Sustainable Beauty: Exploring Centuries of Hair Combs

Hair combs have been an essential grooming tool for humans for thousands of years. The earliest known hair combs date back to the Stone Age, around 5000 BC, and were made from animal bones or shells. These combs were often simple and utilitarian, with wide teeth for detangling hair.

In ancient Egypt, hair combs were made from ivory, bone, and wood, and were often decorated with precious stones or gold. The Greeks and Romans used metal combs, usually made of bronze or iron, with the wealthy using combs made of silver or gold.

The history of Chinese combs dates back to the Neolithic period, around 7000-5000 BC, when combs were made from animal bones and shells. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties (16th century - 221 BC), combs became more sophisticated and were made from various materials, including wood, bamboo, jade, and ivory.

From the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), combs became more decorative, with elaborate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures. The golden age of Chinese combs is Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). Craftsmen produce intricate combs made from precious woods such as rosewood, sandalwood, and ebony, and were adorned with inlaid jade and other gemstones. These combs were often given as gifts to show wealth and status, and were considered valuable heirlooms. Tan Mujiang duplicates these fancy combs in relics series. Most of vintage followers can finally own an ancient comb.

During the Middle Ages, combs became more sophisticated with the development of fine-tooth combs for the wealthy and wide-tooth combs for the poor. These combs were used not only for grooming hair, but also for removing lice and fleas. In China, wood combs became more popular and began to be used for massage, acupuncture, and other forms of traditional Chinese therapy, such as guasha.

When it comes to Renaissance, hair combs became more ornate and were often highly decorated with intricate carvings and designs, and were a symbol of wealth and status in western countries. And wood combs were mass-produced and became more widely available. Advances in manufacturing techniques allowed for the creation of combs with finer teeth and smoother surfaces, which made them more effective for styling and grooming. 

In the 20th century, the popularity of plastic combs began to rise, and they became more widely used than wood combs. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional hair combs, particularly those made from natural materials. This is due in part to the growing awareness of the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment, as well as a desire to return to traditional grooming practices.

 Wood combs have a rich history and have undergone significant evolution over time. People renew their interest in wood combs due to their natural and eco-friendly properties. Modern wood combs are often made from sustainable woods such as Teak or Sandalwood, and are designed for optimal hair and scalp health. From simple and utilitarian tools to highly decorative and ornate accessories, wood combs have continued to evolve and remain an essential grooming tool to this day.