A handmade comb is an investment in your grooming routine. Unlike cheap plastic combs that are designed to be replaced, KYVU combs in cellulose acetate, beechwood and aluminium are built to last for years — even decades — with the right care. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your comb in perfect condition, whatever material it is made from.
General Comb Care — All Materials
Regardless of the material, these habits apply to every KYVU comb:
Remove trapped hairs after every use
Hair builds up between the teeth over time and can harbour product residue, dust and bacteria. After each use, run your finger or a fine comb cleaning brush along the teeth to remove any trapped hairs. This takes seconds and keeps your comb hygienic and performing at its best.
Clean regularly
Even if you remove hairs daily, a deeper clean once a week keeps your comb free from product buildup — hairspray, dry shampoo, styling wax and natural oils all accumulate over time and can affect how the comb glides through hair.
Store properly
Always store your comb in a dry place — a washbag, grooming pouch or drawer. Avoid leaving combs loose in bags where the teeth can be knocked and damaged. Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight which can affect colour and finish over time.
How to Care for Cellulose Acetate Combs
Cellulose acetate is a durable, plant-based material that is easy to care for with a few simple habits.
Daily care
Remove trapped hairs after each use. If you use styling products, wipe the teeth with a dry or very slightly damp cloth to remove any residue before it builds up.
Weekly cleaning
Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild soap or shampoo. Dip the comb briefly and use a soft toothbrush to gently clean between the teeth. Rinse under cool running water and pat dry with a soft cloth immediately. Do not soak the comb in water for extended periods.
What to avoid
- Do not use hot water — heat can cause the acetate to warp over time
- Do not use harsh chemical cleaners, acetone or alcohol-based products — these will damage the finish
- Do not leave soaking in water
- Do not place in a dishwasher
Keeping the finish looking its best
If your cellulose acetate comb loses a little of its shine over time, buff it gently with a soft dry cloth. The natural lustre of the acetate will return with a little gentle polishing.
How to Care for Beechwood Combs
Wood requires slightly more attention than acetate or aluminium, but the care routine is simple and takes very little time.
Daily care
Remove trapped hairs after each use. Avoid getting your wooden comb wet unnecessarily — occasional light moisture is fine but wood and prolonged water exposure do not mix well.
Weekly cleaning
Wipe the comb down with a slightly damp cloth to remove any dust or product residue. Allow to air dry completely in a well-ventilated spot before storing. Never leave a wooden comb lying in standing water or in a humid environment such as a wet shower shelf.
Occasional oiling
Every few weeks, apply a very small amount of natural oil — coconut oil, jojoba oil or a specialist wood conditioning oil — to the comb using a soft cloth. Work it gently into the wood along the grain. This keeps the beechwood nourished, prevents it from drying out and cracking, and maintains the natural lustre of the grain.
What to avoid
- Do not soak in water
- Do not put in a dishwasher
- Do not leave in direct sunlight for extended periods — this can cause the wood to dry out and crack
- Do not use chemical cleaners or alcohol-based products
How to Care for Aluminium Combs
Aluminium is by far the easiest material to care for. 6163-grade aluminium is completely water-resistant, corrosion-resistant and virtually indestructible under normal use.
Daily care
Remove trapped hairs after each use. Aluminium combs can be rinsed under running water at any temperature without any risk of damage.
Weekly cleaning
Rinse under warm running water and use a soft brush to clean between the teeth. A small amount of washing-up liquid or hand soap is perfectly safe to use. Rinse thoroughly and shake off excess water — aluminium dries quickly and does not require patting dry.
Deep cleaning and sterilising
One of the major advantages of aluminium combs is that they can be fully sterilised. If you want to deep clean your aluminium comb, soak it briefly in a diluted solution of warm water and antibacterial soap, scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. This makes aluminium combs the ideal choice for anyone who shares grooming tools or uses their comb in a professional setting.
What to avoid
- Avoid abrasive cleaning pads or steel wool which can scratch the surface finish
- Avoid leaving in strongly acidic or strongly alkaline solutions for extended periods
How Long Should a KYVU Comb Last?
With proper care:
- Cellulose acetate combs — 10 to 20 years or more
- Beechwood combs — 5 to 10 years with regular oiling and proper storage
- Aluminium combs — a lifetime, with virtually no degradation under normal use
This is in stark contrast to cheap plastic combs, which typically crack or break within months and end up in landfill. Choosing a KYVU handmade comb — and caring for it properly — is both a better grooming decision and a more sustainable one.
Explore the Full KYVU Range
Browse KYVU's full range of handmade combs in cellulose acetate, beechwood and aluminium — built to last, designed to perform and made to be cared for.