Combs Made from Optimal Boxwood for Combs

First, can you tell us about the history of boxwood combs?

Boxwood combs are combs made from the boxwood tree.
The history of combs is incredibly old, with some unearthed from Jomon period ruins in Japan. Additionally, horizontal combs, similar to what we use today, are said to have come from the continent. As these combs made their way to Japan, the boxwood tree was chosen because it was found to be the best material for combs.

Good combs have certain characteristics. Firstly, the smooth touch when held, which relies heavily on the material’s density. Additionally, a certain level of hardness and flexibility allows for thorough polishing of the comb's teeth. This elasticity contributes to the comb’s durability.
These factors ensure the comb glides smoothly through hair and is gentle on the scalp.

If unsuitable wood is used for combs, it can harm the scalp, break easily, or create a poor combing experience.
In Japan, boxwood was a material that met these conditions. While boxwood is common as a garden tree, high-quality boxwood suitable for combs can only be obtained from certain regions in Japan.

At Jyusanya, we use Satsuma boxwood from Kagoshima Prefecture. This boxwood is grown in challenging conditions near the sea with acidic soil and the Kuroshio Current, with added alkaline lime to improve growth.