US20070227549A1

US20070227549A1 - Reconfigurable fastener hair extension apparatus and methods

Info

Publication number: US20070227549A1
Application number: US11/396,025
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-31
Filing date: 2006-03-31
Publication date: 2007-10-04

Abstract

A hair extension apparatus and methods capable of providing a plurality of hair styles. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a coupling member having an inner and an outer surface. A plurality of hair sections are attached to the outer surface of the member and extending substantially therefrom. A fastener is attached to the outer surface of the member that secures a hair section in a desired style position. The desired style position is rapidly configurable to adapt to the activity for which a user participates.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/______{Attorney Docket LEE.001A} filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 24, 2006, entitled “Multi-Style, Reconfigurable Hair Extension Apparatus and Methods” by inventor Richard JunSuh Lee, the foregoing which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of hair grooming and appearance, and specifically in one exemplary aspect to hair extension apparatus for, e.g., humans.
2. Description of Related Technology
Hair extensions are well known in the art. Such extensions can be used to change an individual's physical appearance, supplement their natural hair length, and/or increase the number of hair styling options. Hair extensions may be composed of multiple strands of any of the following: natural human hairs, synthetic fibers, or a composite of different hairs and materials. Hair extensions are normally secured to human hair using any number of standard attachment procedures such as weaving, adhesives, or sewing.
Hair extensions are typically styled by trained professionals in a hair salon or beauty shop setting. Persons often request that the positioning and styling of the person's hair, including hair extensions, be tailored to suit a particular occasion or event. In one example, a person may desire their hair style to look glamorous and mimic that of another person, such as a Hollywood movie star. In another instance, a person may desire a particular hair style for an outdoor setting, such as for an upcoming athletic event (e.g., a softball tournament). In yet another case, a person may desire a hair style suited to a more formal occasion, such as a wedding, homecoming, or graduation. Alternatively, the person may wish to implement a hair style completely different than that normally worn or discussed above, such as for attendance at an outdoor heavy metal concert or as part of a costume.
Typically, the positioning and styling of hair and hair extensions under the prior art involves a somewhat labor-intensive process. For example, a professional hair stylist may spend a large number of hours attaching hair extensions to human hair, arranging the hair extensions to achieve a specified volume and styling, and securing the hair extensions to achieve the desired appearance. See, e.g., U. S. Pat. No. 6,832,614 to Frazier issued Dec. 21, 2004 and entitled “Hair extension attachment”, which is generally representative of such prior art methods and apparatus.
After the hair is styled, if a person decides to alter his/her hair style, it may require removal and/or repositioning of one or more hair extensions, which may incur yet additional significant labor. For instance, the restyling of hair may require any or all the following steps: carefully removing multiple hair extensions to prevent damage to natural hair as well as the hair extensions, restyling the natural hair to create a new style, and attaching new or modified hair extensions, which may involve one or more braiding processes by a trained hair care professional.
Thus, what is needed are improved hair styling apparatus and methods that permit easy initial configuring and reconfiguring, i.e., restyling, to suit a particular event or occasion, which minimizes the required labor and/or time. Such improved apparatus and methods would also ideally allow a person other than a trained hair care professional to implement style changes, and would further permit the creation of user-customized styles and appearance such as through the use of hair sections having different textures, colors, positions, tints, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair extension apparatus and methods that provide a user with a multitude of hair style options.
It is another object of the present invention to provide hair extension apparatus and methods allowing configuring and reconfiguring to suit a user's desires and/or rapidly change with the events or surroundings.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide extension apparatus and methods that allow for substantial user customization of their hair style.
In a first aspect of the invention, hair extension apparatus is capable of providing a plurality of hair styles is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a coupling member having an inner and an outer surface. A plurality of hair sections are attached to the outer surface of the member and extending substantially therefrom. A fastener is attached to the outer surface of the member that secures a hair section in a desired style position. The desired style position is rapidly configurable to adapt to the activity for which a user participates.
In a second aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed using a hair extension apparatus to provide at least one of a plurality of hair styles. The method comprises disposing a hair section proximate to an outer surface of a coupling member of the apparatus, passing at least a portion of the hair section through a fastener coupled to the outer surface, arranging the hair section in a desired style position, and securing the fastener so as to substantially fix the hair section in the desired style position.
In a third aspect of the invention, a fastener adapted to substantially secure at least one hair section within a hair extension apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a ribbon disposed on an outer surface of a coupling element, the at least one hair section is attached to the outer surface of the coupling element, wherein the ribbon comprises at least one flexible member to substantially secure the at least one hair section within the ribbon to the outer surface of the coupling element to achieve a desired style position. The desired style position is configurable to adapt to an activity that a user participates, and the ribbon is substantially blended with a plurality of hair sections to substantially hide or conceal the fastener.
In one variant, the ribbon comprises ends that are inserted through at least one hole in the outer surface of the coupling member to substantially secure the at least one hair section within the hair extension apparatus.
In another variant, the ribbon comprises a body that is attached along at least one portion of the body to the coupling element, the ribbon comprising a first member and a second member where at least one of the first member or the second member is wrapped around the at least one hair section and inserted through at least one opening in the outer surface of the coupling member to substantially secure the at least
These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a person's head showing attachment of a hair extension in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of a person's head with the hair extension in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of a person's head exposing a fastener attached to a coupling member in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of a person's head showing a hair section being lifted for attachment within the fastener (with a portion of the hair section removed to more readily show a structure of the fastener) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of a person's head showing a hair section secured within the fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of a person's head showing a hair section being secured using a fastener and an elastic band in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of a person's head showing two hair sections secured within a fastener (with a portion of the hair section removed to more readily display a structure of the fastener) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of a person's head showing two hair sections secured using a fastener and two elastic bands in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a top elevation view of a hairnet (with hair sections removed) showing a multi-mesh structure to secure and prevent movement of a hair section affixed to the fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view showing a hair extension apparatus with two fasteners to increase a degree of configuring and reconfiguring the hair extension apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the method for configuring the hair extension apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
As used herein, the term “hair” refers without limitation to any natural or artificial single- or multi-stranded material or structure, irrespective of origin, color, texture or shape. For example, hair may comprise natural hair of a human or animal, artificial or synthetic fibers, weaves or filaments and so forth.
Overview
In one salient aspect, the present invention discloses apparatus and methods for hair styling for, inter alia, cosmetic purposes. In particular, a hair extension apparatus is disclosed; the hair extension apparatus provides a hair styling mechanism (e.g., using a fastener) for rapidly attaching and/or reconfiguring various hair sections of the hair extension apparatus. The apparatus advantageously allows changing styling of the hair extension, thereby allowing a user to rapidly adjust their hair appearance for a desired event or present/anticipated surroundings. The same styling and attaching principles, as discussed below, may be applied to straight, curly, colored, bleached, and artificial hair.
The ability to attach and adjust the placement of multiple hair sections relative to the apparatus (and further adjust the placement of the apparatus on the user's head) provides significant flexibility to the user in quickly and easily creating new “customized” styles as well.
The present invention may also be utilized in conjunction with (e.g., as a complement to), or in place, of the methods and apparatus described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/______ filed Mar. 24, 2006, entitled “Multi-Style, Reconfigurable Hair Extension Apparatus and Methods” previously incorporated herein.
Exemplary Extension Apparatus
Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, exemplary embodiments of the hair extension apparatus of the invention are described in detail. It will be appreciated that while described primarily in the context of human hair extension apparatus, at least portions of the apparatus and methods described herein may be used in other applications, such as for example and without limitation mannequins, “wax” representations, or other humanoid figures.
Moreover, it will be recognized that the present invention may find utility beyond purely cosmetic concerns. For example, the “hair sections” described subsequently herein may conceivably be replaced with sections or components having other functionality; e.g., helping to control the wearer's natural hair which may be prone to “flyaway”, static charge, etc. Other functions might include the release of a therapeutic or other chemical agent or substance (e.g., for purposes of enhanced aroma, insect repulsion, and so forth). Myriad other functions will be recognized by those of ordinary skill given the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a person's head showing attachment of a hair extension in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The hair extension apparatus 10 includes a plurality of strands, for example strands of hair 12. The strands of hair 12 may be gathered together and extended outward to form a multitude of hair sections, one such hair section being a hair section 14. The hair section 14 extends outward from an outer surface 18 of a coupling member (here, a hairnet 13) or other such coupling apparatus. The hairnet 13 also has an inner surface 16 that contacts the person's head 5. It will be appreciated that while a hairnet is shown as the exemplary retaining apparatus, other mechanisms may conceivably be used with equal success, including for example a stocking, panty hose, fishnet, elastic covering, mesh or semi-mesh structure, cap or the like.
To attach the hair extension apparatus 10 to a person's head 5, a drawstring 26 located, for example, around an outer perimeter 30 of the hairnet 13 attaches to a lock of that person's existing hair, such as the section 4 shown in FIG. 1. A connector (such as a clip 28 in this exemplary embodiment) is attached to the drawstring 26 and slides along the drawstring 26 to secure the hair extension apparatus 10 to the human hair section 4. In alternate embodiments, the drawstring 26 may be replaced by any means for securing the hair extension apparatus 10 to the human hair section 4. For example, the drawstring 26 may be replaced with a cord, rope, strand, twine, line, belt, braid, ribbon, tie, or the like as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill given the present disclosure. It will also be recognized that the hair extension apparatus 10 may be secured to something other than the wearer's existing hair, such as where a wig or the like is used by the wearer.
Furthermore, the drawstring 26 (or other mechanism) may be positioned in other locations, other than the outer perimeter 30 of the hairnet 13. For example, one or more loops or openings created in the hairnet may provide an insertion point to secure the human hair section 4 to the hairnet 13. Furthermore, the clip 28 may be replaced by any means for securing the drawstring 26 to a person's head 5 including for example hooks, fasteners, wires, loops, adapters, clamps, ties, links, couplers or the like.
FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of a person's head with the hair extension in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the human hair section 4 (shown in FIG. 1) inserts into the extension apparatus 10 inside the outer perimeter 30. Drawstring 26 (in FIG. 1) is pulled and the clip 28 (in FIG. 1) secures the hair extension apparatus 10 to the human hair section 4. As shown, the hair extension apparatus 10 provides increased hair volume and well as hair length for, e.g., everyday use. Exemplary hair styling configurations are discussed in detail subsequently herein with respect to FIGS. 3-10.
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of a person's head exposing a fastener attached to a coupling member in an open position (unconnected position) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To secure the hair section 14, the exemplary fastener 70 is a string or ribbon. The exemplary fastener 70 is attached, for example by sewing or gluing, along a portion of the exemplary fastener body 72 to a portion of the hairnet 31 (see FIG. 1) along a fastener area 73. This exemplary fastener 70 comprises a first member 74 and a second member 75. The first member 74 and the second member 75 may be composed of many different materials that are substantially flexible and/or rigid including string, ribbon, plastic, flexible or rigid metal, fiberglass, foam, or the like. The first member 74 and the second member 75 may be shaped as a rod, tube, stick, strip, clip, or the like. The first member 74, in this example, has an end 76. The second member 75, in this example, has an end 77. In this example, the first member 74 and the second member 75 are tied together along at least one portion of the body 72 to form a knot 78 (in FIG. 4) to substantially secure a hair section, such as hair section 14 (in FIG. 4), to the hair extension apparatus 10.
In an alternative embodiment, there may be mating clasps attached to the first 74 or second member 75, in one example at ends 76, 77 respectively, so that these members may be mated in a closed position to secure a section of hair, such as the hair section 14. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the fastener 70 may be made from a cord, strap, clasp, flexible plastic piece, or the like. In yet another alternative embodiment, the fastener 70 may have first and second flexible members that are slidably mated to each other to substantially secure at least one of the plurality of hair sections to a hairnet in a desired style position. In yet another example, because the first and second flexible members may be made of a substantially flexible plastic or metal material, such as steel or aluminum or the like, one or more hair extension sections, e.g., such as a plurality of hair extension sections, such as hair section 14, may be inserted into the same fastener, such as the fastener 70. Other combinations of the foregoing will also be recognized by those of ordinary skill. For example, either one or both of the first member 74 or the second member 75 may be attached to or be received within each other or attached to the hairnet 13 (shown in FIG. 1). In another alternative embodiment, at least one of the first and second members may clip to the outer surface 18 (shown in FIG. 1) or the outer surface 38 (shown in FIG. 3) of the hairnet 13 (shown in FIG. 1). In another alternative embodiment, the fastener may be a ribbon attached to the coupling member. One end of the ribbon may be inserted through and attached (for example hooked to) an opening in an outer surface of the coupling member, e.g., openings in the mesh structure of the hairnet 13 (shown in FIG. 1) to substantially secure the at least one hair section within the hair extension apparatus 10. In yet another alternative embodiment, the ribbon may have a body that is attached along at least one portion to the coupling element, for example hairnet 13 (shown in FIG. 1), which has many openings in its mesh structure. In this embodiment, the ribbon can comprise for example a first member and a second member, where one or both the first member or the second member may be wrapped around a section of hair, and passed through an opening in an outer surface of the coupling member, for example an opening in the mesh structure of hairnet 13, so as to secure a hair section, (e.g., hair section 14) to an hair extension apparatus, such as the hair extension apparatus 10.
The desired style position of the hair extension apparatus 10 may be based on any number of different user criteria. For example, a user criterion may be related to an upcoming event which the user desires to attend; e.g., the user may want a hair style to participate in a causal setting, such as a sporting event, or to attend a more formal event, like a fine arts performance. Because a fastener 70, may be rapidly attached and detached from a hair section, a user may advantageously change their hair styling very rapidly, in response to changing conditions and to suit widely varying circumstances (e.g., going rapidly from a style appropriate to a casual outdoor or athletic event to a second style appropriate for a formal event). To achieve such changed hair style, hair extension users disconnect the first member 74 and the second member 75 of the fastener 70, remove or insert one or more hair sections, such as hair section 14 (shown in FIG. 3) in the fastener 70, style their natural hair as well as the hair extension apparatus 10, and reconnect (secure) one or more hair sections, such as hair section 14 (shown in FIG. 3) within the fastener 70. As will be subsequently described with respect to other embodiments (FIGS. 4-10), hair extension users may achieve a multitude of hair styles with minimal or no assistance from another person; e.g., a hair care professional, in certain cases.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are rear elevation views of a person's head showing a hair section being lifted and secured within the fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The hair section 14 is raised by support member 40, e.g., a hair styling stick or pencil, above the fastener 70. FIG. 4 depicts the final position of the fastener (whereas FIG. 3 better shows the mechanics of the fastener mechanism). As shown in FIG. 5, when the first member 74 of the fastener 70 is tied to the second member 75 in a closed (mating) position, the hair section 14 is secured to the hair extension apparatus 10 situated on the person's head 5.
As shown in FIG. 6, in an alternative embodiment, an elastic band 48 (or other comparable restraining mechanism) may be utilized to increase a user's hair styling options of one or more hair sections, such as hair section 14. For example, the elastic band 48, shown in FIG. 6, secures an upper portion 49 of the hair section 14 to achieve a more rigid and refined hair styling position. In yet another alternative embodiment, the elastic band 48 may be attached along the hair section 14 between the fastener 70 and the hairnet 13 (shown in FIG. 1). This attachment point may be used to bind together the hair section 14 to aid in inserting the hair section 14 into the fastener 70 and/or provide another hair style option.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of a person's head showing two hair sections 14 secured within a fastener having a corrugated inner surface in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the fastener 70 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is replaced with fastener 50. The fastener 50, for example made of string or ribbon, is attached, for example by sewing or gluing the fastener's body 52 into an outer surface of a coupling member, e.g., hairnet 13 (shown in FIG. 1), at one portion 57 located on the hair extension apparatus 10. As shown in a close-up view of the fastener 50 in an open (unattached) position, an inner surface 52 of the second member 55 has a corrugated structure 51, where the second member 55 is similar in function to the second member 75 described above. In an alternative embodiment of the present embodiment, the fastener 50 may have a corrugated structure on an inner surface 55 of a first member 56. In the exemplary illustrated in a close-up view of the fastener 50 in a closed (e.g., mating or attached position), the first member 55 is tied to the second member 56 forming a knot 59. The knot 59 secures one or more sections of hair 63 a, 63 b within the corrugated structure 51 of the fastener 50. The corrugated structure 51 advantageously allows a fastened hair section to be separated into two smaller hair sections 63 a, 63 b along the fastener 50, so as to achieve a different hair style than those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, an alternative of this embodiment of the invention utilizes one or more elastic bands 49 a, 49 b for cosmetic purposes. In this example, the elastic bands 49 a, 49 b secure an upper portion 80 of the hair sections 63 a, 63 b together to achieve a more rigid and structured hair styling position. In yet an alternative embodiment, the elastic bands 49 a, 49 b may secure along the hair sections 63 a, 63 b, between the fastener 50 (shown in FIG. 7) and the hairnet 13 (shown in FIG. 1), to aid aligning a section to insert into the fastener 50 (shown in FIG. 7).
FIG. 9 is a top elevation view of an exemplary configuration of a hairnet (with some hair sections removed) showing a mesh structure used to secure and prevent movement of hair sections 14 affixed to the fastener 70. The hairnet 89 comprises a multi-texture (e.g., dual) mesh structure having a first (substantially flexible) mesh structure 96 attached underneath to a fastener area 92 by nylon thread (or alternatively by glue). The first mesh structure 96 may be composed of materials such as polyester, metal screen, or plastic. The fastener area 92, in this example, may be constructed of nylon, fabric, polyester, cotton, mesh or the like. The hairnet 89 comprises a second (substantially rigid) mesh structure 95, in this example, attached above the fastener area 92 by nylon thread (or alternatively by glue). In this example, the second mesh structure 95 may be constructed of materials such as polyester, cotton, plastic, steel, wood, or the like. The two different stiffness meshes help prevent movement of the fastener 70 along the fastener area 92 (e.g., along a longitudinal axis of the fastener area 92), upon a hair section, such as hair section 14, being secured in the desired style position.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing another embodiment of the hair extension apparatus, wherein two fasteners 130 a, 130 b are used to provide the wearer/stylist with additional freedom to configure and reconfigure the hair sections. In this embodiment, the fasteners 130 a, 130 b are used independent of one another (or in a coordinated fashion) to realize a desired hair style. The hair sections 88 a, 88 b provide a different hair style than that of previous embodiments.
Likewise, it will further be recognized that additional fasteners (e.g., three or more) may be employed to provide yet additional flexibility to the user. These additional fasteners may be placed at different elevations and locations than those shown or proximate thereto in order to provide a “layered” effect for the sections, where one such section is hair section 14. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the fastener(s), either in an open or a mated state, substantially blended (are camouflaged) within a plurality of hair sections to substantially hide or conceal the fastener(s) from viewing of others, including the hair extension user. The orientation of the fasteners may also be varied so that different orientations or “lay” of the hair sections is achieved. For example, the fastener 70 may be a tab, strips such as Velcro® or the like.
Exemplary Methods
Referring now to FIG. 11, an exemplary embodiment of the method for utilizing the aforementioned extension apparatus is described. While described primarily in the context of the exemplary embodiments of the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5, it will be appreciated that the methodology presented herein may be readily adapted to any different configuration of the apparatus 10 by those of ordinary skill.
As shown in FIG. 11, the exemplary method 140 comprises first holding a hair section 14 attached to an outer surface of the hairnet 13 of the hair extension apparatus 10 (step 150). This section 14 may comprise, for example, a plurality of individual or woven hair strands that are intended to be attached to the apparatus 10. These strands may also optionally be pre-conditioned before attachment, such as by coloring/tinting, texturing (e.g., curling), coating with a desired material (e.g., hairspray).
At least one portion of the hair section 14 is then passed through a fastener coupled to the outer surface of the hairnet 13 (step 155), and the hair section arranged in a desired style position (step 160). Lastly, the fastener is secured to the hair section in the desired style position in order to meet a user criterion for a chosen style/event (step 165).
The method 140 may further optionally include utilizing an elastic band in order to bind along the hair section to create the desired style position, and/or align the hair section to be secured by the fastener 70 in the desired style position (step 170), as previously discussed with respect to FIG. 6.
The method 140 may further comprise actuating a drawstring located along an outer perimeter of the hairnet 13, or other such securing mechanism, so as to secure the hair extension apparatus 10 to hair of a user (step 175).
In an alternate embodiment of step 155, the hair section 14 is passed through a corrugated structure formed or disposed on an inner surface of the first and/or the second members 74, 75 of the fastener 70 in order to separate and secure portions of the hair section 14 in the desired style position.
It will be appreciated that while certain aspects of the invention have been described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of the invention, and may be modified as required by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the invention disclosed and claimed herein.
While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. The foregoing description is of the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. This description is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

Claims

1. Hair extension apparatus capable of providing a plurality of hair styles, the apparatus comprising:

a coupling member having an inner and an outer surface;

a plurality of hair sections attached to the outer surface of the member and extending substantially therefrom; and

a fastener attached to the outer surface of the member that secures a hair section in a desired style position;

wherein the desired style position is rapidly configurable to adapt to the activity for which a user participates.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a string having a body operatively connected along at least one portion to the member, the string having at least one portion extended outward from the member to attach and secure the hair section.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a ribbon having a body operatively connected along at least one portion to the member, the string having at least one portion extended outward from the member to attach and secure the hair section.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an elastic band to bind a portion of the hair section to create the desired style position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an elastic band to bind at least one portion of the hair section to align the hair section to be secured by the fastener in the desired style position.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a string having a body operatively connected along at least one portion to the coupling member and the coupling member comprises:

a multi-texture mesh structure having a substantially flexible mesh structure underneath a fastener area; and

a substantially rigid mesh structure above the fastener area of the member to at least mitigate movement of the fastener upon the hair section being secured in the desired style position.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling member comprises a hairnet having a drawstring along an outer perimeter to secure the hairnet to hair of the user, and the fastener comprises a string having a body operatively connected along at least one portion to the coupling member, and wherein the fastener is substantially hidden within the plurality of other hair sections when attached to the hair section.

8. The hair extension of claim 7, wherein the hairnet comprises a multi-mesh structure having a substantially flexible mesh structure underneath a fastener area and a substantially rigid mesh structure outside the fastener area to prevent movement of the fastener along a longitudinal dimension of the fastener area upon the hair section being substantially restrained in the desired style position.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of hair sections, the fastener comprises a ribbon having a body operatively connected along at least one portion to an outer surface of the coupling member, and the coupling member comprises a hairnet, and wherein a first member and second member of the ribbon are tied to the plurality of hair sections to secure the plurality of hair sections in the desired style position.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the coupling member comprises a hairnet;

the fastener comprises a ribbon having a body operatively connected along at least one portion to the outer surface of the coupling member; and

the ribbon comprises first and second members coupled to one another so as to permit at least a portion of the hair section to be substantially restrained by the fastener when the first and second members thereof are mated in a closed position.

11. A method of using a hair extension apparatus to provide at least one of a multitude of hair styles, the method comprising:

disposing a hair section proximate to an outer surface of a coupling member of the apparatus;

passing at least a portion of the hair section through the fastener coupled to the outer surface;

arranging the hair section in a desired style position; and

securing the fastener so as to substantially fix the hair section in the desired style position.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein securing the fastener comprises attaching at least one of a first and a second member of the fastener in a mated, closed position about the at least a portion of the hair section.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein passing at least a portion of the hair section comprises passing at least a portion of one hair section through a ribbon having a body operatively connected along at least one portion of the outer surface of the member and a first and second members of the ribbon so as to secure portions of the hair section in the desired style position.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

providing an elastic band; and

using the band to bind at least a portion of the hair section to create the desired style position.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

providing an elastic band; and

using the band to bind at least a portion of the hair section to align the hair section to be secured by the fastener to the desired style position.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the coupling member comprises a hairnet 20 comprising a multi-texture mesh structure having a substantially flexible mesh structure below a fastener area and a substantially rigid mesh structure above the fastener area, and the method further comprises using the multi-texture mesh structure to prevent movement of the fastener upon the hair section hair being secured in the desired style position.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the coupling member comprises a hairnet 25 comprising a multi-mesh structure having a substantially flexible mesh structure below a fastener area and a substantially rigid mesh structure above the fastener area, and the method further comprises using the multi-texture mesh structure to prevent movement of the fastener along a longitudinal dimension of the fastener area upon the hair section being secured in the desired style position.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising securing a drawstring located along an outer perimeter of the hairnet to secure the hair extension apparatus to hair of a user.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein inserting the fastener comprises operatively connecting at least one of a first and second flexible member of the fastener about the hair section to secure the hair section in the desired style position.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises a ribbon, the ribbon comprising a first flexible member and a second flexible member, and wherein the ribbon is substantially camouflaged and blended into a plurality of hair sections in either an opened or closed fastener position.

21. A fastener adapted to substantially secure at least one hair section within a hair extension apparatus, comprising:

a ribbon disposed on an outer surface of a coupling element, wherein the at least one hair section is attached to the outer surface of the coupling element, the ribbon comprising at least one flexible member to substantially secure the at least one hair section within the ribbon to the outer surface of the coupling element to achieve a desired style position;

wherein the desired style position is configurable to adapt to an activity that a user participates; and

wherein the ribbon is substantially blended with a plurality of hair sections to substantially conceal the fastener from view.

22. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the ribbon comprises ends that are inserted through at least one hole in the outer surface of the coupling member to substantially secure the at least one hair section within the hair extension apparatus.

23. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the ribbon comprises a body that is attached along at least one portion of the body to the coupling element, the ribbon comprising a first member and a second member where at least one of the first member or the second member is wrapped around the at least one hair section and inserted through at least one opening in the outer surface of the coupling member to substantially secure the at least one hair section within the hair extension apparatus.