GB2543765A

GB2543765A - Hair beads

Info

Publication number: GB2543765A
Application number: GB1518904.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Chute Nigel; Jill Stapleton Lisa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-26
Filing date: 2015-10-26
Publication date: 2017-05-03
Also published as: GB201518904D0

Abstract

A cylindrical hair bead is split in an axial direction and has a hinge along one side and magnets to secure the bead when closed along the other side. The bead has an internal compressible layer that acts to grip the hair. This may be integral to the outer layer or a separate, removable layer. The hinge may join either the outer layer or the inner layer, alternatively the outer layer may be formed from a single non-rigid compressible part with a living hinge. The separate internal compressible layer may also be in two parts or a single part of two halves with a connecting bridge. Any internal compressible layer described above may also have gripping ridges or protrusions along the hair-facing surface. The internal compressible layer may be held in place by a wall at each end or by lugs engaging with apertures in the outer layer.

Description

HAIR BEADS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to beads (or charms) that can be worn in the hair.

Background to the Invention

Beads exist that are worn in the hair both as ornamental additions and as functional aids for hair management or hair extensions. A hair bead is disclosed in patent GB2482131 which comprises a tubular component provided with a plurality of hooks for holding the hair bead onto the hair. A number of problems have been identified with the method of hair holding with this type of hair bead. Firstly, the hooks may not reliably hook the hair, and thus fail to reliably hold the hair bead in place. Secondly, the hooks can become entangled in the hair, making the hair bead difficult to remove and risking damage to the hair during attempts to remove the bead. Thirdly, the shape of the hooks and the dense configuration may present a hygiene concern. Fourthly, from a manufacturing perspective, the hooks can be difficult to fit into the tubular component due to the relatively small size of the bead.

It is an objective of this invention to provide a hair bead (or charm) that is wearable in the hair that is easy and convenient to use with reduced risk of damage to the hair.

Summary of the Invention A hair bead comprising a tubular component designed to receive hair therein and comprising two parts, configurable between an open hair-receiving condition and a closed hair-clamping condition, said component provided with a hinge and a magnetic closure arrangement for releasably holding the first and second tubular component parts together in said closed hair-clamping condition, wherein each of the two parts comprises an internal retaining layer element that presents a hair-contacting surface, and said internal retaining layers are configured to prevent movement of the hair bead relative to hair clamped between the internal retaining layer elements of said tubular parts.

In an embodiment, the internal retaining layers of said first and second tubular component parts are compressible.

The internal retaining layers of the first and second tubular component parts may be provided by a single retaining layer member comprising first and second portions joined by a bridge. Alternatively, the internal retaining layer elements of the first and second tubular component parts may be provided by separate retaining layer members.

In an embodiment, each of said internal retaining layer elements is provided with a plurality of gripping ribs, ridges or protrusions along the hair-facing surface thereof.

In an embodiment, the first and second tubular component parts are made of a non-rigid or compressible material wherein the inner surface elements of such parts form the hair-contacting surface to prevent movement of the hair bead relative to hair clamped between the internal retaining elements of said tubular element.

In an embodiment the first and second tubular component parts are formed with a non-rigid or compressible material as one piece with a bridge of material being used as a living hinge.

In an embodiment the hair bead comprises hair extension strands secured to the internal retaining layer element.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fora better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a hair bead attached to the hair of a wearer:

Figure 2 shows the wearer of Figure 1 attaching a further hair bead to the hair:

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the hair bead of Figure 1, with the hair bead closed in a hair-clamping condition;

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the hair bead of Figure 1, with the hair bead open in a hair-receiving condition;

Figure 5 shows a view of the hair bead of Figure 1, with the hair bead open in a hair-receiving condition with an alternative inner layer;

Figure 6 shows an alternative view of the hair bead of Figure 1 manufactured from non-rigid or compressible material, with the hair bead in the open condition;

Figure 7 shows a plan and elevation view of the tubular component of the hair bead of Figure 1, with the hair bead in the open condition;

Figure 8 shows a plan view and elevation views of the tubular component of the hair bead of Figure 1, the hair bead in the closed condition;

Figure 9 shows a plan view and elevation views of the tubular component and retaining layer elements of the hair bead of Figure 1;

Figure 10 shows an alternative retaining layer element;

Figure 11 shows a second alternative retaining layer element;

Figure 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the tubular component the hair bead of Figure 1, with the second alternative retaining layer element of Figure 11; and

Figure 13 shows the operation of the arrangement of hair bead and retaining layer element of Figure 12.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventor. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

Figure 1 A hair bead 101 is shown in Figure 1, being worn by a person 102 in their hair 103. In this illustrated scenario, the person 102 is female. Person 102 is also shown wearing a bracelet 104 with hanging charms 105. The hanging charms 105 are of a similar size and style to the hair bead 101. Thus it will be appreciated that hair bead 101 may be designed to match the bracelet 104 with beads and hanging charms 105 so as to complete an overall look or fashion.

As will be described in further detail below, the hair bead 101 is wearable in the hair as an ornamental addition and/or as a functional aid for hair management and/or to provide temporary hair extensions.

Figure 2

In Figure 2, person 102 is shown attaching a second hair bead 201 to her hair 103 at a location behind her head. It will be appreciated that when attaching the hair bead 201 at that particular location, the hair bead 201 cannot always be seen by the person 102 putting it into their hair 103. Advantageously, as will be described in further detail below, the hair bead of the present invention is configured to be readily attached by a person into their own hair at all locations, including those locations where it is not readily visible to the person whose hair it is. A further plurality of hair beads 202, 203 are shown in Figure 2 attached to the hair 103 of person 102, in addition to hair bead 101.

Figure 3

As will be described in further detail, the hair bead comprises a tubular component configured to receive hair therein. In this illustration the tubular component comprises a first part and a second part which are configurable between an open hair-receiving condition and a closed hair-clamping condition. The tubular component is provided with a magnetic closure arrangement for releasably holding the first and second tubular component parts together in the closed hair-clamping condition and each of the first and second tubular components support an internal retaining layer element that presents a haircontacting surface, and the internal retaining layer elements are configured to prevent movement of the hair bead relative to hair clamped between the internal retaining layer elements of the tubular element.

Hair bead 101 of Figure 1 is shown in further detail in Figures 3 and 4. In Figure 3, the hair bead 101 is shown in a closed hair-clamping condition, and in Figure 4 the hair bead 101 is shown in an open hair-receiving condition.

The hair bead 101 comprises a tubular component 301 configured to receive hair therein. The tubular component 301 comprises first and second shells 302, 303 configurable between an open hair-receiving condition and a closed hair-clamping condition. The tubular component 301 is provided with magnetic closure means, for selectively retaining the tubular component 301 in the closed hair-clamping condition.

In Figure 3, the first and second shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 of the hair bead are shown closed, with the hair bead 101 in the hairclamping condition, clamped around a lock of hair 103.

The shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials, and may be manufactured using any suitable process or combination of processes. The construction, shape, proportions and appearance of a hair bead or charm embodying the present invention may be selected forthe purpose of function and/or decoration.

In one embodiment the shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 are manufactured by a process of die casting or investment casting in metals. Typical metals that may be used include Sterling silver, platinum and 14k or 18k gold. Typical metal alloys that may be used include zinc alloys, pewter and brass. A metal alloy may be used as a base metal, which is then plated with another metal, for example silver or gold, or another material like rubber.

In one embodiment the shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 are constructed from a non-rigid or compressible material such as but not limited to variations of rubber, thermoplastic elastomers or silicone and may be manufactured by a process of moulding, extrusion or cutting. A hair bead described herein may be provided with strands of natural and/or synthetic hair strands secured to the internal retaining layer elements, for allowing temporary hair extensions. The strands of a hair extension bead may have a natural colour or other colour or a combination of both, and may vary between examples. The number of strands secured to a hair extension bead may vary between examples. The strands may be of all the same length or of differing lengths and may vary between examples. The strands may be of all the same thickness or of differing thicknesses and may vary between examples.

Figure 4

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the first and second shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 of hair bead 101, with the hair bead 101 in an open hair-receiving condition.

The provision of a hair bead 101 comprising a tubular component 301 having first and second shells 302, 303 configurable between an open hairreceiving condition and a closed hair-clamping condition provides for convenient handling of the hair bead 101 when putting the hair bead 101 onto a lock of hair and when taking the hair bead 101 off the lock of hair.

According to the present invention, the internal surfaces 401, 402 of the first and second shells 302, 303 respectively of the tubular component 301 of the hair bead 101 each carry an internal retaining layer element that presents a haircontacting surface.

In this embodiment, the internal surface 401 of the first shell 302 carries a first internal retaining layer element 403 and the internal surface 402 of the second shell 303 carries a second internal retaining layer element 404. The retaining layer elements 403, 404 of the tubular component 301 of the hair bead 101 function to prevent movement of the hair bead 101 relative to hair around which the tubular component 301 is clamped.

Preferably, the retaining layer elements 403, 404 of the tubular component 301 are configured to inhibit travel of the hair bead 101 along the length of, and rotation around, the clamped hair. The shape of the retaining layer elements 403, 404 may be adjusted to suit the particular construction of the shells 302, 303 forming the tubular component 301.

According to this example, the internal surface 401, 402 of each of the first and second shells 302, 303 is profiled such that a hollow having a circular cross- sectional shape is formed when the first and second shells 302, 303 are closed together in the hair-clamping condition.

In this illustrated example, each of the retaining layer elements 403, 404 of the tubular component 301 of the hair bead 101 is provided with anchoring means in the form of a lug 405, 406, each of which is arranged to be located within a respective lug location aperture 407, 408 defined in the internal surface 401, 402 of each of the first and second shells 302, 303. Any suitable method of securing the retaining layer elements 403, 404 to the first and second shells 302, 303 may be used instead of the lug apertures 407, 408; for example adhesive or friction. The retaining layer elements 403, 404 may or may not be constructed with the lugs 405, 406.

In this example, the hair bead 101 comprises further location means for maintaining each of the retaining layer elements 403, 404 in a desired position, in the form of a pair of semi-circular walls 409, 410 and 411, 412 at the ends of the first and second shells 302, 303.

Each retaining layer element may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials and may be manufactured using any suitable process or combination of processes.

In an embodiment each of the retaining layer elements 403, 404 each of the retaining layer elements 403, 404 is fabricated from rubber, thermoplastic elastomer or silicone. These materials are advantageously washable, and thus offer improved hygiene properties to the resultant product The retaining layer elements 403, 404 may then be manufactured using a moulding process, such as an injection moulding process. Alternatively, the retaining layer elements 403, 404 may then be manufactured using an extrusion process. As a further alternative, the retaining layer elements 403, 404 may be manufactured using a process of cutting sheet material into a suitable shape.

As previously mentioned, the hair bead 101 comprises a magnetic closure arrangement for releasably holding the first and second shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 together.

As can be seen in this Figure, the first and second shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 are openable and dosable about a hinge 413. The hinge may be any suitable type. In the present embodiment, the hinge 413 comprises a pin.

The magnetic closure arrangement advantageously holds the first and second shells 302 of the tubular component 301 together in the closed hairclamping condition in a convenient and easy to deploy manner. A person wishing to open the tubular component 301 from the closed hair-clamping condition simply pulls the first and second shells 302 to rotate them apart into the open hair-receiving condition.

According to this illustrated example, the first shell 302 is provided with a first magnet 414 that is fitted within a recess 415 formed in the free end of the shell 302 and the second shell 303 is provided with a second magnet 416 that is fitted within a recess 417 formed in the free end of the shell 303. The first and second magnets 414, 416 are configured to co-operate with each other to keep the ends of the shells 302, 303 together when they are brought into contact. Thus, when the first and second shells 302, 303 of the tubular component are closed together about hinge 413, the shells 302, 303 are held together by the attraction provided by magnets 414, 416.

In an embodiment, the magnets 414, 416 are each permanent rare earth magnets having a high degree of magnetic attraction. Preferably, the permanent rare earth magnets are made of an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron of the type known generically as neodymium.

The magnets 414, 416 may be retained within recesses 415, 417 by any suitable means, such as by means of an interference fit within the recesses or by use of an adhesive.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 of the hair bead 101 are fabricated from magnetic material.

The strength of magnetic material used in a hair bead as described herein may vary between examples.

Figure 5

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment as shown in Figure 4 wherein the internal surfaces 401, 402 of the first and second shells 302, 303 respectively of the tubular component 301 of the hair bead 101 each carry an internal retaining layer element that presents a hair-contacting surface 501, 502 which are permanently attached to the internal surfaces 401, 402 respectively.

In this illustrated example, each of the retaining layer elements 501, 502 may be separately manufactured and cemented to the internal surfaces 401, 402 by any suitable process or combination of processes and may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials.

As previously mentioned, the hair bead 101 can be formed of a non-rigid or compressible material whereby the inner surface elements 401, 402 of the first and second shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 form the haircontacting surface to prevent movement of the hair bead relative to hair clamped between said tubular element In this scenario, there would be no separate internal retaining layer elements as they would be integral to the first and second shells 302, 303.

Figure 6

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the tubular component 301 of the hair bead 101 is comprised of a single component 601 as an alternative configuration to having the two shells 302, 303. In this embodiment the tubular component 601 has been manufactured from non-rigid or compressible material as a one-piece component. In this embodiment, the inner surface 602 of the tubular component 601 acts as the hair-contacting surface and due to the material used, will provide the hair gripping function to prevent movement of the hair bead 101 relative to hair when the hair bead 101 is in the closed hair-clamping condition.

In this illustrated example there are recesses 603, 604 formed in the sides of the free ends 605, 606 of the shell 601 to enable magnets 414, 416 to be inserted. The magnets 414, 416 are configured to co-operate with each other to keep the free ends 605, 606 of the unit 601 together when they are brought into contact. In this example the recesses are designed to allow a wall thin enough to enable effective magnetic attraction.

In this embodiment, the strip of material 607 connecting the two shells 302, 303 to make it a single unit 601 illustrates an example of a living hinge 608.

Figure 7

Figure 7 shows a plan view and an elevation view of an assembly of the first and second shells 302 and hinge 413 of the hair bead 101, in the open condition.

As previously described, the first and second shells 302, 303 of the hair bead 101 are rotatable towards each other and away from each other about the hinge 413, which is located at the inner ends of the shells 302, 303. The hair bead 101 also comprises a magnetic closure arrangement for releasably holding the first and second shells 302, 303 closed together, which comprises first and second magnets in recesses 415, 417 at the outer, free ends of the shells 302, 303. The provision of the hinge 413 advantageously serves to keep the first and second shells 302, 303 connected during handling.

Preferably, and in this embodiment the first and second shells 302, 303 can be opened about the hinge 413 through an angle of rotation that is greater than 50 degrees as illustrated by line 701 and up to 130 degrees as illustrated by line 702.

The lug location holes 407, 408 provided in the internal surface 401, 402 of each of the first and second shells 302, 303 for the retaining layer elements (not shown) are also shown in the views of this Figure.

Figure 8

Figure 8 shows a plan view and elevation views of an assembly of the first and second shells 302 and hinge 413 of the hair bead 101, in the closed condition.

As previously described, the first and second shells 302, 303 of the hair bead 101 are rotatable about the hinge 413, and are each provided with a magnet 414, 416 for releasably holding the first and second shells 302, 302 closed.

In this embodiment, the internal surface 401, 402 of each of the first and second shells 302, 303 is profiled such that a hollow having a circular cross-sectional shape is created when the first and second shells 302, 303 are abutting each other. Thus, the overall shape of the tubular component of the hair bead 101 of this embodiment is cylindrical.

Figure 9

Figure 9 shows a plan view and elevation views of an assembly of the first and second shells 302, 303 and hinge 413, with first and second retaining layer elements 403, 404, of the hair bead 101, in the closed condition.

As shown in this embodiment the first and second retaining layer elements 403, 404 are secured onto the internal surfaces 401, 402 of the first and second shells 302, 303, by means of the lugs 405, 406 fitted within the lug location apertures 407, 408.

When the pair of shells 302, 303 are closed together, the retaining layer elements 403, 404 are clamped into contact with the lock of hair 103 and act to prevent movement of the hair bead 101 relative to the clamped hair 103. In particular, in this embodiment the retaining layer elements 403, 404 are compressible. When the hair bead 101 is clamped around a sufficient amount of hair 103, the retaining layer elements 403, 404 are compressed against the hair 103 to inhibit travel and rotation of the hair bead 101 along or around the hair received within the hair bead 101. The compressive force applied to the hair received between the retaining layer elements 403, 404 of the shells 302, 303 serves to maintain the hair bead 101 in the desired position on the hair 103.

Figure 10

An alternative retaining layer element 1001 is shown in Figure 10.

The retaining layer element 1001 is similar to each of the retaining layer elements 403, 404 described previously but is provided with an uneven internal surface such as a plurality of gripping ribs 1002 along the internal hair-facing surface 1003 thereof. The uneven ribs, ridges and protrusions 1002 of retaining layer element 1001 functions to increase the compressive effect of the hair bead 101 on hair 103 when the hair bead 101 is in the closed hair-clamping condition around a lock of hair 103. The increased compressive effect is achieved by reducing the amount of overall surface area in contact with the hair 103, thus delivering a correspondingly greater force at local positions on the peaks of the surface 1002 when the hair bead 101 is clamped onto the hair 103.

Figure 11

Figure 11 shows a second alternative retaining layer element 1101.

The retaining layer element 1101 is similar to each of the retaining layer elements 403, 404 described previously but is configured as a single member instead of two separate members. The retaining layer element 1101 comprises first and second portions 1102, 1103, which are joined with a bridge of material 1104 thus making a single component The first and second portions 1102, 1103 of the retaining layer element 1101 are locatable within the first and second shells 302, 303 of the tubular component 301 of hair bead 101 described previously.

Figure 12

Figure 12 shows an exploded view of an assembly of the first and second shells 302, 303 of hair bead 101 described previously, with retaining layer element 1101, in the open condition.

An advantage of the material bridge 1104 of retaining layer element 1101 is that the retaining layer element 1101 can be assembled onto the internal surface 401, 402 of each of the shells 302, 303 easily and speedily. When compared with the pair of retaining layer elements 403, 404, the retaining layer element 1101 is a larger, single item that is easier to manoeuvre and locate within the shells 302, 303 than two, smaller items. A further advantage of the bridge 1104 of the retaining layer element 1101 is that it enables the retaining layer element 1101 to possess the functionality of a leaf spring to hold the two shells 302, 303 in an open hair-receiving condition. This spring function can be incorporated into the retaining layer element 1101 as an effect of moulding or otherwise manufacturing the retaining layer element 1101 in a substantially flat orientation, so that when deflected away from this orientation, the retaining layer element 1101 is inclined to return back to the original substantially flat orientation; this being termed the memory of the material of the retaining layer element. A yet further advantage of the bridge 1104 of the retaining layer element 1101 is that it acts to prevent hair from becoming caught in the hinge 413 between the first and second shells 302, 303.

In order to accommodate the material bridge 1104 of the retaining layer element 1101, the shells 302, 303 may be provided with a recess 1201 between the internal surfaces 401,402 of the shells 302, 303.

Figure 13

Figure 13 shows a sectional view of the first and second shells 302, 303 of hair bead 101 described previously, with retaining layer element 1101 fitted thereupon.

The shells 302, 303 are rotatable about hinge 413 between open and closed conditions, and are provided with co-operating magnets 414, 416 for releasably holding the shells 302, 303 in the closed condition.

As described with reference to Figure 12, the bridge 1104 of the retaining layer element 1101 acts as a spring, applying force outwards in the direction indicated by arrows 1301, 1302. The magnets 414, 416 also exert a force in the opposite direction indicated by arrows 1303, 1304. Thus, it will be appreciated that at a point of travel of the shells 302, 303 between the fully open condition and the closed condition, the force represented by arrows 1301, 1302 will be contradicted and superseded by the force represented by arrows 1303, 1304. Equally, it will be appreciated that at a point of travel of the shells 302, 303 between the closed hair-clamping condition and the fully open hair-receiving condition, the force represented by arrows 1303, 1304 will be contradicted and superseded by the force represented by arrows 1301, 1302.

It is to be appreciated that the magnetic closure arrangement of the hair beads allows for the hair beads to be quickly and easily put in and taken out. This allows fora person to conveniently customise the appearance of their hair.

The provision of a magnetic closure arrangement of the hair bead advantageously negates the use for any damaging materials or treatments to be used on the hair. In addition, the retaining layer elements or hair gripping surface of the hair beads is also arranged to reduce damage to the hair. A hair bead or charm as described herein is easy to attach around the hair and remove from the hair without damaging the hair, yet remain secure whilst worn. The retaining layer member or members or hair contacting surface of the hair bead act to keep the hair bead in position on the hair without hooking into the strands of hair. Instead, the internal hair contacting element of the hair bead clamps onto the hair, so that the position of the hair bead is maintained on the hair by a compressive force being applied to the hair received within the tubular component. Further, by using compressive force to keep the tubular component on the hair, it is found that the hair bead or charm overcomes the problem of tilting or dangling of the hair bead or charm on the hair.

Claims

1. A hair bead comprising a tubular component configured to receive hair therein, said tubular component comprising a first part and a second part configurable between an open hair-receiving condition and a closed hairclamping condition, said tubular component provided with a hinge at one side and a magnetic closure arrangement for releasably holding the first and second tubular component parts together in said closed hair-clamping condition; wherein each of said first and second tubular component parts support an internal compressible retaining layer element that presents a hair-contacting surface, and said internal retaining layer elements are configured to prevent movement of the hair bead relative to hair clamped between the internal retaining layer elements of said tubular element.

2. A hair bead as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal retaining layers of said first and second tubular component parts are provided by a single retaining layer member comprising first and second portions joined by a bridge.

3. A hair bead as claimed in claim 2, wherein said single retaining layer member acts as a spring.

4. A hair bead as claimed in claim 1, wherein said internal retaining layer elements of said first and second tubular component parts are provided by separate retaining layer members.

5. A hair bead as claimed in claim 1, wherein said internal retaining layer elements of said first and second tubular component parts are provided as integral internal surfaces of said tubular component parts.

6. A hair bead as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second tubular component parts are combined to provide a single tubular component part by using a non-rigid compressible material to form the shell.

7. A hair bead as claimed in claim 6, wherein a bridge of the material forming the tubular component functions as a living hinge for the two halves of the shell structure.

8. A hair bead as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of said internal retaining layer elements is provided with an uneven surface as a plurality of gripping ribs, ridges or protrusions along the hair-facing surface thereof.

9. A hair bead as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said internal retaining layer elements are anchored on each of said first and second tubular component parts by means of a respective lug that is locatable in a respective lug location aperture.

10. A hair bead as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first and second tubular component parts comprise location means in the form of a wall at each end of the first and second tubular component parts.

11. A hair bead as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said internal retaining layer elements are manufactured from a rubber material, a thermoplastic elastomer material ora silicone material.

12. A hair bead as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tubular component is manufactured from a rubber material, a thermoplastic elastomer material ora silicone material so as to provide an integral internal retaining layer element.

13. A hair bead as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, comprising hair extension strands secured to said internal retaining layer element.

14. A method of providing a hair bead as claimed in claim 1, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a tubular component comprising a first part and a second part configurable between an open condition and a closed condition, said tubular component provided with a hinge and a magnetic closure arrangement for releasably holding the first and second tubular component parts together in said closed condition; and providing each of said first and second tubular component parts with a compressible internal retaining layer element.

15. A method of providing a hair bead as claimed in claim 14, wherein the internal retaining layers of said first and second tubular component parts are provided by a single retaining layer member comprising first and second portions joined by a bridge.

16. A method of providing a hair bead as claimed in claim 14, wherein the internal retaining layers of said first and second tubular component parts are provided by separate retaining layer members.

17. A method of providing a hair bead as claimed in claim 14, wherein the internal retaining layer elements of said first and second tubular component parts are integral to said tubular components as provided by the fabrication material.

18. A method of providing a hair bead as claimed in any of claims 14 to 18, further comprising the step of securing hair extension strands to said internal retaining layer element.

19. A hair bead substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.

20. A method of providing a hair bead substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.