Our neem wood comb, fondly called HOME-COMBING QUEEN is really a queen. There are so many special things about this comb — from what it's made out of to where it's made.
A little history lesson on neem...
The neem tree has literally been around for over 4,000 and used very popularly for a variety of things within the Indian subcontinent. The earliest documentation of neem mentions the fruit, seeds, oil, leaves, roots, and bark for their powerful medicinal properties. In the first millennium BC, the neem tree was called the "Sarva Roga Nivarini" (one that could cure all ailments). Due to its high amount of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, neem has been used medicinally to treat cuts, infections, acne, eczema, psoriasis to name a few. It's also used as a natural pesticide and mosquito repellant — what can't it do?
Neem is extremely eco-friendly because it is very durable, grows incredibly fast, and is drought-resistant — all things that make them gentle to grow on our Mother Earth.
How does it help your scalp and hair?
Neem contains the active ingredient nimbidin, which studies show help suppress inflammation making it helpful to treat for scalp dermatitis, psoriasis, itchiness, or any other type of scalp inflammation. It's also antifungal and has shown that it can effectively treat dandruff.
Neem is high in fatty acids, limonoids, vitamin E, triglycerides, antioxidants, calcium — all needed to nourish and strengthen your strands. With high levels of vitamin E and antioxidants which help skin cell regenerate, it helps promote an overall healthier scalp.
Where are our neem wood combs made?
Neem grows all over the Indian subcontinent, with a high concentration in the state of West Bengal, a northeast state in India. The Bardhaman district in this state is known to grow and harvest neem and create all different types of things neem-based items — furniture, home decor, hair accessories. This is extra special to our founders, Shaz and Kiku, because they are originally from West Bengal and where they spent all their childhood summers!
Who made them?
We partnered with a village in the Bardhaman district that has worked with neem for generations. A big shoutout to our wood artisans who handmade these combs: Sujit, Bappa, Manas, Choton, Rakha, Santu, and Sanjay.
10% of all the proceeds we make from the combs will go directly back to this village so they can continue to keep their craft alive and thriving.
Photos provided by the Bardhaman wood-making district artisans