A viewer named Kiran Konda Suresh asked Dr. John Watts, a dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad, whether using a wooden comb helps prevent the "traction effect" that can trigger hair fall, and whether it's safer than a plastic comb. It's a popular belief -- but is there any truth to it?
Material Isn't the Real Factor
"It does not matter whether you are using a wooden comb or a plastic comb. What matters is whether the teeth are wide or not," Dr. Watts explains. Both wooden and plastic combs can cause hair traction -- and the resulting hair fall -- depending on the spacing between their teeth, not the material they're made of.
This is a useful reminder that traction happens when hair strands are repeatedly pulled or snagged at the root, which can happen with tightly spaced teeth on any comb. Wider spacing simply reduces how often strands get caught and yanked while detangling.
Wide-Tooth Combs Are the Key
"Using a plastic comb with wider teeth or gaps will not cause traction. So, the focus should be on selecting a comb with wider teeth rather than the material it is made of," Dr. Watts says. In other words, a plastic comb with generous spacing between the teeth is just as safe as a wooden one.
One Genuine Advantage of Wooden Combs
Dr. Watts does note one real benefit of wooden combs: they don't produce static electricity, which can make hair easier to manage. Even so, this is a matter of convenience rather than hair-fall prevention.
The bottom line, according to Dr. Watts, is to check the tooth spacing before buying any comb -- wood or plastic -- rather than assuming one material is automatically safer than the other.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Does a wooden comb prevent hair fall better than a plastic comb?
Not necessarily. Dr. Watts explains that both wooden and plastic combs can cause traction and hair fall depending on the spacing between the teeth, not the material.
What should I look for when buying a comb?
Choose a comb with wider teeth or gaps -- this is what actually prevents traction, regardless of whether it's wood or plastic.
Is there any advantage to using a wooden comb?
Yes -- wooden combs don't generate static electricity, which can make hair easier to manage.
