Combs are one of the most essential pieces of equipment for handling hair. However, there are so many combs that one would wonder why such variations in a simple tool exist.
Sometimes, choosing the right type of comb can be weirdly overwhelming, especially when you have to choose from several varieties, shapes and designs in the market.
So one asks questions such as: What are all these different combs, what kind of materials are they made of, and what are their uses?
In this piece, we’ll consider combs and brushes, their uses and the materials used in making them.
Combs
We can classify combs as wide-tooth or fine-tooth combs based on the distance between the teeth.
Wide-tooth combs are good for tangles, damp, and curly hair since their teeth are usually spaced 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) or more apart.
Fine-tooth combs are great for straightening or fine hair because of their typically 1 millimeter (0.04 inch) or less spacing.
Types of Comb
Here are the different types of combs for hair grooming.
1. Pin-Tail Comb
Pin-tail combs have closely spaced teeth and an extended, slender tail. There are many uses for this kind of comb in the world of hair styling, particularly in the creation of braids and updos.
Its unique shape helps hairstylists manipulate hair strands with greater precision, resulting in beautiful hairstyles.
2. Barber Comb
A barber comb is a specialist instrument in a barbershop used for grooming and hairstyling. Usually, these combs have fine and wide teeth on separate sides.
Barbers can operate more flexibly with this dual-sided design, accommodating a range of hair textures and style requirements.
Additionally, some barber combs come with measuring scales or markers to help barbers measure hair precisely and create symmetrical, uniform hairstyles.
3. Pick Comb
A pick comb is a square, flat comb with teeth that resemble a bird’s nails. They are usually forked or pronged. This system adds natural volume and texture to hairstyles by raising hair at the roots.
Additionally, you can create curling effects with this comb by wrapping sections of hair around the pronged teeth.
4. Rake Comb
Rake combs are shaped like rakes with wide teeth. The main purpose of it is to manage curly or thick hair.
The difference between this comb and the pick comb is its longer horizontal handle and that’s also what makes it easier to use.
5. Pocket Comb
This comb is small and lightweight, making it ideal for tucking into pockets, purses or wallets for easy on-the-go hair styling and care.
Pocket combs are frequently made to be compact or collapsible. Additionally, they are loved by those who care about fashion because they are available in a variety of intriguing designs and shapes.
6. Teasing Comb
A teasing comb is made especially for giving hairstyles height and volume at the roots. Its distinctive layered design and widely spaced teeth make it simple to tease while combing, giving the appearance of abundant hair.
7. Lice Comb
A lice comb is specially made to eliminate lice from hair. It has teeth with narrower tips that are relatively closely spaced.
Pets such as dogs and cats use this kind of comb. It is usually made of metal since it is stronger and more resilient than other materials and can successfully pierce a dog’s thick hair to separate lice.
Brushes
Common types of brushes and their uses
1. Paddle Brush
Wide and flat in design, paddle brushes are best suited for medium-to-long hair. Typically, the teeth are positioned on an even and sizable surface. It is useful for arranging, detangling, and styling hair because of its design.
2. Round Brush
The round brush has teeth arranged in a circle. It’s really helpful for curling and shaping hair because of its design. It is often offered in several diameters to accommodate a range of hair lengths and kinds.
3. Loop Brush
The special looped bristle shape of a loop brush minimizes breakage and damage when combing by making it easy to detangle hair. Also, the brush can be used for style as well.
4. Vented Brush
When blow-drying hair, a vented brush comes in handy. Its large spaces between the bristles permit unhindered airflow, which speeds up the drying process of hair.
Using a vented brush lowers the danger of heat damage as compared to straight blow-drying, which promotes overall healthier hair.
5. Scalp Massage Brush
Typically composed of supple silicone, scalp massage brushes have several tiny nodes. It also includes a charming and practical grip for better control. You can help keep your scalp healthy by cleaning it of debris and dead skin cells.
What are Combs Made of?
Combs are mostly made of five materials: horn, wood, metal, cellulose acetate and plastic. The cost of the combs is usually determined by their materials. It has been found that the more expensive materials usually result in a better comb.
-
Horn
Horn is a lot of people’s favorite. Because of the material’s hardness and exceptional smoothness against hair, they are the finest choice for a beard comb.
They also do not generate static electricity, which is a benefit. When styling hair, the absence of static can help lessen frizz and flyaways. The fact that horns are composed of natural materials is a bonus if you value sustainability.
Combs manufactured from horns that have fallen off wild animals naturally are generally better for the environment than plastic combs, even though they are not as sustainable as bamboo combs.
But not everyone is a good fit for horn combs. Additionally, horn combs need to be kept dry and maintained with caution to prevent warping or cracking. As a result, they cannot be used to comb through or untangle wet hair because doing so would damage the comb’s structure.
-
Wood
A wood comb is the next best if you are unable to use a horn comb because wooden and horn-based combs are made using the hand-cut process, making them safer and smoother.
A hand-made comb is neatly sanded and cut, preventing tears in the hair, unlike a machine-made comb, which may be sharp and have flaws.
Wood combs are less prone to ripping hair or hurt delicate scalps than horn combs. The blood flow to the hair follicles is increased by the smooth teeth and gentle massage of the scalp during detangling.
Also, wood is a popular option since it looks great, is reasonably priced, and doesn’t generate static electricity.
However, wood dislikes moisture and shouldn’t be cleaned with water. It can be a pain to clean, particularly if you use a lot of oil or balms. Similar to the horn, wooden combs are unable to effectively untangle damp hair due to the material’s propensity for warping.
Furthermore, not every kind of wood comb is made equally. Certain woods have more antifungal qualities than others, are stronger, and/or have a nicer fragrance during use.
For example, sandalwood is prized for its pleasant, spicy sweetness. Using a sandalwood-scented product in conjunction with other grooming products can make grooming seem more enjoyable than tedious.
Neem wood, on the other hand, is a robust and long-lasting material with anti-inflammatory and antifungal qualities.
-
Metal
A metal comb can be your best option if durability is your main concern and you want to cut costs.
They are quite durable but generate a lot of static energy. These combs can make taming your hair even more difficult if you have trouble with it. Other than that, though, they provide a great mid-tier choice.
People with allergies may also find metal combs helpful, especially stainless steel combs, as they are less prone to irritate and aggravate the skin.
Stainless steel combs are an excellent tool for heat styling since they can withstand the heat generated during blow drying.
-
Plastic
Plastic combs are very cheap and easily affordable but they lack the necessary benefits. These combs can scratch and harm skin and hair and they break easily.
-
Cellulose Acetate
Cellulose acetate can be an alternative to plastic, because, cellulose acetate combs resemble plastic but are made of a superior raw material that will give you an experience comparable to horn-based combs.
Cellulose combs are less delicate than plastic combs, but not as sturdy as metal combs. They are ideal for heat style because they are heat resistant and do not dissolve.
They are also resistant to chemicals, making them ideal for people who use a variety of styling treatments.
However, cellulose acetate combs are not perfect. Despite being biodegradable, they take far longer to break down than horns or wooden combs. They also break easily if dropped, so they must be handled with care.
FAQs
What type of comb is best for hair?
Going for combs made from high-quality materials like wood or unbroken plastic is best. Metal combs and combs with sharp edges may not be the best, as they can cause friction and damage to the hair shaft. Also, they can be too harsh on the hair and lead to breakage or even damage.
Should I use a brush or comb?
You can use either of the two, depending on the purpose you want to achieve. A hairbrush is good for dry hair and can remove dandruff residues and massage the scalp, but a comb is great when you need to detangle wet hair.
Which comb prevents hair loss?
The best comb to prevent hair loss is a wide-toothed comb with smooth and rounded tips. It reduces stress on the hair shaft and preserves hair length.
