US20090217937A1

US20090217937A1 - Styling comb

Info

Publication number: US20090217937A1
Application number: US12/039,792
Authority: US
Inventors: Gordon B. Nelson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-29
Filing date: 2008-02-29
Publication date: 2009-09-03

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a styling comb that can be used to train stylists to make precisely angled cuts, the styling comb having a single spirit level with indicia corresponding to at least two predetermined angles. Particularly preferred embodiments of the styling comb have the same feel (e.g., weight, balance, etc.) as a standard styling comb.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to styling combs and, more particularly, to styling combs that can be used at predetermined angles.

BACKGROUND

Many modern hairstyles require cuts to be made in straight lines at precise angles. Getting the angle exactly right and/or the line exactly straight can be difficult, and the consequences of failing to do so can be significant. Accordingly, such hairstyles are typically styled by professionals. Even for professionals who are trained to make such cuts, however, getting the angle exactly right and/or the line exactly straight can be difficult. All haircuts require more than one angle or straight line cut. One example of a hairstyle that requires straight line cuts at multiple angles is the “graduated bob.” In this particular cut, the outline angle needs to be the same on both sides, the interior graduation needs to be the same on both sides, and the bang needs to be square.
Unfortunately, most existing methods of training stylists to make precisely angled cuts are not systematized, but rather involve a visual check, which leads to a significant degree of trial and error. Some of the systematized methods involve having trainees use specialized training combs, but each of those training combs has significant drawbacks. For example, some training combs have a spirit level integrated into their spines with indicia indicating only whether the comb is horizontal. One important drawback with this kind of training comb is that it does not help stylists/trainees with cuts at predetermined, non-zero angles to horizontal.
Other training combs have two separate spirit levels integrated into their spines-one with indicia corresponding to horizontal and the other with indicia corresponding to a desired predetermined angle. There are at least two noteworthy drawbacks associated with such a training comb. First, having two spirit levels can upset the balance of the comb. A stylist/trainee who learns to balance and work with such a training comb will have to re-learn how to balance and work with a standard styling comb upon completion of training. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the second spirit level gets in the way of several of the teeth, thereby inhibiting the functionality of those affected teeth. This second drawback becomes more pronounced as stylists are trained to make cuts at more than two predetermined angles, as including a separate spirit level for each predetermined angle would severely impede the functionality of the training comb.
Still another training comb has a single longer spirit level that can apparently be used to position the comb at multiple predetermined angles but that has no indicia that tells a stylist/trainee when the comb is at those predetermined angles. This training comb is disclosed in French Patent No. 2,615,706 to Cohen. Cohen's styling comb has indicia on the spine indicating distance increments from one end of the comb to the other, but no indicia indicating angles. Not having ever seen such a training comb in the marketplace, it is difficult to understand how a stylist/trainee would have known that the comb is positioned at the desired predetermined angle. Needless to say, not being able to easily determine whether the training comb is positioned at the desired predetermined angle is a significant drawback.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a styling comb that can be used to train and assist stylists to make precisely angled cuts, as well as verify and correct completed cuts, because of its single spirit level that has indicia corresponding to at least two predetermined angles. Embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages. Some embodiments can be used as part of a systematized way of training stylists to make precisely angled cuts. In most embodiments, two or more predetermined angles are clearly indicated by indicia. Any suitable number of predetermined angles can be indicated, depending on a desired level of training. The predetermined angles can be any desired angles, depending on the application. In some embodiments, the styling comb can have the same feel (e.g., weight, balance, etc.) as a standard styling comb. In many embodiments, the spirit level is visible from the top and both sides of the styling comb, making the styling comb more user-friendly. In many embodiments, multiple predetermined angles can be precisely measured in connection with the enhanced functionality afforded by styling combs having both fine and coarse teeth. In some such embodiments, the distance can be measured from either end of the styling comb to the midline of the comb. Embodiments are compatible with all known methodologies for styling hair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in connection with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in connection with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an illustrative styling comb according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the styling comb of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the styling comb of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 1D is an end view of the styling comb of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 2A is a front view of an illustrative styling comb according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a rear view of the styling comb of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the styling comb of FIGS. 2A-2B.

FIG. 2D is an end view of the styling comb of FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIG. 3A is a front view of an illustrative styling comb according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a rear view of the styling comb of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is an end view of the styling comb of FIGS. 3A-3B.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a styling comb section having an illustrative spirit level that can be incorporated into some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5G show an illustrative styling comb section selectively positioned such that the spine forms various predetermined angles with the horizontal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.
FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2D, and 3A-3D show three illustrative embodiments of a styling comb 100, 200, 300 according to the present invention. The styling comb 100 of FIGS. 1A-1D and the styling comb 200 of FIGS. 2A-2D can enable the versatility of being able to create crisp finished cut lines and/or to create more softness in the finished cut line. The styling comb 300 of FIGS. 3A-3C can be particularly useful for combing through hair with conditioner prior to cutting.
The styling combs 100, 200, 300 share many common characteristics, some of which are also shared by other styling combs according to the present invention. The styling combs 100, 200, 300 can include an elongate spine 105, 205, 305, a first plurality of teeth 110, 210, 310 extending from the spine 105, 205, 305, and a spirit level 115, 215, 315 integrated into the spine 105, 205, 305. The elongate spine 105, 205, 305 can include a first end 120, 220, 320, a midline 125, 225, 325, and a second end 130, 230, 330. In some embodiments, the spirit level 115, 215, 315 is visible from the top (see FIGS. 1C and 2C) and both sides (see FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, and 3A-3B) of the styling comb 100, 200, 300.
Styling combs incorporate a variety of kinds of teeth, depending on the application. In most embodiments, the teeth 135, 235, 335 of the first plurality of teeth 110, 210, 310 are generally coplanar with each other (see especially FIGS. 1D, 2D, 3C). Likewise, in most embodiments, the teeth 135, 235, 335 of the first plurality of teeth 110, 210, 310 are generally parallel to each other (see especially FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, and 3A-3B). In some embodiments, the teeth 135, 235, 335 of the first plurality of teeth 110, 210, 310 have substantially the same width and thickness as each other.
In FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, the first plurality of teeth 110, 210 are fine teeth. Fine teeth are generally more suitable for creating tension in the hair that they engage, thereby allowing the stylist to make a crisper, cleaner cut. In FIGS. 3A-3B, the first plurality of teeth 315 are coarse teeth. Coarse teeth are generally easier to work with, making them preferable for styles for which a softer finished cut is preferable. In many instances, a stylist will use fine teeth to make a cut and then use coarse teeth to determine how the cut hair responds naturally.
As seen in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, some styling comb embodiments according to the present invention include both fine and coarse teeth. The styling combs 100, 200 of these Figures include a second plurality of teeth 140, 240 extending from the spine 105, 205. As with the first plurality of teeth 115, 215, the teeth 145, 245 of the second plurality of teeth 140, 240 are typically generally coplanar with each other (see especially FIGS. 1C and 2C). Further, the teeth 145, 245 of the second plurality of teeth 140, 240 are often generally coplanar with the teeth 135, 235 of the first plurality of teeth 110, 210 (again, see especially FIGS. 1C and 2C). In many embodiments, the teeth 145, 245 of the second plurality of teeth 140, 240 are generally parallel to each other and the teeth 135, 235 of the first plurality of teeth 110, 210 (see especially FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B). In some embodiments, the width and thickness of the teeth 145, 245 are substantially the same as those of each other but different from those of the teeth 135, 235 of the first plurality of teeth 110, 210. For example, the teeth 145, 245 of the second plurality of teeth 140, 240—the coarse teeth in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B—can be generally wider and thicker, and spaced further apart, than the teeth 135, 235 of the first plurality of teeth 110, 210—the fine teeth in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B.
Most styling combs that include both fine and coarse teeth are split roughly near the middle of the spine, with the fine teeth extending from approximately one-half of the spine and the coarse teeth extending from the remainder of the spine. If a stylist/trainee wishes to use such a comb, he/she often grips the comb such that his/her hand covers half of the comb. If the stylist/trainee wishes to use the coarse teeth, his/her hand often covers the fine teeth, and vice versa. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2D, the first plurality of teeth 110, 210 can stretch from near the first end 120, 220 of the spine 105, 205 to near the midline 125, 225 of the spine 105, 205, and the second plurality of teeth 140, 240 can stretch from near the midline 125, 225 of the spine 105, 205 to near the second end 130, 230 of the spine 105, 205. As can be seen, in the styling combs 100, 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, the transition from fine teeth to coarse teeth is not exactly at the midline 125, 225. In many embodiments, the transition from fine teeth to coarse teeth is substantially exactly at the midline 125, 225.
Referring now to FIGS. 1B, 2B, and 3B, styling combs are often used to measure distances. An example could involve a stylist resting either the first end 120, 220, 320 or the second end 130, 230, 330 against a person's head and draping that person's hair along the styling comb 100, 200, 300 for measurement. Another example could involve a stylist resting either the first end 120, 220, 320 or the second end 130, 230, 330 against a person's ear and then measuring the distance to a point at which the stylist can make a line. Yet another example is creating a man's sideburns of equal length and angle. The spines 105, 205, 305 of the styling combs 100, 200, 300 shown in FIGS. 1B, 2B, and 3B include a first set of markings 150, 250, 350 indicating distance increments from the first end 120, 220, 320 of the spine 105, 205, 305 to the midline 125, 225, 325 of the spine 105, 205, 305. The spine 105, 205, 305 can include a second set of markings 155, 255, 355 indicating distance increments from the second end 130, 230, 330 of the spine 105, 205, 305 to the midline 125, 225, 325 of the spine 105, 205, 305. An advantage of being able to measure along both the fine and coarse teeth is related to measuring along soft finish cuts (coarse teeth) and not-so-soft finish cuts (fine teeth).
FIG. 4 shows a more detailed view of a spirit level 415 like the spirit levels 115, 215 of FIGS. 1C and 2C. The spirit level 415 can include a generally transparent casing 460 integrated into the spine 405, and that casing 460 can house liquid. The spirit level 415 can include a gas bubble 465 housed within the casing 460. As the spirit level 415 is tilted one way or the other, the gas bubble 465 can translate within the casing 465 to indicate the extent to which the spirit level 415 is tilted.
The spirit level 415 of FIG. 4 includes a plurality of indicia that helps stylists/trainees easily determine the angle the spine 405 makes with the horizontal. As is discussed above, certain hairstyles require cuts at specific precise angles. Styling combs according to the present invention can be created with those predetermined angles in mind. For example, if a style requires cuts at zero degrees, 12 degrees, and −6 degrees, a styling comb according to the present invention can be created that has three indicia indicating that the comb is positioned at zero degrees, 12 degrees, and −6 degrees when the gas bubble is aligned with the respective indicia. Similarly, styling combs can be created based on general trends in the field. For example, many styles require cuts at 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 35 degrees, 60 degrees, and so on (as well as negatives of all of these values). Styling combs according to the present invention that have two or more indicia corresponding to two or more of those angles can be used in a variety of styles. In some embodiments, the indicia correspond only to positive angles, and stylists/trainees can form negative angles by tilting the comb downwardly. Such embodiments allow the angle to be measured using either side of a styling comb, which often means that a stylist/trainee can use both fine and coarse teeth at desired angles.
Many kinds of indicia can be incorporated into spirit levels to indicate predetermined angles. Referring still to FIG. 4, the spirit level 415 can include first and second indicia 470, 475 on the casing 460 for indicating which, if any, of a plurality of predetermined angles the spine 405 forms with the horizontal. The first indicium 470 can indicate that the spine 405 forms a first predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble 465 is aligned with the first indicium 470. The second indicium 475 can indicate that the spine 405 forms a second predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble 465 is aligned with the second indicium 475. In some embodiments, the first indicium 470 (e.g., a first line or pair of lines) is a first color and the second indicium 475 (e.g., a second line or pair of lines) is a second color. In some embodiments, the first indicium 470 can be a pair of lines each having a first thickness (or a first line having a first thickness), and the second indicium 475 can be a pair of lines each having a second thickness (or a second line having a second thickness) that is visibly greater than or less than the first thickness. In some embodiments, the casing 460 is transparent but colored, with different sections having different colors that correspond to predetermined angles. In some embodiments, the indicia can be the actual numbers that correspond to the predetermined angles (e.g., an indicium for a predetermined angle of 9 degrees can be “9° ”).
Embodiments of the present invention can include a greater or lesser number of indicia, depending on the particular kind of style for which the styling comb will be used or on general trends in the field. Referring still to FIG. 4, the spirit level 415 can include a third indicium 480 on the casing 460 indicating that the spine 405 forms a third predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble 465 is aligned with the third indicium 480. In some preferred embodiments, the spirit level includes fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh indicia 481, 482, 483, 484 on the casing 460. In such embodiments, the fourth indicium 481 can indicate that the spine 405 forms a fourth predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble 465 is aligned with the fourth indicium 481. In such embodiments, the fifth indicium 482 can indicate that the spine 405 forms a fifth predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble 465 is aligned with the fifth indicium 482. In such embodiments, the sixth indicium 483 can indicate that the spine 405 forms a sixth predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble 465 is aligned with the sixth indicium 483. In such embodiments, the seventh indicium 484 can indicate that the spine 405 forms a seventh predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble 465 is aligned with the seventh indicium 484.
FIGS. 5A-5G show examples of how a styling comb can be selectively positioned to perform one or more styling operations on hair. A stylist/trainee can selectively position the styling comb such that the spine 505 forms various (e.g., two or more) predetermined angles with the horizontal (H). In doing so, he or she can align the gas bubble 565 with one or more given indicia (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh) to form one or more given predetermined angle (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh).
FIGS. 5A-5G show a styling comb section 500 selectively positioned such that the spine 505 forms seven different predetermined angles with the horizontal. FIG. 5A shows the gas bubble 565 aligned with the first indicium 570, meaning that the spine 505 forms a first predetermined angle of zero degrees with the horizontal (H). FIG. 5B shows the gas bubble 565 aligned with the second indicium 575, meaning that the spine 505 forms a second predetermined angle (θ) with the horizontal (H). FIG. 5C shows the gas bubble 565 aligned with the third indicium 580, meaning that the spine 505 forms a third predetermined angle (−θ) with the horizontal (H). FIG. 5D shows the gas bubble 565 aligned with the fourth indicium 581, meaning that the spine 505 forms a fourth predetermined angle (λ) with the horizontal (H). FIG. 5E shows the gas bubble 565 aligned with the fifth indicium 582, meaning that the spine 505 forms a fifth predetermined angle (−λ) with the horizontal (H). FIG. 5F shows the gas bubble 565 aligned with the sixth indicium 583, meaning that the spine 505 forms a sixth predetermined angle (α) with the horizontal (H). FIG. 5G shows the gas bubble 565 aligned with the seventh indicium 584, meaning that the spine 505 forms a seventh predetermined angle (−α) with the horizontal (H).
As is noted above, different embodiments of the present invention can include indicia at different predetermined angles with the horizontal. In embodiments having three indicia and three corresponding predetermined angles, the first predetermined angle can be zero degrees, the second predetermined angle (θ) can be 5 degrees, and the third predetermined angle (−θ) can be negative 5 degrees.
Referring still to FIGS. 5A-5G, many embodiments of the present invention incorporate pairs of lines as indicia. FIG. 5A shows that the first indicium 570 can be a first pair of lines that are each generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth (see, e.g., 110 of FIGS. 1A-1B). Referring again to FIG. 5A, the gas bubble 565 can be aligned with the first indicium 570 when the gas bubble 565 is between the two lines of the first pair of lines. FIG. 5B shows that the second indicium 575 can be a second pair of lines that are each generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth (see, e.g., 110 of FIGS. 1A-1B). Referring again to FIG. 5B, the gas bubble 565 can be aligned with the second indicium 575 when the gas bubble 565 is between the two lines of the second pair of lines. FIG. 5C shows that the third indicium 580 can be a third pair of lines that are generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth (see, e.g., 110 of FIGS. 1A-1B). Referring again to FIG. 5C, the gas bubble 565 can be aligned with the third indicium 580 when the gas bubble 565 is between the two lines of the third pair of lines.
In many embodiments, each indicium may include a single line that is generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth. In such embodiments, the gas bubble 565 can be aligned with such indicia when the center of the gas bubble 565 is aligned with the center of the line.
In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Thus, some of the features of preferred embodiments described herein are not necessarily included in preferred embodiments of the invention that are intended for alternative uses.

Claims

1. A styling comb, comprising:

(a) an elongate spine;

(b) a first plurality of teeth extending from the spine, the teeth of the first plurality of teeth (i) being generally coplanar with, and generally parallel to, each other and (ii) having substantially the same width and thickness as each other; and

(c) a spirit level integrated into the spine, the spirit level including (i) a generally transparent casing integrated into the spine, (ii) liquid housed within the casing, (iii) a gas bubble housed within the casing, (iv) a first indicium on the casing indicating that the spine forms a first predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble is aligned with the first indicium, and (v) a second indicium on the casing indicating that the spine forms a second predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble is aligned with the second indicium.

2. The styling comb of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined angle is zero degrees.

3. The styling comb of claim 1, wherein (A) the first indicium is a first pair of lines that are each generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth, and the gas bubble is aligned with the first indicium when the gas bubble is between the two lines of the first pair of lines, and (B) the second indicium is a second pair of lines that are each generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth, and the gas bubble is aligned with the second indicium when the gas bubble is between the two lines of the second pair of lines.

4. The styling comb of claim 3, wherein the first pair of lines is a first color and the second pair of lines is a second color.

5. The styling comb of claim 1, wherein the spirit level further includes (vi) a third indicium on the casing indicating that the spine forms a third predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble is aligned with the third indicium.

6. The styling comb of claim 5, wherein (A) the first indicium is a first pair of lines that are each generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth, and the gas bubble is aligned with the first indicium when the gas bubble is between the two lines of the first pair of lines, (B) the second indicium is a second pair of lines that are generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth, and the gas bubble is aligned with the second indicium when the gas bubble is between the two lines of the second pair of lines, and (C) the third indicium is a third pair of lines that are generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth, and the gas bubble is aligned with the third indicium when the gas bubble is between the two lines of the third pair of lines.

7. The styling comb of claim 5, wherein the first predetermined angle is zero degrees, the second predetermined angle is θ degrees, and the third predetermined angle is negative θ degrees.

8. The styling comb of claim 5, wherein the spirit level further includes (vii) a fourth indicium on the casing indicating that the spine forms a fourth predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble is aligned with the fourth indicium, (viii) a fifth indicium on the casing indicating that the spine forms a fifth predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble is aligned with the fifth indicium, (ix) a sixth indicium on the casing indicating that the spine forms a sixth predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble is aligned with the sixth indicium, and (x) a seventh indicium on the casing indicating that the spine forms a seventh predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble is aligned with the seventh indicium.

9. The styling comb of claim 8, wherein the first predetermined angle is zero degrees, the second predetermined angle is θ degrees, the third predetermined angle is negative θ degrees, the fourth predetermined angle is λ degrees, the fifth predetermined angle is negative λ degrees, the sixth predetermined angle is α degrees, and the seventh predetermined angle is negative α degrees.

10. The styling comb of claim 1, further comprising (d) a second plurality of teeth extending from the spine, the teeth of the second plurality of teeth (i) being generally coplanar with, and generally parallel to, each other and the teeth of the first plurality of teeth and (ii) having substantially the same width and thickness as each other but being generally wider and thicker, and spaced further apart, than the teeth of the first plurality of teeth,

wherein the first plurality of teeth stretch from near a first end of the spine to near the midline of the spine and the second plurality of teeth stretch from near the midline of the spine to near a second end of the spine.

11. The styling comb of claim 10, wherein the spine includes (i) a first set of markings indicating distance increments from the first end of the spine to the midline of the spine and (ii) a second set of markings indicating distance increments from the second end of the spine to the midline of the spine.

12. The styling comb of claim 1, wherein the spirit level is visible from the top and both sides of the styling comb.

13. A method of performing one or more styling operations on hair, comprising:

(a) providing a styling comb that includes:

(i) an elongate spine;

(ii) a first plurality of teeth extending from the spine, the teeth of the first plurality of teeth (A) being generally coplanar with, and generally parallel to, each other and (B) having substantially the same width and thickness as each other; and

(iii) a spirit level integrated into the spine, the spirit level including (A) a generally transparent casing integrated into the spine, (B) liquid housed within the casing, (C) a gas bubble housed within the casing, and (D) first and second indicia on the casing;

(b) selectively positioning the styling comb such that the spine forms one of two or more predetermined angles with the horizontal, selectively positioning the styling comb including (i) aligning the gas bubble with the first indicium to form a first predetermined angle or (ii) aligning the gas bubble with the second indicium to form a second predetermined angle.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first predetermined angle is zero degrees.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first indicium is a first pair of lines that are each generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth and the second indicium is a second pair of lines that are generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth, and wherein aligning the gas bubble with the first indicium comprises positioning the styling comb such that the gas bubble is between the two lines of the first pair of lines and aligning the gas bubble with the second indicium comprises positioning the styling comb such that the gas bubble is between the two lines of the second pair of lines.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first pair of lines is a first color and the second pair of lines is a second color.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the spirit level further includes a third indicium on the casing, and wherein selectively positioning the styling comb optionally includes (iii) aligning the gas bubble with the third indicium to form a third predetermined angle.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein (A) the first indicium is a first pair of lines that are each generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth, and the gas bubble is aligned with the first indicium when the gas bubble is between the two lines of the first pair of lines, (B) the second indicium is a second pair of lines that are generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth, and the gas bubble is aligned with the second indicium when the gas bubble is between the two lines of the second pair of lines, and (C) the third indicium is a third pair of lines that are generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth, and the gas bubble is aligned with the third indicium when the gas bubble is between the two lines of the third pair of lines.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first predetermined angle is zero degrees, the second predetermined angle is θ degrees, and the third predetermined angle is negative θ degrees.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the spirit level further includes fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh indicia on the casing, and wherein selectively positioning the styling comb optionally includes (iv) aligning the gas bubble with the fourth indicium to form a fourth predetermined angle, (v) aligning the gas bubble with the fifth indicium to form a fifth predetermined angle, (vi) aligning the gas bubble with the sixth indicium to form a sixth predetermined angle, and (vii) aligning the gas bubble with the seventh indicium to form a seventh predetermined angle.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first predetermined angle is zero degrees, the second predetermined angle is θ degrees, the third predetermined angle is negative θ degrees, the fourth predetermined angle is λ degrees, the fifth predetermined angle is negative λ degrees, the sixth predetermined angle is α degrees, and the seventh predetermined angle is negative α degrees.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein the styling comb further includes (iv) a second plurality of teeth extending from the spine, the teeth of the second plurality of teeth (A) being generally coplanar with, and generally parallel to, each other and the teeth of the first plurality of teeth and (B) having substantially the same width and thickness as each other but being generally wider and thicker, and spaced further apart, than the teeth of the first plurality of teeth,

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the spine includes (A) a first set of markings indicating distance increments from the first end of the spine to the midline of the spine and (B) a second set of markings indicating distance increments from the second end of the spine to the midline of the spine.

24. The method of claim 13, wherein the spirit level is visible from the top and both sides of the styling comb.

25. A styling comb, comprising:

(a) an elongate spine;

(c) a spirit level integrated into the spine, the spirit level including (i) a generally transparent casing integrated into the spine, (ii) liquid housed within the casing, (iii) a gas bubble housed within the casing, (iv) indicating means for indicating which, if any, of a plurality of predetermined angles the spine forms with the horizontal.

26. The styling comb of claim 25, wherein the plurality of predetermined angles includes zero degrees.

27. The styling comb of claim 25, further comprising (d) a second plurality of teeth extending from the spine, the teeth of the second plurality of teeth (i) being generally coplanar with, and generally parallel to, each other and the teeth of the first plurality of teeth and (ii) having substantially the same width and thickness as each other but being generally wider and thicker, and spaced further apart, than the teeth of the first plurality of teeth,

28. The styling comb of claim 27, wherein the spine includes (i) a first set of markings indicating distance increments from the first end of the spine to the midline of the spine and (ii) a second set of markings indicating distance increments from the second end of the spine to the midline of the spine.

29. The styling comb of claim 25, wherein the spirit level is visible from the top and both sides of the styling comb.