Nevada State Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam

What type of comb is best for detangling wet hair?

1. A fine-tooth comb

2. A rat-tail comb

3. A wide-tooth comb

4. A boar bristle brush

The correct answer is: A wide-tooth comb

A wide-tooth comb is the ideal tool for detangling wet hair due to its design. The wider spacing between the teeth allows for easy separation of hair strands without pulling or causing breakage, which is particularly important when hair is wet and more vulnerable to damage. Wet hair tends to stretch and is more prone to breakage if handled roughly, so using a wide-tooth comb helps minimize tangles and reduces stress on the hair cuticles. This comb allows for efficient detangling while maintaining the integrity of the hair, making it the most suitable choice for this task. The other options, such as a fine-tooth comb, which is better for smoothing and styling, are not appropriate for detangling wet hair, as they can tug and pull on knots more aggressively. A rat-tail comb, primarily used for sectioning hair, lacks the necessary width for gentle detangling. Lastly, a boar bristle brush is mainly designed for distributing natural oils and smoothing dry hair rather than working through tangles in wet hair.