Moroccan Comb Care: How to Look After a Natural Comb

Wood and bone are both natural, handcrafted materials, and they share the same basic dislikes: long soaks, strong heat and rough handling. If you treat them kindly, they stay smooth in the hand and gentle to use.

There are small differences. Wood can swell or dry out if it gets too much water or too much heat. Bone is denser, but it is still best kept away from long soaks and hot appliances.

To be upfront: our own comb is a handmade cow-bone comb, not a wooden one. If you like the traditional option, you can find it here: the handmade cow-bone comb. The care steps below suit it and wooden combs alike.

Most of a comb's long life comes from small daily habits rather than big cleaning sessions. None of these take more than a few seconds.

A little patience with tangles also helps both your hair and the comb. Working gently means less strain on every tooth.

• Remove loose hair from the teeth with your fingers after each use.
• On tangled hair, start at the ends and work upward. Don't force the comb from the roots.
• Avoid dropping it on hard floors, and don't bend or press on the teeth.
• Use it on clean or lightly damp hair rather than soaking-wet hair. Detangling is easier and the comb wears less.

Once a week is plenty for most people. The aim is to lift away dust and product build-up without soaking the comb.

Pairing the comb with a natural Moroccan hair wash is a nice habit. Hair that is washed gently tends to leave less residue behind on the comb in the first place.

Step by step

Follow these steps in order. The whole thing takes only a few minutes.

• Brush the teeth with a soft, dry brush to lift out dust and build-up.
• If needed, put a small drop of mild soap on a damp cloth or soft brush and wipe the comb. Do not soak it.
• Rinse quickly under lukewarm water and shake off the excess.
• Pat it dry straight away with a clean towel.

Let the comb air dry fully after cleaning. Keep it away from radiators, hair dryers and direct sun, which can dry out natural materials too quickly.

For storage, choose somewhere dry and ventilated, such as a drawer or a shelf. Avoid sealed bags where damp can get trapped.

When travelling, slip the comb into a small cloth pouch so the teeth are protected. For more packing ideas, see a natural travel beauty routine.

Most damage to natural combs comes from a handful of habits. They are easy to avoid once you know them.

• Leaving the comb in a steamy bathroom or soaking it in water.
• Using strong cleaners, bleach or very hot water.
• Using it near heat styling tools.
• Ignoring a chipped or rough tooth. If the comb snags your hair, it's time to retire it.

A natural comb fits well into a simple weekly ritual: a gentle wash, light conditioning, then slow, careful detangling. It makes the last step feel calm rather than rushed.

If you like, add a light mist of natural distilled rose water before combing. It's an optional touch that adds a fresh, pleasant feel to your hair.

For the full picture, read a simple, natural weekly hair routine. And if you're choosing a gift, a comb is a thoughtful addition to a hammam gift box.