Neem Wood Comb Versus Plastic Comb: Which Is Better?

Hair care is a serious topic and needs a significant investment for a fantastic outcome.

In previous years, the most common hair care items were oils, shampoos, and conditioners. However, a whole lot of hair care products have emerged, from shampoo and conditioners to hair serums, masks, and combs. 

Before, combs weren’t considered a crucial part of hair care. However, a lot of importance is given to the combs today.

Currently, there is debate on what comb is best for hair health: neem wood combs or plastic combs? 

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between neem wood combs and plastic combs.

Neem Wood Comb Versus Plastic Comb: Which Is Better for You?

Neem wood combs and hair are negatively charged, and using a neem wood comb eliminates static electricity and reduces frizz and flyaways.

In contrast, plastic combs are positively charged, causing friction and creating static electricity. They make hair frizzy and reduce flyaways. 

Neem wood combs fight dandruff, itchy scalp, scalp allergies, and other issues due to their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, insecticidal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. (1) On the other hand, plastic combs are chemically made and may further damage your scalp and hair. 

The bristles of neem wood comb gently massage the scalp and target acupuncture points, boosting blood circulation and thereby making the hair and scalp healthy and nourished. (2) Meanwhile, the tapered bristles and rough plastic edges of plastic combs cause dandruff, itching, irritation, and other scalp-related issues. Plastic combs also tug and snag your hair. 

Neem wood combs evenly distribute sebum and the natural oil of the scalp throughout the hair. They add shine and bounce and prevent greasy roots. In contrast, the friction from plastic combs damages the scalp and hair, making the hair lifeless. 

Thus, neem wood combs are the better choice for your hair health and the environment. However, using it all depends on personal preference. 

Neem Wood Comb Versus Plastic Comb: Differences

The differences between neem wood combs and plastic combs are as follows.

Aspect	Neem Wood Comb	Plastic Comb
Origin	It is made from the wood of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica).	It is made from fossil fuels.
Effects	It controls frizz, tames flyaways, detangles hair, and gives a healthy, glossy, and smooth look to hair.	It tangles hair and creates knots at the end of the hair. It also causes tangles, frizz, and static.
Properties	It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, insecticidal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.	It is made from chemicals that may further damage the hair and scalp.
Scalp and hair health	It targets the acupressure points that boost blood circulation, leading to healthy hair and scalp. (2)	Their pointy bristles and rough plastic edges cause irritation, dandruff, itching, and other scalp-related issues. They pull and snag your hair.
Hair conditioning, shine, and bounce	Its wooden bristles gently massage the scalp and evenly distribute the scalp’s natural oil, leading to nourished, shiny, and bouncy hair.	They cause static electricity that may cause scalp and hair damage.
Sustainability	It is sustainable and biodegradable, made from sustainably sourced wood, eco-friendly, and composted at the end.	It takes hundreds of years to break up into microplastic. It is nonbiodegradable.
Price	It is expensive as it is not mass produced.	It is inexpensive as it is mass produced.
Shelf life	It lasts up to 6 months.	It may last for years if treated carefully.

Origin

Neem wood comb is made from the wood of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). Neem has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since time immemorial to boost scalp and hair health. 

Plastic combs are generally made from fossil fuels. (3)

Effects

Wooden combs are carbon based, similar to the scalp, hair, and skin. A neem wood comb is negatively charged, similar to hair.

Neem wood combs control frizz, tame flyaways, and provide a healthy, glossy, and smooth look to hair. They are gentle on the scalp and hair and allow easy detangling. They lock in moisture and reduce irritation and breakage.

Plastic combs are not gentle on the hair. They tangle hair and create knots at the end of the hair. Their super pointy teeth sometimes damage the scalp as well as damage and break hair, causing split ends.

Moreover, plastic combs are positively charged and cause tangles, frizz, and static. They make the hair lifeless and dull. 

Properties

Neem has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, insecticidal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that fight dandruff and scalp itchiness, protect hair from damage, prevent head lice infestation, and fight scalp infections. (1)

Plastic combs are made from chemicals that may further damage the hair and scalp. 

Scalp and hair health

A neem wood comb is a healthier comb option. Using it feels great and is less likely to hurt your scalp.

Moreover, its wooden bristles gently massage the scalp and evenly distribute the scalp’s natural oil. This comb also targets the acupressure points that boost blood circulation, which contributes to healthy hair and scalp. (2)

Plastic combs release toxic chemicals that harm scalp and hair health. Their pointy bristles and rough plastic edges cause irritation, dandruff, itching, and other scalp-related issues.

Plastic combs also pull and snag your hair. 

Hair conditioning, shine, and bounce

When a neem wood comb evenly distributes sebum and absorbs excess oil, it conditions the hair and adds shine and bounce. It also prevents greasy roots.

Plastic combs do not condition the hair or add shine and bounce. Instead, they cause static electricity that may cause scalp and hair damage. 

Sustainability

Neem wood combs are sustainable and biodegradable and are made from sustainably sourced wood. They are eco-friendly and can be composted at the end of their life. 

To make plastic combs, crude oil is extracted from the earth (an unsustainable process) to manufacture plastic in factories that operate using fossil fuels, polluting the air. Plastic combs take hundreds of years to break up into microplastic. 

Price

A neem wood comb can be expensive as they are 100% natural, obtained from neem trees, and handcrafted. They are also durable.

Plastic combs are inexpensive as they are mass produced and not handcrafted. They are easier to find and more accessible. 

Shelf life

Neem wood combs may last up to 6 months from the date of purchase. 

Plastic combs are reusable and can last for years if treated carefully. 

Pros and Cons of Neem Wood Combs and Plastic Combs

The pros and cons of using neem wood combs and plastic combs are as follows.

Pros 

Neem wood comb

• It detangles the hair and tames frizz and flyaways. 
• It evenly distributes the scalp’s natural oil, keeping it nourished and healthy.
• Its bristles gently massage the scalp and target acupuncture points, boosting blood circulation, calming your nerves, and stimulating healthy oil production. 
• It combats dandruff and itchy scalp and is gentle on the scalp. 
• It is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and sustainably sourced. 
• It is ideal for all hair types. 

Plastic comb

• It is affordable, more accessible, and easier to find, as it is mass produced. 
• It is reusable and lasts for years when used correctly.

Cons

Neem wood comb

• It can be expensive as it is not mass produced. 
• It is not high in demand. It is mostly accessible online and in specialty stores. 

Plastic comb

• It tangles the hair, making it frizzy, brittle, and dry. It also causes flyaways. 
• It is made from toxic chemicals that may not be healthy for your scalp and hair. Your scalp’s oil gets stuck in it, preventing its distribution. 
• It can break easily. 
• It is not environmentally friendly, nonbiodegradable, and not sustainably sourced. 

Final Word

If you are confused about what to choose between neem wood combs and plastic combs, go through the pros and cons of both tools to find the best one for your hair. 

Ultimately, wooden combs are a better choice if you want a healthy scalp and hair, as they are gentle on the scalp and hair and contain the goodness of neem. 

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