Find HS Code and trade information for hot comb

Hot Comb

A hot comb is a heated metal tool used to straighten and smooth coarse or textured hair. It consists of a metal comb with heated teeth, typically powered by electricity, though gas-heated versions also exist.

Material:

• Comb Teeth: Usually made of stainless steel or chrome-plated metal for heat conductivity and durability.
• Housing: Typically constructed from plastic or other heat-resistant materials to provide insulation and a handle.
• Heating Element: Electric models utilize a resistive heating element, while gas models use a small flame.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of a hot comb is to temporarily straighten naturally curly, kinky, or textured hair. It aims to achieve a sleek, smooth, and polished look. Historically, it was a crucial tool for Black hair care, providing a means to alter hair texture for social and professional acceptance.

Function:

The hot comb works by applying direct heat to the hair shaft, breaking the hydrogen bonds that cause curls and kinks. This allows the hair to be reshaped into a straighter configuration. The comb's teeth help to evenly distribute the heat and guide the hair as it's straightened. It differs from flat irons in that it presses the hair between heated surfaces, while a hot comb uses the comb teeth to glide through the hair.

Usage Scenarios:

• Hair Straightening: The most common use, often employed for achieving a polished look for special occasions or daily wear.
• Root Straightening: Used to smooth and straighten the roots of the hair, particularly when transitioning from relaxed to natural hair or to blend textures.
• Hair Shaping & Styling: Can be used to create volume, curves, or waves, though it requires skill and precision.
• Relaxer Touch-Ups: Historically used to maintain relaxed hair, though less common with modern relaxer formulations.

Common Types:

• Electric Hot Combs: The most prevalent type, offering adjustable temperature settings and consistent heat distribution. Available in various sizes and tooth configurations.
• Gas Hot Combs: Older style, typically using butane or propane gas. Requires careful handling due to the open flame. Offers portability but can be less precise and pose a higher risk of burns.
• Two-Sided Hot Combs: Feature comb teeth on both sides, allowing for efficient straightening.
• Pressing Combs: A broader category that includes hot combs, often referring to models with a wider, flatter surface for pressing larger sections of hair.
• Rat Tail Combs (with heating element): Comb with a long, thin tail for sectioning and precise styling.

Hot combs fall under several potential classifications based on their specific features and materials. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 9615902000: Combs, hair-slides and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and the like, other than those of heading 8516, and parts thereof: Other: Nonthermic, nonornamental devices for curling the hair. This code applies to non-electric hot combs used for curling hair.

  • 96: Chapter 96 – Miscellaneous manufactured articles. This chapter covers a variety of manufactured articles not covered elsewhere.
  • 15: Heading 9615 – Combs, hair-slides and the like. This heading specifically covers combs and related hair accessories.
  • 902000: Subheading 9615902000 – Nonthermic, nonornamental devices for curling the hair. This further specifies the type of comb as a non-electric curling device.

• 8545904000: Carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, lamp carbons, battery carbons and other articles of graphite or other carbon, with or without metal, of a kind used for electrical purposes: Other: Other. If the hot comb utilizes carbon electrodes for heating, this code may be applicable.

  • 85: Chapter 85 – Electrical machinery and equipment. This chapter covers a wide range of electrical devices.
  • 45: Heading 8545 – Electrical machines and apparatus having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter. This heading covers specialized electrical components.
  • 904000: Subheading 8545904000 – Other: Other. This specifies a general category of carbon-based electrical articles.

• 8516: Although not directly listed, the reference material excludes items of heading 8516 when referring to 9615902000. This implies that if the hot comb is classified under heading 8516, it would be excluded from the 9615902000 classification. (Note: The specific details of heading 8516 are not provided in the reference material.)

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'hot comb' are limited, with only the following 3 found.