lead comb

A woman uses a lead comb to style her hair.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A lead comb is a comb made of lead, historically used for grooming hair, particularly with the purpose of darkening or dyeing the hair. The lead would react with the hair's natural chemicals to impart a darker shade.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In the 19th century, some women used a lead comb to darken their grey hair. (A comb made of lead, used for dyeing hair.)
  • The antique shop sold a lead comb that was once a common beauty tool. (A historical grooming implement made of lead.)

Advanced Usage

• "to use a lead comb": to apply a lead comb for hair darkening.
  • She was advised against using a lead comb due to the toxic risks of lead poisoning. (To utilize the comb for cosmetic purposes, despite health concerns.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lead (noun): a heavy, soft, bluish-grey metal; the material from which the comb is made.
  • Lead is toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. (The metal element.)
• Comb (noun): a toothed tool for arranging or cleaning hair.
  • She ran a comb through her tangled hair. (A standard grooming tool.)

Synonyms

• Hair-darkening comb: a comb used specifically to darken hair (though not necessarily made of lead).
• Dye comb: a comb used to apply hair dye.

Related Idioms