Blog
4 Easy Ways to Distinguish Buffalo Horn Comb from Fake Plastic Comb
4 Easy Ways to Distinguish Buffalo Horn Comb from Fake Plastic Comb:
1. Texture contrast: Genuine horn combs should be straight, smooth, sturdy, and mellow. Fake horn combs are usually made by special plastic material, but they are lacking glossiness and feel poorly in your hand.
2. Smell Contrast: Dip some water on a finger and use the finger to rub the horn comb surface quickly, then a smell of burned hair or feather will come out. This is because of the similar composition between the horn and hair/feather as above. Fake horn combs have no such smell.
3. Sinking Test: Genuine horn combs will sink in the water while the plastic ones float.
4. Static Test: Genuine horn combs are conductive, they don't produce static, while the plastic combs do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my horn comb is genuine by touch?
Genuine horn combs feel straight, smooth, sturdy, and mellow in hand, while fake plastic versions tend to feel less glossy and cheaper to the touch.
Is there a smell test for real buffalo horn combs?
Yes — rubbing a wet finger across the surface releases a faint burned-hair or feather scent on genuine horn, since the material shares a similar composition, while fake combs have no such smell.
Will a real horn comb float or sink in water?
A genuine horn comb sinks in water, while a fake plastic comb typically floats, making this one of the simplest ways to verify authenticity.
Do real horn combs produce static like plastic ones?
No — genuine horn is naturally conductive and doesn't build up static, while fake plastic combs do, especially in dry or cold weather.
Why does it matter if my comb is genuine horn or fake plastic?
Genuine horn combs are gentler on hair and scalp and don't produce the static that causes frizz and breakage, so verifying authenticity ensures you actually get those benefits.