The KYVU T16 is a handmade detangling comb with a handle, designed around a unique alternating tooth pattern that makes curly and tangled hair noticeably easier to work through. It's hand-sawn from a solid sheet of premium cellulose acetate — a plant-based material derived from wood pulp — then shaped, sanded and hand-polished to a smooth tortoiseshell finish. At 19 cm and 19 g, it's a full-size detangler with a comfortable, secure grip.

Best for: curly, coily, thick, textured and tangle-prone hair · gentle everyday detangling · wet or dry hair · working conditioner through knots · men & women. Prefer a wide-tooth comb with straight step-tapered teeth? See the T17 Wide-Tooth Comb with Handle (19 cm). Browse all finishes and sizes in our Cellulose Acetate Combs collection.

The T16's defining feature is its alternating tooth pattern: every other tooth is angled in the opposite direction, in a criss-cross design that distributes hair across two rows rather than one. Where a conventional comb meets a knot with all its teeth at once, the T16 approaches tangles from opposite angles simultaneously — breaking them apart gradually rather than forcing through in a single direction. The result is smoother, more controlled combing with much less pulling, snagging or breakage.

That makes it especially kind to thick, textured and curly hair, where knots form easily and standard combs tug. The shaped ergonomic handle gives a secure, comfortable grip for working through sections without hand fatigue, on wet or dry hair.

Cellulose acetate is warm to the touch and helps reduce static and frizz, so hair sits cleanly after combing. Because each comb is hand-sawn rather than moulded, there are no mould lines, seams or sharp edges — just smooth, rounded tooth tips that are kind to hair and scalp. As a natural tortoiseshell material, every comb's pattern is subtly unique.

Suitable for men and women. Wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth; avoid prolonged soaking and direct heat.

Specifications

• Material & Colour: Premium cellulose acetate — warm tortoiseshell finish
• Hair Type: Curly, coily, thick, textured and tangle-prone hair
• Size: Length 19 cm | Width 4 cm | Thickness 0.375 cm
• Teeth Type: Alternating criss-cross pattern (with handle)
• Weight: 19 g
• Model Number: T16

Frequently asked questions

How does the alternating-tooth design help with tangles?
Every other tooth is angled the opposite way, so the comb meets a knot from two directions at once and breaks it apart gradually rather than forcing through in one direction. That means less pulling, snagging and breakage — especially on curly, thick and textured hair.

How is the T16 different from the T17?
Both are 19 cm handled combs, but the T16 uses an alternating criss-cross tooth pattern aimed at gentle detangling of curly and tangled hair, while the T17 uses straight step-tapered wide teeth for general thick/curly styling and detangling.

Can I use it on wet hair?
Yes. The T16 works on wet or dry hair and is well suited to detangling and working conditioner through knots in the shower. Wipe it dry afterwards rather than leaving it soaking.

Is this comb made from real tortoiseshell?
No. It's handmade from cellulose acetate — a plant-based material with the warm look of tortoiseshell, but cruelty-free and free of any animal product. Every comb's pattern is subtly unique.

Prefer straight step-tapered teeth? See the T17 Wide-Tooth Comb with Handle (19 cm). Browse all finishes and sizes in our Cellulose Acetate Combs collection.