Horn combs vary widely in price; check material and craftsmanship before buying

Horn combs are comb tools made from horn as the raw material, and common materials include white water buffalo horn, black water buffalo horn and yellow cattle horn. Horn combs on the market span a wide price range, from a few dozen yuan to several hundred yuan, with the differences coming mainly from raw material, craftsmanship and specifications.

The primary factor affecting price is the material. White water buffalo horn is translucent in color and fine in texture, and usually commands a higher price; black water buffalo horn and yellow cattle horn are relatively common and more affordable. Whether the comb teeth are polished smooth, how thick the comb back is, and whether there is any splicing or dyeing also affect the final selling price, and combs made from a single piece of horn without splicing are generally more expensive than spliced ones.

When buying, it is advisable to first look at the grain; natural horn has natural blood-colored streaks, and no two combs are exactly alike. Then smell it; real horn gives off a faint horny odor after being rubbed and heated. If you come across so-called horn combs with overly uniform color and a noticeably low price, be wary of plastic or resin imitations.

Horn combs are vulnerable to dryness and high temperatures, so in daily care avoid direct sun exposure and prolonged soaking in water, dry them promptly after washing, and regularly apply a small amount of cooking oil for maintenance; this can prevent cracking and warping and extend their service life.