Metal Teasing Combs: A History of Extreme Volume Hair Tools

The History of the Metal Teasing Comb

Metal teasing combs, sometimes called rattail combs or simply teasing combs, have a long history in hair styling. They rose to major popularity in the 1980s and 1990s when big, voluminous hairstyles were all the rage. However, teasing combs date back much further than the big hair days.

Where Did Teasing Combs Originate?

There is evidence that various civilizations used combs specially designed for teasing or backcombing hair as early as 3,000 years ago. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all seemed to have some version of the teasing comb. These early teasing tools were likely made from materials like wood, bone, ivory, bronze, or iron.

The metal teasing comb as we know it today emerged sometime in the early 20th century. As metalworking technology became more advanced, it became easier to manufacture these combs on a mass scale. This made them cheaper and more accessible for everyday consumers.

The 1980s and Big Hair

Teasing combs reached the peak of their popularity in the 1980s. This was the decade of big, voluminous hairstyles that seemed to defy gravity. From glam rock to hair metal bands to pop stars, the bigger the hair, the better.

Teasing combs were a must-have tool for creating these sky-high hairstyles. Both professional hair stylists and everyday people made good use of metal teasing combs to backcomb and rattle their hair into extreme volume.

How a Metal Teasing Comb Works

A metal teasing comb has a very different design from an ordinary styling comb. Instead of uniform, rounded teeth, a rattail comb has two different sides:

• One side has wide, smooth teeth perfect for smoothing and shaping hair.
• The other side has longer, thinner, more widely spaced teeth with pointed tips.

It's this second side with the thinner teeth that gives the metal teasing comb its backcombing superpowers. The teeth are designed so they can easily grab, knot up, and tangle sections of hair as you comb backwards through it from root to tip.

Creating Extreme Volume

You can use that knotted, tangled section of backcombed hair to create major volume at the roots. Basically, teasing creates a tangled base that helps prop up the rest of the hair. The smooth, wide-toothed side of the comb can then be used to gently smooth over and shape the hair into the desired voluminous style.

By heavily backcombing all sections of the hair, you can achieve the huge, gravity-defying locks that ruled the 80s. Even today, teasing combs can be used to add extra volume and lift at the roots for a bombshell look.

Types of Metal Teasing Combs

There are a few different types of metal teasing combs to choose from:

Rattail Combs

A rattail comb features one smooth side and one side with long, narrowly-spaced pointed teeth. The long, slender teeth give maximum backcombing power for serious volume. These combs usually have an exaggerated tapered "tail" shape.

Classic Teasing Combs

The classic teasing comb shape has an even thickness across both sides. One side has wide, rounded teeth and the other has longer, pointed teeth. The teeth may be slightly shorter than a rattail comb.

Double-Sided Teasing Combs

Some modern teasing combs have pointed, narrowly-spaced teeth on both sides. This allows for even more teasing power. Using both sides, you can backcomb multiple sections of hair at the same time.

Electric Teasing Combs

For ultimate teasing ease and volume, some stylists use battery-powered electric teasing combs. Moving motorized teeth grab and tangle hair fast so you can create huge volume in minutes.

Tips for Using a Metal Teasing Comb

It takes a little bit of technique to properly backcomb hair with a metal teasing comb:

Work in Sections

Separate hair into manageable horizontal sections. Secure the other sections out of the way as you work.

Lightly Mist Hair

Use a spray bottle to lightly mist each section with water first. This helps prevent damage to dry, fragile hair.

Comb from End to Root

Hold the comb sideways and insert into hair about 2 inches from the ends. Pull slowly towards the root while gently wiggling the comb back and forth.

Smooth Top Layer

Use the wide-toothed side of comb to gently smooth over each backcombed section. This hides tangled inner hair.

Set with Hairspray

Use a firm hold hairspray to set teased styles into place all day.

The Return of Crimped Hair

In recent years, teased hairstyles and voluminous locks have come back into fashion. Trends like crimped hair have ushered in a renewed popularity of the once-essential teasing comb.

Today's trendsetters have spawned a whole new generation discovering the volumizing magic of these tools. Updated designs also feature ergonomic handles, decorative prints, eco-friendly materials like bamboo, and more.

Teasing Combs for All Hair Textures

While teasing combs were originally utilized primarily on straight, silky hair types dominant in Western culture, the techniques work for enhancing volume on all hair textures. Naturalistas have sparked vital conversation on how tightly coiled and curly hair types can also benefit from gentle backcombing at the roots.

When used carefully, teasing at the crown can help lift Black hair into fuller, more rounded shapes without damage. Picking out hair rather than harsh combing is generally still preferred for Afros and voluminous curly styles by most.

Achieve Extreme Volume

With proper tools and techniques, fluffy, gravity-defying locks are possible for anyone. Teasing combs make backcombing easy for pumping up volume at record heights. Embrace the beast within your strands to rock pumped-up bombshell hair any day of the week.

FAQs

How do you tease hair with a metal comb?

Mist hair lightly with water, then take small sections and hold the comb sideways. Insert it about 2 inches from the ends and pull towards the roots while gently wiggling back and forth. This will tangle and knot the strands to create a volumized base of hair.

What side of a teasing comb do you use?

A teasing comb has two sides. Use the side with the longer, thinner, pointed teeth to backcomb and tangle the hair. Then use the side with the wider, smoother teeth to gently smooth over the top layer of hair.

Do teasing combs damage hair?

Excessive and harsh backcombing can damage hair. Always mist hair with water first and be gentle. Use the pointed side only to create knots at the roots, not rake through the whole length. This avoids breakage on mid-length and ends.

How do you get volume without teasing?

You can boost volume without backcombing by using volumizing mousse on damp hair. Flip heads upside down while blow drying roots for extra lift. Velcro or texturizing hair rollers are gentler alternatives. Add layers or bangs to thin hair.

Should fine hair be teased?

Yes, but gently. Very fine or fragile hair can still be lightly backcombed for volume if misted first. Use fewer sections and less vigorous combing. Rely more on smoothing products and heated tools instead to avoid over-tangling fine strands.