What Is a Hot Comb?

The hot comb has long been the cornerstone of styling African-American hair. Around long before the advent of ceramic flat irons and other heat-oriented styling tools, the hot comb provides African-Americans with a range of hair style options.

History

The hot comb was first widely used by Marcel Grateau in 1872 as a styling tool for wavy hairstyles. However, African-American beauty magnate Madame C.J. Walker is responsible for the hot comb's widespread use in the black community in the United States.

Types

There are two main hot comb types, one of which is heated on a stove top and the other heated through use of electricity.

Function

Once heated, pull the comb through course or kinky-textured hair to straighten it. Hot combs are primarily used on African-American hair to make it more manageable.

Benefits

Once straightened via hot comb, hair becomes much more manageable. Moreover, it eliminates the need for chemical relaxers and texturizers, which can cause irreversible damage to the hair.

Warning

Hot combs have their own set of dangers, as heat styling can cause hair to break off. Refrain from using hot combs on a daily basis and combine use of styling tools with products to protect the hair, such as moisturizing creams and leave-in conditioners.

References

• A Bit of History: Hot Combs
• Hair Combs: How Do You Hot Comb Hair?
• Hair Cosmetics: Hot Pressing Hair