WO2001000116A1

WO2001000116A1 - Hairpiece and method for attaching same

Info

Publication number: WO2001000116A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/017503
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonalee M. Schmidt
Original assignee: Schmidt Jonalee M
Priority date: 1999-06-25
Filing date: 2000-06-26
Publication date: 2001-01-04
Also published as: AU5766400A

Abstract

The present invention relates to the securing of hairpieces (401) on the head. In particular, the invention relates to novel hairpieces (401), and method of adhering a hairpiece (401) directly to the skin with an adhesive (e.g., a dermal or contact adhesive). The adhesive may be in direct or indirect contact with the hairpiece (401). In the case where the adhesive is in indirect contact with the hairpiece (401), one side of the adhesive further contains at least a hot-melt layer (404) for securing the adhesive to the hairpiece (401). In yet another embodiment, the adhesive (whether or not the hot-melt (404) is present) may be protected by a removable strip or release liner (206) either during the securing of the adhesive to the hairpiece (401) or prior to the use of the adhesive. In still another embodiment, the adhesive is in the form of at least one adhesive strip (400) which is used to secure the hairpiece (401) to an individual's scalp. Also the present invention relates to an adhesive that can retain its integrity for a long period of time.

Description

Title: HAIRPIECE AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the securing of hairpieces on the head. In particular, the invention relates to novel hairpieces and a method of adhering a hairpiece directly to the skin with an adhesive (e.g., a dermal or contact adhesive). The adhesive may be in direct or indirect contact with the hairpiece.

In the case where the adhesive is in indirect contact with the hairpiece one side of the adhesive further contains at least a hot-melt layer for securing the adhesive to the hairpiece. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive (whether or not the hot-melt is present) may be protected by a removable strip or release liner either during the securing of the adhesive to the hairpiece or prior to the use of the adhesive. In still another embodiment the adhesive is in the form of at least one adhesive strip which is used to secure the hairpiece to an individual's scalp. Also the present invention relates to an adhesive that can retain its integrity for a long period of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hairpieces (or wigs) have traditionally been popular with users who wear them over their own real hair. The natural hair of the user has acted both as a frictional support and a mechanical anchor by placing the hair in specifically designed pockets within the wig. The features of wigs created for this purpose have been modified to overcome the aesthetic disadvantages of bulging by modifying the shape and weaving of the wig; however, such wigs fail to address the needs of those having little or no hair on their scalp due to, for example, hair loss due to chemotherapy. Thus, there is a great need for a method by which a wig can be affixed securely and comfortably on the scalp of someone with little or no hair.

Patients who have undergone chemotherapy, experienced severe burns, endured cranial radiation treatment, experienced cranial surgical procedures, suffer from alopecia areata, or have suffered industrial accidents have a great need for hairpieces. Men and women who suffer from typical hair loss may also desire a hairpiece and thus face similar problems. Accordingly, a hairpiece that could be secured to the head for all waking hours of the day would be indispensable to such individuals. There are three types of hairpieces currently available to those individuals with little or no existing hair: (1) those secured by hats, scarves or other accessories, (2) those that are fastened to a tight cap worn underneath the hairpiece, and (3) those that can be secured directly to the scalp by, VELCRO^®, a weave, tape, or mechanical fasteners (e.g., clips or anchors), or a combination of an adhesive and some type of anchoring system. The adhesive/anchoring system option is by far the most advantageous as it precludes the continuous and unpleasant use of accessories, the painful skin indentations caused by clips, and the constant sweating and itching caused by tight caps. Among the limitations of the current adhesive/anchoring system technology for attaching such wigs or hairpieces is that the individual's freedom of movement can be restricted, the odor caused by adhesive(s) is/are unpleasant, and the adhesive(s) is/are eroded by natural skin excretions and/or secretions. Additionally, the anchoring system, which is located in the underside of the wig or hairpiece, can come lose or wear over time. Thus, each of these can contribute to the frustration and embarrassment of dealing with the current methods for securing wigs and/or hairpieces.

Currently, there is no known method which is suitable for attaching a wig and/or hairpiece to the scalp of an individual with little or no hair. Unlike the methods used in transdermal systems, breast prosthetics, and other medical applications, the attachment of a wig and/or hairpiece to an individual's scalp presents unique problems. For example, the dermal tissue of the scalp of patients undergoing chemotherapy, those having other medical conditions, or those undergoing other medical treatments can become irritated and/or highly sensitive to pressure. Currently the use of adhesives in conjunction with wigs, as noted above, is limited to adhesives employed in conjunction with anchors within the wig. Thus, such systems necessitate bulky pockets for anchoring. Furthermore, the adhesive itself cannot completely provide firm anchoring of the wig.

Accordingly, there is a pressing need for a method for attaching a wig or hairpiece to an individual's scalp having little or no hair that can be secured by the use of an adhesive capable of withstanding a variety of mechanical strains and chemical attack due to skin excretions and/or secretions (e.g., sweat, oils, or blood). Additionally, a method which is simplistic in nature is also desirable so that children, as well as those who have limited dexterity, who are in need of a hairpiece can benefit from a hairpiece. Furthermore there is a need for a non- disposable adhesive for securing wigs that can be reused, that can be cleaned easily, and that can maintain its integrity for long periods of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a wig and/or hairpiece which is able to be used by an individual with little or no remaining natural hair and a method for attaching the same to the scalp of such an individual. The present invention provides a wig and/or hairpiece which is not only easy to use and/or apply, but one which is also securely fastened to an individual's scalp. The present invention also provides for an adhesive layer (whether continuous or discontinuous) or at least one adhesive strip that can be securely and conveniently bonded to the wig's support layer. The present invention further provides for an optional release liner that, durirg the fastening process, is capable of protecting the adhesive's bonding ability and preventing leakage of adhesive chemicals into the wig or the wig's supporting layers. In addition, the present invention also provides a method by which to attach a wig and/or hairpiece which eliminates adverse reactions to the adhesive or other methods previously used to attach a wig and/or hairpiece. The present invention also relates to a method of providing a reusable adhesive which maintains its adhesive properties, sustains it shape, protects the skin from rashes or other immunological responses, while being able to be efficiently and repeatedly cleaned.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for attaching a hairpiece to the head of a person, the hairpiece having a support layer, comprising the steps of: (A) applying an adhesive to the hairpiece to the underside of the support layer of the hairpiece; (B) placing the hairpiece on the head of the person; and (C) applying pressure to the hairpiece in order to form a bond between the adhesive and the head. In another embodiment, the present invention relates a method for attaching a hairpiece to the head of a person, the hairpiece having a support layer, comprising the steps of: (A) applying a hot-melt layer of an adhesive to the underside of the support layer of the hairpiece, wherein the adhesive comprises the hot-melt layer and a dermal adhesive layer; (B) applying heat to the hot-melt layer/support layer combination in order to bond the hot-melt layer to the support layer; (C) placing the hairpiece on the head of the person; and (D) applying pressure to the hairpiece in order to form a bond between the dermal adhesive and the head.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates a hairpiece comprising: hair; a support layer having first and second sides, wherein the first side of the support layer has hair protruding therefrom; and an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is a dermal adhesive and is bonded to the second side of the support layer opposite the hair; and wherein at least one end of the hair is secured in the support layer in order to form the hairpiece. In yet another embodiment, the present invention further comprises a hot- melt layer disposed between the adhesive and the side of support layer opposite the hair.

In still another embodiment, the present invention further comprises a release liner which is placed over the exposed surface of the adhesive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1A is a topographical view of a scalp depicting two possible areas of attachment for a wig and/or hairpiece;

Figure 1 B is a side view of a wig and/or hairpiece (without the hair) which has been attached to an individual's scalp according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2A is a plan view of an adhesive strip 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2B is a plan view of an adhesive strip 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a portion of a wig and/or hairpiece; and

Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of a wig and/or hairpiece which has been attached to an individual's scalp.

DISCLOSURE OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention provides hairpieces and an improved method for adhering different forms of hair replacement systems directly to the skin. In general, the present inventive method entails using an adhesive that bonds a hairpiece to a desired area of skin on the scalp. Preferably, the inventive method is used to anchor the hairpiece to at least two opposed areas of the scalp. Even more preferably, the present method is used to affix a hairpiece to the skin above the forehead and the skin at the rear of the head as shown by the hatched areas in the topographical view of the scalp depicted in Figure 1A. Figure 1 B depicts a side of one embodiment of the present invention attached to the scalp on an individual. The present invention utilizes an adhesive that improves the binding of the hairpiece to a dermal layer of the scalp. Skin adhesives are well known in the art. They are presently used for such applications as transdermal drug delivery, bandages, breast mold replacements, and a multitude of other prosthetic devices. In the use of transdermal therapeutic systems, pressure sensitive adhesives are known to be comprised of silicone and polyisobutylene. As is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,876,746, this combination has been shown to work effectively as part of a non-acrylate containing matrix layer underlying a backing layer where the matrix layer is comprised of a mixture of 17-deacetyl norgestimate, lauryl lactate, and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer itself. Similarly, in U.S. Patent No. 5,705,185, transdermal delivery systems, the adhesive layer has been comprised of a material selected from silicones, acrylic or methacrylic polymers, natural and synthetic rubber.

Furthermore, as discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,792,292, silicone based adhesives have been effective in the use of breast prostheses. Once the silicone prosthesis is prepared, the mold is affixed to the skin by providing a permanent adhesive layer that includes a skin-compatible adhesive attached to a base film. In order to provide additional support for the weight of the prosthesis, the adhesive may be a cross-linked, two-component silicone rubber composition manufactured to be tacky. In one embodiment, the adhesive is a silicone-based adhesive. In another embodiment, the adhesive is a silicone rubber contact adhesive which is compatible for use on a dermal layer. Specifically, the dermal adhesive of the present invention is formed into some type of attachment means (e.g., a layer, a strip, a patch, or a web).

In one embodiment, the above attachment means includes only an appropriately shaped dermal adhesive which is directly bonded to the underside of a wig or hairpiece. Thus, the need for additional adhesive compounds to bound the dermal adhesive to the underside of the wig/hairpiece is eliminated. In another embodiment, the above attachment means includes the dermal adhesive and a hot-melt layer. The hot-melt layer acts to further bond the dermal adhesive to the hairpiece, thereby facilitating the attachment of the hairpiece to an individual's scalp.

The dermal adhesive may be any suitable dermal adhesive, as is discussed above. In one embodiment, the dermal adhesive is Amoena adhesive strips (available from Coloplast) or the like. In another embodiment, the dermal adhesive is a pressure-sensitive acrylate based adhesive. The adhesive may also be applied to the hairpiece by the wearer or other individual in liquid or gel form. If the adhesive is in liquid or gel form, the adhesive may be applied by any suitable method such as, for example, spraying, brush painting, finger painting, pouring, squirting etc.

U.S. Patent Nos. 5,705,185, 5,792,292 and 5,876,746 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for their teachings regarding adhesives and/or dermal adhesives.

In another embodiment, the dermal adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,876,855, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent No. 5,876,855 relates to compositions which are particularly useful as pressure-sensitive dermal adhesives. As is discussed in U.S. 5,876,855, such pressure-sensitive adhesive comprise a blend of at least two components comprised of about 5 to about 95% by weight of a first component comprised of at least one acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive and about 5 to about 95% by weight of a second component comprised of either (a) at least one elastomer with a tackifying resin, or (b) at least one thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the resulting pressure-sensitive adhesive demonstrates a T₀ of at least 1 N/dm and a T₄₈ of less than 12 N/dm when adhered to skin.

Alternatively, U.S. Patent No. 5,876,855 discloses a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which comprises a blend of at least two components comprised of about 5 to 95 weight percent of a first component comprised of an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive and about 5 to 95 weight percent of a second component comprised of either (a) a thermoplastic elastomer, or (b) an elastomer with a tackifying resin, the composition having a morphology comprising at least two distinct domains, a first domain being substantially continuous in nature and the second domain being fibrillose to schistose in nature parallel to a major surface of the adhesive composition within the first domain, wherein the resulting pressure-sensitive adhesive demonstrates a T₀ of at least 1 N/dm and a T₄₈ of less than 12 N/dm (per Skin Adhesion Test) adhered to skin. The above pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions are prepared according to any of the methods disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,876,855. In still another embodiment, the dermal adhesive is a water-insoluble, hydrophilic, elastomeric, pressure-sensitive adhesive as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,750,482, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The dermal adhesive compositions of U.S. 4,750,482 include at least one irradiation cross-linked synthetic organic polymer and an adhesive plasticizer. The adhesive plasticizer is present in an amount sufficient to maintain the elastomeric state of the adhesive. The cross-linked polymer is water-insoluble, has a three- dimensional matrix, and is formed from a solution or dispersion of at least one suitable gel-forming, uncrosslinked, synthetic organic polymer in a solubilizing plasticizer. The solubilizing plasticizer is irradiation cross-linking compatible, and the relative proportions of the uncrosslinked polymer and the solubilizing plasticizer are such that the gel formed upon irradiation cross-linking, retains the solubilizing plasticizer within the three-dimensional matrix. The plasticizers are the same or different, and include at least one substantially non-volatile elasticizer. The elasticizer is present in an amount sufficient to maintain adhesivity when the adhesive plasticizer is substantially the elasticizer. These adhesives can be used in conjunction with a support layer (e.g., the hot-melt layer) or can be used alone as a self-supporting layer.

In another embodiment, the dermal adhesive can be a hydrocolloid adhesive. Such adhesives are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No.

5,622,711 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

In yet another embodiment, the dermal adhesive can be an adhesive binder which consists of the following components: (a1) 55 - 99.9 weight percent of a (meth)acrylate copolymer of a structural (meth)acrylate or a functional (meth)acrylate monomer, wherein the functional monomer has a tertiary or quaternary amino group, (a2) 0.1 - 45 weight percent of an acid group-containing acrylate or (meth)acrylate polymer or copolymer, and (b) 25 - 80 weight percent of a plasticizer, based on the sum of (a1) and (a2). Such adhesives are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,063,399 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In yet another embodiment, the dermal adhesive of the present invention can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,063,838 which is incorporated herein by reference in it entirety. Such pressure-sensitive adhesives comprises a blend of at least two components, wherein the first component is at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive and the second component is at least one thermoplastic material, wherein the components form a blended composition having more than one domain and, wherein one domain is substantially continuous (generally, the pressure-sensitive adhesive) and the other domain is substantially fibrillous to schistose (generally, the thermoplastic material). Alternatively, as is described in U.S. Patent No.

6,063,838, the second component can be (a) at least one thermoplastic elastomer, (b) at least one elastomer with a tackifying resin, or (c) at least one elastomer.

As shown in Figure 2A, an adhesive strip or the like 100 comprises a dermal adhesive layer 102 and a hot-melt layer 104. The dermal adhesive layer can be formed from any one or more of the above-mentioned dermal adhesives. In one embodiment, the dermal adhesive layer 102 is made of a silicone rubber contact adhesive. In another embodiment, the dermal adhesive layer 102 is made of Amoena Coloplast^® or the like. In this embodiment, it is the hot-melt layer 104 that enables the strip or other shape 100 to be attached to a support layer or under layer 312 of a hairpiece 300 (Figure 3).

In an another embodiment, as shown in Figure 2B, an adhesive strip or the like 200 comprises a dermal adhesive layer 202 composed of at least one of the above-mentioned dermal adhesive, a hot-melt layer 204, and a release liner 206. The release liner 206 prevents the dermal adhesive layer 202 from becoming damaged during application of adhesive strip 200 to the support layer or under layer 212. Additionally, the release liner 206 also prevents the dermal adhesive layer 202 from becoming contaminated prior to application of the hairpiece to an individual's scalp. The release line 206 is removed prior to application. The release liner 206 may be formed from any suitable material which can withstand the heat used to attach the hot-melt layer 204 to the support layer 212 of the hairpiece. In one embodiment, the release liner 206 is formed from TEFLON^®, siliconized release paper or the like. In another embodiment, the release liner 206 is made to be reusable so that it is useful in protecting the dermal adhesive layer 202 when the hairpiece is not in use.

In yet another embodiment, the adhesive strip 200 can be modified so as to eliminate either one or both of the release liner 206 and/or the hot-melt layer 204. In this embodiment, the dermal adhesive layer 202 is in direct contact with both the support layer or under layer 212, and when the hairpiece/wig is in use, the wearer's skin.

The wig and/or hairpiece is composed of any suitable hair or hair substitute (e.g., human, yak, synthetic, or some hybrid thereof) that is woven into a polymeric or resin support. The support layer 312 can be formed from any suitable polymer or resin known to those skilled in the art. Some suitable polymers are polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutylene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, acrylate resins, nylon, rayon, polyvinyl chloride, and synthetic and natural rubbers.

In one embodiment, the support layer 312 of the hair pieces is ventilated (i.e., a continuous support layer having pores formed therein) or vented (i.e., a non-continuous support layer having holes therein). The ventilation or vents in the support layer 312 allow for the wearer's scalp to "breathe", thereby reducing and/or preventing sweating.

In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes a hot-melt layer bound to an adhesive layer that allows for the thermal fixation of the adhesive strip to the support layer of the wig and/or hairpiece. The use of a hot-melt layer in conjunction with adhesives is known to those skilled in the art. Hot-melt layers are ordinarily constructed of block copolymers and resins and capable of withstanding high temperatures while maintaining ideal melting points for ease of use (usually less than 400°C). The addition o^x mineral oils provide excellent flexibility to hot-melt layers during use. Hot-melt layers are ideal for the securing of transdermal therapeutic systems and medical devices that contain channels or compartments. The use of hot-melt prepared adhesives have been successfully employed in the use of breast prostheses. Specifically, an adhesive layer affixed to a hot-melt layer is applied to the inside of a silicone breast mold in the desired position and secured by the use of heat generated by household appliances such as an iron, a hair dryer, or heat gun.

U.S. Patent Nos. 5,910,527, 5,902,433, and 5,352,307 discuss various types of hot-melt compounds and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for their teachings regarding hot-melt compounds. In one embodiment, the hot-melt is a thermoplastic resin (e.g., a polyethylene, a polystyrene, a polypropylene, a isobutylene, a polyamide, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyvinyl acetate polyamide, a hydrocarbon resin, a naturally occurring wax, such as beeswax, or linseed oil (putty)).

As can also be seen from Figure 4, the hairpiece 401 is composed of hair 410 and support layer 412. Additionally, the hair 410 is bonded to the support layer 412 of the hairpiece 401 by a ventilated continuous polymeric or resin support layer or a vented polymeric or resin web, strip or the like. Furthermore, directly below and adhered to support layer 412 is a hot-melt layer 404. The hot- melt layer 404 is the same as the hot-melt layer 104/204 discussed above. The hot-melt layer 404 is in contact with and bonded to dermal adhesive layer 402.

The hairpiece 401 , which contains the hair 410 and the support layer 412, is joined to the adhesive strip 400 by the hot-melt layer 404 via the hot-melt layer 404 by subjecting the hot-melt layer 404 and the support layer 412 to a heat treatment at a sufficient temperature to induce bonding therebetween. In one embodiment, the temperature at which the heat treatment is conducted is within the range of from about 75°C to about 300°C, or within the range of about 100°C to about 225°C, or within the range of about 130°C to about 170°C. The heat treatment is usually conducted for about 2 to about 8 minutes, or for about 3 to about 6 minutes, or for about 4 to about 5 minutes, or until a permanent bond has been achieved between the hot-melt layer and the support layer. In one embodiment, the source of heat for the heat treatment is provided by a conventional fabric iron. However, any source of heat which can provide the necessary source of heat is acceptable, such as a hand held hair dryer or a heat gun. In one embodiment, the hairpiece is attached to the head of a person in the following manner: (A) a dermal adhesive 102/202/402 is applied to the underside of the support layer 212/312/412 of the hairpiece 300/400; (B) the hairpiece is then positioned in the desired manner on the head of the person; and (C) pressure is applied to the hairpiece in order to form a bond between the dermal adhesive and the head. Generally, gentle to moderate hand pressure is all that is necessary to form a bond between the dermal adhesive and the head of the person. In most instances, the hairpiece can be attached solely by the individual who is going to be wearing the hairpiece. However, if necessary another individual can help to place the hairpiece where desired and provide the necessary pressure to ensure a bond is formed between the dermal adhesive and the scalp of the wearer.

In another embodiment, the hairpiece is attached to the head of a person in the following manner: (A) a hot-melt layer 104/204/404 of an adhesive is applied to the underside of the support layer 212/312/412 of the hairpiece 300/400, wherein the adhesive comprises the hot-melt layer 104/204/404 and a dermal adhesive layer 102/202/402; (B) heat is then applied to the hot-melt layer/support layer combination in order to bond the hot-melt layer to the support layer; (C) the hairpiece is then positioned in the desired manner on the head of the person; and (D) pressure is applied to the hairpiece in order to form a bond between the dermal adhesive and the head.

Thus as stated above, the present invention provides for an improved method to adhere different forms of hair replacement systems directly to the skin of an individual with little or no remaining hair. In one embodiment, the adhesive strip 200/400 can be put in place, removed, and realigned continuously until the desired fit is attained by the user, by applying pressure directly to the top surface of the support layer 312/412 at a point at which the unit comprising the adhesive strip 200/400 and hot-melt layer 204/404 is attached. Such pressure enables the dermal adhesive layer 202/402 to "stick" to the underlying skin area 420 (Figure 4). It is believed that such bond occurs due to the inherent tackiness of the silicone rubber adhesive in conjunction with the small amount of water present in an individual's skin. Thus, such pressure application permits the adhesive strip

200/400, once placed in the desired position, to form a semi-permanent bond with the skin 420. Such a bond will withstand normal daily wear without, for example, loosening or shifting. Such a bond can be "broken" by the application of force in a direction away from an individual's scalp. The necessary removal force can be accomplished by pulling up on the hairpiece.

Additionally, the present invention also provides for a release liner 206 that is secured to the dermal adhesive layer 202 prior to use. As noted above, the release liner 206 protects the dermal adhesive layer 202 prior to use or when the hairpiece is not in use. Furthermore, the present invention also provides for an adhesive that is reusable and can be worn for long periods of time. Specifically, the present invention provides for an adhesive that can be worn comfortably with each use and can even be worn throughout the night. More specifically, the present invention provides for an adhesive strip that can be cleaned with a solvent that, when regularly cared for, will render the adhesive layer free of skin cells, lipids, proteins, enzymes and salts that would normally interfere with the integrity of an adhesive's bonding strength and response to pressure applied to execute such strength. Most specifically, the adhesive can be cleaned with Amoena Coloplast^® wash available from Coloplast, Inc. to insure the life of the adhesive for up to one year of continuous use.

The present invention provides for improved cosmetic comfort. In general, the user can wear the wig and/or hairpiece with the comfort of knowing it will not fall off during normal use. Also, the user will not have to anticipate foul odors that result when the adhesive is warmed by normal body temperature and when skin excretions and/or secretions invade the adhesive layer or its support. Also, despite the secure bonding, pain normally caused by the adhesive compound(s) of traditional adhesives will not result between frictional tension between the dermal tissue and the dermal adhesive layer 102/202/402. Furthermore, the interaction between skin excretions and the adhesive layer 102/202/402 will not produce a pungent odor. In one embodiment, the strong interaction created during binding of the backing layer 104/204/404 to the support layer 312/412 will not be susceptible to chemical interaction with body excretions and/or secretions at normal body temperatures to produce dissolution of the support or an odor due to a chemical interaction.

Claims

1. A method for attaching a hairpiece to the head of a person, the hairpiece having a support layer, comprising the steps of:

(A) applying an adhesive to the hairpiece to the underside of the support layer of the hairpiece;

(B) placing the hairpiece on the head of the person; and

(C) applying pressure to the hairpiece in order to form a bond between the adhesive and the head.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is at least one adhesive selected from silicone-based adhesives, silicone containing adhesives, acrylic adhesives, methacrylic polymer adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is in gel form.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is in liquid form.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is an adhesive strip.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is in the shape of a web.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is a continuous adhesive layer.

8. A method for attaching a hairpiece to the head of a person, the hairpiece having a support layer, comprising the steps of: (A) applying a hot-melt layer of an adhesive to the underside of the support layer of the hairpiece, wherein the adhesive comprises the hot-melt layer and a dermal adhesive layer;

(B) applying heat to the hot-melt layer/support layer combination in order to bond the hot-melt layer to the support layer;

(C) placing the hairpiece on the head of the person; and

(D) applying pressure to the hairpiece in order to form a bond between the dermal adhesive and the head.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the hot-melt adhesive is at least one hot-melt compound selected from polyethylenes, polystyrenes, polypropylenes, isobutylenes, polyamides, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl acetate polyamides, hydrocarbon resins, naturally occurring waxes, such as beeswax, linseed oil (putty) or a mixture of two of more thereof.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (A) is conducted using a heat source.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the heat source is selected from an iron, a heat gun or a hair dryer.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the hot-melt layer is bonded to the support layer of the wig/hairpiece at a temperature in the range of about 75°C to about 300°C.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the dermal adhesive is at least one adhesive selected from silicone-based adhesives, silicone containing adhesives, acrylic adhesives, methacrylic polymer adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

14. A hairpiece comprising: hair; a support layer having first and second sides, wherein the first side of the support layer has hair protruding therefrom; and an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is a dermal adhesive and is bonded to the second side of the support layer opposite the hair; and wherein at least one end of the hair is secured in the support layer in order to form the hairpiece.

15. The hairpiece of claim 14, wherein the dermal adhesive is at least one adhesive selected from silicone-based adhesives, silicone containing adhesives, acrylic adhesives, methacrylic polymer adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

16. The hairpiece of claim 14, wherein the adhesive is an adhesive strip.

17. The hairpiece of claim 14, wherein the adhesive is in the shape of a web.

18. The hairpiece of claim 14, wherein the adhesive is a continuous adhesive layer.

19. The hairpiece of claim 14, further comprising a hot-melt layer disposed between the adhesive and the second side of support layer opposite the hair.

20. The hairpiece of claim 19, wherein the hot-melt adhesive is at least one hot-melt compound selected from polyethylenes, polystyrenes, polypropylenes, isobutylenes, polyamides, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl acetate polyamides, hydrocarbon resins, naturally occurring waxes, such as beeswax, linseed oil (putty) or a mixture of two of more thereof.

21. The hairpiece of claim 14, further comprising a release liner which is placed over the exposed surface of the adhesive.