Patent # for Shrink Links by Mark Barrington Concepts, Inc.

First on all, Concepts, Inc had first originally called their shrink tubes "Toobz", and then soon changed the name to "Elegant Additions". It was only last year or so that they changed the name to Shrink Links, so that is why that name wasn't trademarked until 2003. I'm sure they did trademark the other 2 previous names too. Mark Barrington, who is a stylist also is an engineer. He got tired to the engineer work, so he became a stylist and has been in the hair field for about 15 years.

The company wants to maintain very tight control of their product, so they do require that everyone take a class before they will sell them the product. I took the class about 5 years ago , and at that time it was $1000 (that does includes the tools)

They are working on a DVD that stylists can buy for training, but I don't know when they will have that out or how much it will cost.

They don't demand that you buy their hair. They get their hair from Extensions Plus in LA, which sells top quality real European hair as well as good Indian hair. Any stylist can buy from Extensions Plus, too.

A few times, I have brought them the wefted Bohyme hair that I bought at Super Hair Factory and they put their hard plastic tips on that hair for me. When the stylist supplies their own hair, they charge $40.25 per ounce to turn that hair into their 'perma-plugs'. The tips of the perma plugs are not like the shoelace tip you may be used to. The end plastic is blunt and square.

Also, I don't think that they would care if you use Dr. locks shrinkies, but dr. locks shrinkies are not as good. The Concepts, Inc. shrink links shrink down much better (the tube is thinner) and no rolling of your fingers are required. I bought some of the dr.locks product for comparison, and I don't like them compared to the Shrink Links. Shrink Links do stay in the hair pretty well, most of my clients wear them for 12 weeks at a time without a problem.
The cost of the Shrink Links are $27.50 for a container or 200. They also have their own tool to thread them onto the hair, and it workd great.

I don't know anything about patent law, so I don't know what will come of this. It seems to me that many copycat companies (for all categories of product) always find loopholes and are still able to sell their stuff. However, then what is the value of going through the trouble of getting something patented if you can't be protected from copycats?

By the way, please don't anyone direct any angry comments toward me (don't shoot the messenger...) I have no stake in the company other than using the product. I do like Mark and his co owner (wife Jeanette), they are very nice people, but that's it.

If I find out more, I'll keep you guys posted!

Hey Metalgirl,

Thanks for posting that. I have been considering taking Marks class. I have talked to him for like an hour on the phone a few months ago, he is super nice. His product seems much more professional than the other ones. And I also want to get my hands on the temporary weft thingies too, the ones that go on with tape. Now I just have to save up $$$ to get my ass out to Cali.