A bone comb can be beneficial for those with long hair.
A bone comb is a type of comb made from bone or horn. These combs were among the first human-made personal hygiene implements and still offer some definite benefits. This type of comb is likely to be especially appealing to consumers with an interest in historical re-enactment and those who enjoy collecting unique art and craft items.
Bone combs fell out of favor with the invention of the cheap plastic comb.
Archaeologists have identified various types of bone comb dating back thousands of years. A comb can be easily carved from a piece of bone or animal horn. A flat piece of material was prepared, which was essentially a comb blank. Small parallel grooves were then made to form the teeth of the comb and, in some cases, decorative elements were added. Bone combs were practical and extremely common for thousands of years.
Bone and horn remained the standard materials for comb construction until the advent of plastics in the 20th century. The mass production of cheap plastic combs led to their widespread adoption in place of bone combs. However, a bone comb may be a better option for some consumers.
Long hair that is prone to drying out or splitting may benefit from the use of a bone comb. The bone and horn work with the natural oils present in the hair, spreading them rather than sucking them out of the hair. Unlike plastic, which is impervious to natural oils, bone absorbs them and redistributes them more evenly throughout the hair. This process leads, over time, to stronger, healthier hair.
Bone combs are often much more visually appealing than their utilitarian plastic or metal counterparts. Bone is a natural material and as a result, two bone combs will never look alike. Each comb has a unique pattern and appearance that some consumers may appreciate. Combs made from different types of horn and bone can have unique and distinctive appearances.
A bone comb can also be decorated or carved. This practice was common in ancient times, when the wealthy combed or decorated their hair with ornate bone or ivory combs covered with elegant miniature carvings. Some artisans continue these practices. A hand-carved ornamental bone comb isn’t cheap, and a typical consumer may choose to treat it as a display piece rather than a utilitarian hygiene aid.
People interested in historical re-enactment from any period before the modern era may also want to purchase bone combs. Simple bone combs in vintage styles are available at major retailers. The most original, ornamental, or primitive examples can often be purchased directly from the craftsmen who carve them.