Grip-tuth sidecombs

[Idun]

Hi!
I would like to get some sidecombs that hold securely but do not damage my hair. With the combs I hope to create looks that are softer and different from the classic slick teacher´s updo. Having straight slippery hair I find it difficult to do anything but slick.

I read a lot of good things about the Grip-tuth combs. Problem is, when I try to order from american online stores (Can´t get the Grip-tuths here) they charge extremely high shipping costs. At cartmanager.net they charge the minimum of $34 for a purchase of $33 and at Hair Boutique I get a whopping $58!

So my questions are; Does anyone use this type of combs, and are they worth the cost? How are they compared to the even more expensive France Lux combs? - And how do you actually use them?

[UncommonTart]

I haven't tied the France Luxe combs, so I can;t give you a comparison, but I love the Grip Tuth combs. I certainly find them worth the cost here, but I don't think I'd pay that much to have them shipped. Maybe you could ask on the swap board?

As for how to use them, I brush all of my hair straight back, and then give it a bit of a shake (I have a cowlick and widow's peak, so my hair parts where it likes, just off center. I am powerless to change that.) I then hold the comb upside-down and with the convex side facing toward my head, sort of combing/scooping my hair back from my ear and toward my crown, at an angle. Then, when you've pulled it back a little past where you want the comb, flip it up so that it's rightside up, concave side in, and push it down a little bit. You should have a nice soft tuck with a bit of "poof". If you like, you can also do rolls (http://www.dressytresses.com/hair/gallery/instruct/hair-roll/default.asp) and secure them by tucking the comb in aong the edge, catching some of the hair of the roll as you slide the comb into place.

Here's a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSeXQttQXq4&feature=fvsr)that sort of shows how I insert the side combs, only I don't like them so far back on the head. I like them more on the sides (just above and slightly behind the ears), and closer to horizontal (but still angled slightly, for comfort). That way you get a sort of a subtle version of the Edwardian "poof" on the sides, and you can still pull back the back into a braid or bun or whatever you like.

[Deborah]

I like the look of side combs, but I've never been able to use them. My hair is just too slippery, and the weight of the hair pulls them right out.

Hmm. This gives me an idea. I might try holding my hair in the ready-to-wrap bun position, then position the pins (without letting go of the hair), then finish making the bun. This probably requires more coordination than I have, but I'll try it anyway. Maybe this could result in a less slick look around the face. (just me musing.)

[Idun]

I haven't tied the France Luxe combs, so I can;t give you a comparison, but I love the Grip Tuth combs. I certainly find them worth the cost here, but I don't think I'd pay that much to have them shipped. Maybe you could ask on the swap board?

As for how to use them, I brush all of my hair straight back, and then give it a bit of a shake (I have a cowlick and widow's peak, so my hair parts where it likes, just off center. I am powerless to change that.) I then hold the comb upside-down and with the convex side facing toward my head, sort of combing/scooping my hair back from my ear and toward my crown, at an angle. Then, when you've pulled it back a little past where you want the comb, flip it up so that it's rightside up, concave side in, and push it down a little bit. You should have a nice soft tuck with a bit of "poof". If you like, you can also do rolls (http://www.dressytresses.com/hair/gallery/instruct/hair-roll/default.asp) and secure them by tucking the comb in aong the edge, catching some of the hair of the roll as you slide the comb into place.

Thank you for the very helpful instructions! Now I want them even more! Might try the swap board like you suggest. I have had a comb or two in the past, but they were really crappy.

I wonder, if these grip-tuth combs hold your hair so well, are they difficult to get out?

[UncommonTart]

In my experience, they pretty much slide right out as long as you pull straight up from the top. Otherwise, they are wonderfully secure.

[Idun]

Now I´m really thinking about forking out to get hold of these magic combs, even when I have to pay double the normal price!

UncommonTart what is your favourite size? And did you ever try the 4" or the 6" ones?

[metricfuture]

I've never used them (but, man, I'm seriously considering ordering some now, enablers!) but this site might have cheaper shipping (most of theirs are floral, but I think they seem to sell the plain combs, too):
http://www.littlebellesboutique.com/

[UncommonTart]

Now I´m really thinking about forking out to get hold of these magic combs, even when I have to pay double the normal price!

UncommonTart what is your favourite size? And did you ever try the 4" or the 6" ones?

I haven't tried the 6" ones. I can see where they're be great for a french twist, but I have never been able to pull that off. I'm not entirely sure what to do with the 4" ones.

My favorite size is the 2.75". I find them to be just perfect.

[UncommonTart]

Oh man, why did you link there? My wallet is in trouble now. And you call me an enabler. Hmph! :p

[In2wishin]

I found this place on Ebay: http://stores.ebay.com/Kittys-Hair-Affair/Other-/_i.html?_fsub=1&_sid=127137912&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 They only ship to the US but maybe you can get her to make an exception :pray:

[Idun]

Thanks for the tip In2wishin! I´ll ask.

Strange that nobody in Europe seems to sell them. :confused:

[PrincessBob]

I never was able to get side combs to work, maybe I should try again?