The channel is configured to receive a user’s hair therein. The elongate channel is preferably open ended at both ends thereof.

It is to be understood that the tubular head may have any suitable cross-section. Preferably, the tubular head has a substantially circular cross-sectional form.

In one embodiment, the, or each, tubular head defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends thereof. The, or each, tubular head may taper inwardly along the longitudinal axis, from the first end towards the second end thereof.

Each tubular head is preferably open-ended defining an elongate channel, preferably substantially centrally located, extending between the ends thereof.

The one or more tubular head may be composed of silicone. The tubular head(s) may be separable from the hair engagement part and motor thereby enabling a user to clean the head(s) between uses.

The one or more tubular head may be connected to one or more adjacent tubular head(s) by a connector portion.

3 In some embodiments the device may comprise a motor, so as to provides a means of agitation or engagement with hair in use.

In some embodiments the hair engagement part may be arranged to move with respect to the body. In some embodiments the hair engagement part may be envisaged to be articulated or on an articulated mount on the body. For example the hair engagement part and the body may be envisaged to share a ball and socket mount or similar to allow movement across a plurality of axes.

For example in some embodiments the hair engagement part may be arranged to rotate with respect to the body.

In this way the device of the present invention may be used to easily turn a mini Afro hair (mini Afro -not long shoulder or waist length hair) into a temporary twisted hair-style, such as curled locks or dreads. This may be envisaged to be a temporary style, for example in place for a day or two.

In some embodiments the hair engagement part may comprise a resiliently deformable part.

In some embodiments for example the hair engagement part may comprise a foam part, or similar.

In some embodiments the hair engagement part may comprise a single part, whereas in other embodiments the hair engagement part may comprise a plurality of parts or portions, which may differ in material and/or formation. For example, the hair engagement part may comprise a pair of hair engagement portions or for example three hair engagement portions. Each hair engagement portion may independently comprise any suitable number of tubular heads. In one embodiment, each hair engagement portion comprise an identical number of tubular heads to the other hair engagement portions.

The body of the device may comprise a first free end to be held in a hand of a user and a second opposed end configured to be located at or adjacent the contact surface of the hair engagement part. In one embodiment, a longitudinal axis extends between a

4 centre of the first free end of the body of the device and the centre of the engagement surface of the hair engagement part.

The hair engagement part, for example the engagement surface of the hair engagement part, may be rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis extending between the first free end of the body and the engagement surface of the hair engagement part.

In some embodiments the hair engagement part, preferably the engagement surface of the hair engagement part, may comprise raised and lowered parts, or otherwise provide an engagement surface for the hair that is non-planar.

In some embodiments the hair engagement part may comprise one or more projecting fingers. The tubular heads by be in communication with the one or more projecting fingers. In some such embodiments the fingers may be envisaged to be capable of movement with respect to the hair engagement part and/or body. For example, the motor may be configured to create rotational movement of the fingers with respect to the engagement surface of the hair engagement part. Preferably, the motor is configured to create rotational movement of the or each tubular head thereby creating rotational movement of the fingers with respect to the hair engagement part.

For example in some embodiments the fingers may be envisaged to rotate on the hair engagement part, which may include or comprise a bed for the fingers, which bed may be planar or non-planar. The finger or fingers may project from the bed engagement surface or be substantially coplanar to the bed engagement surface of the hair engagement part.

In some embodiments the bed engagement surface of the hair engagement part may be subdivided and/or comprised of separate parts engagement surface portions (each engagement surface portion preferably being provided by a separate hair engagement part.

For example in some embodiments the hair engagement part may comprise a plurality of bed hair engagement segments or portions. Such segments portions may be

5 envisaged to be formed of different material and/or formation and/or may be arranged to provide a separated and/or discontinuous bed surface.

In some embodiments the segments hair engagement portions may be arranged to be moveable move with respect to each other. For example, each hair engagement portion may be independently mountable (for example independently moveably mountable), on for example having separate mounts to the body. By providing independently moveable (for example independently moveably mountable) hair engagement portions, the device of the present invention may be able to efficiently conform to the individual profile of the head and hair of a user during use. The device of the present invention may therefore be able to , and/or separate and separable articulation with respect to the body. Advantageously therefore this may be in order that the hair engagement part may better accommodate uneven skull shapes.

In some embodiments apertures that define the one or more holes may be envisaged to rotate with respect to the hair engagement part, for example wherein the hair engagement part comprises one or more beds, for example wherein one or more heads with apertures are located in the one or more beds.

The hair engagement part may comprise a holder configured for connection to the body and/or motor.

The body of the device may be ergonomically shaped to improve comfort during handling by a user.

The body of the device may be substantially domed in shape.

The body of the device may be substantially cylindrical in shape.

The body of the device may provide a first aperture at the second opposed end thereof. The body may define a cavity extending from the first aperture at the second opposed end thereof.

The body of the device may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, the body of the device may have a substantially circular or oval

6 cross-section. It is however to be understood that the body may have any suitable polygonal cross-section.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of an isometric perspective view from above of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse schematic illustration of a perspective isometric view from below of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above an isometric view of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3;

Figure 10 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3;

7 Figure 11 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 5; and

Figure 12 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 5.

Detailed Description of preferred Embodiments

With reference to the embodiments shown in the figures there is shown an embodiment of a device according to the present invention generally comprising hair device comprising a body and a hair engagement part, wherein at least some of the hair engagement part is arranged to rotate with respect to the body.

With reference to the Figures, the hair device 1 comprises a body 2; and a hair engagement part 4 for engagement with the body 2. The hair device 1 is a hand-held product which can be used to create automatic and longer lasting afro curls.

The hair engagement part 4 provides an engagement surface 6 configured in use to contact the hair of a user, and an opposed contact surface 8 configured in use to be located at or adjacent the body 2. The hair engagement part 4 defines a plurality of openings 10 extending between the engagement surface 6 and the opposed contact surface 8.

The device 1 further comprises a plurality of open-ended tubular heads 12 configured in use to be positioned within and extend through a corresponding opening 10 of the hair engagement part 4.

A motor 14 is operable to rotate the tubular heads 12 relative to the hair engagement part 4 such that curls are formed within the hair during rotation.

The body 2 has a first free end 16 and a second opposed end 18 providing an aperture 20. The body 2 defines a hollow cavity extending between the walls thereof. The body may be composed of plastic, for example textured plastic for improved grip.

The hair engagement part 4 comprises a holder configured to engage the second end 18 of the body 2 to substantially seal the cavity from an external environment. The

8 body and the hair engagement parts are configured to prevent the ingress of dust, grease, oil and water into the cavity, and into contact with components stored therein. The body 2 may be configured to engage the hair engagement portion 4, or holder, by push fit engagement.

The motor is further operable to facilitate movement of the hair engagement part 4 relative to the body 2.

The body 2 may include a switch (for example a soft-touch plastic panel having an integrated power switch to control the device), rechargeable LiPo battery, USB C cable port, and/or a low RPM geared motor to facilitate movement of the hair engagement portion.

The three embodiments illustrated in the accompanying Figures are suited for use with different hair types and for use in different scenarios.

With reference to Figures 1 , 2, 7 and 8, the body 2 has a domed profile with a hexagonal cross-section. The body 2 further comprises grip recesses 3 to improve handling by a user.

With reference to Figures 3, 4, 9 and 10, the body 2 has a substantially domed profile with a substantially circular cross-section.

With reference to Figures 5, 6, 11 and 12, the body 2 has a substantially domed profile which is ergonomically shaped. The body 2 has a substantially oval cross-section. It is however to be understood that the body may have any suitable cross-section.

With reference to Figures 1 , 2, 7 and 9, the hair engagement part 4 comprises three hair engagement portions 22. The three hair engagement portions 22 are aligned to provide a substantially continuous engagement surface extending therebetween for contacting a head of a user. Each hair engagement portion 22 provides a substantially triangular shaped portion (with radiused corners) of the engagement surface 6. Although the illustrated embodiment has three engagement portions 22, it is to be understood that the device 1 may comprise any suitable number of engagement portions 22.

9 The engagement portions 22 in the illustrated embodiment are held in a fixed relationship of segments 31 relative to each other, with spacing between them by the use of a three armed bracket 32. The portions 22 are tilted towards a central point to better accommodate a user’s head.

It is however to be understood that each hair engagement portion 22 may independently moveably mounted on the body 2 of the device 1 such that the portion 22 may rotate on contact with the hair and skin of a user. The portions 22 may for example comprise an articulated connection to the body 2 to enable variation in the tilt between portions 22. In this way, the device 1 can conform efficiently and easily to the individual profile of a user’s skin, for example head, thereby improving the efficiency of the device 1 .

The device 1 is held together using screws to allow for maintenance whilst reducing ingress of oils and dust. The device of this embodiment comprises three low RPM geared motors configured to create the desired orbital gyration of the hair engagement portions. A set of thrust bearings is provided 36 to ensure that there is no internal rubbing between parts helping the components of the device to be rotated freely.

It is to be understood, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 8 and 10 and Figures 5, 6, 11 and 12 that the device 1 may comprise a single hair engagement part 4.

The hair engagement part 4 is composed of sponge material with a raised and lowered engagement surface 6. The sponge material is retained within a holder.

The hair engagement part 4 (or hair engagement portions 22) comprise a plurality of spaced apart openings extending between the engagement surface 6 and contact surface 8 thereof.

As shown in Figure 2, each of the three engagement portions 22 provides three spaced apart openings 10. Each opening 10 is substantially circular in cross-section. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the engagement part 4 provides fourteen openings 10. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the engagement part 4 provides thirteen openings 10. It is to be understood that the engagement part 4 may provide any suitable number of openings depending on the particular requirements for the device 1 .

10 be understood that the engagement part 4 may provide any suitable number of openings depending on the particular requirements for the device 1 .

It can be seen from the embodiment of Figure 1 that three openings 10 are provided towards a central location of the engagement part 4 (formed by the three engagement portions 22), and a further six openings 10 are spaced apart from each other along a peripheral region of the engagement part 4. An opening 10 is provided adjacent each corner of each of the three triangular hair engagement portions 22.

In contrast, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 4, the fourteen openings 10 are provided along a peripheral region of the engagement part 4. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the thirteen openings 10 are provided along three rows extending across the central region of the engagement part 4.

A tubular head 12 is positioned within and extends through each opening 10 of the engagement part 4. Each tubular head has a first end 28 located in use at or adjacent the engagement surface 6 of the hair engagement part 4, and a second opposed end 30 located at or adjacent the contact surface 8 of the hair engagement part 4.

Each tubular head 12 defines an elongate channel (open at both ends thereof) extending from the first end 28 to the second end 30 thereof. The channel being configured to receive a user’s hair therein.

It is to be understood that the tubular head 12 may have any suitable cross-section. Preferably, the tubular head 12 has a substantially circular cross-section (as shown in the illustrated embodiments). It is however to be understood that the, or each, tubular head 12 defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first 28 and second 30 ends thereof. The, or each, tubular head 12 may taper inwardly along the longitudinal axis, from the first end 28 towards the second end 30 thereof.

In one embodiment, the one or more tubular head 12 may be connected to one or more adjacent tubular head(s) by a connector portion.

The tubular heads 12 are composed of silicone. The presence of silicone within the tubular heads 12 aids gathering of the hair of a user. The tubular head(s) 12 are

11 separable from the hair engagement part 4 and motor 14 thereby enabling a user to clean the head(s) 12 between uses.

The motor is stored within the cavity defined by the body 2. The motor may be a low RPM geared motor configured to create the desired orbital gyration of the hair engagement part 4. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8, the motor’s drive is distributed between the three hair engagement portions 22 via drive belts 34 to ensure even rotation.

The motor directly drives plastic carriers 41 (for example plastic carriers) which in turn hold silicon tubular heads 12 which allow the silicone to be removed for cleaning or to be replaced.

The motor shaft drives the hair engagement part 4 (or portions 22) via a cam 38 mounted into a needle bearing 39 which turns rotating motion into orbital gyrations of the hair engagement part 4.

The motor may be in communication with any suitable power source, such as for example a battery or a wired connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 comprises Aa rechargeable LiPo battery 62 is used to power the motor and is charged using a USB C cable.

As shown in the embodiment of Figure 3, the body 2 may comprise a soft-touch plastic panel having an integrated power switch to control the device 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel has two settings on and off controlled by a sliding switch to easily show users which setting they are on.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, 4, 9 and 10, the hair engagement portion 4 is reversible, i.e. the hair engagement portion 4 may be rotated about an axis extending within the plane of the portion 4 and reengaged with the body 2. This arrangement enables the user to select which surface of the portion 4 to present to the head of a user. For example, the user may choose between presenting the engagement surface 6 to be used adjacent a head of a user to provide a first size of curls or to present the opposing contact surface 8 to be used adjacent a head of a user to provide a second size of curls.

12 The device 1 of the present invention may therefore provide for increased versatility of use.

The device 1 may further comprise a set of needle roller bearings 36 located within the cavity of the body 2 to ensure that there is no internal rubbing between parts further helping the rotating parts to move freely.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 5 the device 1 embodiment comprises an oval hair engagement part 22, held in a holder 24, which holder 24 extends into the body 2 a handle 21 , which in turn extends orthogonally away from the hair engagement part 4.

The hair engagement part 4 third embodiment uses a traditional Afro sponge 22 (see Figure 12) which connects directly to a motor 14 and the motor moves the hair engagement part 4 sponge in circular patterns rather than fully rotating it. The sponge hair engagement part simply pushes into place on the holder 24 making it easy to take off for cleaning.

Two steel guiding pins mate into circular guides in the motor mount which prevents the sponge hair engagement part 4 from rotating a full 360 degrees as a motor shaft drives the sponge hair engagement part 4 via a cam 38 mounted into a needle bearing 39 which turns rotating motion into orbital gyrations.

The sponge holder 24 has a plastic connector which is directly driven by the motor 14, the sponge hair engagement part 4 pushes onto the holder 24 and moves with it such that the motor 14 drives the sponge hair engagement part 4 via an offset cam 38 and guide pins 54 which replicate the gyrating motion traditionally used to create afro curls. The sponge hair engagement part 4 head can be removed for cleaning and replaced when worn out.

In use, the hair engagement surface 6 of the device 1 is placed in contact with the hair of a user. The motor 14 is operated to rotate the tubular heads 12 relative to the hair engagement part 4 such that hair is received with the channel of each head 12, and each head 12 creates an individual afro curl. The motor 14 drives the hair engagement

13 The embodiment of Figures 3, 4, 9 and 10 is used to create a single curl. This embodiment is compact and light. The hair engagement part 4 comprises a sponge which attaches by push fit engagement onto the body 2. The hair engagement part 4 is gyrated, by the motor, to form the curl.

After use, the user may remove the tubular heads 12 from the openings 10 for easy cleaning. The user may for example disengage the hair engagement part from the body to facilitate cleaning of the device.

In this way the device of the present invention may be used to easily turn a mini Afro hair (mini Afro -not long shoulder or waist length hair) into a temporary twisted hair-style, such as curled locks or dreads. This may be envisaged to be a temporary style, for example in place for a day or two.

The device thereby provides a hand-held product which creates automatic and longer- lasting afro curls.

An internal motor within the body rotates and thereby collects hair into the holes creating tight afro curls. The three embodiments are each suited to different hair types and use scenarios.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the embodiment 99 comprises a substantially triangular format, with a body 1 for holding and three separate beds providing the hair engagement part 2.

The three beds 2 are substantially triangular with radiused corners and comprise three embedded fingers 4. The fingers 4 are cylindrical are spaced apart and arranged towards the corners of the beds 2, and are arranged to rotate within the beds.

Each of the beds comprises a sponge material with a raised and lowered surface 7, and each of the fingers has sponge material with a raised and lowered surface. The fingers each have a hole 3 centrally.

The beds are held in a fixed relationship of segments 6, with spacing between them, by use of a three armed bracket, 5. The segments may be envisaged to be tilted towards

14 a central point to better accommodate a user’s head. In some embodiments the segments may comprise an articulated connection to the body to allow variation in tilt.

The embodiment is held together using screws to allow for maintenance whilst reducing ingress of oils and dust. A low RPM geared motor or three motors as in the pictured embodiment, creates the desired orbital gyration and a set of thrust bearings 45 ensure that there is no internal rubbing between parts helping the embodiment to rotate freely.

The motors directly drive three plastic carriers 41 which in turn hold silicone heads 44 which allow the silicone to be removed for cleaning or to be replaced.

The silicone heads rotate and collect hair in their central columnar holes 3, each creating an individual afro curl.

The motor drive is distributed between the three plastic carriers 41 via drive belts 42 to ensure even rotation.

A set of needle roller bearings 43 ensure that there is no internal rubbing between parts further helping the rotating carriers to move freely.

A textured plastic body 1 helps to protect the mechanisms from dust and oil ingress

A soft-touch plastic panel has an integrated power switch to control the device.

A thin layer of sponge surrounds the rotating silicone heads to aid hair curling and each rotating silicone head 44 simultaneously creates an afro curl for quick and professional curls. The heads can be removed for cleaning and the entire system is sealed to prevent grease and water damaging the mechanism.

It may be envisaged that the embodiment may include a battery or wired connection for power to the motor or motors.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the embodiment 199 comprises an elongated cylindrical body 11 with a domed end at one end and the hair engagement part 12 at the other end.

15 In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the embodiment 1 comprises an elongated cylindrical body 2 with a domed end at one end and the hair engagement part 4 at the other end.

Focusing on a single curl, this embodiment is the most compact and light. The hair engagement part is provided by a sponge which attaches by pushing into place onto a carrier and is gyrated to form each curl. The sponge is reversible to two curl-size options.

A soft-touch plastic panel with an integrated power switch to control the device and the embodiment has two settings on and off controlled by a sliding switch to easily show users which setting they are on.

A housing 52 includes the switch, rechargeable LiPo battery used to power the motor and charged using a USB C cable, and a low RPM geared motor to create orbital gyration of the sponge.

The motor shaft drives the sponge via a cam 38 mounted into a needle bearing 39 which turns rotating motion into orbital gyrations of the sponge and its carrier.

A textured plastic cylindrical body 2 opposite the domed end helps to protect the mechanisms from dust and oil ingress.

The sponge of the embodiment orbits with a tight gyrating motion to form the ideal afro curl.

The curling sponge 12 has a silicone liner to help gather hair; wherein a silicone liner creates tapered walls inside of the sponge's holes which helps to form the Afro curl, and a raised and lowered surface 17.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 5 the embodiment 1 comprises an oval hair engagement part 22, held in a holder 24, which holder extends into a handle 21 , which in turn extends orthogonally away from the hair engagement part.

16 The third embodiment uses a traditional Afro sponge 22 (see Figure 12) which connects directly to a motor and the motor moves the sponge in circular patterns rather than fully rotating it. The sponge simply pushes into place on the holder 24 making it easy to take off for cleaning.

A low RPM geared motor 14 creates the desired orbital gyration of the sponge.

A rechargeable LiPo battery 62 is used to power the motor and is charged using a USB C cable.

Two steel guiding pins mate into circular guides in the motor mount which prevents the sponge from rotating a full 360 degrees as a motor shaft drives the sponge via a cam 38 mounted into a needle bearing 39 which turns rotating motion into orbital gyrations.

The sponge holder has a plastic connector which is directly driven by the motor, the sponge pushes onto the holder and moves with it such that the motor drives the sponge via an offset cam 38 and guide pins which replicate the gyrating motion traditionally used to create afro curls. The sponge head can be removed for cleaning and replaced when worn out.

The outer plastic body forming the handle is textured for improved grip and is used to protect the internal electronics from water and dust.

The curling sponge has a silicone liner to help gather hair; the silicone liner creates tapered walls inside of the sponge's holes 23 which helps to form the Afro curls,

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

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