FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a training device and training method for applying a sugar composition for hair removal.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, hair removal has been performed by waxing. Waxing is typically done in a salon by a body wax professional using hot or cold wax applied to the hair which the clients wish to have removed. The waxing products are made of petroleum based resins and chemicals which can be prone to contamination or cross contamination. With hot waxing, there are risks of burning skin, damaging the dermal cells, scarring the follicle mouth or surrounding area and causing pigmentation. The wax will adhere to the skin cells, or any surface it is applied to, making pulling it away painful. When waxing, the unwanted hair is removed against the natural direction of growth which causes undue levels of pain and becomes the major contributor to ingrown hair. Hair trapped under the skin which can also be painful and unsightly and cause infections.

A hair follicle is a skin organ that produces hair. Hair production occurs in phases, including a growth phase (anagen), and cessation phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen). Stem cells are principally responsible for the production of hair.

Anagen is the active growth phase of hair follicles. The roots of the hair are dividing rapidly, adding to the hair shaft. During this phase, the hair grows about 1 cm every 28 days. Scalp hair stays in this active phase of growth for 2-7 years. The amount of time the hair follicle stays in the anagen phase is genetically determined. There are other factors that can affect hair growth and hair loss patterns such as disease, medication, stress, and severe dieting. Generally, genes play the major role. At the end of the anagen phase, the follicle goes into the catagen phase.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

"Advanced body sugaring" is a unique and innovative process for the removal of unwanted facial and body hair for men, women, and children alike.

ln some examples, the methods of the current invention are performed by trained professionals in advanced body sugaring and skin conditioning treatments through salons and spa therapy facilities. In other examples, the methods may be performed at home.

Sugaring requires an entirely different mind-set and approach than waxing ln the methods described, the all natural sugaring compositions do not adhere to live skin cells, therefore, when the compositions are removed, the composition gently exfoliates dead skin cells and leaves behind freshened skin. There is no after-pain, stickiness, bruising or burning when a proper technique is used.

In one example, the sugaring compositions comprise pure sugar, water, and lemon. They are edible and delicious, and since they are water soluble, can be easily rinsed away if accidentally applied to an area. The sugaring will extract all hair colors and textures. The sugaring methods remove the hair in the natural direction of the hair growth.

When the sugar paste is applied, it seeps into the hair follicle and helps lubricate that hair root. The sugaring process will successfully treat all skin types and colors while improving skin tone and texture. Sugaring will eliminate ingrown hairs and help prevent new ingrown hairs from developing. Since sugaring is done at body temperature, the process eliminates the risk of burning the skin. The treatment adheres to the hair, not to the skin, and lubricates the root for easier removal from the hair root.

These factors, combined with the hair removal in the natural direction of growth, create a much more comfortable experience for everyone.

Sugaring techniques vary in user sensation, skin quality, and hair reduction. Sugaring is an all-natural, edible sugar paste, and is not heated enough to bum the skin. If the treatment process is not performed with ease and comfort, however, then it can become an aggressive treatment to the skin and cause undue pain, bruising, and even skin lifting or tearing.

Applicant has practiced and studied sugaring hair removal since 1991, and developed the Kennedy Theory ^® to sugaring hair removal which is taught in beauty schools around the world. By analyzing videos of the micro-movements in her sugaring technique, applicant created the Kennedy Sugaring Technique Theory® Using 6 Steps to Perfect Sugaring and began training instructors to teach the technique.

When properly performed, the 6 Step technique provides an efficient and comfortable sugaring procedure. Clients consistently complement the treatment and how their skin looks and feels afterwards.

The 6 steps is a precise methodology, and one aspect of teaching the 6 steps is helping the technicians understand and practice specific orientations of the hand and fingers during the various steps of the process. The specific orientations of the hand and fingers are important both to improve the client experience and to reduce practitioner fatigue. By reviewing each step of a practitioners' technique, an instructor can identify where corrections are required.

A common challenge in teaching the technique is that many trainees are unable to position and to hold their hands and fingers correctly enough to ensure the most gently and efficient treatments. To address this challenge, applicant invented devices to act as an alignment guide for their fingers, and incorporated the finger alignment devices into training methods. The guides establish ergonomically correct hand and finger positioning that align the practitioner's fingers so that an instructor can better focus on the actual technique. The guides reduce stress on both the teacher and the pupil, and facilitate a more effective learning process.

In one example, the finger alignment training device is a training glove where a bent little finger alignment guide is inserted into a dorsal (back of finger) pocket on the little finger sleeve; a bent ring finger alignment guide is inserted into a dorsal pocket on the ring finger sleeve; and a middle finger alignment guide is inserted into a dorsal pocket on the middle finger sleeve. After the trainee puts the glove on, the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are bent to a desired orientation and the corresponding alignment guides are bent and hold the trainee’s middle finger, ring finger, and little finger in a desired curvature.

In another example, the finger alignment training device is a training glove where a bent little finger alignment guide is inserted into a palmar (front of finger) pocket on the little finger sleeve; a bent ring finger alignment guide is inserted into a palmar pocket on the ring finger sleeve; and a middle finger alignment guide is inserted into a palmar pocket on the middle finger sleeve.

In another example, the finger alignment training device is a training glove where a first bent little finger alignment guide is inserted into a dorsal pocket on the little finger sleeve; a second bent little finger alignment guide is inserted into a palmar pocket on the little finger sleeve; a first bent ring finger alignment guide is inserted into a dorsal pocket on the little finger sleeve; a second bent little finger alignment guide is inserted into a palmar pocket on the ring finger sleeve; a bent ring finger alignment guide is inserted into a dorsal pocket on the ring finger sleeve; and a first middle finger alignment guide is inserted into a dorsal pocket on the middle finger sleeve. If desired, a second first middle finger alignment guide is inserted into a palmar pocket on the middle finger sleeve.

In another example, the finger alignment training device is a glove with detachable finger alignment guides, where the guides may be removable and attached with hook and loop fastener, double sided tape, snap fit, or other means.

In another example, the finger alignment training device is a glove where finger alignment guides are affixed to the glove.

In other examples, the finger alignment training device is provided as one or more form where finger alignment guides are part of a form.

Theory

The Kennedy Theory® for sugaring hair removal using Alexandria Professional® (AP) sugar paste formulations in conjunction with the Kennedy Sugaring Technique Theory ^® is as follows:

In one embodiment, the AP sugar paste formulation is applied using the Kennedy Sugaring Technique Application as described in Step 200 below - the“molding process”. This application technique allows the sugar paste to penetrate down into the follicle and to lubricate the hair inside as well as to grip the hair and inner root sheath. Basically, the sugar is sticking to everything on the inside of the follicle that it touches.

Taking a hair in the early anagen stage promotes a faster refinement (thinning) and depletion of the hair, so that the amount of hair and difficulty of removal decreases in subsequent sugaring treatments. When a hair is extracted intact and in its natural direction while in the anagen stage, it has a large bulb traveling through the follicle which takes some of the inner root sheath with it as it is being extracted. The inner root sheath also carries matrix cells responsible for helping to grow the hair. We are all bom with a predetermined amount of matrix cells, and by depleting the follicle’s inner root sheath time and time again, you help to deplete the hairs growth source.

In addition to the Kennedy Theory®, when you extract a hair in the early anagen stage, you are taking the hair while it is still attached to the derma papilla - its feeding source/nourishment from blood vessels.

Applicant theorizes that extracting a hair in the early anagen stage causes the vessels to be cauterized. Cauterization may also occur instantly from time to time whereby there are no more vessels to continue the nourishment to a given follicle. This explains a reason why sometimes a hair never grows back after a single treatment.

Applicant theorizes that sometimes only some of the vessels become cauterized, and that this partial cauterization is the reason why we see instant refinement results and ongoing refinement results. This phenomenon is generally observed if the hair is treated in the early anagen stage which means treatments when the hair is quite short such as ½ mm up to 2 mm. The length of hair also depends primarily on the location of the hair on the body.

These theories extend the Kennedy Theory®, to explain why the Alexandria Professional® System is successful at providing immediate excellent instant staggered growth and hair refinement- all leading to permanent results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. l is a top view of an open right hand.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an example sugaring technique for hair removal.

FIG. 3 A is a front view illustration of a hand and wrist in the“handshake position” of Step 100 of the flow chart of 2.

FIG. 3B is a side view showing the finger and wrist alignment, and finger separation of FIG. 3 A.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the sugar paste“molding” of Step 200 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“relax” wrist dropping of Step 300 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“airplane” release of Step 400 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7A is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“roll” of Step 500 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7B is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“prepare to flick” of Step 500 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“kick off’ of Step 600 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a front view illustration of a hand and wrist the“handshake position” of Step 100 of the flow chart of 2 with sugar paste.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment and sugar paste of the sugar paste “molding” of Step 200 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment and sugar paste of the“relax” wrist dropping of Step 300 of the flow chart of FIG 2.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment and sugar paste of the“airplane” release of Step 400 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing the raised hand of the“kick off’ of Step 600 of the flow chart of FIG.

2 FIG. 14 is a front view showing the return to a handshake position following the“kick off’ of FIG.

13.

FIG. 15 is a front view showing the molding following the“kick off’ and return to a handshake

position of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing the“roll” and return to a handshake position to“prepare to flick” following the“molding” steps of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a front view showing a“kick off’ following the“prepare to flick” of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a“snap back” ollowing the“kick off’ of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a right-side perspective view a right hand held in a first orientation for applying a sugaring composition.

FIG. 20 is a rear left side perspective view a right hand held in a second orientation for applying a sugaring composition.

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view a right hand held in a third orientation for applying a sugaring composition.

FIG. 22A is a top view of a training glove embodiment.

FIG. 22B is a bottom palm-side view of the training glove embodiment of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23 summarizes the 6 Steps to Perfect Sugaring.

FIG. 24 illustrates the 6 Steps to Perfect Sugaring.

FIG. 25 is a back view of a second example training glove.

FIG. 26 is a back view of the second example training glove of FIG. 25on a stand.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the second example training glove of FIG. 25 on a stand and showing bent finger positions.

FIG. 28 is a back view of the second example glove of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a front view of the second example glove where sleeves are provided on the front portions of the ring, middle, and little fingers.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

In this specification, the term“palm” refers to the central region of the anterior part of a hand; and the term“opisthenar” refers to the corresponding area on the postenor part of the hand. The term “thumb” refers to the first digit; the term“index finger” refers to the second digit closest to the thumb; the term“middle finger” refers to the third digit; the term“ring finger” refers to the fourth digit; and the term“little finger” refers to the fifth digit. The term“first knuckle” refers to the major knuckle at the base of a finger; the term“third knuckle” refers to the minor knuckle closest to the fingertip; and the term“second knuckle” refers to the minor knuckle between the first knuckle and the third knuckle.

In this specification, the term“proximal” refers to the direction toward the wrist; the term “distal” refers to the direction away from the wrist toward the fingertips; the term“palmar” refers to the palm and grasping side of the fingers; and the term“dorsal” refers to the portion of the hand and fingers opposite the palmar side. In this specification, the term“training glove” refers to any combination of materials or mesh that covers at least a portion of the palm or opisthenar of a hand, and which facilitates setting and maintaining a desired orientation of some of the fingers on the hand. The term“finger alignment guide” refers to a shaped or shapable element that provides a reference for a desired orientation of the first, second, and third knuckles of a finger. The term“bent finger alignment guide” refers to a shaped or shapable element that provides a reference for a desired bent orientation of the first, second, and third knuckles of a little finger or ring finger. The term“finger alignment training device” refers to a glove, form, or any combination of elements that provides a reference for a desired bent orientation of at least the first, second, and third knuckles of a little finger and ring finger.

In this specification, the terms“fingertip alignment” or“along a line” refers to a substantially linear alignment of the little finger tip, the ring fingertip, and the middle fingertip. The term“sleeve” refers to a closed or open fingertip portion of a glove that fits over a finger. The term“finger inserts” refers to bendable finger alignment guides which may be inserted into pockets provided on finger sleeves, or provided inside the sleeves.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an open right hand 80 with the wrist 82, the index finger 84, the middle finger 85, the ring finger 86, the little finger 87, and the thumb 83.

Alexandria Professional® sugaring technique

Sugaring treatments cause hair to quickly become less resistant to extraction. With the Alexandria Professional® sugaring technique, the sugar paste is seeped into the follicles and then removed with a“flicking” action in the natural direction of the hair growth. This action actually extracts hair in the early anagen stage while simultaneously removing debris from the follicles and gently exfoliating the skin as well. Extraction of hair in the early anagen stage, when the hair is generally 1/16” (less than 1mm) in length, promotes quicker refinement that leads to diminishment.

Sugaring is an excellent method to refine and diminish hair growth, and simultaneous benefits occur with each treatment. As the sugar paste is molded onto the skm, it naturally seeps into the follicles and sticks to and grips everything it touches inside the follicle including the root of the hair, the debris accumulation from the skin’s surface that can become embedded in the follicle, and the inner root sheath carrying matrix cells.

When the quick“flick” action is performed, the sugar paste inside the follicle connected to the sugar paste molded onto the skin is all removed at the same time - taking with it all that is connected to it inside and out. This action is very gentle because the sugar paste acts as a lubricant inside the follicles which allows for a more gentle extraction and allows for the extraction of hair in the natural direction of its growth.

Comodones (blackheads or compacted pores) can also be gently and safely treated with the unique Alexandria Professional sugaring technique

6 Step sugaring technique

The following description is of an improved sugaring technique which can be used in a stand alone fashion, but which has enhanced results as part of an overall skin conditioning program. This description is directed at an instructor who is teaching skin care professionals how to use the technique in salons. The technique may also be used at home. FIG. 2 is a summary of a 6 step improved sugaring technique.

Before You Start - confirming hand position

Standing across from each student at the massage table, the instructor shakes hands with one student at a time and asks them to release from the handshake by dropping the hand to the table. The instructor observes how they place their hand when it reaches the table, and repeats this action until their hand is in the correct handshake position as it reaches the table. The students observe the instmctor’s hand as it reaches the table so they can mimic the proper hand position. This is to establish the correct hand position to begin treatment and the correct hand position to“flick” (remove) the sugar off the skin.

Step 100 Hand to Skin (“handshake position” ^' )

FIG. 3A is a front view illustration of a hand 80 and wrist 82 in a“handshake position” of Step 100 of the flow chart of FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is a side view showing the finger and wrist alignment, and finger separation of FIG. 3 A where the middle finger 85, ring finger 86, and little finger 87 are applying equal pressure. FIGs 3-8 show hand positions without sugar paste. FIGs. 9-17 show the hand position with sugar paste 92 applied to a portion of a leg 90.

In FIG. 3A, the index finger 84 and thumb 83 are not applying pressure. In Figs. 9-17, the index finger and thumb are used to help contain the sugar paste.

At step 100, the technician places the sugar paste on the client. The sugar paste is placed on the client’s skin with the technician’s sugaring hand. The sugar paste is placed on the client’s skin, and not in the palm of the technician’s hand. The sugar paste is confined to the inside of the technician’s fingers and is not present behind the technician’s fingers. As shown in FIG. 5, the hand is rotated slightly from vertical while the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are aligned as in the handshake orientation. A controlled and moderate pressure of the technician’s fingers 85, 86, and 87 and hand is maintained on the client’s skin. In this example, the index finger 84 is not used to apply pressure to the skin. In other examples, the index finger is used to apply equal pressure as the middle finger 85, ring finger 86, and little finger 87. The thumb 83 of the technician’s sugaring hand is used to keep the sugar paste rolling onto the client’s skin so that the sugar paste does not move to the technician’s palm 81.

FIG. 9 is a front view illustration of a hand 80 and wrist in the“handshake position” of Step 100 of the flow chart of FIG. 2 with sugar paste 92.

If this step is performed correctly, then there is good penetration and seeping of the sugar paste into the follicles; and the technician is prepared to make an effective and comfortable application of the paste. Training gloves are useful in teaching the student to set and maintain proper hand and finger orientation in the sugaring process.

Step 200 Bring the Sugar Paste /“molding/massage” ^' ) FIG. 4 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment for a sugar paste“molding” of Step 200 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment and sugar paste 92 of the sugar paste“molding” of Step 200 of the flow chart of FIG. 2. In this example, the technician’s second hand 89 is used to tighten the skin on the leg.

At step 200, the technician maintains a hand position similar to Step 1, with the exception that the technician needs to control the wrist in order to bring the sugar forward. The thumb 83 of the sugaring hand is used to keep the sugar paste 92 off the palm and down on the skin and to keep the sugar paste rolling onto the skin as the technician applies the sugar paste. An even pressure is maintained on all fingertips being used to sugar, and the even pressure helps to keep a solid control of the wrist. The even pressure and wrist control facilitates an even application of the paste. The technician should spread the fingers of the application hand for smoother equal application whilst keeping the fingers in a parallel line to each other. If the fingers are kept too tightly close together, then it will affect the application, the time it takes to complete the treatment, especially of legs and arms, and the comfort of the application.

Step 300 Dron Your Wrist f“relax/no pressure”)

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“relax” wrist dropping of Step 300 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment and sugar paste of the“relax” wrist dropping of Step 300 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

At step 300, the technician immediately stops the application and molding of the sugar paste and prepares for steps 400, or for steps 500 and 600. As described below, steps 100-400 will typically be repeated once or twice before steps 500 and 600 are executed. If this step is performed incorrectly, then the client may experience discomfort or pain during the release; or may experience discomfort or pain and broken hair when“flicking”.

Step 400 Release from Sugar Paste (“airplane”!

FIG. 6 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“airplane” release of Step 400 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment and sugar paste of the “airplane” release of Step 400 of the flow chart of FIG. 2.

At step 400, the technician releases the hand from the sugar paste without lifting the skin by executing an“airplane take-off’ action - NOT a vertical“helicopter” action. The technician is then properly positioned to repeat steps 100 and 200. If this step is performed incorrectly, then the technician can lift the client’s skin or pull the client’s hair and cause pain during release. The airplane take-off analogy provides a reminder to the technician to execute a release with the application hand at an acute angle to the skin without abruptly cutting away from the sugar paste.

Repeat of steps 100-400 It is generally desirable to repeat the“molding” process once or twice over a region of skin before flicking off the sugar paste. This repeated molding helps to work the sugar into the follicles for better hair removal. FIGs 14-16 illustrate a repeat of steps 100-200. FIG. 14 is a front view showing the return to a handshake position following the“kick off of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a front view showing the molding following the“kick off’ and return to a handshake position of FIG. 14.

Step 500 Roll Paste Sugar Paste (“prepare to flick”)

FIG. 7A is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“roll” of Step 500 of the flow chart of FIG. 2. FIG. 7B is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“prepare to flick” of Step 500 of the flow chart of FIG. 2. FIG. 16 is a front view showing the“roll” and return to a handshake position to“prepare to flick” following the“molding” steps of FIG. 14.

The sugar paste is not removed during this step. Step 500 should be performed correctly in order to prepare for step 600. The purpose for performing step 500 is to allow the technician to stop with the pressure of step 200 after they have come to step 300, and to“roll past” the applied sugar on the skin while reducing their contact pressure by 50% and continuing to roll on the applied sugar to get to the end of the applied sugar paste. The technician continues to apply equal pressure to all fingers on the application hand. The technician prepares for the“kick-off’ (Step 600) by connecting to the end of the sugar paste application. This is similar to removing a piece of tape, by gripping the very edge of the tape to remove it.

Step 600 Kick-Off /“flick”!

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the finger and wrist alignment of the“kick off’ of Step 600 of the flow chart of FIG. 2. FIG. 17 is a front view showing a“kick off’ following the“prepare to flick” of FIG. 16.

At step 600, the technician maintains a comfortable relaxed wrist and application position for the“Kick command” while still moving onto the skin past the applied paste. If the technician sees the palm of the application hand, then the technician should not perform step 600, but should attempt to reposition the hand more into the same relaxed position of step 300. If that fails, the technician should start over at step 100.

In the preferred technique, the technician’s fingers remain in a parallel position with equal reduced pressure applied by each finger. A kick-back maneuver is executed without lifting the application hand off the sugar paste. The instructor preferably issues an audible or non-audible command to stress the word“KICK”, and a command to stress the word“Handshake” whilst continuing to gently move on the skin and the final command of the word“OFF”. A firm wrist action is used when performing the“OFF” voice command, with little effort from the technician’s shoulder. The“OFF” command should immediately follow the“Handshake” command without the slightest hesitation. If this step is performed incorrectly, then the client may experience discomfort or pain from lifted skin or broken hair. The technician should stay connected to the sugar and skin when “kicking” and when going from a step 300 positioning of the hand. Second and Consecutive Kick-Off using“Snap-back” action f“the art of sugaring”)

The technician should immediately snap-back the kicked-off (flicked-off) sugar paste to accumulate it on the client’s skin in order to prevent the sugar paste from travelling on the client’s skin and to effectively sugar each molded strip while performing professional sugaring treatments. Snap-back will allow the technician to control the sugar paste as it is repeatedly“flicked” off the skin and to prevent it from flying away from the technician’s hand and onto the treatment table, the floor, or walls. Snap-back is an intricate part of the on-going technique of the 6 Steps to perfect sugaring.

By deciding exactly where one wants to accumulate the“flicked sugar”, the technician can perform step 600 and immediately return her sugaring hand connected to the“flicked sugar paste” to the exact pre-determined spot on the skin. This will allow her to accumulate/gather the sugar paste in a small “pile”, perform step 100 behind the sugar paste pile to collect it and continue to sugar that strip until it is completely off the skin.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a“snap back” following the“kick off of FIG. 17. In this figure, the portion 97 of the sugar paste has just been flicked off of area 95 of the leg, and the technician is preparing to“snap back” that portion 97 to area 96 to repeat the“flick” for region 96.

Predetermining where to return the sugaring hand after performing step 600 will help the technician to prevent“travelling on the skin” either in front or behind the applied sugar paste. This will prevent the technician from overworking an area, from getting stuck on the skin and help them to become quicker at the treatment without compromising effeciency.

After each“kick-off’ the technician should immediately position the application hand according to step 100 and immediately move to step 300. Step 200 should be eliminated whenever the technician is ready to execute a series of kick-off steps. Step 500 (and then step 600) is performed if there is a distance of sugar paste remaining on the skin; and step 600 is performed after step 300 if the sugar paste distance is minimal such as 1 to 2 inches maximum.

If these steps are performed incorrectly, then the client may experience discomfort or pain from lifted skin or broken hair.

Over performing Step 200 will overwork the sugar paste and likely melt it too much into the skin and get the technician stuck. The technician can cause some irritation from trying to Kick-Off sugar paste that is melted into the skin. This can also cause the technician to become too hot from frustration. If this melting occurs, the technician should simply relax, gently remove the application hand from the sugar paste using Step 400, and continue to sugar in another area. When you leave the melted sugar paste for a few minutes, it will cool down and be easier to remove.

Example - series of sugaring steps on client arm

The technician executes steps 100-600 at a first upper portion of the arm with the application hand.

After the application of the sugar paste on a strip of the upper arm and the initial kick-off, the technician brings the hand to the position of step 100 over a second portion of skin slightly lower on the upper arm, collects the sugar paste that was kicked-off by placing the hand just behind the collected paste, and executes steps 300, step 500 and then step 600. These steps are repeated until the applied strip of sugar paste is completely removed from the skin. (Step 200 is eliminated for several successive kick-off sequences, and step 500 is eliminated when there is less than 2 inches distance of paste remaining on the client’s skin.)

After the first applied strip of sugar paste is removed and all the hair beneath the applied sugar paste is extracted, the technician brings the hand to the position of step 100 over another section of the upper arm portion of skin and executes steps 300, 400, 500 and step 600. (Step 200 is eliminated for several successive kick-off sequences, and step 500 is eliminated when there is less than 2 inches distance of paste remaining on the client’s skin.)

These steps are repeated until each section of the upper arm is completed and all hair is extracted.

After the upper arm is completed, the technician brings the hand to the position of step 100 over a portion of skin on the underneath part of the lower arm, executes steps 300, 400, 500 and step 600. Afterwards, the same protocol in applying the steps is followed as with the upper arm. Once the underneath portion of the lower arm is completed and all hairs are extracted, the technician then moves to the top forearm. The hair in this portion of the arms grows sideways. The technician follows the natural direction of growth by positioning the hand to step 100 and executes step 200, 300, 400, 500 and step 600 respectively from the outside of the forearm to the inside of the forearm.

After the final kick-off of the first strip applied to the lower top forearm, the technician brings the hand to the position of step 100 over a new portion of the skin on the forearm, and executes steps 100-600

The technician should inspect the direction of the hair growth prior to beginning treatments using the 6 Steps. The Kennedy Theory® executes the extraction of hair only in the natural direction of hair growth, and this requires that Steps 100 and 200 be executed against the natural direction for better penetration of the sugar paste and an even gentler execution of step 600.

Each Step has magic to its performance, and relies on the other steps for perfect technique performance.

Summary

With some patience, the technician can gain experience and master the magic of Alexandria Professional ^® body sugaring hair removal and skin conditioning treatments.

Step 100 provides the technician full control of the sugar paste, establishes her positioning on the skin and the correct pressure. Step 200 allows the technician to mold/apply the sugar paste without causing pain or discomfort to the client and to seep the sugar paste into the follicle. Step 300 allows the technician to prepare for either the release of the hand from the sugar and skin, or the removal of the sugar paste without causing pain or discomfort to the client. Step 400 allows the technician to return to continual Step 200 molding process without causing pain or discomfort. Step 500 allows the technician to prepare for the removal of the sugar paste without causing pain or discomfort.

Step 600 allows the technician to effectively remove the sugar paste and extract the hair and to perform the“snap-back” without causing pain or discomfort. After each“kick-off’ the technician should immediately position the application hand according to step 100 and immediately move to step

300.

Variations

When you are ready to prepare for the Kick-off, you no longer need to perform step 200. If you continue with step 200 every time you perform step 600, then you will overwork the sugar paste and the skin and cause the sugar to melt too much into the skin.

The purpose of step 400 is to correctly release from the sugar paste on the skin without causing discomfort when you are going back to repeat the molding step 200.

You only need to use step 500 when there is enough sugar paste molded onto the skin for you to“roll past” in preparation for the Kick-Off. If there is only a small piece of sugar paste such as the very last Kick-Off, then you do not use step 500, but perform steps 100, 300, and 600.

Hand and Finger Position

FIG. 19 is a right-side perspective view of a right hand 80 held in a first orientation for applying a sugaring composition. In this case the right hand 80 is held aligned with the wrist 82. FIG. 19 shows the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger close together with fingertips aligned. In the various steps, such as shown in FIG. 20, the technician may separate the fingertips while maintaining the bending of the little finger and nng finger.

The index finger 84 and the middle finger 85 are extended outwardly from the hand, and the right portion 854 of the tip 852 of the middle finger is resting lightly on the surface 50. In this example, the index finger 84 and the middle finger 85 are straight, and angled toward the palm at an angle of approximately 20-30 degrees so that the tip 852 of the middle finger is comfortably resting on the surface 50.

The ring finger 86 and little finger 87 are each bent at the first knuckle, second knuckle, and third knuckle so that the right portion 874 of the tip 872 of the little finger, the right portion 864 of the tip 862 of the ring finger, and right portion 874 of the tip 872 of the middle finger are aligned and resting comfortably on the surface.

This alignment of the tips of the bent little finger, bent ring finger, and angled middle finger creates a dam for containing the sugar paste composition as the hand is drawn in a backward direction along the surface to initially apply the composition. A finger alignment training device such as a training glove or form assists the technician in learning and practicing this desired finger orientation.

In this orientation, the distal portion of the right-side base of the hand 804 is maintained in contact with the surface. This contact further contains the sugar composition. In sugaring application, the surface 50 would be a portion of a human body such as a leg, arm, or torso.

FIG. 20 is a rear left side perspective view of a right hand 80 held in a second orientation for applying a sugaring composition. In this case the fingers and thumb are maintained in the orientation described in FIG. 19 with the right-side tips of the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger in contact with the surface. The distal portion of the right-side base of the hand is raised above the surface by about one half inch.

As the right-side base of the hand is raised above the surface, a first separation 876 is created between the tip of the litle finger and the tip of the ring finger; and a second separation 866 is created between the tip of the ring finger and the tip of the middle finger.

This alignment of the tips of the bent little finger, bent ring finger, and angled middle finger facilitates spreading the sugar paste composition as the hand is drawn in a backward direction along the surface to initially apply the composition.

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a right hand 80 held in an orientation for applying a sugaring composition.

Establishing and maintaining the desired finger positions is important for a proper sugaring technique. Failure to maintain the proper finger positions can cause discomfort and can reduce the efficiency of the process. It is difficult to teach and to leam these finger positions. One way to improve the learning process is to provide a glove or other training device that assists the technician in learning and maintaining the proper finger positions. A finger alignment training device preferably permits the technician to adjust the spacing between fingertips while maintaining a desired curve and alignment of the fingers.

EXAMPLE- training glove with dorsal finger inserts

FIG. 22A is a top view of a training glove 800 embodiment showing the back side of a glove 812. FIG. 22B is a palm-side 810 view of the training glove embodiment of FIG. 22A.

In this example, the thumb and index finger are not constrained by the glove. The thumb is inserted through opening 820, and the index finger is exposed through opening 886. By remaining unconstrained, the thumb and index finger positions can be easily changed, such as moving to an orientation that prevents the sugar paste from accumulating on the palm.

The glove includes a little finger sleeve 887, a ring finger sleeve 886, and a middle finger sleeve 885. In some examples, these finger portions are completely enclosed. In other examples, the finger tips are exposed by providing openings in the tops of the sleeves.

In this example, the back or dorsal side of the glove includes pocket 825 for insertion of a middle finger alignment guide, pocket 826 for insertion of a ring finger alignment guide, and pocket 827 for insertion of a little finger alignment guide. These alignment guides keep the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger in a desired curvature as shown in FIG. 20.

In this example, the middle finger alignment guide, the ring finger alignment guide, and the little finger alignment guide are inserted into the respective pockets, and the trainee puts the glove on the hand that will apply the sugar. A sugaring glove may be worn over the training glove. An instructor assists in bending the trainee’s middle finger, the ring finger, and little finger into a handshake position so that when the hand is positioned on the client’s skin, the middle fingertip, ring fingertip, and little fingertip are aligned in a substantially straight line where the fingertips apply a gentle pressure to the skin. In this example, the alignment guides are bent when the fingers are bent so that the guides can maintain the desired bends at the first, second, and third knuckles of the ring finger and little finger. The middle finger typically is nearly straight and has substantially less curvature than the ring finger and middle finger.

In other examples, the middle finger alignment guide, the ring finger alignment guide, and the little finger alignment guide may be bent prior to the trainee putting on the glove.

EXAMPLE- training glove with palmar finger inserts

In other examples, a middle finger alignment guide, ring finger alignment guide, and little finger alignment guide may be inserted into pockets on the palmar side of the fingers.

EXAMPLE- glove with both palmar and dorsal finger inserts

FIGs. 25-29 show an example training glove with both palmar and dorsal finger alignment guides. FIG. 25 is a back view of a training glove 900 showing a little finger pocket 927 with bottom opening 937; a ring finger pocket 926 with bottom opening 936; and a middle finger pocket 925 with bottom opening 935. An unbent middle finger alignment guide 945 is shown on top of the middle finger slot. In this example, the finger alignment guides are provided as a flexible metal or plastic that can be bent to a desired shape after insertion into the respective sleeves.

FIG. 26 is a back view of the training glove 900 on a stand and showing an open index finger portion 988, an open thumb portion 989, a little finger sleeve 987 with pocket 927; a ring finger sleeve 986 with pocket 926; and a middle finger sleeve 985 with pocket 925. In this example, the glove is stretchable, comfortable, and light weight such as a golf glove, and has a back portion made of smooth face and front mesh portion. In other examples, other materials may be used.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the training glove 900 on a stand and showing bent finger positions for the little finger portion 987, the ring finger portion 986, and the middle finger portion 985. In this example, before the technician puts the glove on, an unbent middle finger alignment guide 945 is inserted into the middle finger sleeve 925, an unbent ring finger alignment guide 946 is inserted into the ring finger sleeve 926, and an unbent little finger alignment guide 947 is inserted into the little finger sleeve an unbent middle finger alignment guide 845 is inserted into the middle finger sleeve 925. Once the glove is put on, the alignment guides are bent into desired orientations.

In other examples, the alignment guides are bent prior to putting the glove on.

FIG. 28 is a back view showing the stitching of the back 940 of glove 900 showing dorsal pockets 927, 926, and 925 for a little finger, ring finger, and middle finger, respectively.

FIG. 29 is a front view of glove 900 showing palmar pockets 957, 956, and 955 for a little finger, ring finger, and middle finger, respectively. Slight variations in finger and hand positioning can have a pronounced effect on sugaring comfort and efficiency, and testing has shown that a combination of palmar and dorsal alignment guides are more effective at holding desired finger orientations than single dorsal or palmar finger alignment guides.

In this example, finger alignment guides are provided for the middle finger as well as the ring finger and little finger. Although the middle finger is preferable kept substantially straight, it is helpful to provide a finger alignment guide so that the technician can maintain correct alignment.

In other examples, the training device may include only finger alignment guides for the ring finger and little finger.

In this example, the cutouts or openings are provided for the thumb and forefinger. In other examples, a training glove may include sleeves for the index finger, thumb, or both. Fingertip holes may be provided at top of the sleeves, such as to accommodate long fingernails.

EXAMPLE- glove with detachable alignment guides

In the examples above, the finger alignment guides are provided in pockets provided in the finger sleeves. In other examples, the finger alignment training device is a glove with detachable finger alignment guides, where the guides may be removable and attached to the finger sleeves with hook and loop fastener, double sided tape, snap fit, or other means.

EXAMPLE- glove with affixed alignment guides

In another example, the finger alignment training device is a glove where finger alignment guides are affixed to the glove.

EXAMPLE- multi-finger form

In other examples, finger alignment guides are part of a single form or template rather than a glove. The form or template may be performed to a desired curvature, and positioned on the dorsal or palmar side of the fingers and held in place by an elastic strap or other means. In other examples, a flexible form is provided and bent into a desired shape as the fingers are bent.

EXAMPLE- dual multi-finger forms

In other examples, the finger alignment training device is provided as one or more form where finger alignment guides are part of a form that sandwiches at least the ring finger and little finger between a palmar portion and a distal portion. In one example, a flexible form is provided and bent into a desired shape as the fingers are bent. In another example the palmar portion and distal portion are pre-formed and are fastened together after being positioned on the fingers.

In other examples, a single insert form is provided to position all three fingers- the middle finger, the nng finger, and the little finger.

One advantage to the single finger inserts, or to the multiple finger form, is the ability to help double -jointed technicians establish proper finger positioning. In this example, the desired position of the little finger and ring finger requires bending the ring finger or the little finger at the first and second knuckles, and double-jointed persons have difficulty maintaining a desired bend at both knuckles. The guides help to hold the desired bent-finger positions.

In addition to establishing the desired finger bending, the individual finger inserts or the single insert form position the fingers so that the outside tips of the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are properly aligned. This alignment helps to apply an appropriate pressure to the skin in a sugaring application.

FIG. 23 summarizes the 6 Steps to Perfect Sugaring. FIG. 24 illustrates the 6 Steps to Perfect Sugaring. In one example, a glove with finger inserts is used to establish and maintain the desired finger positions for the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger throughout the 6 steps.

The glove may be used for an initial training period, until the technician has established the habit of proper finger positioning. The glove may also be used on a routine basis after initial training, or periodically to confirm proper sugaring technique.

While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.