Headscarves for protection aganst UV rays

These new headscarf designs seen on this site were selectedas one of the Top 10 innovations of 2003 at the GWIIN (Global Women Inventors & Innovator Network) Conference held in London from 24-25th April, 2003.

The headscarves are made from a fabric that protects the skin from the sun's UV rays - the fabric offers the highest level of UV protection (50+) in accordance with the Australia and New Zealand Norm 4399. The current range of 3 styles for women will soon be expanded to include styles for children and men made of the same fabric.

The pictures besow show the three styles. Styles 001 have a brim while styles 002 and 003 cover the hairline completely. All three styles protect the scalp and stop the hair from drying out. The fabric does not lose its colour in the sun. The fabric used in this range of headscarves is particularly special because it is very light and it offers the highest level of protection from the sun's UV rays. The headscarves are machine-washable and the UV protection does not wash off.

Studies of fabrics used in summer clothes have shown that one third of fabrics let UV rays through. The UV protection offered by fabrics ranges from 15-50+ - fabrics offering a level of protection lower than 15 cannot be registered. Research has shown that UV rays harm the skin and cause skin cancer, so it is important for the skin to be protected from the sun. Around 1 million people contract skin cancer in America each year this figure stands at 72,000 per year in Canada and 65,000 in the UK and the numbers are growing continuously.

Harkollugerð Kolfinnu Knútsdóttur ehf was established in 1999. The proprietor, Kolfinna Knútsdóttir, qualified in London as a wig maker and make-up artist in 1985. Since then she has worked on a wide variety of wig-making and make-up projects, including an 11-year project with the National Theatre of Iceland. Harkollugerð Kolfinnu Knútsdóttur is the only company of its kind in Iceland. It supplies wigs, headscarves, caps, false eyelashes/eyebrows etc. to people who suffer from hair loss, as well as to film and theatre companies.

Insight, a marketing company based in Iceland, is working with Harkollugerð Kolfinnu Knútsdóttur. We are looking for companies to sell the headscarfs abroad, and we will be happy to give more informations about our products.