Hair combs

Ever since the time of the caveman, people have tried to take care of themselves and put their appearance in order as far as possible. To prevent the hair from getting tangled and always neatly tied, combs were used at all times. Let's take a closer look at what types of combs exist and what they are made of.

A comb is usually called a personal item that helps in caring for hair and scalp. The comb not only has a scratching and detangling effect on the hair, but also massages the scalp, stimulating the hair follicles and activating the growth of new hair.

Originally, the very first comb was a multi-toothed comb that was used not only to detangle hair, but also to create and maintain hairstyles. Examples of this use of the comb can often be found in traditional Spanish imagery.

The origin of the earliest combs dates back to the Paleolithic period and can be traced back to many prehistoric cultures. It is noteworthy that in the Paleolithic, improvised means were used to make household items, therefore combs were made from shells and flat stones.

Surprisingly, in the countries of ancient Europe and nomadic cultures, combs were used as implements used in funeral and burial processions. These combs were made from animal bones and had a slightly gloomy appearance.

The Egyptian ridges looked very beautiful and had features of zoomorphic decorations in the style of prehistoric Egyptian culture. For the manufacture of such products, not only stones and bones were used, but also wood, as well as the horns of large animals.

There are quite a few types of combs and each of them has its own purpose.

For example, a shovel comb is a rectangular product on the handle. This look is suitable for both simple combing and for straightening hair with a hairdryer.

Unusual option - the comb-rim is suitable for creating hairstyles with loose hair. This variety is worn in the direction from the forehead and fixed on the parietal region. Perfect for creating hairstyles with both straight and curly hair.

A fork comb is a double-sided version of the product, on one end of which there is a comb with small teeth, and on the other there are five long thin teeth resembling a fork. This look is great for creating decorative parting and separating small strands.

A comb with sparse teeth, which is a product with one row of wide teeth located at a fairly large distance from each other, will become indispensable for girls with thick curly hair. She perfectly separates curls without causing any damage to them.

The wide-toothed version is also suitable for combing regular, straight hair. The product is also useful for dividing hair into numerous small strands, as well as for creating light hairstyles such as a ponytail or braiding.

Products with wavy teeth, be it a comb or a massage model, look very funny and sometimes cause numerous controversies and doubts. Those who have never used it believe that it is unable to comb hair well, but those who have tried it know that the variety is great for thick, long hair.

There has been a lot of hype lately around the popular non-handle combs, which have a palm-friendly shape so they don't slip or fall off. The products are equipped with a large number of small, rather soft, teeth, which not only gently comb, but also detangle the hair.

A fine comb with a long pointed tip is an indispensable item in creating the most incredible hairstyles. This variety allows you to make decorative parting, and small short teeth help in creating the most incredible bouffants.

The magnetic comb is not a clever invention, but it has been popular for many years. The principle of operation is that there are two strong magnets inside the product, which have a special effect on the metal teeth, which, when combed, make the hair more manageable, relieve slight mental fatigue and a slight headache.

Some items are decorated with multi-colored teeth. This does not in any way affect their functionality, but only serve as such a kind of decor. These combs are especially popular with adolescent girls and young children.

A compact double comb, which is a foldable product of two halves, is very convenient and useful. One half has teeth, and the other has a mirror attached, which is very convenient - you can easily fix your makeup and hair using the same item.

A clip comb, which is a thin product with one row of teeth, has a clip at the other end.These varieties are actively used in hairdressing, suitable for straight haircuts and hair styling with an iron.

A new Chinese trend is a microfiber product that is great for drying and straightening hair. Between the metal teeth are fabric bristles that help absorb moisture and smooth unruly hair scales.

In addition to practical and decorative combs, there are many functional types equipped with some additional features. Let's take a closer look at each of the varieties and study the functions with which they are endowed:

• The blade variety is actively used by both home hairdressers and salon craftsmen. The model is suitable for thinning hair, but you should be careful and not use the product yourself, because inexperience can cause irreparable damage to your hair.

• Quite a good idea, suitable for leveling, straightening comb... The product is powered by a network, some of them straighten the hair by heating the teeth, while the effect of others is due to the effect of ions on the hair structure.

• A hair polishing comb is more of a machine than a standard model of combs. The principle of operation is based on the fact that the product cuts off dry, lifeless ends that have been cut, making the hair smoother and more shiny.

• The anti-static model is a real find for girls with fluffy, unruly and overly thin hair. When combing, the teeth have a special effect and the hair becomes less fluffy, does not electrify and is much less tangled.

• Incredible trend - smart model... L'Oreal has partnered with Nokia to develop a stunning, unusual invention that combines many functions: combing hair, functions of a microphone, conductometric sensor, measuring hair moisture and adjusting the way it is combed, as well as a gyroscope and an accelerometer.

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• For unusual coloring at home, an appropriate comb may be needed. For example, intended for the ombre technique, the product is a curved model with several rows of teeth: long thin along the contour and short thick ones in the middle.

Nowadays, fashion trends are full of the most incredible ideas, even when it comes to simple combs.

Numerous unusual products surprise not only with their attractiveness, but sometimes even absurdity, while remaining at the peak of popularity:

• The double comb in the shape of an animal's skull looks quite interesting and is even quite functional. The product is complemented by a special stand on which it looks like a historical find - the bones of a fossil.

• Among the unusual models, special attention is paid to ice-cream-shaped hairbrushes, which look not only interesting, but also visually delicious. Any girl will be delighted with such a product!

• Among other combs, polishing models and straighteners with ionized teeth are now at the peak of popularity. They help you quickly create a hairstyle and neatly arrange naughty curls.

Sometimes its convenience and compactness depends on the shape and size of the comb. So, a large model will be good exclusively for home use, since it is not possible to carry it with you in a handbag - it takes up too much space.

Products with long handles are good because they are comfortable to hold in your hands and also stored in a specially designed stand.Most often, these varieties have a square, rectangular or oval shape, which does not affect the combing process itself.

Small combs are great for travel and to carry with you every day. The compact pieces fit even the smallest handbags, while the Tangle Teezer range is perfect for travel - they won't take up much space in your suitcase, but will provide complete hair care.

Round combs, made in the shape of a cylinder, are equipped with fine spiky teeth for maximum separation of the strands. This product is used for styling hair, creating the effect of light waves or neat curls.

Thin products are most often in the shape of an elongated rectangle, even if they are equipped with handles. Some scallops look the same, although there are exceptions with carvings or semi-oval shapes on the top.

The material from which the product is made plays an important role in its functionality. Let's take a closer look at how good combs made of this or that material are, what effect they have on the hair and what features they have.

The sandalwood comb is made from sandalwood, respectively. The product has a smooth, even glossy surface. The teeth are carefully polished and have rounded ends, so the hairs do not cling and the scalp is not damaged.

Massage varieties are not made from this material, the choice is limited only to thin models with a handle and combs, but this is by no means an omission, since even such options are great for hair care.

Benefits include the inimitable scent of the material, which has a calming effect. It is noteworthy that after combing, the hair also acquires light notes of sandalwood scent, keeping them for some time.

Rubber combs are considered professional, which is not at all surprising, since this material is the best in professional hair care. The products are, accordingly, overpriced, but as practice shows, it is worth it.

These product variations are used in salon care, especially if you need to comb wet hair. The thing is that this material helps to avoid injury to the hair, since it does not cling or electrify them.

For the manufacture of rubber models, ebonite is used, thanks to which the product is provided with antistatic properties. In addition, it is very durable and easy to clean and sterilize.

The same can be said about a rubber comb as about a rubber one. If the product is made of dense material in compliance with all the necessary standards, it turns out to be tough and heavy, combes and pulls hair well without pulling it out.

The production of tourmaline combs is a relatively new and not fully explored technology. The material itself is a natural mineral containing a large amount of boron.

When choosing a comb, one should not focus on its color, since this aspect plays almost no role. The shade plays a role only if you closely follow the fashion and adhere to the current color scheme:

• The gold Tangle Teezer hairbrush is a current trend of both the previous and the current season. The product has a black base and a golden top, which looks stylish and harmonious.

• The green pattern is very common among scallops. It is difficult to explain why this shade is so popular, but since the days of the Soviet Union, green products were in great demand and success.

• In the professional hairdressing industry, combs are used exclusively in black. The fact is that they look the most restrained and neutral, and you can always see from them whether the product needs to be cleaned or changed.

Some models are made in warm colors - various shades of brown are used, and some have colder shades - from gray to cold lemon. In most cases, the shade of the comb is chosen randomly or based on personal preference.

Choosing the right comb may not be as easy as it might seem at first glance. This important point should not be left to chance, since a certain hair type needs an appropriate model that provides hair care, and does not harm them:

• If you have curly hair, do not opt ​​for a fine comb with fine teeth. Such a comb will not comb the hair, but, on the contrary, will further entangle it. Metal-toothed massage brushes and wavy combs work well.
• Girls with the problem of hair loss, as well as with thin and fragile hair should carefully choose a combing product, so as not to increase hair loss, but to reduce it as much as possible. Rubber models are suitable, as well as products with small soft teeth that have a massage effect on the scalp.

• Ladies with thick, straight hair need a strong, powerful comb with an anti-static effect. Wooden massage models, products with wavy teeth, as well as options with strong metal teeth and a reliable handle are suitable.

  In general, when choosing such a product, personal needs and the structure of your own hair should be taken into account as much as possible. This is important, since an incorrectly selected comb does the same damage as improper care or lack of it.

The expert opinion on how to choose the right hairbrush can be found in the following video:

It is not enough just to choose a comb, you need to comb your hair correctly in order to avoid damaging it.

Let's consider how to do it correctly and which type of combs are most suitable for daily use:

1. First of all, do not jerk the tangled ends sharply, this will lead to brittleness and a large amount of hair loss. If the tips are tangled, you will have to collect them in a ponytail to comb them and, holding them at the base, gently untangle them. It is best to use a fine, coarse-toothed comb for this.
2. For oily hair, it is better not to use wooden combs, as greasy marks may remain on the teeth, which will subsequently be distributed along the entire length, causing rapid contamination.
3. Brush your hair in the direction from the crown to the ends, smoothing and holding them. If you have very thick hair, you should comb it by dividing it into several parts.

Many people consider caring for combs optional and prefer only to clean the products from accumulated hair, but stronger measures are needed to remove dirt and microbes. Let's consider in more detail what kind of care is suitable for a certain type of combs, as well as when it will be necessary to change the product to a new one:

1. The most practical and easy to clean material is plastic.The easiest way to clean is washing in a soapy solution with a comb pre-soaked. Next, use a long-bristled brush and rub it thoroughly between the teeth of the comb.
2. It is much more difficult to wash a comb made of wood, since this model is more capricious and needs more delicate care. It is best to avoid excessive use of water, but if you really had to wet the product, you must dry it thoroughly after.
3. To eliminate stubborn dirt on combs with bristly bristles, a citric acid solution should be used, it will also have a disinfecting effect and rid the product of germs. Upon completion of cleaning, wipe the product with a material that absorbs moisture well.
4. The combs are the easiest to clean, since they have only one row of teeth, but you will have to tinker with massage combs. For convenience, you can use an old toothbrush to remove not only dirt, but also stuck hair.

But sooner or later any product will have to be replaced with a new one, no matter how carefully they look after it. It is recommended to change the combs every one and a half to two years, since the protective surface of the teeth is gradually erased and the hair begins to electrify from combing.