CA2180270A1

CA2180270A1 - Method and system for removal of hairs

Info

Publication number: CA2180270A1
Application number: CA002180270A
Authority: CA
Inventors: George W. Harris, Jr.; Nardo Zaias; Thomas L. Mehl, Sr.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-12-30
Filing date: 1994-12-30
Publication date: 1995-07-06
Also published as: FI962677A0; SI9420076A; FI962677A; US5797926A; WO1995017856A1; CZ193896A3; AU1438495A; NO962756L; CN1142752A; SK86296A3; BR9408465A; US5827294A; JPH09507406A; HUT75601A; NO962756D0; EP0737047A1; US5470332A; EP0737047A4; HU9601802D0

Abstract

Multiple hair removal system includes an adhesive layer (52), a structural layer (54) disposed adjacent the adhesive layer (52), and a conductive material (56). The conductive material (56) functions to provide power from a power source (70) to hairs to be treated that extend up through the adhesive layer (52) and contact the conductive material (56). A method of removing multiple hairs and inhibiting future hair growth includes the steps of applying a conductive solution to the hair, pressing on an adhesive layer (52), applying power for a period of time sufficient to destroy the matrix area of the hair, and allowing the treated hair to either be removed immediately or to stay in the skin for a period of time sufficient for the chemical reaction induced at the matrix area to continue long enough to destroy the matrix area and prevent re-growth of the hair.

Description

wo 9S/17856 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 PCT/US94/14557 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOVAL OF HAIRS

FIEliD OF Tl{lS Ih~n~_ .
This invention relates to a method for removing hair and for p~ y impairing future hair growth, ana an Lu~, for carrying out this method.
OF Tl~ Ih ~ _ .
IllvellLc~., have long sought to pa~ - Lly remove -~' hair. Known terhniq~lD~ for hair removal are described in patents such as the following.
U.S. Patent No. 5,364,394 to Mehl, which issued ~To.c r 15, 1994, is a rnntin~tion of U.S. Patent Application No. 08/14~,336, filed October 21, 1993, which was a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No.
07/917, 662, referred to above, discloses a radio rerLe~uèl~uy (RF) hair removal method which effectively and p~ lly impairs future hair Ieu,L. L~.
U.S. Patent No. 4,174,714 to Mehl ~ rlosP~ a method for pPrr-n,~nt removal of hair in which hair is removed and future hair growth is p~ I ly impaired by ~r~pi"~ reduced lengths of a hair between conductive hair engaging surfaces, applying high rLe~ue .uy Pl ert~i r~ l waveg to one of the u-,--du-; Live hair Pn~ i n~
surfaces, and holding the hair Pn~ surfaces in firm e ,_, L in position against the skin and hair while applying the high frequency electrical waves until the hair releases. Although this method works well, there i8 a need for an even more eff1ripnt method of p~
hair removal.

WOss/l78s6 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 PCrlUSs4/14557 U.S. Patent No. 5,026,369 to Cole ~9~e~!1oS~s a non--invasive method of removing hair through electrolysis in which a particular hair to be removed is cleaned, and then bathed in an electrode solution. A ~ r is attached to a remote end of the treated hair after which a DC electrirs~ 1 current is directed down the electrode ssl-]t ~ nn coating outside of the hair to the fioft moist tissue .,uLluu..ding hair within the skin, whereby sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in the hair follicle eite is ~JL-JdU~
owing to the hD~ l reaction in the ,L- _.. ce of ctric ~l current for causing the hair follicle to die and allow the hair associated with the dead hair fnl 1 lrle to be removed.
U.S. Patent No. 5,049,148 to Nehl discloses a radio 1~ 4~ y hair removal tweezer i nt~ n~ tweezer arms having facing interior surfaces including a radio rLeyuc~y ~ nnr3-1rtin~ hair ~r~ inq metal ~..~..1... ~in7 pad for grasping hair to be removed. Although this hair removal tweezer operates well, there is a need for an effective hair removal method and apparatus which is even simpler and eaE~ier to use.
os;r~cT8 AND swMaRY OF ~ ~ or. . _ Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a multiple hair removal method and apparatus ~or carrying out the method that are simpler to perform and to use than the known methods and ~a- ~us.
It is another obj ect of the invention to provide a hair removal method, sy~tem, and ~ L~-Lu~ suited i~or removing multiple hairs at one time.
It is a ~urther object of the invention to remove multiple hairs easier and faster without stress and infection.
It is a still further object Or the invention to provide a method and apparatus ~or p~ L hair removal and i i Of hair L C:yL ~. .. 1,11.

Wo 9~17856 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 PcrruS94/14557 It i5 an additional obj ect of the invention to provide a hair removal system which has few or no moving parts .
It is a further object of the invention to provide a hair removal system which is simple and which can be used by lay people.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a method for p~ .l hair removal that useg an Al k;~l ;n~-solution for pL~LLe~ting the hair in order to more effectively increase the conductivity of hair than is possible with known neutral or acid-based systems.
It is yet another object o~ the invention to provide a method of p~ hair removal by which an i~lks~l in-~
solution is applied to the hair to be removed for opening the cuticle and cortex layers for causing an electric power source to pc~ LLc.te the hair easier and faster.
It is a still further obj ect of the invention to provide a method of multiple hair removal by which all treated hairs slide out of their respective treated fnll~ e8 with auLalA IiAlly no resistance.
It is another object of the invention to provide a p~ n~nt multiple hair removal method and a~c~l~LUD
which can be used by both profecsinn:~l A and non-prof-~qci nnAl A.
It is a yet still further object of the invention to provide a p~ l hair removal method and ~ .L~Lus which make hair removal p~ i nl ~cs .
It is still another obj ect of the invention to provide a p~ l multiple hair removal system which SllUL Le:lla the time required for p-~ L hair removal.
It is another object of the invention to provide a p~ hair removal system which is less messy than conv~nt i nn~ 1 systems .
It is another object of the invention to provide a 35 p~ nc.nt multiple hair removal sy-ctem by which skin disorders, such as acne, can be treated vvllcuLLcll~ly with the hair removal.

Wo 95/17856 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 PCT/US94114557 It is another object of the invention to provide a p~ multiple hair removal system which uses relatively small, d 7 ~r~ hle hair removal strips .
It is another object of the invention to provide a pl~rr~n~nt hair removal system which uses a protective, 1lu~ ve layer of material directly adjacent the user's skin, in a-"1ju--uLion with a ~ or c;u.1-1uuLive layer di~r''qD~' adjacent to the nu.. ~ l -L~VQ
layer and spaced apart from the u6er's skin by the non-rnndl7~tive layer.
It is yet a still further object of the invention to provide a p~ L hair removal system, the of which can be applied to the user's skin in a liquid form.
It i8 a further object of the invention to providQ
a hair removal system that in one instance the hair has to be cut and in another instance left long.
It is another object of the invention to provide a multiple hair removal system which i nrl~ a multi-_ ' liquid which can be stored in ~ liingle c~nt~7in~r prior to use.
It is another object of the invention to provide a hair removal system, the of which can be used for removing one hair or ~ultiple hairs at a time.
It is a still furt',ler obj ect of the invention to provide for multiple hair removal by the ~rrl icnti"-- of any one of a number of power sources or by a combination of devices with dif ferent power sources .
It is a further object of the invention to provide a DU}I~ 711y p~inlecl~ p~ 1. multiple hair removal method and apparatus, unlike such as associated with traditional wax removal in which live hairs are pulled directly f rom the skin .
It is a still further object of the invention to provide for p~ 1 multiple hair removal without the need for insertion o~ an electrolysis needle into the user's skin that causes burns and infection.

Wo 95/17856 2 t 8 0 2 7 0 Pcrluss4/l4ss7 It i8 another object of the invention to provide a multipurpose c~nt3~ tive pair of tweezers which fllnl-tinnG
as a ~ o~ to a source of power, as a clamp, as a multiple-hair-removal t ~ ~ ," and as a 5ingle-hair-removal ~
It i8 another object of the invention to provide a multipurpose conductive comb which f~-nr1-i nn~ ss a ~.o1~du~LcJl to a source of power, as a clamp, and as multiple-hair-removal comb.
It is another object of the invention to provide a multipurpose hair removal device including a conductive ~pring which functions as a ~ t to a source of power, as a clamp for directing power to a clamped hair, and as a multiple-hair-removal clamp for removing treated hairs.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide for a pDl~r-n~nt multiple hair remover system without the need for the single tweezer method which is more time cr~nGllm i n~.
These and further objects of the invention will become a~-lL~ L from the drawings and the following description of the invention.
BRIEF ~ OF ~ n~~wIl~
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross s~ctic~n~l view of a section of tissue showing a typical hair;
FIG. 2 ls a side elevational view of a ~LefeLL~
~i- L of the a~.L~.Lus according to the invention when in place ~-nqA~i n~ hairs to be removed;
FIG. 3 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 2 of another preferred: 'i of the apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a ~JL~f~L~
of a c~ n~hl~ ve layer of the ~ according to the 35 invention;
FIG. 5 is a s~inn~l view of the: -'; of FIG.
4, t~ken alo~ line 5-5;

Wo 95/17856 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 PCT/US94/14557 FIG. 6 is a top plan vlew o~ another ~ LL~d of the conductive layer of the appar2tus according to the invention;
FIG. 7 i8 a section view of the -nn-lllrtive layer of FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7;
FIG. 8 is a 5~ tirnAl view similar to FIG. 7, of another preferred ~ of the cnn~illr~;ve layer ~-c~ in~ to the invention;
FIG. 9 is a somewhat _ ~ ; c, ~ l oclecl view of a 10 still further ~L~ eLLed ~ of a hair removal dêvice according to the invêntion;
FIG. lo is a schematic, top plan view of the ~L.:feLLed: ~ L of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a side, elevational view of the pLtfeLLei 15 : ':'; of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a schematic, ~Yplnti~9 view o~ yet another yL~L~LLed ' - ';- ' of a hair removal device according to the invention;
FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a preferred - ' :';
of cnn~lllrt;ve tweezers according to a ~LeLeLL- d '; of the invention;
FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of one arm of the pair of; ^-or8 of the pLefeLLC~ L of Fig. 13;
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of another ~L~feLL~ d ~ -~; of cnn~ ;ve tweezers Al-~nrrl;n~ to a feLLed: ' -'; of the invention;
FIG. 16 is a top plan view of still another preferred ' -'; of cnr~ ;ve; --or~ A~or~;n~ to a yLefeLLed: '; L o~ the invention;
3 0 FIG . 17 is a top plan view Or one half of ~ hand-held casing ~ccording to a ~Lc:~eLLed: ';- L of the invention suitable for retAtntn~ and powering the various pairs of i - =, o~ the : :'; of Figs. 13-16;
FIG. 18 is a peLi,~e~;Live view of a yLereLL~d : ' ; L of a cnn~ ~f;ve hair removal como according to the invention;
FIG. 19 is a side, elevational view of the hair WO 95/l7856 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 PcrluS94114557 removal comb of Fig. 18;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a further ~LafeL.ad of a hair removal comb acor~l i n~ to the invention;
FIG. 21 is a partial, side view of Fig. 20, when the hair removal comb is open, and hairs to be removed extend freely through the comb;
FIG. 22 ls a partial, side view of the comb as :3hown in Fig. 21, with hairs to be removed shown clamped by the teeth of the comb;
FIG. 23 is a top view of a further hair removal device according to the invention;
FIG. 24 is a partial elevational view of the hair removal device of Fig. 23, taken along line 24-24 therein;
FIG. 25 is a top view of a slider element according to the invention;
FIG. 26 i5 an elevational view of the slider element of Fig. 25; and, FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a portion of the device oi~ Fig. 23; and FIG. 28 is a peL-~eeLive view of a direct current (DC) grounding unit according to the invention.
It should be u..~eL~Lood that all hair removal : - '; L~ according to the invention can be used with all electrical power sources: e.g., radio frequency (RF), direct current (DC), blend ( i . e ., DC + RF), and alternating current (AC) systems.
nr~Tr.r~n V~ OF ~ ~
FIG. 1 is a Le~LaLe.lLation of the manner in which hair i8 typically found. A hair 10 ; n~ D~ an upper sha~t portion 12, which extends above a skin surface 13, and an interior lower shaft portion 14 PYt~n~3in~ beneath skin surface 13. Hair 10 passes adjacent to oil glands 16 tl;~pos~l immediately below an ~ri~ m;~ area 18.
Lower shaft 14 is -~nn~ct~ to an external root sheath WO95/178S6 21 80270 PcrluS94/145S7 layer 20. The growth site for hair lo is located in a matrix area 22. Matrix area 22 ~n-ltA;nc a papilla 24 ~-~rpl iPfl with nutrients by a blood vessel 26. MatriY
area 22 and the cells 23 ~iuL~ullling the follicle are the parts which must be reached and de~LL~_d by electrical or rhon;rAl energy if future hair growth is to be prevented, given that all of the cells Or the hair lo above matrix area 22 is ..uL~~ LiAlly dead fibrous material .
Accordingly, the target for an PlectricAl current to be applied to hair 10 is essentially papilla 24, matriY
area 22, and adjacent cpll~lAr ~LI~-~LULèS.
It has been found that ~ ... l ;Al ly dry hair 10 is not a s~ffiniPntly good electrical conductor ror the present purposes. E~air becomes a better cnn~llctnr when moisture is allowed to be Ahcnrhod into the hair shaft 80 that an olectr;~Al current can be ;nd~lrod Then electrical current can be 1, L~l from inner upper portion 12 to inner lower shart portion 14 and, hence, 2 0 the area around matriY 2 2 .
FIG. 2 shows a preferred ~ of a multiple hair removal device 50 according to the invention that can carry out the multiple hair removal method according to the invention. Hair removal device 50 includes a non-conductive or cnnd~rt;ve glue, adhesive, or waY layer 52, a rl~.. . 1,. 1 ive, adhesive, plastic, or wax layer 53, a ~LLU~;LUL~11 layer 54, and a ~ , or cnnd~rtive layer 56 d;~posorl U~e~:ebe; . . It i8 oyr~rted that layer 53 d;Crosod adjacent the skin, in use, may be m;n;r lly 3 0 con~ rt i ve so as to not cause a shock or burn to the user's skin. Conductive layer 56 is ~nnnPct~Pd to a power source 70 by means Or a power trAn-~;Ccinn cable 72 or by a cl ~ ~ in~ means.
Turning to FIG. 3, a still further preferred : ; o~ the an apparatus according to the invention is shown as a multiple hair removal device 80. Multiple hair removal device 80 inrllldpc a conductive wax, glue, 2180270 ip~A;~Js IUL 1995~)~
or similar adhesive material defining a conductive layer 82 which includes an adhesive material 84 and electrically conductive material or particles 86: -''?d in and dispersed tll~ u~.~ L adhesive material 84 .
A separate non-conductive layer 85, for pla~ ~
directly on the skin, is provided in this ~ t. It is DYpe~-t~d that layer 85 ~l~posed adjacent the skin, in use, may be m;ni---l ly conductive so as to not cause a shock or burn to the user's skin.
Adhesive material 84 is selected from ~
which ad~lere to human hair. Layer 82 is made of Cnn~ t;n~J material or rendered cnn~ t;ve by the presence of conductive particles 86. An optional structural layer 88 is ~ posecl on top of and adhered to cn"~ tive layer 82. Power trA"~ sion cable or electrode 72 or cl~ . ;n~ means is associated with cnn~ t;ve layer 82 for transmitting power from power source 70.
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrates a preferred: _';- ~ of a cnnr~ ive layer 90 for use with the multiple hair removal device such as shown in FIG. 2, when power source 70 i~ any electrical source. It is expected that an RF
tradiO CL~Ia~ Y) power source be operatively associated with cnn~lvrted layer 90, for example. Accordingly, RF
focusing areas 92 are provided that serve as focal points at which the RF power is intensified. For other electric sources, such as alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), or DC-bia6ed RF (so-called "blend"), the flat configuration pad makes this Dmho~l;- L a multiple use 3 o conductor .
FIG . 5 illustrates that the conf iguration of RF
focusing areas 92 allow for cnn~ ~tive layer 9o to be substantially flat and foil-like, yet with sh2rp edges at which the RF is intensified, for example.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show another preferred: '-'l- 1 of a conductive layer 100 having attA t tabs 102 that may be used in a multiple hair removal device similar to _g_ :; , _ 7 ~ ~

` 21 80270 WO ss/l7856 PCr/USs4/14557 that shown in the preferred ~ ~i ' of FIG. 2.
At1-~1' L tabs 102 are used for being attached to a power source by conductive r~ hle i~t' ' ': members such as so-called "alligator clips" or ~ D such as described in detail below and shown in FIGS. 13-17. FIG.
7 is a s~ i nn~l view of FIG. 6 illustrating electrical focusing points 104 whieh serve as inton~if;~rs and directors for electric power applied to tabs 102. For example, focusing points 104 direct AC or DC, and ;nt~n~ify RF power.
FIG. 8 illUDL' ~ltes a still further ~ ' of a r~nnr~ ;ve layer 110 made of a r~nn~ rt;ve pl~stic material and which can be used in hair removal device such as shown in FIG. 2.
Turning to FIGS. 9-11, another preferred ~ ' 'i- ' of a hair removal device 200 according to the invention is illustrated. Hair removal devicQ 200 in-lllri~ a vinyl layer 204, such as a top of an envelope for protecting the operative c-l L~ of hair removal device 200 during storage. A c~nn~ ntive layer or C-~ OI 208 in~
one or more pull tabs 210, 212, both of which likewise function as C~ .r leads when in use.
A rnn~ t ive layer 214 is ~ ros~ri adjacent ~,u-~lu~u~ 208 and between a nul- <~ ve layer 218 and c~nnril~tnr 208. IT C'~ 7~ ;ve layer 218 is made of material ~n~;nP~red to removably adhere to the user's skin and to allow hair to pe ~ e therethrough. A
vinyl layer 222 fllnrtinn~ as the bottom of a protective envelope including vinyl layer 204, both of which collectively protect ,~ OI 208, c~nn~ t;ve layer 214, and n~ ;ve layer 218 when hair removal device 200 is being stored.
The invention can be carried out with ~ 208, rnn~llrtive layer 214, and r.u-. c~ l ive layer 218.
Still further, it is po~3~; h~ e to use just conductive layer 214 and r.ul. ~ ve layer 218 to achieve the objects of the invention.

r~ l/p-~ 9 ~ r ~ 7 As best seen in FIG. 10, a perforation 232 is provided to ensure that vinyl layers 204 and 222 are cleanly separated and removed when one or more of pull tabs 210, 212, and 226 are used.
FIG. 12 shows a yet still further amho~ of a hair removal device 300 according to the invention, which has been shown on an exaggerated, exploded view for clarity .
Hair removal device 300 1 nrlllAc-<s a vinyl layer 304 functioning as the top of a protective envelope, a conductor or conductive layer 308 having a pull tab 310 which likewise fllnrt;onc as a conductor lead and, preferably, a second pull tab 312. A conductive layer 314 is d;~po~d between conductor 308 and non-conductive layer 318. A second vinyl layer 322 serves as the bottom of an envelope when joined with top vinyl layer 304, in a manner simil lr to the ~mhod;-- of FIGS. 9-11.
Preferably a pull tab 326 is provided on vinyl layer 322 for assisting in the separation of vinyl layers 304 and 322 when the hair removal device is to be used.
A hole 334 deflned in vinyl layer 304 aligns with an aperture 338 ln conductor layer 308, which dpeLLuLa 308 in turn aligns with a throughhole 342 in conductive layer 314. A further aperture 346 d; ~posed in nu~ rtive layer 318 is likewise aligned with a hole 350 formed in lower vinyl layer 322. Holes 334 and 350 are optional.
This special annular shape is useful when a woman wishes to remove hair around the areola resulting from h~
changes induced by birth control pills, for example. The respecti~e hole3 are configured for pl ~ ~ over a woman's nipple to avoid contact with the sensitive skin thereof .
Turning to Figs. 13-17, various insulated pairs of tweezers or tongs 400 according to additional preferred i ~ of the invention are illustrated.
Fig. 13 shows that insulated tweezers 400 preferably include an upper arm 404 normally biased against a lower ~ EI'r~r~ C' ~T

WO 95/17856 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 PCr/USs4/l4557 arm 408. The terms "upper" and "lower" a~re used for QYpQIl;Qnre as the terms describe the relatlnnchi~ of arms 404 and 408 as viewed in Fig. 13, and are not ~nt~n~Q~ to be 1 im; ti ng.
A base 412 i8 configured for insertion into a casing described below with regard to Fig. 17, for eYample.
A metal insert 414 eYtends ,uL,~ 1 l y along almost the entire length of lower arm 408 and tQrminAtQ~
in a free end or cnn~llr~ ive Q~"nCinn 416. An opposed extension 418 can be made of metal or plastic, ~QrQn-3~n7 upon the intQn~lQd use, as will be ~ a~ L from the description of the operation of tweezers 400 below.
A rnn~--rf ive metal insert 420 eYtends along only part of the length of upper arm 404, as the illh~LL~Led pair Or; ~ 400 is Qn~in~--ed for use with DC, RF, or DC-biased RF power sources.
As best seen in Fig. 14, lower arm 408 includes a plastic casing 424 which suL~L~..Lially ~ l~t~ly ~U~LUUI~.15 metal insert 414.
As best seen in Fig. 14 an optional stepped portion 428 o~ plastic casing 424 ~ es a hair-g~ping end 434 of arm 408. A "single" hair grasping free end 438 is derined at an outermost portion of hair-grasping end 434.
A hair-contacting portion 442 of metal insert 414 is left partially u~uveL~:d by plastic casing 424. RQfQrrin~ to both Figs. 13 and 14, one can see that when L.._~ze.~ 400 are in their normally closed position, hair-_ul.Ltl.;l.ing portions 442 of opposed tweezer arms 404 and 408 will make contact. In use, hair-~.u..Lc,~Ling portions 442 grasp 3 0 respective portions of hairs to be treated . Hair-rnnt~C1 in~ portion 442 has a g~lfficipntly short width at a "single" - hair contacting end 446 that one or two hairs can be conveniently grasped.
A multlple-hair ~ cpi n'J portion 448 of hair-rnnt~cting portion 442 is s~f~;riQnt long that multiple hairs can be grasped at the same time. Single-hair contacting portion 446 is ~uLLuu--ded by insulating WO95/17856 21 8a270 PCrlUS94/14557 material at 438 and elsewhere, 50 that exposed portion 442 will not contact t_e user's skin. Likewise, exposed portion 442 is set back from the free edge of in~ ting plastic casing 424 in the region of multiple-hair cnnt~cting region 448 so that the skin is not cnnt~rtQd by exposed portion 442; rather, only the hairs to be treated are grasped and c~ l L~l by exposed portion 442.
One or more ~31;; L bosses 456 are provided on lower arm 408 for mating with respective seats 458 ~ rnfied in arm 404.
A stepped base portion 460 extends from base 412.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show additional : ~';- , d~r~n~i; n~ on the intended power source and particular application, of insulated i ~ D similar to insulated tweezers 400 of FIG. 13. The FIG. 15 tweezers 460 have two oppncin~ arms, each of which have full length conductive metal inserts 414 therein. The FIG. 16 of a ~ -2 480 has two oppos;ng arms, one of which has a full length cnn~ rt;ve insert 414, with no metal insert at all in an opposed arm 484; for example.
Each one of upper arm 404 and lower arm 408 of the -'; of Fig. 13, as well as each of the opposed arms of the ~ L of Figs. 15 and 16, such as non-cnn~rf;ve arm 484, may be ~let~rh~hly attached to base 412.
Fig. 17 illustrates a hand-held casing 500 which is used for securing and powering insulated tweezers 400 of Figs. 13-16. Hand-held casing 500 ;nrl~ a plastic case 504 and a; -- receptacle 510 cnnfi~ed for receiving stepped based portion 460. One or more female culllleu~uLD 512 receive conductive ~Ytc~n~ 416 and ~Yton~inn 418. A ConV~nt;t~n~l printed circuit (PC) board 516 .~ LD and regulatea tbe power S~rrl ;~ by a standard power source 520 into the desired type of power - 35 used in the hair removal system s~ rted according to the invention, such as AC, DC, DC-biased RF, and the like, as described abovQ.

2 1 ~ 02 70 IP~ Y~`l JU~-lg-g ~ ~
Figs. 18-22 illustrate hair clamping combs according to further preferred ~ Ls of the invention.
The preferred: -'i- 1 of a hair clamping comb 600 having a base 612 . f~l ~ i nq comb 600 includes a lower, toothed comb 606 having a plurality of teeth 608. A
further comb 610 having a plurality of teeth 611 i8 provided between lower comb 606 and a movable clamp 615.
Movable ciamp ~15 is conveniently provided with an extension 624 against which an operator can apply force for rotating clamp 615 about a pivot 626 in the direction of arrow 630. Comb 600 will be spring-biased in a normally clos3d position (i.e., the position shown in Fig. 19) or in a normally open position (the position shown in Fig . 18 ) dPr~ 1 n~ on the intended use and the intended power source, for example. Lower comb 606 will typically be made of n~ ve, insulating plastic, as will be the plurality of teeth 608 thereon. Central comb 610 will typically be made of a conductive metal.
At least the teeth 611 thereof will generally be made of a conductive metal. Such metal teeth 611 will be electrically coln~-cted with a free end or cnn~ rtive extension 616. An opposed ~Yt^n~inn 618 will be made of metal or plastic, A~p~n~1ng upon the intended use, as will be readily apparent from the description of the use of hair ~reatment devices under OPERATION below.
A cnn~ tive metal insert 620 is provided in a portion of clamp 615. An outer, insulating portion 622 of clamp 615 covers metal insert 620 for preventing a user from contacting metal insert 620 when in use. As will be appreciated, metal insert 620 will be suf f iciently large to contact at least a portion of the ones of metal sheet 611 which will be actively used in hair removal.
A Ie~r e:S ll~ative hair 644 is shown clamped between a ~:~Les~ .tive tooth 651 and metal insert 620 when hair 644 is being treated for removal. In use, a plurality of hairs will be clamped at one time.

~ wo 951ms6 2 t ~ 0 2 7 0 PCT/US94/14557 A stepped base portion 660 extends from base 612 and i8 configured for being inserted into receptacle 510 of hand-held casing 500 shown in Fig. 17.
Turning to Figs. 20-22, the further preferred ` i ~ of a hair removal como 800 according to the invention i5 illUIPLLaLed.
Hair removal comb 800 includes a base 812 having a r nn~ ve P~Pncjnn 816 and a further PYtpncinn 818, which can be conductive, ~lPrPn~l~n~ on the power source selected. one or more protrusions 821 are provided on an outer face of an upper comb 823. Protrusions 821 are preferably sized ~ ff1~;Pntly large so as to be easily engaged, pushed, and pulled by one or more of a user's fingers. Upper comb 823 will typically be provided with a ~on~ ive metal insert 825. A lower comb 827 will typically be a h~ "-1----1 ;ve, insulating material, as such lower co~nb 827 will be used adjacent to the client's skin 831. A central comb 833 will typically be made of a cnn~ tive metal material. For most ~uL~ose8, c~n~ ive central comb 833 will be electrically connected with conductive ~ tDn~ j on 816 .
Fig. 21 illu~-LL~tes a plurality of hairs 837 eYtPn~in~ between adjacent ones of 2-ul,~ ti~lly aligned teeth o~ respective combs 823, 833, and 827.
Conventional, unillu~,~Lc.ted guides serving as sliding Pl allows upper comb 823 to be slide relative to central comb 833 in the direction of arrow 841 when a force is provided in the direction of arrow 841 on protrusions 821, for example. Conveniently, upper comb 823 and lower comb 827 can be made of a single piece o~ insulating matcrial, 80 that lower comb 827 moves therewith. Owing to the . ~ ~ of upper comb 823 relative to central comb 833, portions of metal insert 825 will engage hairs 837 and establish elPc-~ rit ~l contact with ~ n~ ive metal central comb 833. For example, a portion 851 of metal insert 825 will press against and firmly engage hair 837 with a portion 853 W0 95/17856 2 1 8 ~ 2 7 0 PCr/Uss4/14557 (such ac a portion of the co~ tooth) of centri~l comb 833. The power source will then be Art"~t~d for a prn~lPtP~minPcl period of time, and the clamped hairs 837 will be immediately removed by ~ L of comb 800 away from skin 831, or hair3 837 will be released for later removal, dnrpn~ing on the power source used, as described nl ceorhnre.
Figures 23-27 illustrate a ~rC:r~LL_d ' 'i ' of a hair treating at1 ~ L 1200 according to the invention. Hair treating atf~l 1200 inn~ nc a snap-on body 1204 which is cr~nfi~ured to rPI~ hly engage the hand-held casing 500 of Fig. 17, in the same manner as the t.t. L5 of the - 'i of Figs. 13-22. A plurality of springs 1208 is ~ prcP~ adjacent an outer free end 1210 for engaging hairs on a user's body to be treated. A slider 1212 is movably mounted on body 1204 and in~ PR slider posts 1216 which move therewith.
A plurality of fixed posts 1220 is (g~Cp~nrl on body 1204 .
A cam 1228 drives a cam follower 1232 ~or thereby imparting a reci~L~ L~,Ly motion to slider 1212. A cam shaft 1236 attached to and eYtPn~lin7 from cam 1228 is l-r~n~jqnred for engaging a mating driven member for powering hair treating at~ 1200, such as by being coupled to an unillustrated drive shaft of a motor. As will be readily appreciated, when cam shaft 1236 is rotated, the rotation of cam 1228 causes slider 1212 to reciprocate, whereby slider posts 1216 move back-and-forth relative to fixed posts 1220. Given that each one of springs 1208 has its respective free ends ~nnP~-t~cl to ones o~ slider posts 1216 and fixed posts 1220, the reci~L~ LoLy ~. L causes springs 1208 to open and close. This opening and closing of springs 1208 causes springs 1208 to alternately grab and release hairs on the body of a user when hair treating aL; 1200 is in use.
Springs 1208 may be provided with an insulating Wo 95117856 2 1 ~ 0 2 7 0 PCT/US94/14557 material 1221 which has been applied on the outer faces thereof, such as when the springs are in a fully closed position (i.e., no gap between adjacent coils 1241 and 1243 of spring 1208). Contacting faces 1223 and 1224 are S DIILD~r~ ly free of insulation. In that manner, springs 1208 can be used to grasp hair, and the d~Lt.~Liate power source will be applied as in the previous ~ and an inc~ n~ layer of material will be ~ rnFiPd adjacent the user's skin when spring 1208 is closed and the electrical power source is being applied therethrough to the hair clamped between adjacent coils 1241 and 1243, thereby t'li _ ~ntJ and treating a hair 1225, for example. One or more of springs 1208 is electrically connected to a conductive extension, such as in the: ` 'i of Figs. 13-22. It is likewise c~nt~ ted that a timer will be provided for ~lai t~-minin~ the length of time the springs 1208 are in the closed position (i.e., coils 1241 and 1243 are pressed adjacent each other, such as when cli _ ;n~ a piece of hair) and/or the length of time the power source is being applied to spring 1208 for directing power to a treated hair. There may likewi~ie be provided an audible or visible alarm, such as a buzzer or light, respectively, 80 that the user knows that the power has been s~lrr~;ed for a sllff;ciantly long period of time to treat the clamped hair and/or so that the user knows that springs 1208 are being powered.
Accordingly, when in use, an ~ JIn~7y simple s~luf i t~n to the problem of treating and removing hair from the user's body has been achieved. Namely, as cam shi~ft 1236 is being driven for opening and closing ~prings 1208, the user simply slides free end 1210 along the surface of the user's body, whereby hairs to be treated are grabbed and, owing to the - ~ t. of hair treating ati ?(t 1200 by the user, the hairs are treated, and then removed during the phase in which springs 1208 are closed.

Wo 95/17856 PCTIUS94/14557 Treated hairs can be removed at an ~L~ iate later time by waYing, adhesive tapes, and the like.
It is likewise contemplated that additional reci~Luu.lLuLy .~ C be imparted to the opening and closing springs, such as by a - n i .~ L which opens some of the springs at the same time others of the springs are being closed.
Furth~ :, it is contemplated that a different slider and spring opening/closing ~ ~-~ be used 80 that after the springs have been closed and the grasped hairs have been treated, .. L is i L~ad to the closed springs, so that the ~; of the closed springs relative to the user's body causes a grasped hair to be removed, as opposed to the ~ of the user's 15 hand causing the removal of the, ~ hair, or a later hair removal step being required.
Fig. 28 illustrates a grounding A~ OLY 1300 ror use with all the hair removal ~ i - of the invention, in the case where a DC power source is being used. When the person whose hair is being removed is working on himsel~ or hersel~ (e.g. the "patient" is the "user") the Dc grounding i.CC~cc - y 1300 is F-c ~c~ y~
as the patient will be inherently yL uu..ded. Nhen an u~cL~LuL of one of the DC power source ~ c~c,Lles described above is someone other than the person whose hair is being removed, DC power source A c ~ y 1300 will be used. A grounding strap 1304 i5 provided, which may conveniently be used as a wrist strap. If the patient being worked on holds the strap 1304 in his or her hand, s~ffici~nt grounding will typically be achieved. A power source piggy back c....,. ~nr 1306 1n~ R an electrical ~ 'O~ L 1308 which will be attached to the conv~nti nnAl L.c~.. ,r~ or other power source, in use. Piggy back CUIIIIe~LUL 1306 inrll~ a male ~:Ullll'ULUL 1312 which will be i LL.,cl,ed to the A~ CC~y being used (e.g., male , ~ - 1312 will plug into a mating female receptacle in the casing of the hair P~ ` 9 ~ / 1 4 5 5 7 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 ~ lL ~Q~5 treating devices described above). A grounding cable 1313 extends from grounding strap 1304 and electrically connects to a male connector 1316. A connector body 1319 is grasped by the user when male connector 1316 i8 inserted into female cnnnQctor 1318 of piggy back connector 1306 when grounding strap 1304 is used.
OP~ rION
The preferred ~ of the method of pQrr-nontly removing one or more hairs according to the invention will become more apparent by first c~nci~lQring the manner in which the --i- Ls of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 2-7 are used.
Multiple hair removal device 50 of FIG. 2 is used as follows. Preferably, the skin having hair to be treated and removed is f irst steamed in order to both open the pores and to moisturize the hair for QnhAn?~in~
~nnr~ tivity thereof. A cnr~fl~tive solution, which may be a liquid, a gel, an emulsion, or a cream, is applied to the hair. The ~nn~ t;ve solution is left in contact with the hair for a pre~lQtQrmino~l period of time.
Preferably, the conductive "oluti nn has an ~ l inQ
formulation and a pH in the range of about 9 to 11. ThQ
length of the pre~lQt~rminQd period of time i8 detQrmi as described below, then the solution is wiped off.
Nultiple hair removal device 50 is then pressed against the skin surface to be treated, ensuring that nu.~ J~l.d~ ive adhesive layer 53 is closest to skin surface 13. Upper portion 12 of the hair to be removed extends through nu~ tive adhesive layer 53 and contacts adhesive conductive layer 52 as multiple hair remov ~al ~evicR 50 is pressed against the skin. Thus, hair 10 itself serves as a path by which power is transmitted from cr7nclllrtive source to matrix root area 22 of the hairs to be d~L-uyt:d. Some or all of hairs 12 may directly contact conductor 56.
Power source 70 is then turned on for a Wo 95/l78s6 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 PCI/US94114557 1~
predet~-rm;n-d length of time. The ~ L ,~;n~ period of time is a function of the area of the hair to be treated, the number of hairs to be d~..L~ uy~dr the physical attributes of the hair, the type of power source being used, and like c~n~ rations. Accordingly, it i5 preferred that a pr~l im;nAry test be done because the length of time required varies not only from person to person, but from one area of the body to another.
AdvAnt~eo~c]y, a test area, co_monly known as a "patch test" i5 done as it serves the additional purpose of d~t-rmin;ng whether the user is allergic to the r~n~ r~ive 801ution or to other constituents, such as the adhesive layer and how well the roots and hair accepts the ~L ei~
After the application of power to kill the hair, the d~Luy~d hair is allowed to remain in the body for a preaet~rm;n~ period of time, ;nr rh as a rh~m;Al reaction has been started in the vicinity of matrix area 22 by the application of power thereto, and the rh~-m; CAl reaction cnnt;m~-R at this site of hair growth for a period of time. This is typically done only with the DC
unit.
For a fuller ~;cc~c~irm of the rh~mir~l ~LùceCS~es which are involved, attention is directed to U.S. Patent No. 4,174,714 to Nehl U.S. Patent No. 5,049,148 to Mehl, IJ.S. Patent No. 5,364,394 to Mehl, and U.S. Patent No.
5,026,369 Cole described above, each of which i5 ir.cc,L~uLc.ted herein by reference.
In order to optimize the length of time for which power is applied, one can conduct a test of the removed hairs so as to gauge the amount of dea~L~ ion of matriY
area 22. This is typically done only with DC unit.
This test is A~ h~ by use of a standard piece of litmus paper and distilled or ~ n; ~scl water. The piece of litmus paper i8 placed on the test bench, a drop o~ distilled ~nd/or ~1~; nn; ~sd water is applied, and the matrix area 22 of a removed hair is touched to the Wo95117856 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 Pcr~uS94/14557 surface of the litmus paper. A de~,L,.-yed matriY area 22 will have undergone a rh~mic~7 change s~ iPnt that a spot on the piece of litmus paper to which matrix area 22 was touched indicates a pH in the range of about 9 or greater. If the pH registers lower than about 9, then the user simply increases the period of time for which power is applied.
The litmus test is repeated as reguired to dPtarminP
the length of time necP~- r ,~ to properly treat a given body area of hair. After the proper length of time for the application of power has been dP~prminptl~ a larger area of the same part of the body can be treated by simply multiplying the length of time the power has been applied to the test area by the ratio of the size of the larger area to be treated to the size of the test area.
For example, if one minute was reguired for properly treating one square inch of hair, then ten minutes would be required for treating ten square inches of the same type of hair.
Preferably, the hair to be removed is ;.uL_L~l.tially uniform and relatively short.
If the hair is not short then it is ~rereL ~ d that the hair be cut in the area to be treated. If it is n~ _,y to shave off the hair, the user's hair should be allowed to grow for about three days 80 as to achieve a DuL,cL-1.Lially 11nifn~m, relatively rigid stubble.
~hese relatively short and rigid hairs have been found to extend well through non-~nn~^tive layer 53 and into conductive adhesive or wax layer 52 for cont~nti n~
cnn~ c~ive layer 56. This length of hair after about three days growth has likewise been found to ensure that there is sufficient contact area between upper shaft portion 12 of hair lO and conductive adhesive layer 52 80 that the treated hair can be removed.
It is further pL~:reL~ ed that in the case of adhesive layer 52 being made of a wax-like ~-ul,~a...:~, layer 52 is pressed in the direction opposite to normal hair growth.

~ 2 1 8 0 2 7 o IP~A/US 2 ;3 JUL 1995 After treatment, the hairs having destroyed matriY areas 22 are r~moved in the opposite direction; namely, in the direction Or normal hair growth.
The ~ of the multiple hair removal device as shown in FIGS. 3-8 are used in a similar fashion.
Conveniently, c~ln~ ve layer 100 of FIG. 6 has tabs 102 to which a readily removable power source can be clamped, for example, as by alligator clips.
Likewise, the: '_'ir ~s of FIGS. 9-12 are used to remove multiple hairs in a manner similar to the use of the above : i r ~S .
Tweezers 400 of Figs. 13 and 14, as well as ~ ?-~S
470 and 480 of FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively, are engineered to ~e used in multiple ways.
When using the: 'i- - of Flgs. 9-12, for example, tweezers 400 serve as power connectors and are attached to conductive pull tabs 210 and 212 in a manner similar to traditional normally closed alligator clip8.
When tweezers 400 are used to supply power, tweezers 400 can be inserted into hand-held casing 500 by mating c~Yt~ncirnc 416 and 418 with female connectors 512 as stepped base 460 engages tweezer receptacle 510. Power source 520 then s~lrPl i~ the required power to cl~n~ tive extension 416, for example, the required power having been ll~t~rmin~d by PC board 516. The power selected for the particular method is transmitted through metal insert 414 and l:hrough exposed portion 442 for supplying power to conductive tabs 210 and 212 of the preferred _'i- t of Fig. 9, for example.
If any hairs remain after performing the multiple hair removal L ~ai -- L methods described above, t --~rf-400 and casing 500 of Figs. 13-15 can be used as a separate operating ~ t of the overall hair removal system. In that case, tweezers 400 will be used to grab single or multiple hairs extending from the user's skin directly after the a~LuuL iate steps of applying conductive solutions have been carried out as described C5 ~

W095/17856 2 1 80270 PCr/USs4/14557 above. To open no^mally closed hair-grasping end 434, the user presses upper arm 404 toward lower arm 408 whereby the arms move relative to each other, facilitated by detent 430. Tweezers 400 are placed against the skin 80 that hair-grasping end 434 is near to the hairs to be removed. The plali;tic casing 424 defines the non-conductive regions ..uL..,u~-ding exposed metal hair contacting portion 442; namely, a power trAn-^mi^-^;^n area is thereby defined.
The preferred e -'i of Figs. 18-28 will be used as described above.
The ~Lær~: .td sources of power include DC power, radio fL~ y power, galvanic thermolysis, and combinations thereof, such as DC-biased ~F or blend.
The length of time during which the hair is allowed to stay in the body after the power has been treated varies and is preferably about 30 minutes for DC or galvanic method. This time is believed ~o be adequate for the rhQmi~-Al reaction which has been induced by the application of power at matrix area 22 to c^ntin~^
~r17~f7~-7Qntly long for the so-called galvanic effect to take place, thereby leading to p~ L i i ~ of future hair growth.
'~F, thermolysis, and DC-biased ~F or blend treated hairs can be removed immediately after LLc:a; L.
The above method effectively removes all treated hairs at this stage of growth. In order to get complete and FQ7~-nQ77t hair removal, the above method steps will be repeated when the user can see hair stubble in the treated area resulting from hairs at di~ferent growt stages not removed by the f irst L :^ i L . Additional LLecd Ls may be required as new hair growth occurs that may be induced by ~1 1 changes and the user's liAfe cycle. The pre~erred materials for the n~,.. c l L;ve and c^~n~ ^tive layers include adhesives, glues, and hot or cold waxes, and c^,n~ ;ve particles, as required, for c^nr'-~tivity. The conductive layer may be made of Wo 95117856 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 Pcr~S94/14557 1~
cnnA~t;ve metals, conductive plastics, and thin foils Or those materials or ceramics.
It is also ~ l ~ted that the material of the cnn~ ive layer will be s~lect~l so that it chAnges color over time. Thus, ~ oa Lc: to air, ~AyuDuL~: to the cnnt~rt--t? user's skin (such as by a reaction to the warmth, moisture, and/or pH of the skin), or even eJ~ JDUL~ to the hair itself will cause a color ch~nge in the c~ 1r~ i ve layer. The color change tells the user useful information such A8: the cnn~ tlve lAyer material has been on the skin for a suff1~ nt period Or time 80 as to provide a visual indication to the user that the cnn-l11r1 ive material may be removed, given that the period of time suffices for fully treating the hair to be removed.
It is likewise co.,~ ~ ~ted that the material Or the rnn~ ive layer or wax will be s~lPcted so that the color of the cnn~l11rtive layer changes as a function of the electric current or other power applied thereto. In that way the user gets visual cnnf i rr~tion that 817ff ~ r1 Pnt electrical power and/or electrical power for a s~ffiri~ntly long period of time has been applied to the cnn~ t~ve material 60 as to fully treat the hair to be removed.
The ~rnfiqllration of the cnn~11rtor layer may be changed in order to heighten the effects of a particular power source, provide tabs for att~ to a power aource, or to treat ~r~rifir shapes of the body.
Different sizes of the multiple hair removal devices may be used ~ r~n~lin~ on body area and whether the ~ntonrl~ use is ~or an initial L e~i when the removal of large numbers of hairs i6 reguired, or smaller devices covering reduced areas of the skin may be used when follow-up ~ are peLL- I or when only a small area of the skin i8 to be treated. Curved cnnfi~ations may be used for application to the user's eye brow area or larger square. Round or oblong shapes for arms, legs, ~ 'I t ~
~ ~ ` 21~0270 IPEAI'~S ~3JU-19~5 or any large area are likewise contemplated.
It i5 also contemplated that the nG.. c u...luu~ive layer of material ~liRpnc~ci directly adjacent the user's skin will be supplied in a liquid form which is applied by the user to the area of the user' 8 skin be treated while the material is still liquid. After a period of time, the liquid will dry sufflciently on the user's skin so that a nu.. _ol.ductive semi-solid or solid layer is achieved ~ L' kewise, the conductive layer .i i Rpnc.,~l ad~acent the nol. c.u~.du~ive layer, and separated from the user's skin by the nu.. ~ ive layer, will be applied in a liquid form, and allowed to dry, as necessAry. A
third layer, such as the conductor layer of some of the preferred ~ nts of the invention, will also be applied in liquid form on top of the cnn~ tive layer, and be allowed to sufficiently dry, as required.
It is likewise contemplated that the two or more liquid materials described in the previous paragraph will be s-~rpl ied in a single liquid-retaining ~nntAin~r~
whereby the user simply shakes the container prior to use, apFlies all three liquids at the same time by use of an appli~ator, and the two or three licluid materials separate prior to hardening. In this manner, all the layers will be applied at once in a liquid form with only one liquid application step.
In the case of two or three liquids in one container, the licluids will preferably be immiscible, and the lowermost, nol,c~ ive material will be heaviest, so that it sinks to the lowermost point and, in use, 3 o contacts the skin .
While this invention has been described as having preferred designs, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the inventiol~ following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present ~iRrl os~re as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which to invention pertains and as may be r.~, t -WO 95/178~6 2 1 8 0 2 7 0 pCrlUS94/145~7 0 applied to the central fec.~u~s hereinbefore set forth, ~nd fall within the scope of the invention and o~ the limits of the "L~ c"~ claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A multiple hair removal system, comprising:
a) an adhesive layer including an adhesive material into which a hair can extend, said adhesive material being sufficiently strong for removing multiple dead hairs from the skin:
b) a conductive layer for conducting power from a power source to a hair extending into said adhesive layer; and c) said conductive layer being disposed substantially adjacent to said adhesive layer.

2. A hair removal system as defined in Claim 1, wherein:
a) a separate conductor is disposed adjacent to said conductive layer.

3. A hair removal system as defined in Claim 1, wherein:
b) a structural layer is disposed adjacent one of said adhesive and conductive layers, said structural layer being made of a material sufficiently strong to remove said adhesive layer and dead hair attached thereto.

4. A hair removal system as defined in Claim 1, wherein:
a) a clamping electrode is detachably attached to said conductive layer.

5. A hair removal system as defined in Claim 4, wherein:
a) said clamping electrode includes a pair of tweezers.

6. A hair removal system as defined in Claim 5, wherein:

a) said pair of tweezers includes:
i) a pair of normally closed, spaced opposed, conductive arms;
ii) a conductive tip disposed adjacent a free end of one of said pair of conductive arms;
iii) a non-conductive material substantially enclosing each one of said pair of arms;
and iv) said non-conductive material defining a power transmission area disposed adjacent to and spaced from said free ends;
v) said power transmission area being substantially free of said non-conductive material and being sufficiently large for contacting a plurality of hairs.

7. A hair removal system as defined in Claim 1, wherein:
a) said conductive layer includes a conductive plastic material.

8. A hair removal system comprising:
a) a structural layer;
b) an electrically conductive adhesive layer including:
i) an adhesive material, said adhesive material being sufficiently strong for adhering to and removing a plurality of treated hairs from the skin; and ii) a plurality of conductive particles disposed in said adhesive material; and c) a non-conductive adhesive layer disposed adjacent to said conductive layer, said non-conductive adhesive layer lays against skin and allows hair to project therethrough and protects a user's skin from shock and burns when in use.

9. A hair removal system as defined in Claim 8, wherein:
a) said adhesive layer includes a cold wax material.

10. A hair removal system as defined in Claim 8, wherein:
a) said adhesive layer includes a hot wax material.

11. A method of removing hair comprising the steps of:
a) applying a conductive solution to the skin surface to be treated;
b) placing an adhesive material onto the skin to be treated;
c) applying power from a power source to the hairs to be removed from the skin for a period of time sufficiently long to induce a chemical reaction in the matrix area of the hairs to be removed;
d) allowing the hair to remain in the skin for a period of time sufficiently long so that the chemical reaction induced in the previous step continues sufficiently long for destroying the matrix area of the hair; and e) removing the hair.

12. A method as defined in Claim 11, wherein:
a) said step of applying power includes treating the hairs with one of RF, thermolysis, DC, and blend.

13. A method of removing hair as defined in Claim 11, including the steps of:
a) reducing the length of the hair to be removed by one of cutting and shaving the hair close to the skin; and b) providing for substantially about three days of hair growth time before performing the remaining steps if the hair is shaved in the step of reducing the length of hair.

14. A method as defined in Claim 10, including the steps of:
a) applying DC in said step of applying power;
b) removing one of the hairs killed in the previous steps; and c) conducting a litmus paper test to determine the desired length of time required for applying power in the power application step by touching the matrix area of the removed hair to a wetted piece of litmus paper.

15. A method as defined in Claim 11, including the steps of:
a) determining the area of the adhesive layer;
b) determining the ratio between a skin surface area to be treated in a next process step and the area of the adhesive layer determined in the previous step; and c) applying power in the step of applying power for a length of time substantially equal to the length of time required for treating the area covered by the adhesive layer multiplied by the ratio determined in the previous step.

16. A method as defined in Claim 11, including the step of:
a) steaming the skin to be treated prior to the application of the conductive solution for opening the pores in the skin.

17. A method as defined in Claim 11, wherein:
a) the step of applying power includes pressing a conductor into the adhesive material sufficiently far so as to contact the conductive particles that contact the hairs to be removed from the skin.

18. A method as defined in Claim 11, wherein:
a) the step of placing an adhesive material includes applying a wax to the skin in a direction opposite to the direction of hair growth; and b) the step of removing the hair includes removing the wax applied in the above step in the direction of hair growth.

19. A method as defined in Claim 11, wherein:
a) the step of placing an adhesive material includes applying a liquid material to the skin.

20. A pair of insulated, clamping electrode tweezers for hair removal, said pair of tweezers comprising:
a) a pair of normally closed, spaced opposed, conductive arms;
b) a conductive tip disposed adjacent a free end of one of said pair of conductive arms;
c) a non-conductive material substantially enclosing each one of said pair of arms;
d) said non-conductive material defining a power transmission area disposed adjacent to and spaced from said free ends; and e) said power transmission area being substantially free of said non-conductive material and being sufficiently large for contacting a plurality of hairs.

21. A pair of insulated, clamping electrode tweezers for hair removal as defined in Claim 20, wherein:
a) a conductive tip is disposed at said free end of each one of said pair of conductive arms.

22. A hair removal comb, said comb including:
a) a comb member having a plurality of teeth;
b) at least one of said plurality of teeth including a conductive material therein;
c) a non-conductive element disposed adjacent to and spaced from said conductive portion;
d) said conductive portion and said non-conductive material defining a power transmission area;
and e) said power transmission are being sufficiently large for contacting a plurality of hairs.

23. A hair removal comb as defined in Claim 22, wherein:
a) a further conductive portion is provided within said non-conductive portion.

24. A hair removal device, including:
a) a housing;
b) a spring having at least two coils being disposed on said housing;
c) as drive element attached to said spring for moving said at least two coils toward and away from each other; and d) an electrical connector for applying electrical power to said spring from an electrical power source.

25. A hair removal device as in Claim 24, wherein:
a) an insulating material is provided on the exterior of said spring.