are plastic combs bad?

[Cleopatra18]

I know it's a dumb question but since i started taking care of my hair i have been using one of those cheap plastic combs,its wide toothed and it does the job pretty well.but i saw recently in a market a wooden comb that said to reduce the breakage and mentioned something about static in tha hair..?
I know that wooden and horn combs are generally better but i would like further explaination.TIA!
BTW,the comb was made from olive wood,if it makes any difference.

[Longlocks3]

Plastic combs are absolutely NOT bad for your hair. Plastic combs WITH seams ARE BAD!

I use a Creative 8L seamless plastic comb and I absolutely love it.

I also have used wooden combs from The Body Shop and loved them as well. I didn't notice any difference in static for my hair between the combs. I use oil to combat static.

But wooden combs get funky if used on wet hair too much, which is why I stick to my plastic comb.

If you do have a plastic comb with seams and can't afford a nicer one, you can always try sanding the seams down but it doesn't always work well.

[Cleopatra18]

when i researched olive wood it said it was the only wood that water doesnt penetrate it,which makes it very suitable for use during the shower or on wet hair in general.
I know this is sad but what are seams? (sorry bad english..)thanks for the reply!

[Aerith]

If you do have a plastic comb with seams and can't afford a nicer one, you can always try sanding the seams down but it doesn't always work well.

I was curious about this as well. When people say "seamless" combs, do you mean combs without those little balls at the end of each part? I have one of those, I keep forgetting to buy a better comb. I did hear wooden combs don't last long when they get wet, and I always comb my hair wet so horn might be better for me... or if I can find a proper plastic one without "seams."

[Gumball]

Some plastic combs just have properties people may not want. If the plastic comb has a seam, it might snag hair when someone uses it. Also in some cases combing with a plastic comb can build up a static charge, which in some cases might result in some frizz.

If you don't experience these kinds of problems with a plastic comb then I see no harm in using one. :) I personally use a horn comb and it's treated me well.

[Gumball]

I was curious about this as well. When people say "seamless" combs, do you mean combs without those little balls at the end of each part? I have one of those, I keep forgetting to buy a better comb. I did hear wooden combs don't last long when they get wet, and I always comb my hair wet so horn might be better for me... or if I can find a proper plastic one without "seams."

You would see the seams along the sides of the comb like if two halves were put together. The balls on the ends of the comb's tines are different.

[Copasetic]

Plastic combs aren't bad at all. I also use a cheap wide-tooth plastic one. I think it was $1, or possibly even 2 for $1. I have had it for years and I love it. I had a wooden one for a while, but then it warped, and developed all kinds of little slivers on it, which is definitely not good for hair.

[Longlocks3]

Seams are what result during the process of making a comb. If you look in between the 'teeth' of the comb, you will see a ridge or rough edge inside. This can rip or tear at hair.

The balls at the tips of a brush can also be damaging, be there is a debate about that and I know several members who still prefer those types of brushes.

Here is a link to the comb I use: http://www.tenderheaded.com/creat8lhanse.html

I actually have owned all three types, plastic, horn and wood. It really depends on user preference.

[lapushka]

Do look for a seamless one. The ones with seams can be awful, esp. if you detangle when your hair is wet! It seems to snag even more. I used to have this wide toothed cheap plastic shower comb and it was bad.

I have a resin comb, a few perfectly okay seamless plastic combs but the comb I like the most is made from material called Ebonite.

[EdG]

I'm quite happy with the Creative 8L seamless plastic comb. I have had mine for all of three days now. :cheese:

Wooden combs are also quite good.

The seamless plastic comb can tolerate water better than the wooden one. They're both very gentle on the hair. :)
Ed

[pepperminttea]

Plastic combs are fine as long as you check them for seams and file away any roughness, or alternatively buy a seamless one. I find they gave me a bit more static and switched to a wooden comb. (Bear in mind though, not everyone finds that - static hates me, cars shock me every time! :o )

I've never tried bone combs, but I am curious about them, so I'll be watching this thread. :)

[Aerith]

You would see the seams along the sides of the comb like if two halves were put together. The balls on the ends of the comb's tines are different.

Thanks! That description really helped. My comb does have those, and they don't seem rough. In fact I barely noticed them. I had to look two times to find them. I do think I should invest in a seamless one though. I'd feel better about it I think.

[Igor]

You can’t generalise that broadly

A well-sanded, smooth cheap plastic comb will any day be better than an expensive wooden/horn comb that has sharp edges and rips your hair

I always, always make sure to sand over my tools and toys with some fine sandpaper before using it. A small piece of fine sandpaper (for detailed craftsmanship) is cheap and worth the investment

Don’t buy into a comb being advertised as “hair friendly” until you have felt it over. Even the fanciest, most expensive combs can have nasty edges

[LouLaLa]

I but super cheap plastic combs and they work really well for me. I have very very fine hair and I need the dense tooth comb to really catch the strands, also if I brush carefully when almost dry i get nice poker straight hair. Ive used fancier brushes but I always go back to my basic comb in the end!

[*Aoife*]

Plastic combs (and brushes) make my hair even more static-y. If they suit your hair and they don't have seams then continue to use one.

[xovictoryxo]

I switched from plastic to a wooden comb and i feel it detangles easier, doesnt get snagged,