TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present invention is in the cosmetics and aesthetics fields and relates specifically to hair treatment methods and devices.

BACKGROUND

Various hair treatment devices for home and professional use are on the market. These devices mainly rely on applying heat to the user’s hair. Known devices such as fans (that rely on warm air blowing) or commonly spread hair straighteners and curlers, that rely on regular Omni heating elements, are examples of such devices.

Hair includes, among others, two major components: Keratin - as the main structure protein material, and Melanin - as the pigment giving the hair its color. Reshaping the hair (straightening it or curling it) involves breaking the hydrogen bonds inside the hairs’ polymeric structure in order for the hairs to be rearranged in a new manner. Breaking these connections requires heating the hair that reduces the water present inside the hair. The new form is achieved by applying physical pressure and/or tension on the hair and then letting it to cool down, allowing the new connections to stabilize. In these cases, the user chooses the heating temperature to her/his desire, which can reach very high values to give a desired outcome.

Current hair treatment devices rely on heating the hair by convectional heating, mainly Omni heating of the hair, by using regular heating elements and/or ceramic plates. The hair is often treated while it is damp, allowing faster and better heat transfer to the hair itself while applying the heat.

The inaccuracy of Omni heating based devices and the high temperatures involved often lead to burning of the treated hair, thus damaging it. This point is important as, while treating the hair, as opposed to removing hair, the goal is to keep the hair healthy and unharmed as much as possible. The above-mentioned devices are generic to all, and can be self-adjusted to some extent by the user by, for example, determining the temperature. However, the user may not have the knowledge or understanding to set the device to its optimum performance for optimizing the treatment and avoiding damaging the hair.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides innovative devices and methods for precise heating and personalized treatment of the hair, taking into account the user’s hair characteristics such as hair color, thickness and humidity level. The invention prevents harming and damaging the hair throughout the process, e.g. by avoiding burning the treated hair since each hair is heated as needed.

The invention utilizes directly irradiating the hair with electromagnetic radiation of one or more wavelength ranges selected to be absorbed by the hair and controllably and safely cause its heating to a required/desired temperature, without damaging it.

Additionally or alternatively, the invention utilizes controllably heating specifically designed surfaces by irradiating them with customized electromagnetic radiation and bringing the heated surfaces to touch the hair and heat it by convection. In some embodiments, the specifically designed surfaces include or are made from one or more materials having a specific thermal capacity, specifically low thermal mass or capacity, such that the surfaces will absorb the EMR energy, in a form of heat, quickly, and will discharge the heat to the contacted hair or cool down quickly. This increases the efficiency as well as safety of the hair treatment.

As will be readily appreciated, the present invention can be implemented in a new device or as an upgrade to devices available on the market.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hair treatment device comprising a hair treatment element configured for applying heat to the hair to treat the hair, the hair treatment element comprising at least one electromagnetic radiation source configured and operable to generate an electromagnetic radiation in one or more wavelength ranges comprising at least one of the ultraviolet (UV) range, visible light range and infrared (IR) range, to be directed towards and absorbed by the hair, thereby heating and treating the hair.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a controller configured and operable to control said hair treatment element and treatment parameters including one or more of intensity, duration and wavelength range, to enable adjustment of the treatment to the specific hair under treatment.

In some embodiments, the hair treatment element comprises a plurality of said electromagnetic radiation sources. Each of said plurality of the electromagnetic radiation sources may be operable to generate electromagnetic radiation in one of the UV, visible light and IR wavelength ranges.

In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation source is operable to firstly generate the electromagnetic radiation in at least one of the UV and IR ranges, followed by secondly generating electromagnetic radiation in the visible light range.

In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation source is configured and operable to generate electromagnetic radiation in the visible light range comprising the complementary range for color(s) of the hair under treatment. The hair treatment device may comprise an optical sensor configured and operable to detect the color of the hair under treatment, enabling the electromagnetic radiation source to selectively generate electromagnetic radiation in the complementary range for the color of the hair under treatment.

In some embodiments, the device comprises at least one surface configured to be brought into contact with the treated hair, the surface being located in optical path of the electromagnetic radiation such that it absorbs at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation resulting in heating up and transferring the heat to the contacted treated hair. The at least one surface may comprise one or more materials having a low thermal mass resulting in that the surface heats up and cools down rapidly.

In some embodiments, the device comprises at least one electrically conductive surface configured to be brought into contact with the treated hair, the surface being electrically insulated from the treated hair, such that when an electrical current having predetermined parameters is passed through the surface, the surface heats up and transfers the heat to the treated hair. The at least one electrically conductive surface may comprise one or more materials having a low thermal mass resulting in that the electrically conductive surface heats up and cools down rapidly.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a movement detection sensor configured and operable to detect movement of the hair treatment device or the hair treatment element as a function of time, thereby enabling to alert the user when the heat treatment device or the hair treatment element is kept static above a predetermined period of time.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a proximity sensor configured and operable to detect engagement of the hair treatment device or the hair treatment element with the treated hair, thereby enabling to alert the user when the heat treatment device or the hair treatment element is disengaged from the treated hair.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a pressure sensor configured and operable to detect engagement of the hair treatment device or the hair treatment element with the treated hair, thereby enabling to alert the user when the heat treatment device or the hair treatment element is disengaged from the treated hair.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a temperature sensor configured and operable to detect temperature of the treated hair, thereby enabling to determine treatment parameters.

In some embodiments, the hair treatment element comprises a housing accommodating said at least one electromagnetic radiation source. In some embodiments, the housing has one or more electromagnetic radiation reflecting surfaces configured for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source. In some embodiments, the housing has one or more electromagnetic radiation transmissive surfaces for transmitting electromagnetic radiation generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source out of the housing. The hair treatment element may comprise a dichroic filter located before or after said one or more electromagnetic radiation transmissive surfaces and configured to control transmission of at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation out of the housing. The dichroic filter may be configured to pass IR radiation out of the housing, thereby reducing heat generated within the hair treatment element.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of said housing is formed as a peripheral portion enabling to transmit the EMR peripherally out of the hair treatment element.

In some embodiments, one or more surfaces of said one or more electromagnetic radiation transmissive surfaces are at least partially patterned to control transmission of at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation out of the housing. The one or more patterned surfaces may be at least partially pigmented or colored or doped with a specific color or are coated with a material that absorb at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation, thereby raising temperature of the surfaces which when brought into contact with the hair under treatment heat and treat the hair.

In some embodiments, the device comprises two opposite plates configured to hold the hair under treatment and enable a user to apply a physical tension on the hair under treatment, the hair treatment element being embedded in at least one of the two plates. The device may comprise an electromagnetic radiation reflector configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation, the reflector being embedded in one of the two plates, against the hair treatment element embedded in the opposite plate, thereby enhancing the treatment of the hair clamped between the two plates.

In some embodiments, the device comprises bristles configured for engaging the treated hair. At least one of said bristles may form a portion of a housing of the hair treatment element, the at least one bristle being at least partially transparent to said electromagnetic radiation, enabling to irradiate the treated hair through the bristle.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for treating hair, the method comprises: providing a hair treatment element configured and operable to irradiate the hair with one or more electromagnetic radiation (EMR) ranges including UV, VL and IR; activating the hair treatment element and selectively irradiating the hair with the one or more EMR ranges; providing sensor(s) configured and operable to detect color(s) of the hair; and irradiating the hair with the one or more EMR ranges corresponding to the complementary color(s) of the hair color(s).

In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a surface having a low thermal mass, the surface being located in an optical path of the EMR and configured for engaging with the treated hair to thereby absorb at least a portion of the EMR and heat up rapidly, then transfer the heat to the treated hair and cool down rapidly.

In some embodiments, the method comprises providing sensor(s) configured and operable to detect engagement between the hair treatment element and the hair and activating the hair treatment element upon detecting that the hair treatment element is engaged with the hair.

In some embodiments, the method comprises providing sensor(s) for monitoring temperature of the treated hair; thereby enabling to adjust treatment parameters accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a non-limiting example of a hair treatment device, in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2A illustrates the electromagnetic radiation absorbance in Keratin;

Fig 2B illustrates the electromagnetic radiation absorbance in Pheomelanin;

Fig 2C illustrates the electromagnetic radiation absorbance in Eumelanin;

Fig. 3 illustrates different color absorption/reflection in colored materials;

Figs. 4A-4D illustrate various non-limiting embodiments of the hair treatment element of the present invention; Fig. 5 illustrates different non-limiting embodiments for patterning EMR windows/surfaces of the present invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates non-limiting examples of implementations and combinations of the hair treatment element within hair treatment devices, in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 7A-7E illustrate various non-limiting embodiments of the hair treatment device of the present invention, including various non-limiting elements/sensors; and

Fig. 8 illustrates a non-limiting method for treating hair, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made to Fig. 1 illustrating a first non-limiting example of a hair treatment device 100, in accordance with the present invention. The hair treatment device 100 is configured for aesthetic and cosmetic treatment, such as straightening and/or curling hair. As shown, the hair treatment device 100 includes an enclosure 102 to enable holding and grasping the device in the user’s hand. Various enclosure non-limiting examples are detailed further below. In the housing, the hair treatment device 100 includes at least one hair treatment element 110 configured for applying heat to the hair to treat the hair, and at least one optional controller 140 for controlling the hair treatment device 100, including the at least one hair treatment element 110 and other optional elements, as will be detailed further below.

The hair treatment element 110 includes a housing 112 that houses at least one electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source 120 configured and operable to generate an electromagnetic radiation in one or more wavelength ranges including at least one of the ultraviolet (UV) range, visible light (VE) range and infrared (IR) range. In some embodiments, the housing of the hair treatment element forms, coincides with or overlaps with at least a part of the enclosure of the hair treatment device.

The hair treatment device 100 includes at least one window / surface 130 associated with the at least one hair treatment element 110, and located in the optical path of the EMR for transmitting at least a portion of the EMR, generated by the EMR source 120, to be directed towards the hair and be absorbed by the hair, thereby heating and treating the hair. In some embodiments, either the hair treatment device 100 or the hair treatment element 110 (or both), via the enclosure 102 and/or housing 112, provide(s) a gap, in the optical path, between the EMR source 120 and the window/surface 130. In some embodiments, the gap is an air gap. In some embodiments, no gap is present between the EMR source 120 and the window/surface 130, e.g. the optical path therebetween is gapless.

The present invention utilizes hair properties for absorbing electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of between 100 - 1000 nm. Specifically, the ultraviolet (UV) waves range from 100-400nm, the visible light (VL) waves range from 380-700nm and the infrared (IR) waves range from 780-1000nm. According to the invention, selective irradiation of the hair with one or more of the above-mentioned wavelength ranges potentially achieves the personalized heating and treatment of the hair.

As mentioned above, hair includes two major components, Keratin and Melanin. The latter includes Pheomelanin and Eumelanin. Reference is made to Fig. 2A showing a graph of light wavelength absorbance in keratin, Fig. 2B showing a graph of light wavelength absorbance in Pheomelanin, and Fig. 2C showing a graph of light wavelength absorbance in Eumelanin. As appreciated from the figures, Keratin and Melanin are very good UV absorbers. The very high absorption of the UV waves, translated to thermal energy, provides an efficient way of heating the hair.

IR radiation is popularly known as “heat radiation”. Including IR radiation in the targeting electromagnetic radiation expedites the heating process of the hair.

Visible light is absorbed best in its complementary color and reflected best in its matching color. Reference is made to Fig. 3 which illustrates this. As shown, Red, Green and Blue (RGB) colors absorption and reflection are demonstrated . On the left side, a red material reflects the red I wave while absorbing the green (G) and blue (B) waves. In the middle, a green material reflects the green wave while absorbing the red and blue waves. And on the right, a blue material reflects the blue wave while absorbing the red and green waves. Once illuminating the hair with the entire visible light spectrum (wave length of 380-700 nm) only the complementary light colors will be absorbed into the hair and the remaining, more matching, colors will reflect from it. Accordingly, according to the invention, hair color(s) of the specific user can be detected and irradiated with the complementary color(s), e.g. by irradiating the hair with visible light range including the complementary color(s).

In some embodiments, the hair is illuminated with the entire spectrum between 100- lOOOnm. The heat energy produced from this projection will sum as follows:

In some embodiments, when irradiating the hair with the entire spectrum (about lOO-lOOOnm), the user is provided with the ability to precisely heat the treated hair as follows: raising the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation source emitting the entire spectrum to a level that nearly reaches the required heat level by the UV and IR waves, then reaching the heating temperature goal with the suitable, complementary, visible light color that bridges the gap to get to the exact radiation heating level.

Back to Fig. 1 , in some embodiments, the at least one EMR source has a fixed EMR intensity output. In some embodiments, the at least one EMR source has a variable, controllable, EMR intensity output. In some embodiments, the at least one EMR source is configured to output EMR in a wavelength range extending over the whole spectrum of the invention, i.e. between lOO-lOOOnm. In some embodiments, the at least one EMR source is configured to output EMR in a wavelength range extending over one or more wavelength ranges of the whole spectrum lOO-lOOOnm. For example, the EMR source can be configured to output specific wavelength ranges corresponding to the complementary color of the hair of the user. In the latter case, the hair treatment element 110 will include more than one EMR source that together cover the whole spectrum between lOO-lOOOnm.

In some embodiments, the hair treatment device 100 includes a controller 140 that enables either manual or automatic selective operation of the hair treatment device 100 to optimize the treatment for a specific user. The controller 140 can be configured to enable control over one or more of the following parameters of the at least one EMR source: intensity and wavelength range. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is operated manually by the user to control the intensity and/or wavelength range(s) of the at least one EMR source. In some embodiments, the controller autonomously/automatically controls the parameters of the at least one EMR source, based on an input from optional sensors mounted on the hair treatment device, as will be described further below. In some embodiments, the controller is integrated fully in the hair treatment device. In some embodiments, the controller is divided between the hair treatment device and an external device, such as a smartphone. The controller may include both hardware and software components. In one non-limiting example, the controller has a hardware component residing in the hand-held treatment device which is configured to communicate with the hair treatment element to activate/deactivate it and with optionally provided sensors, and a software component configured to receive the signals from the hardware components, analyze the signals and generate operational signals adjusting the parameters of the treatment (e.g., intensity and wavelength range) back to the hardware component that operates the hair treatment element. In some embodiments, the software is in a form of an application running on an external computing device, such as a smartphone.

According to the invention it is safe and fast to treat the hair. In order to guard the hair and avoid burning it, the EMR source(s) can be controlled, e.g. by the controller 140, allowing to apply the required amount of energy to heat the hair to a certain required degree, depending on user’s hair color pigment, since dark hair requires less energy than bright hair. In some embodiments, the user predefines his/her hair color from a predefined color palette, thus tuning the device manually with the optimal/correct amount of energy required. In some embodiments, the device is equipped with optical sensor(s) that defines automatically the optimal energy required for a specific user’s hair color. In some embodiments, the full spectrum is projected on the hair, having only the complementary light color(s) to be absorbed in the hair and the remaining light colors reflected from the hair out.

The one or more EMR windows / surfaces 130, associated with the one or more hair treatment elements 110 serve as a medium for transmitting the EMR from the EMR source(s) towards the hair. For example, the EMR window(s)/surface(s) can be made from material(s) transparent to the whole used spectrum lOO-lOOOnm or to selective portions of the whole spectrum. For example, a plurality of window(s)/surface(s), e.g. three, can be selectively transparent to a plurality of wavelength ranges, e.g. the three UV, VL and IR ranges.

In some embodiments, only specific selective light color(s) is/are projected on the hair in order to achieve the extra heating required. The remaining hair can be heated using conduction/convection heating elements/methods, optionally up to a certain level, and then bridging the gap to the right temperature using the EMR source’s ability to precisely heat the hair by direct irradiation of the hair.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, at least one of the EMR windows/surfaces 130 is configured to absorb at least a portion of the EMR. The at least one EMR window/surface may be configured to transform the absorbed EMR into heat energy, and be brought to touch the hair so as to transfer heat to the hair by a convectional heating.

In some embodiments, at least one of the EMR windows/surfaces 130 can be configured as a semi-transparent window/surface colored or pigmented or doped in a dark or even black layer such that it absorbs at least a portion of the EMR and is heated such that when it is brought in contact with the hair it transfers heat energy to the hair. In some embodiments, the color/pigment is preferably in a thin layer, having a low or very low thermal mass, e.g. close to zero, such that the colored regions/area are heated and cooled quickly. The quick heating increases efficiency of the hair treatment, e.g. by minimizing the time required for achieving the required treatment, while also increasing safety because of the quick cool down. In some embodiments, the thin layer has a thickness of between about 0.1mm and about 1.0mm.

In some embodiments, the semi-transparent window/ s)/surface(s) can be colored in whole or have a texture, pattern, or only an area colored with the dark or even black pigment, allowing some of the visible light (VL) to pass through the semi-transparent window(s)/surface(s).

In some embodiments, different colors/dopings can be used on different parts of the device to control heating degrees of the different parts or control heating in different wavelengths of EMR. In some embodiments, the window(s)/surface(s) 130 are made, partially or totally, from one or more materials having low or very low thermal mass, e.g. close to zero, such that they are heated quickly and cooled quickly, again to increase efficiency and safety. In some embodiments, the one or more materials include one or more of the following: Teflon, Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (e.g., ULTEM), and/or other similar materials. In some embodiments, the window(s)/surface(s) 130 can include a very thin metallic mesh, close or on the external face of it, with a low or very low thermal mass, e.g. close to zero, to enable quick heating and cooling. The metallic mesh will absorb the energy passing through the mesh, and along with the EMR absorbed in the hair will act as a heating element.

In some embodiments, the window(s)/surface(s) 130 include one or more electrically conductive materials, e.g. thin wire(s), that are electrically insulated from the treated hair, the electrically conductive materials can be controllably heated-up by controllably passing an electrical current there through and as a result transfer heat to the treated hair. The electrically conductive materials can also be configured to have low or very low thermal mass, e.g. close to zero, such that they are heated and cooled quickly.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the optimal heating energy, the hair treatment device can be equipped with alerting means that alert the user and correct her/his use of the device, such as timers.

Several additional elements and peripheral components can be included to optimize the device’s operation, as will be described further below.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4A-4D illustrating various non-limiting examples of the hair treatment element 110, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4A is a schematic section view of a basic configuration for a hair treatment element 110A. As shown, the hair treatment element embeds a single EMR source (120A) within. The EMR source 120 A can be of any type (Halogen, Xenon, Incandescent, LED or other) that is able to project light within the required wavelength spectrum. In this nonlimiting example, the EMR source 120A is a united source of the full wavelength spectrum between lOO-lOOOnm, including UV, IR and VL. The EM source 120A can be controlled (e.g. activating it and its intensity) via the controller 140 acting as a dimmer-like component.

The EMR source 120 A is located inside the housing 112A of the hair treatment element 110A, which can act with its walls as a reflector for the projected EMR rays. The housing 112A allows the EMR rays to exit from its top open area (top side in the figure), where it is covered by a top cover 114 A. The housing can include a dichroic filter in order to reduce heat gathered inside the housing. The housing can be open on one side in order to evacuate the heat gathered. The housing can also consist of additional cooling elements, passive or active (such as fans, Peltier coolers, heat sinks or any other kind heat dissipation means) in order to evacuate the heat from the EMR source 120A, the housing itself or the top cover. The top cover can function as the EMR window/surface described above, including the incorporation of low or very low thermal mass property. The top cover 114A can be transparent to the EMR allowing the EMR to exit from it to a defined area. The top cover can be fully transparent, colored, pigmented, texturized, opaque or clear as will be described further below. In some embodiments, the hair treatment element 110A includes a filter 116A that can be positioned beneath the top cover and above the EMR source in order to screen some of the projected EMR rays. In some embodiments, the filter and top cover can be united, can be integrated or can be the same element.

Fig. 4B is a schematic section view of a basic configuration for a hair treatment element HOB. The hair treatment element HOB includes a housing 112B, a top cover 114B and a filter 116B configured as the housing 112A, the top cover 114A and the filter 116 A, except for as detailed herein below. In this non-limiting example, the hair treatment element HOB includes three EMR sources 120B1, 120B2 and 120B3 located within the housing 112B.

In some embodiments, the EMR sources are each for a different range of the light spectrum: a UV emitter source 120B 1, an IR emitter source 120B3 and a VL emitter source 120B2. The EMR sources can be of any type (Halogen, Xenon, Incandescent, LED, RGB WWW or other) that is able to project EMR within the required wavelength spectrum. Each EMR source may be controlled separately, e.g. by the controller 140, activating it and controlling its intensity separately. The housing 112B can be united for all EMR sources (as shown), or a dedicated housing can be provided per each EMR source.

Fig. 4C is a schematic section view for a hair treatment element 1 IOC utilizing wave and light guide(s). The hair treatment element includes an EMR source 120C, similar to the EMR source 120A in Fig. 4A As described above, the EMR source can be of any type (Halogen, Xenon, Incandescent, LED or other) that is able to project EMR within the required wavelength spectrum. Also, as noted in Fig. 4B, several EMR sources may be used inside the housing 112C, and several housings can be used in parallel in the hair treatment element 1 IOC. The housing 112C and the filter 116C are as described above with respect to housing 112A and filter 116A.

In this non-limiting example, the top cover 114C is configured as a light guide at an elongated distal side 114CD. In some embodiments, the top cover can include more than one light guide. In some embodiments, the top cover can be EMR transparent allowing the EMR projected from the EMR source to pass through it and to exit from it, partially or fully, in a circumferential manner, thus increasing the treatment area. The top cover including the light guide can form the EMR window/surface as described above. The top cover can be fully transparent, colored, pigmented, texturized, opaque or clear, as was described above.

Fig. 4D is a schematic section view of a peripheral configuration for a hair treatment element HOD. The hair treatment element HOD includes an EMR source 120D located within a housing 112D.

The EMR source 120D has an elongated shape enabling radiation of the EMR in a peripheral fashion and is located inside the peripheral housing 112D. This allows the EMR rays to be projected in a circumferential manner from the EMR source to the hair. All of the features described above with respect to the EMR source and housing can be implemented for the peripheral hair treatment element HOD. The peripheral housing can include a dichroic filter in order to reduce heat gathered inside the housing. The peripheral housing can be open on one side in order to evacuate the heat gathered. The peripheral housing can also include additional cooling elements, passive or active (such as fans, Peltier coolers, heat sinks or any other kind heat dissipation means) in order to evacuate the heat from the inside the housing. A top cover 114D can be located on one side of the peripheral housing 112D, closing the housing from one side, e.g. opposite from the EMR source’s connection to a power source. The top cover 114D can be a standalone part, or can be united or even form integral part of the peripheral housing.

As mentioned above, any one of the non-limiting exemplified housings 112A-112D can be configured to provide a gap, along the optical path of the EMR, between the EMR source(s) and the top cover or the treated hair.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5 illustrating non-limiting examples of the top cover of the hair treatment element that aim to define the ratio between transmitted and absorbed EMR passing therethrough. As described above, the cover may be configured to absorb EMR and transform it to heat in order to transfer heat to the hair by convection. In some embodiments, the top cover can be one or a combination of the below described covers. In one example, the cover can be made of an EMR transparent or semi-transparent material 1161 letting all/part of the EMR rays exit the housing and projected on the hair. The EMR transparent or semi-transparent material can be made of glass, crystalized (such as Sapphire), polymer, reinforced, or any other material that allows the EMR waves in the required wavelength(s) to pass through it and be projected on the treated hair. In another example, the cover can be made from an EMR transparent material which is partially or totally pigmented 1162, such that some of the EMR rays will be reduced or even blocked. In another example, the cover can be printed or colored with a color texture or grid 1163. In another example, the cover can be colored/printed with a pattern 1164 allowing all rays to exit only from a specific part of the cover. In yet another example, the cover can be a completely colored/printed cover 1165 to control the ratio between transmitted and absorbed EMR. In yet another example, not specifically shown in Fig. 5, the top cover includes one or more materials that have a low or very low thermal mass, e.g. close to zero, to enable fast heating and fast cooling. In yet another example, not specifically shown in Fig. 5, the top cover may include one or more electrically conductive materials/structures, that are electrically insulated from the treated hair and when heated by controllable electrical currents passed therethrough they transfer heat to the treated hair. As appreciated, the hair treatment device of the invention can be, for example, a hair straightening and/or curling device. In some embodiments, the hair treatment element can be implemented in any device, with a design and structure able to clamp hair. This can be done while using a clamping tool, such as all sorts of tongs instruments or any other layout able to press hair against one side and apply physical pressure on it, in order to shape it differently.

Reference is made to Fig. 6 illustrating non-limiting examples of implementations and combinations of the hair treatment elements within hair treatment devices, in accordance with the invention. Sectional views of general application configurations in hair treatment devices are shown. A single or plurality of the hair treatment elements can be implemented in several layouts or configurations. In a first non-limiting layout 200, the hair treatment element HOE (that can be configured in one or more of the configurations described above in Figs. 4A-4D), is located on one side of the device, keeping the opposite pressing side 202 without any special requirements. In another layout 210, a single or plurality of the hair treatment element 110E can be located on one side of the tool while having an EMR reflector 204 on the opposite side, to enhance the treatment efficiency. The EMR reflector 204 can be made from a material such as a high polished metal, and/or a color that reflects some or all of EMR rays (e.g. white color), and/or a coating such as mirror elements, and/or any other means able to reflect the EMR waves in the whole or part of the range lOO-lOOOnm. In another non-limiting layout 220, a single or plurality of the hair treatment element 110E can be located on each side of the device, thereby maximizing the potential of the treatment. A safety feature can be embedded in the last described configuration, allowing the operation of the hair treatment elements and projection of the EMR only when the device is in closed position, thereby guarding the users’ eyes and skin. This safety feature can be electronic such as a sensor or mechanical. Fig. 6 describes implementations that are more suitable for a pressing device configuration, e.g. applying physical tension on the hair by clamping the hair. In addition, as will be described further below, the device can be adapted to apply the physical tension by pulling the hair, such as in a combing action. Reference is now made to Fig. 7A-7E, illustrating non-limiting examples of hair treatment devices, such as hair straightening and curling devices, utilizing the invention, and which may include other one or more features/elements that are configured to enhance the devices’ operation and optimize the hair treatment process. It is noted that the different examples of the illustrated devices can include one or more of additional features/elements and not necessarily as shown only.

In some embodiments, the hair treatment device includes one or more sensors configured to enhance operation of the hair treatment device.

In some embodiments, these are sensors, e.g. optical sensors, that are configured to detect color of the treated hair and generate a signal indicative thereof. The color detection sensor(s) generate(s) signals that are utilized by the controller in order to determine the complementary color of hair and activate the hair treatment element(s) accordingly. Also, the controller can determine the intensity of the EMR based on the detected hair color, as described above. In some embodiments, the color detection sensors can be external, such as a camera and associated application on a smartphone that detect the color of the hair and generate a corresponding signal to the controller.

In some embodiments, a temperature sensor is provided to measure temperature of the treated hair and provide a detection signal indicative thereof. The detection signal is provided to the controller in order to determine the treatment parameters, such as the intensity, duration and wavelength range.

In some embodiments, the sensors are operable to enhance safety of the device and minimize interaction between the hair treatment elements and body parts other than the hair. The sensors generate signals that are utilized by the controller in order to activate or deactivate the hair treatment element(s).

In one non-limiting embodiment, a proximity sensor can be included in the device to detect that the device is interacting with the hair and generate a signal indicative thereof. The controller then receives the detection signal from the proximity sensor and activates the hair treatment element(s). In another non-limiting embodiment, a pressure sensor can be included in the device to detect that the device is pressed on the hair and is interacting with the hair and/or the device is in a closed state clamping the hair, and generate a signal indicative thereof. The controller then receives the detection signal from the proximity sensor and activates the hair treatment element(s).

In another non-limiting embodiment, a movement and/or speed sensor (mechanical, electrical, optical or any other movement sensing component) can be included in the device to aid tracking the amount of time the user maintains the device in the same area, enabling to alert the user when the hair treatment element has exceeded a recommended predefined time, thereby minimizing/eliminating the risk of burning the hair. In some embodiments, the movement sensor measures the speed (movement as function of time), and generates a corresponding signal which can be utilized to determine the intensity of the EMR.

As appreciated, the hair treatment device can include any or any combination of the above-mentioned sensors. For example, the combination of the color detection sensor(s) and the movement sensor(s) can sense that the user is not moving the device and, as necessary, reduce automatically the amount of the electromagnetic radiation applied in order to avoid burning the hair.

Fig. 7 A illustrates a non-limiting example of a hair treatment device 100 A in the form of a straight hair brush. As shown, the hair brush 100 A includes bristles 150 A that are configured to be inserted into the hair in the usual way to brush and arrange the hair. The straight hair brush device also includes at least one hair treatment element 110 configured and operable as any of the hair treatment elements described above. As schematically shown, the straight hair brush device also includes three sensors 152A, 152B and 152C which include one or more of the above-described sensors. A color detection sensor 152A can eb included, or alternatively can be implemented as a camera and application on a smartphone. Also, any combination of temperature, proximity, pressure and movement sensors can be included as the two (or more) remaining sensors. For example, two proximity sensors, two pressure sensors, one movement sensor and one proximity (or pressure) sensor. As appreciated, in some embodiments, a different number of safety sensors can be integrated in the device in order to ensure safe operation thereof. The controller (140 in Fig. 1) receives input detection signals from the sensor(s) and activates/deactivates the hair treatment element based on the detection signal. Optionally, the hair brush 110A can be provided with a focusing arrangement 154 located at the output of the hair treatment element and configured to control and enhance the focusing of the EMR towards the treated hair.

Fig. 7B illustrates a non-limiting example of a hair treatment device 100B in the form of a round hair brush. As shown, the hair brush 100B includes bristles 150B that are configured to be inserted into the hair in the usual way to brush and arrange the hair, a plurality (e.g. four) of hair treatment elements 110 distributed over the round surface of the brush, configured and operable as any of the hair treatment elements described above, and a plurality (e.g. four) of sensors 152A-152D distributed over the round surface of the brush, e.g. between the hair treatment elements. The sensors can be configured as one or more of the above-mentioned sensors, i.e. color detection, temperature, proximity, pressure and movement sensor(s).

Fig. 7C illustrates a non-limiting example of a hair treatment device 100C in the form of a straight hair brush. As shown, the hair brush 100B includes bristles 150C that are textured/patterned with dark color, as described above (e.g. in Fig. 5) with respect to the top cover or the housing of the hair treatment element, such that the bristles can absorb some of the EMR and participate in heating of the treated hair. The different bristles can have similar of different patterns of coloring/doping/pigmenting. In one non-limiting example, at least some of the bristles can form the housing of the hair treatment element(s), as described in Fig. 4D above.

Fig. 7D illustrates a non-limiting example of a hair treatment device 100D in the form of a flat hair straightener, shown in an open state. As shown, the hair straightener 100D includes two plates 160 that are configured to hold the hair between them and apply physical pressure on the hair in the usual way to straighten the hair. As described above in Fig. 6, one or more hair treatment elements, configured and operable as any of the hair treatment elements described above, can be mounted on the inside of one or both of the plates. In this non-limiting example, one hair element is mounted on each one of the plates. One or more of the sensors described above can be integrated in the device 100D to generate detection signals that are utilized by the controller in order to determine the treatment parameters. For example, a pressure sensor 152E is included to detect whether the device is in the closed state such that the hair treatment elements can be activated. A color detection sensor 152A can be included in the device or implemented as a camera and application of a smartphone. A movement sensor 152F as described above can be included as well.

Fig. 7E illustrates a non-limiting example of a hair treatment device 100E in the form of a flat hair straightener, shown in a closed state. The illustrated device can be configured as the device described above in Fig. 7D. Additionally, as shown, the device 100E includes, in addition to the hair treatment elements 110, one traditional heating element 170, e.g. a ceramic element, mounted on each plate

Reference is made to Fig. 8, illustrating by a flow diagram a non-limiting method 1000 for treating hair, in accordance with the present invention.

At step 1010, the method includes providing a hair treatment element configured and operable to irradiate the hair with one or more electromagnetic radiation ranges including UV, VL and IR.

At step 1020, the method includes engaging the hair treatment element with hair to be treated.

Optionally, at step 1030, the method includes providing sensor(s) configured and operable to detect engagement between the hair treatment element and the hair. These may include the safety sensors described above, such as proximity, pressure, and movement sensors.

At step 1040, the method includes activating the hair treatment element and selectively irradiating the hair with the one or more EM ranges. For example, this step may include irradiating the hair with each one of the UV, VL and IR ranges, or with any combination thereof.

At step 1050, the method includes providing sensor(s) configured and operable to detect color(s) of the hair. At step 1060, the method includes irradiating the hair with the one or more EM ranges corresponding to the complementary color(s) of the hair color(s).

Optionally, at step 1070, the method includes providing sensor(s) for monitoring the temperature of the treated hair and/or duration of the treatment.

At step 1080, the method includes determining during the treatment, in a continuous or discrete manner, the treatment parameters and adjusting the treatment accordingly.