The present invention relates to a headband for enhancing the stability of an in-use wig. The invention also relates to a wig set which includes such a headband. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a headband for use with a wig, and a method of putting on a wig which is stabilised using such a headband.

Wigs are worn for a variety of reasons by people having no hair, little hair or a full head of hair, such as in the entertainment industry. In all cases when worn, accidental removal or sliding of the wig is an undesirable, yet common issue. This stability issue can be further exacerbated during physical activity, by the weight of the hair attached to the wig, or insufficient friction between the wig and the wearer’s head, particularly where the wearer has hair naturally.

A current solution is to use a headband between the wig and the head. However, using a headband is not without issues. Discomfort due to heat and moisture trapped by the wig, is an issue exacerbated by wearing a headband. An attachment means or connector is often provided on the headband to allow the wearer to select the diameter of headband to ensure a snug fit.

An attachment means may additionally be provided to grip the wig, thereby preventing or inhibiting the wig from accidentally slipping. However, these attachment means increase the complexity of manufacturing. Putting the wig on is more difficult and the wearer’s discomfort may be further increased, for example by the attachment means catching hair. The attachment means can damage the wig or the headband and result in the headband not easily being washable. Over time, the attachment means may detach completely from the headband, rendering it unusable.

Realism of wigs is important. Wigs are often provided as a cap, usually formed of lace, to which hair is attached. Gaps may be formed due to the wefted structure of the lace cap. To improve the realism of the wig, wearers currently resort to filling in these gaps, visible at the hairline, with glue. Alternative options include bleaching the lace or purchasing a wig with silk-lined lace. However, these solutions are costly or involve additional unnecessary steps, including handling dangerous chemicals.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wig-stabilising headband for enhancing the stability of an in-use wig, the headband comprising: an elongate main body which is in or can be formed into a loop configuration, the elongate main body having a head facing surface, and a wig-facing surface, the head-facing surface having at least one first grip enhancing element for improving the frictional contact with a wearer’s head, and the wig-facing surface having at least one second grip-enhancing element for improving the frictional contact with an in-use wig. The headband provides additional stability to inhibit or prevent an in-use wig from falling or being accidentally removed.

Preferably, each first and/or second grip-enhancing element may be a projection. Advantageously, each projection may have at least one of a cylindrical profile and a conical profile. Beneficially, each grip-enhancing element on the head-facing surface may have a dimension which may be sufficient to at least in part space-apart the head-facing surface from a wearer’s scalp for permitting increased circulation of airflow between the head-facing surface and the wearer’s scalp to reduce overheating and thereby increase comfort. Optionally, said dimension may be a length equal to or larger than a diameter of each said projection.

The grip-enhancing elements provide a gap or spacing to permit aeration as well as improving the frictional contact with a wearer’s scalp. Such gaps may furthermore accommodate a wearer’s natural hair.

Preferably, the head-facing surface and the wig-facing surface may meet at or form a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposing the first lateral edge, and at least one of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge has a non-linear profile. Furthermore, the profile of the first lateral edge and/or the second lateral edge may be a plurality of arcs for increased friction against the wearer’s head to improve the stability of the wig-stabilising headband. Advantageously, the profile of the first lateral edge and/or the second lateral edge may be or may substantially be scalloped for increased friction against the wearer’s head to improve the stability of the wig- stabilising headband.

The shaped profile of one or both edges further increases the stability of the headband by increasing the frictional contact between the wearer’s head and the headband. This profile may additionally prevent or inhibit rotation of the headband around the wearer’s head, which in turn prevents or inhibits the wig from accidentally being rotated about the wearer’s head.

Beneficially, the wig-stabilising headband may be devoid of a connector. The absence of a connector simplifies the manufacture and the method of putting on the headband. The product longevity and comfort to the wearer are also increased as a result.

Alternatively, the wig-stabilising headband may further comprise a first end portion, a second end portion, opposite the first end portion, and a connector for engaging the first end portion and the second end portion together to form a continuous band. The advantage is that the wearer is able to connect or disconnect the ends, allowing for the headband to be flat. The headband in the flat configuration is easier to store, to transport and/or to clean. Depending on the configuration of the connector, the connector may allow the wearer to select the tightness of the headband. Advantageously, each first and/or second grip-enhancing element may be formed of a material that allows each grip-enhancing element to be at least in part compressible. Compressible material increases the comfort of the wearer as no hard elements are pressed against the scalp. Alternatively or additionally, compressibility of the grip-enhancing elements also improves the realism by allowing at least part of the or each second grip-enhancing element to be received within the gaps due to the wefted structure of the lace, thereby improving the realism.

Beneficially, the wig-stabilising headband may be formed of a material that allows the wig- stabilising headband to be stretchable for allowing adjustment to different head circumferences. Preferably, the wig-stabilising headband may be only formed of silicone. Silicone is easily cleanable and can be shaped by moulding. By being provided from a single, mouldable material and as a single size to fit all heads, the manufacturing process is simplified. Additionally, the wearer does not have to choose between different sizes.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wig-stabilising headband for enhancing the stability of an in-use wig, the headband comprising an elongate main body which is in or can be formed into a loop configuration, the elongate body having a head-facing surface, and a wig-facing surface, the head-facing surface and the wig-facing surface meeting along a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, and at least one of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge having a non-linear profile.

The headband provides an enhanced stability by virtue of having a non-linear profile, compared to having a linear or substantially linear profile, particularly as the non-linear profile may prevent rotation about the wearer’s head.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a wig set for allowing a user to wear a wig whilst preventing or inhibiting the in-use wig from accidental removal or slippage, the wig set comprising: a wig and a wig-stabilising headband. Preferably, the at least one second grip enhancing element projecting from the wig-facing surface provides an increased contact area between the wig-stabilising headband and the in-use wig for improving the frictional contact and thereby the stability of the wig. These features improve the stability of the wig by improving the frictional contact between the headband and the wig, rather than between the headband and the wearer’s head.

Beneficially, the at least one second grip-enhancing element projecting from the wig-facing surface may provide the wig with a dimpling effect; and/or an edge of the wig is curled at or adjacent to the first lateral edge or second lateral edge of the wig-stabilising headband for improving the realism of the in-use wig. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a wig- stabilising headband, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an elongate strip of material having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, a desired longitudinal extent, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge, a first distal end portion and a second distal end portion spaced-apart from the first distal end portion, and at least one of: a first and/or second grip-enhancing element on the first major surface and/or second major surface respectively, and

the first lateral edge and/or the second lateral edge having a non-linear profile; b] securing the first distal end portion and the second distal end portion together such that the elongate strip of desired longitudinal extent forms a continuous headband similar to or the same as the wig- stabilising headband, wherein in-use, the first major surface becomes a head-facing surface and the second major surface becomes a wig-facing surface.

Beneficially, the elongate strip may be formed of a material shaped via a mould. Said material may advantageously be silicone. Preferably, in step b] the first distal end portion and the second distal end portion may be secured together by bonding, gluing and/or fusing together the first distal end portion and the second distal end portion. The advantage is that the manufacturing of the headband is simplified, cheap, scalable, and reduces waste. The resulting headband is more durable and cleanable compared to a headband having separate parts, such as connectors.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a wig- stabilising headband, the method comprising the step of injecting a mouldable material into a mould shaped to provide an integrally-formed continuous band.

This method further simplifies the manufacture by removing intermediate steps and increasing the structural integrity of the product by reducing the risk of structural failure at any given location, compared with two ends being fused together.

According the sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of putting on a wig and increasing the stability of said wig, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a wig set, and positioning the wig-stabilising headband around the head of a wearer; b] positioning a front end- portion of a wig to contact the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband; c] positioning a back end-portion and sides of the wig to contact the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband, such that the wig encloses the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband. Furthermore, the method may comprise a further step of d] tightening the wig by pulling the wig together at or adjacent to the wearer’s nape. Putting on and stabilising a wig is quick, easy, and clean, as the method requires no connectors, attachment means or glue to stabilise the wig. According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of putting on a wig and increasing the stability of said wig, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a wig set, and positioning the wig-stabilising headband around a wearer’s head; b] applying pressure to the wig- stabilising headband and rotating the wig-stabilising headband around the wearer’s head in a direction, said direction being one of clockwise and anti-clockwise; c] positioning a wig to enclose the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband. Additionally, the method may comprise a further step of: d] rotating the wig around the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband in a further direction, said further direction being the other of clockwise and anti-clockwise. Furthermore, the method may comprise a further step of: e] tightening the wig by pulling the wig together at or adjacent to the wearer’s nape. The headband and wig are easy to put on and frictional contact can be further increased by the wearer’s actions.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a wig-stabilising headband in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a top view of the wig-stabilising headband of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3a shows a top view of an embodiment of an elongate strip of material in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 3b shows a bottom view of the elongate strip of Figure 3a;

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the selected rectangle of the wig-stabilising headband of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the selected rectangle of the wig-stabilising headband of Figure 2; and

Figure 6 shows a side view of a wig set in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, in an in-use condition in accordance with the sixth aspect of the invention, with hair connected to the cap omitted for clarity.

Firstly referring to Figures 1 and 2, a wig-stabilising headband, indicated generally as 10, comprises an elongate main body 12 formed from an elongate, preferably polymeric, strip of material 14.

In this embodiment, the wig-stabilising headband 10 is a ring, continuous loop or band for improved structural integrity and enhanced product longevity, and thus has circumference or perimeter. The headband 10 needs to be appropriately sized to be positionable around the head of a wearer. A selection of bands having a range of different circumferences may be provided, but in this embodiment, for simplicity, the wig-stabilising headband 10 is preferably provided in a single size, perimeter or circumference. The perimeter of the elongate main body 12 may equal or be smaller than the average human head circumference to ensure a snug fit. Said perimeter or circumference is approximately 50 centimetres (cm), although any other circumference or perimeter in the range of 40 cm to 61 cm may be envisioned.

Although polymeric, the wig-stabilising headband may be formed of other plastics, fabric, metal, or any combination thereof. In any event, the material should allow the band 10 to be stretchable, pliable and/or at least in part capable of elastic deformation for allowing adjustment to different head circumferences. Said material is preferably waterproof or watertight, for example for enabling a user to swim whilst wearing the headband.

Although the headband 10 is preferably re-usable, it may be disposable, and thus formed of recyclable material.

The above-mentioned preferred polymeric material of the wig-stabilising headband 10 is advantageously silicone, and preferably moulded silicone. However, any other suitable polymeric material may be envisioned. In this case, the wig-stabilising headband 10 is preferably only formed of silicone.

The elongate main body 12 of the headband 10 is formed from an elongate strip of material 14 which is, in this case, formed via a mould or cast. The elongate strip of material 14 has a desired length or longitudinal extent or predetermined length 16, a lateral extent or width 18 and a thickness 20. The lateral extent 18 may be any width included in the range of 1 cm to 8 cm, with 5 cm being preferred, to provide an increased coverage in order to enhance stability.

The thickness 20 is substantially uniform throughout, along both the length 16 and width 18, although this need not necessarily be the case. The thickness 20 may range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, with a preference for 1 mm for weight, structural integrity and manufacturing cost considerations. The elongate strip of material 14 additionally has a first major surface 22 and a second major surface 24 opposing the first major surface 22, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b.

When the headband 10 is worn, the first major surface 22 of the elongate main body 12 faces the scalp of the user, such that said first major surface 22 is also known as a head-facing surface, scalp-facing surface or a user-facing surface.

The second major surface 24 of the elongate main body 12 may also be known as the wig-facing surface, as facing away from the wearer’s head, and if in-use with a wig, towards the wig. The first major surface 22 and the second major surface 24 join or meet along the longitudinal extent Thus, the first lateral edge 26, and second lateral edge 28 extend along at least part of, and in this case, substantially all of the longitudinal extent 16.

The first lateral edge 26 may also be known as a first long edge, a first latitudinal surface, a first lateral surface or a first lateral end. Similarly, the second lateral edge 28 may also be known as a second long edge, a second latitudinal surface, a second lateral surface or a second lateral end. At least one of, and in this case, each of the first lateral edge 26 and the second lateral edge 28 has a profile or shape or shaping 30, which is preferably non-linear.

A linear edge of a band may be considered to be curved due to following the curvature of the head when said band is in-use. Similarly, the lateral surfaces of a band may be non planar when considered in latitudinal cross-section. However, it is to be understood in this case that the non linear profile 30 refers to the shaping of the lateral edges 26, 28 along the longitudinal extent 16, i.e. in a longitudinal cross-section.

Compared to a substantially linear edge, a non-linear profile 30 increases friction, particularly rotational friction along the circumference or longitudinal extent 16, against the wearer’s head. Increasing friction prevents or inhibits rotation which in turn improves the stability of the wig- stabilising headband 10. The profile of the first lateral edge 26 and/or the second lateral edge 28 may be partly curved, irregular or regular, such as by being at least one saw tooth, a square wave, sinusoidal, or one or a plurality of arcs. As best shown in Figure 4, the profile of the first lateral edge 26 and/or the second lateral edge 28 is or is substantially scalloped. The lateral edges 26, 28 may be linear or non-linear in latitudinal cross-section. Preferably, they may be rounded for additional comfort and increased realism.

Furthermore, the first major surface 22 and the second major surface 24 join or meet to form a first distal end 32 and a second distal end 34, opposite and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first distal end 32.

The first distal end 32 may also be referred to as a first longitudinal edge or first end surface. The second distal end 34 may also be referred to as a second longitudinal edge or second end surface. The first distal end 32 extends along at least part of or all the width 18. Similarly, the second distal end 34 extends along at least part of or all the width 18, but the extents of the first distal end 32 and second distal end 34 need not necessarily be the same.

The elongate strip of material 14 additionally has a first end portion 36 and a second end portion 38 opposing the first end portion 36.

The first end portion or first distal end portion 36 comprises the first longitudinal edge 32, and at least part of the first major surface 22, the second major surface 24, the first lateral edge 26 and the second lateral edge 28. Similarly, the second end portion or second distal end portion 38 comprises the second longitudinal edge 34, and at least part of the first major surface 22, the second major surface 24, the first lateral edge 26 and the second lateral edge 28.

As the elongate strip of material 14 is formed into a loop configuration during manufacture to produce the wig-stabilising headband 10, the longitudinal extent 16 of the elongate strip of material 14 is at least equal to or longer than the perimeter of the wig-stabilising headband 10. This allows the first end portion 36 and the second end portion 38 to partially overlap each other when the elongate strip of material 14 is formed into a loop configuration.

At least part of the first end portion 36 is or is substantially complementarily shaped with the second end portion 38. In this case, the first end portion 36 is substantially shaped as a projection or tongue, which is abuttable and/or receivable within the second end portion 38. Such complementary shaping aids in the alignment of the ends 36, 38 relative to each other, improving manufacturing consistency. The first end portion 36 and/or the second end portion 38 may additionally have a slightly reduced thickness such that, when the first end portion 36 overlaps the second end portion 38, the resulting, localised thickness of the first and second end portions 36, 38 is substantially consistent with the thickness 20 of the elongate strip of material 14.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first major surface 22 has at least one grip-enhancing element 40, also known as a first grip-enhancing element. Similarly, the second major surface 24 has at least one further said grip-enhancing element 42, also known as a second grip-enhancing element. The or each first grip-enhancing element 40 and second grip-enhancing element 42 are positioned on all or, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, on at least a substantial portion of the first and second major surfaces 22, 24 respectively. Part of the first and second end portions 36, 38 may be devoid of one or more first and/or second grip-enhancing element 40, 42 on one or both surfaces 22, 24, although this need not necessarily be the case. The advantage is to reduce the local thickness and increase the contact area of the first and second end portions 36, 38.

Each first grip-enhancing element 40 of the head-facing surface 22 is formed of a material that allows each grip-enhancing element 40 to be at least in part compressible and/or deformable, in this case silicone. Each first grip-enhancing element 40 is a projection or protrusion, and therefore is cantilevered, such that each first grip-enhancing element 40 has a tip or distal element end 44; a diameter 46; and a longitudinal extent 48, also referred to as a dimension, length or height.

As shown in Figure 5, each first grip-enhancing element 40 has a conical profile, and/or a substantially cylindrical profile. The conical and/or cylindrical profile may or may not be chamfered and/or at least partially rounded for added comfort.

The height 48 is sufficient to at least in part space-apart the head-facing surface from the scalp of a wearer and to form a gap or spacing 50. Such a gap 50 permits increased circulation of airflow between the head-facing surface and the wearer’s scalp to reduce overheating and ventilate moisture or sweat, thereby increasing comfort.

As shown, there are a plurality of first grip-enhancing elements 40 and at least one first grip enhancing element 40 is spaced-apart from a further said first grip-enhancing element 40. The spacing-apart between elements 40 further improves the aeration of the scalp. The height 48 (not shown to scale in Figure 5) is preferably equal to or larger than the diameter 46 of each said first grip-enhancing element 40. Said height 48 is 0.5 mm, in this embodiment, and the diameter 46 is approximately 0.3 mm such that a circumference of each cylindrical projection is approximately 1 mm, although other combinations of length and diameter values may be envisioned to obtain a circumference of 1 mm or even any other circumference in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

In a further modification, the height may be smaller than the diameter, although this would result in a less effective ventilation of the scalp.

If the wearer has hair naturally, the or each gap 50 may accommodate the wearer’s hair whilst at least some of the tips 44 contact the wearer’s scalp. Additionally or alternatively, the first grip enhancing elements 40 may act as teeth between the wearer’s hair, which may further prevent accidental slipping of the headband 10 and wig. In all cases, the at least one, and as shown, the plurality of first grip-enhancing elements 40 projecting from the head-facing surface improve the frictional contact with the head of a wearer.

Therefore, each first grip-enhancing element 40 on the head-facing surface has at least two functions. The first function is to improve or enhance stability of the headband 10 and by extension, an in-use wig via increasing frictional contact between the headband 10 and the head, particularly if the wearer has any hair of their own. The second function is to improve aeration which removes heat and/or moisture to increase comfort and hygiene. As such, the grip enhancing elements 40 of the head-facing surface may also be known as spacer elements or ventilation-enhancing elements.

Each second grip-enhancing element 42 of the wig-facing surface 24 is similar or the same as each first grip-enhancing element 40 of the head-facing surface 22, having similar profile, material properties, and dimensions. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

The second grip-enhancing element or elements 42 differ from the first grip-enhancing elements 40 by their function. The at least one second grip-enhancing element 42 projecting from the wig facing surface 24 provides an increased area of contact between the wig-stabilising headband 10 and an in-use wig for improving the frictional contact with said wig, rather than with the head of the wearer. This increased frictional contact thereby improves the wig stability by preventing or inhibiting unwanted movement of the wig relative to the headband, and therefore indirectly relative to the head. A secondary function of the second grip-enhancing elements 42 and/or the wig-facing surface 24 is to improve the realism of the in-use wig.

The headband 10 can be used as part of a wig set comprising the wig-stabilising headband 10 and a wig 52, as shown in Figure 6. The wig set allows a user to wear the wig 52 whilst the headband 10 prevents or inhibits the in-use wig 52 from accidental removal or slippage. The wig 52 comprises a structure, mesh or cap 54 to which hair (not shown) is connected. Said structure 54 is usually made of lace and has an edge (not shown). In Figure 6, the edge of the cap 54 is not shown as it is receivable and/or tucked beneath the first lateral edge 26 in this embodiment. However, this need not necessarily be the case.

In-use, in order to provide the wig-stabilising headband 10, the wig-stabilising headband 10 needs to first be manufactured.

A mould or cast shaped to form at least one elongate strip of material 14 is obtained and subsequently injected with a sufficient amount of a mouldable material. The mouldable material is silicone in this case, but any other suitable polymer may be envisioned. Thus, the elongate strip is formed of injection moulded silicone. Each elongate strip of material 14 is produced to the correct dimensions by being moulded in a mould of the correct dimensions, although this need not necessarily be the case.

Preferably, the mould additionally has appropriately shaped and positioned recesses, notches or grooves to allow the elongate strip 14 and the first and/or second grip-enhancing elements 40, 42 to be integrally formed with each other. Additionally to or instead of recesses to provide first and second grip-enhancing elements 40, 42, the mould may be shaped to provide one or both profiled edges 26, 28. Thus, the mould is shaped or adapted to provide the elongate strip of material 14 having the first major surface 22, the second major surface 24, the first lateral edge 26, the second lateral edge 28, the first end portion 36, the second end portion 38, the desired or pre-determined length which is, in this case, the longitudinal extent 16, and at least one of: a first grip-enhancing element 40 on the first major surface 22 and/or second major surface 24, and the first lateral edge 26 and/or the second lateral edge 28 having a non-linear profile 30.

The elongate strip 14, the at least one first second grip-enhancing element 40 and second grip enhancing element 42 are integrally formed with each other in this case, such that the first and second grip-enhancing elements 40, 42 are formed of silicone, and by a mould. It is appreciated, however, that the non-linear profile or profiles and/or grip-elements may be added secondarily.

The elongate strip of material 14 is subsequently removed from the mould and may be stored prior to usage. The first end portion 36 and the second end portion 38 are moved towards each other to form a loop or ring. The first and second end portions 36, 38 are held in proximity with each other, and made to overlap and/or abut each other. In this case, the complementary portions are made to engage with each other. The first end portion 36 and the second end portions 38 are then secured together such that the elongate strip 14 forms the main body 12 of the continuous wig-stabilising headband 10. The first and the second end portions 36, 38 are secured together by partially fusing, bonding or melting one or both the first end portion 36 and the second end portion 38 together.

As such, the first end portion 36 and second end portion 38 are permanently or substantially permanently connected to each other. The end portions 36, 38 may even be considered to be entirely absent from the final product, such that the headband 10 has no first or second ends 32, 34. Consequently, the elongate strip of material 14 requires no connector, attachment means or fastener to allow the interconnection of the first end portion 36 and the second end portion 38. Thus, the wig-stabilising headband 10 is devoid of a connector or attachment means.

Additionally, the headband 10 does not require any connector, fastener, attachment means or glue to enhance the stability of a wig. Additionally or alternatively, material may be injected between the overlapping first end portion and the second end portion such that the injected material acts as glue. Said injected material may not necessarily be, but preferably would be the same material as the elongate strip.

The wig-stabilising headband 10 is now in a wearable or assembled condition. A wearer may increase the stability of a wig 52 by putting on the wig-stabilising headband 10 provided prior to putting on the wig 52. The wig-stabilising headband 10 is positioned around the head of a wearer, at, adjacent to, and preferably, slightly behind the hairline relative to the wearer’s face, or thereabouts if the wearer has little to no hair, as shown in Figure 6.

The hair of the wearer may be cleaned, and the hairline dried before positioning of the band 10, for hygiene purposes and to improve the stabilising efficacy of the wig-stabilising headband 10, although this is optional. When the headband 10 is worn, preferably, the first major surface 22 faces the user’s head, such that said first major surface 22 becomes the head-facing surface, and the second major surface 24 becomes the wig-facing surface as facing away from the user’s head, and towards the wig 52 when worn.

However, as the grip-enhancing elements 40 of the first major surface 22 are substantially the same in geometry and dimensions as those of the second major surface 24, the headband 10 may be reversibly wearable such that the second major surface 24 may instead face the user’s head and the first major surface 22 may face away from the user’s head. The grip-enhancing elements 40, 42 would adopt and fulfil the respective function appropriate to the wig-facing surface and the head-facing surface. Thus, the head-facing surface may be either one of the first major surface 22 and the second major surface 24, and the wig-facing surface may be the other of the first major surface 22 and the second major surface 24.

The wig 52 is then positioned to enclose the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband 10 as shown in Figure 6, although Figure 6 shows the wig 52 with the hair omitted for clarity. To position the wig 52, the front or front end-portion of the wig 52, corresponding with the portion closest to the wearer’s face, is made to contact the headband 10 first. The sides and back or back-end portion of the wig 52 are subsequently made to contact the headband 10. The wig 52 now encloses or substantially encloses the headband 10.

The positioning of the wig 52 may be further adjusted if required. In particular, the wig 52 may be further tightened by stretching, tugging or pulling the wig 52 together at or adjacent to the nape or neck of the wearer.

The realism of the in-use wig 52 is improved by the headband 10 imitating or substantially matching the appearance of the wearer’s skin beneath the lace cap 54. Due to the thickness 20 and material properties of the headband 10, the headband 10 in this embodiment is partially transparent such that the underlying skin tone or colour is not or not substantially altered or obscured, thereby reducing the contrast. This may not necessarily be the case however. The headband 10 also improves the realism of the wig 52 by providing an improved base, surface or medium upon which to apply makeup. The base is substantially dry, particularly compared to wigs which require glue to reduce slippage. This base improves the adherence of powder and/or foundation makeup applied, whilst providing a more natural look and/or matte effect.

To remove the wig set, the wearer can simply remove the wig 52 then band 10 one after the other or both simultaneously. If required, the headband 10 can be easily cleaned and/or dried until it is next required.

The headband 10 provides a simpler and cleaner way to wear the wig 52. As no glue is required to stabilise the wig 52 relative to the headband 10 in this embodiment, there is no possibility of droplets of glue oozing out from under the cap 54 and/or permeating the wearer’s own hair if the wearer has any hair naturally. This also negates the requirement for the wearer to wash their head following removal of the wig 52.

Although in this embodiment, the headband 10 and the wig 52 are simply positioned around the wearer’s crown, it could be envisioned that additional and/or alternative steps may be undertaken to increase the stability of the headband and/or the wig. In particular, pressure may be applied to the wig-stabilising headband whilst it is rotated or shifted around the wearer’s head in a direction, said direction being one of clockwise and anti-clockwise. The pressure and rotation may be applied manually. Rotation may be undertaken, particularly but not necessarily, until maximal resistance is felt.

Optionally, in order to increase the friction between the wig and the headband, the wig may be rotated around the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband in a further direction, said further direction being the other of clockwise and anti-clockwise. Rotation may be undertaken until maximal resistance is felt. This rotation may increase frictional contact between the wig and the headband by deforming, compressing and/or at least partially folding or rotating the or a plurality of the grip-enhancing elements on the wig-facing surface. This may increase the surface area of contact between the wig and the headband and/or temporarily trap portions of the cap between the grip-enhancing elements and the elongate main body.

To remove the wig set, there is no requirement to rotate the wig or the headband prior to removal. In this embodiment, the realism of the wig 52 is improved by imitating the appearance of the underlying skin and reducing the contrast between the wearer’s uncovered skin, and the skin overlaid by the cap 54 and and headband 10. The headband may also improve the realism of the wig in other ways.

For instance, the lace cap of the in-use wig may be shaped into peaks and troughs by the at least one second grip-enhancing element projecting from the wig-facing surface. As such, the headband may provide the wig with a dimpling effect, which adds to the realism of the wig, and further improves the adherence of makeup to the wig and/or band.

Additionally or alternatively, the wig, particularly the edge of the wig may be at least partially curled at, adjacent to, or around and under the first or second lateral edge of the wig-stabilising headband, whichever edge is proximal to the wearer’s face. This may further improve the realism of the in-use wig by forming a more natural-looking artificial hairline, particularly compared to wigs where the wig edge is substantially visible by becoming spaced-apart from the wearer’s skin. As natural hairlines may not be substantially linear, the non-linear profile may further enhance realism by providing a non-linear artificial hairline.

Alternatively or additionally, grip-enhancing elements made of compressible material may enhance the realism of the wig by at least partially filling any gaps in the lace edge, said gaps being due to the wefted structure of the lace. Realism may be further improved by reducing the contrast between the lace and the skin visible through the gaps and/or by forming a substantially continuous surface.

In this embodiment, each elongate strip of material 14 is produced to the correct dimensions by being moulded in a mould of the correct dimensions. The wig-stabilising headband 10 is subsequently formed by fusing or gluing the two ends together to form a continuous loop. However, alternative methods of manufacture could be envisioned.

For instance, it could be envisioned that the wig-stabilising headband may be manufactured by injecting a mouldable material, which may or may not be silicone, into a mould shaped to provide an integrally-formed continuous band or loop having no first and second ends. This manufacturing method would reduce the number of steps required, simplifying the manufacturing process, saving time, reducing costs, reducing the skill required to produce the headband and potentially increasing the consistency and structural integrity of the final product by removing a structural weakness.

Alternatively, it could be envisioned that one or more elongate strips of material may be obtained from an extra-long source strip or pre-elongate strip of material which is longer than the longitudinal extent of at least one elongate strip. Such a pre-elongate strip of material may have at least a free or first end, for example if it is being unwound from a large roll, and preferably a second end. The pre-elongate strip may be formed by moulding. The pre-elongate strip of material may then be adjusted, such as by being cut, to a desired length, wherein the desired length corresponds to the longitudinal extent of the elongate strip of material.

In this case, the elongate strip 14 and the at least one first grip-enhancing element 40, 42 are integrally formed but this need not necessarily be the case. For example, the elongate strip may be produced without any or with fewer grip-enhancing elements. Grip-enhancing elements may be subsequently added, such as by being glued, connected to, or moulded onto the elongate strip.

In a further modification, an elongate strip may be produced having grip-enhancing elements on only one of the major surfaces. The other of the major surfaces of two such elongate strips may subsequently be combined, connected, glued, fused, or melted together to provide an elongate strip having grip-enhancing elements on both the wig-facing surface and the head-facing surface. One or more further intermediate layers may even be inserted therebetween, and said intermediate layer may be coloured and/or customised such that each headband is unique. Alternatively, both surfaces of the first and second ends may be fully covered with grip-enhancing elements, a subset of which are subsequently removed, flattened or melted.

In a further modification, the elongate strip may be initially devoid of one or both shaped complementary portions and said complementary portion or portions may be subsequently connected, glued, melted or fused with the relevant end. In a further modified embodiment, the first and/or second ends may have no complementarily shaped portions. Instead, the first distal end and second distal end may be connected by a connector and/or glued or fused together. Said abuttable distal ends may be substantially planar or, for increasing contact area, non-planar. If planar, the surfaces may be perpendicular to the first and second major surfaces, but non perpendicular faces may be envisioned.

In a further modification, the wig-stabilising headband may not be manufactured by fusing or melting the first and second ends together. Instead, the headband may have a first end, a second end, and a connector for engaging the first end portion and the second end portion to form a continuous band, a loop configuration or ring such that the wig-stabilising headband becomes wearable. Said connector may be at least one of glue, a clamp, clip, mutually engageable shapings, a hook, a two-part engagement means such as hook and loop portions or a hole and button, and interference fit such as a press stud. Such a connector may permit the wearer to adjust or further adjust the headband perimeter to ensure a snug fit. However, the connector may weaken the structural integrity and reduce the shelf life of the product. The connector may not be washable such that the headband is less hygienic. The connector may complicate the putting on of the headband. The discomfort may be increased due to the connector snagging or catching the wearer’s hair, scratching their scalp, or simply being a hard element pressed into the scalp.

In this embodiment, the wig-stabilising headband 10 is provided with at least one first grip enhancing element 40 on each of the head-facing surface and at least one first grip-enhancing element 42 on the wig-facing surface. This need not necessarily be the case, such that one, neither or both the head-facing surface and the wig-facing surface may have at least one grip enhancing element.

In an alternative embodiment, the wig-stabilising headband may enhance the stability of an in- use wig by comprising an elongate main body which is in or can be formed into a loop configuration, the elongate body having a head-facing surface, and a wig-facing surface, wherein the head-facing surface and the wig-facing surface meet along a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, and at least one of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge has a non-linear profile. In other words, the non-linear shaping on one or both edges may be sufficient to enhance the stability of an in-use wig whilst neither, one, or both the head-facing surface and the wig facing surface may have one or more grip-enhancing elements. Alternatively, the first and/or second lateral edge may not necessarily require a non-linear shaping to enhance the stability of the in-use wig. In this alternative case, the or each grip-enhancing element on at least one of the head-facing surface and the wig-facing surface may be sufficient to improve or enhance the wig stability.

Each projection in this embodiment has at least one of a conical profile and a cylindrical profile, however other profiles or cross-sections may be envisaged such as at least partly curved or non- curved, linear, sinusoidal, a polygon, regular or irregular, such as a square, rectangle, triangle, trapezoid or trapezium, hexagon, octagon, a circle, oval, or teardrop shape, or any other suitable shape. The or at least one projection may even have a sucker element to further improve the stability of the headband relative to the head and/or the wig relative to the headband.

In this embodiment, the grip-enhancing elements 40, 42 projecting from each of the first and second major surfaces 22, 24 respectively are substantially similar or the same as each other in all but function, such that the headband 10 is reversibly wearable and the grip-enhancing elements 40, 42 can adopt the relevant functions.

It could alternatively be envisioned that the grip-enhancing element or elements projecting from the first major surface differ from that or those of the second major surface, so to better perform their respective functions. In this alternative case, the headband may not be reversibly wearable, or it may be reversibly worn but the grip-enhancing elements may not fulfil their function appropriately. It may even be envisioned that the at least one grip-enhancing element may differ from a further grip-enhancing element on the same surface. The headband 10 in this embodiment is used for stabilising or fixing a wig in position, however it may be used with other types of headwear, such as a hat, scarf, hood, or veil.

It is therefore possible to provide a headband, a wig set comprising the same for enhancing the stability of an in-use wig. The headband provides enhanced stability by increasing the frictional contact with both an in-use wig and the wearer’s head, particularly if the wearer has hair of their own. The headband improves the comfort of the wearer by allowing more air to circulate close to the scalp, thereby ventilating the heat and dissipating moisture. The realism of an in-use wig is heightened whilst the headband is simpler to put on and to clean. The absence of any attachment means improves the wearability, comfort and shelf-life of the headband. The method of manufacture is simplified, reducing costs and provides a durable product. The material used, preferably silicone, allows for the headband to be stretchable and at least in part compressible for improved comfort.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.