A cutting comb can refer to either a type of hair comb used by salon professionals when cutting a client’s hair or a comb that has built-in razors for self-cutting. Professional cutting combs are characterized by thin, small-spaced teeth that allow for reduced tangling and straight combing. This helps to ensure an even haircut. Self-cutting combs have built-in razors that allow for quick trims using the comb itself and are generally used only on short hair.
A salon professional has many different options when it comes to a cutting comb. A standard cutting comb features a line of short, close-together tines and can be made of plastic, tortoiseshell, or a heat-resistant material. Many of the combs have teeth that are rounded at the bottom to avoid damaging wet hair. The comb helps the hairstylist to smoothly comb hair so that an even-length haircut is achieved.
There are many different variations on a stylist’s cutting comb. Many combs are heat resistant so that they can safely be used in conjunction with a blow-dryer or straightening iron. Some include a bottom piece that holds the hair to the comb from underneath, creating tension that is effective for hair straightening. Cutting combs come in all varieties of length and color. The second tooth on many cutting combs is shortened, allowing the stylist to effectively make a straight part in the hair using the first tooth.
A self-cutting comb is best used on short hair, as longer hair would be difficult to evenly trim using this type of product. This type of cutting comb, intended to actually cut hair, is very different from a regular cutting comb. The comb is outfitted with built-in razors and has evenly spaced tines much like a regular comb. The user combs through his or her hair and the razors trim a bit from the hair ends.
The razors of the comb cut small amounts from the ends of the hair, often requiring several passes through the hair to achieve the desired length. This style of comb is best used on men or those with short hair, as it would be difficult to trim only the ends of long hair with a razor comb. Using a self-cutting comb that comes with detailed instructions or video instruction is best to ensure that the hair is cut correctly and evenly. The self-cutting comb is not widely used and the term “cutting comb” usually refers to a salon professional’s comb.
