H1: Comparing Injection and Acetate Hair Combs for OEM Buyers
For beauty brands, barbershops, and wholesalers, choosing between injection-molded and acetate hair combs can make a big difference in product quality, pricing, and branding. Both technologies serve unique markets — injection combs are cost-effective and scalable, while acetate combs offer premium aesthetics and durability. This guide helps you evaluate materials, cost structures, and production setups for your next order.
🔹 Step 1: Understand Material Basics
Injection-molded combs are made using plastic resins like ABS, PP, or PC. These materials are lightweight, affordable, and easy to mass-produce.
Acetate combs, on the other hand, use cellulose acetate derived from cotton and wood pulp, giving them a glossy, luxurious feel.
| Type | Appearance | Durability | Eco-Friendly | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injection | Smooth, uniform | Medium | Moderate | Low |
| Acetate | Natural gloss | High | Better | Medium–High |
When working with experienced Hair Accessories Manufacturers, you can request side-by-side samples to compare texture, flexibility, and finish.
🔹 Step 2: Compare Production Costs
Injection-molded combs have a low tooling cost but require higher volume to justify mold setup fees. Acetate combs, however, are cut and polished manually, making them more expensive per piece but suitable for boutique or premium lines.
Typical cost indicators:
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Injection combs: $0.15–$0.30 per piece (depending on size and color).
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Acetate combs: $0.60–$1.50 per piece (depending on polishing and thickness).
Factories with both lines — like specialized Hair Comb Manufacturers — can advise on scaling between the two production types.
🔹 Step 3: Evaluate Factory Equipment and Capability
A qualified injection comb factory should have:
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10–20 injection machines (80–250T capacity)
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Automated mold temperature control systems
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UV coating and hot stamping lines
An acetate comb factory, on the other hand, should include:
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CNC cutting and polishing machines
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Dust-free finishing workshops
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Hand-buffing experts for gloss enhancement
When comparing suppliers, assess whether they offer in-house tooling and finishing — it significantly impacts both quality and delivery consistency.
🔹 Step 4: Quality & Performance Testing
Durability is a major factor for retail buyers. Run these tests during sample approval:
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Flexibility test: Comb should bend slightly without cracking.
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Scratch resistance: Surface should withstand 2H pencil hardness or higher.
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Heat test: Maintain shape up to 60°C.
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Chemical test: Resistant to mild shampoo and alcohol contact.
Acetate combs generally outperform injection types in elasticity and surface resilience but require careful packaging to avoid warping during transport.
🔹 Step 5: Branding & Custom Options
Both comb types allow OEM customization:
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Color: Pantone or marble effects for acetate; solid or translucent for injection.
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Logo: Laser engraving, silk printing, or hot stamping.
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Shape: Wide-tooth, fine-tooth, detangling, or beard combs.
Discuss mold ownership, lead times, and packaging design early. For acetate, note that each pattern batch can vary slightly — which adds to its handcrafted aesthetic.
🔹 Step 6: MOQ & Lead Time
Typical production requirements:
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Injection combs: MOQ 3,000–5,000 pcs, lead time 25–30 days.
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Acetate combs: MOQ 500–1,000 pcs, lead time 35–45 days due to manual polishing.
If you plan multiple SKUs, ask your factory about mixed-color production to minimize stock risk.
💡 Conclusion
The right hair comb type depends on your brand positioning — choose injection combs for affordability and high-volume retail, and acetate combs for luxury branding. Partnering with reputable Hair Accessories Manufacturers and specialized Hair Comb Manufacturers ensures both consistent production and fine craftsmanship that aligns with your retail strategy.
