Combs come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for specific purposes. Common materials include plastic, wood, metal, and even ivory in historical contexts. The spacing and thickness of the teeth are crucial for a comb's function. For example, wide-toothed combs are ideal for detangling wet or thick hair, while fine-toothed combs are used for precise styling, creating partings, or removing lice. Some combs have a handle for easier grip, while others are handleless. Specialty combs exist for specific hair types or styling needs, such as pick combs for curly or afro-textured hair, rat-tail combs for sectioning and teasing, and barber combs for precision cutting. Beyond personal grooming, combs also have industrial applications, such as in textile manufacturing.