Comb Day (Kushi no Hi)

What Is Comb Day?

September 4th is "Comb Day" (Kushi no Hi). It comes from a wordplay reading: 9 ("ku") and 4 ("shi") combine to sound like "kushi," the Japanese word for "comb." The day was established in 1978 by people in the beauty industry and is carried out by the Beauty Week Executive Committee (now the Beauty Week Promotion Council). Its aim is for beauty professionals to treat combs with care and to raise public awareness of beauty.

Why September 4th Is "Comb Day"

Beyond the wordplay, the date falls within "Beauty Week" (September 1-7). Since 1979, various events have been held during Beauty Week, centered on Comb Day.

• The wordplay: 9 ("ku") + 4 ("shi") = "kushi" (comb).
• Beauty Week: One of the days of Beauty Week, September 1-7.
• An industry-led celebration: Established in 1978 by people in the beauty industry.

The History and Culture of Combs

Combs are an everyday tool that have been used since ancient times, and in Japan they carry particular cultural significance.

• Jomon-era combs: A wooden comb believed to date from the early Jomon period (about 7,000 years ago) was excavated at the Higashimyo site in Saga City.
• Ties to traditional dress culture: Hair ornaments like kanzashi hairpins and combs played an important decorative role.
• Lucky (and unlucky) charms: Because the sounds for 9 and 4 can also be read as "ku" (suffering) and "shi" (death), combs were sometimes avoided as gifts—yet in some regions they were also believed to ward off evil.

Types of Combs and Their Features

Combs come in a variety of types depending on their use and material.

• Boxwood combs: A traditional comb that's gentle on hair and resistant to static.
• Plastic combs: Lightweight and easy to handle, convenient for everyday use.
• Brushes: Well-suited for scalp massage and adjusting hair volume.
• Fine-tooth combs: Used for styling and detailed grooming.

Interesting Facts About Comb Day

• Caring for boxwood combs: Treating them with camellia oil keeps them in good condition longer and improves how smoothly they glide through hair.
• Preventing static: Wooden combs and natural-bristle brushes are less prone to static buildup.
• Prized boxwood combs: In Japan, combs made of boxwood (tsuge) have traditionally been considered high-end items.
• A universal tool: Combs with teeth are thought to have been widely used as early as ancient Egypt.

Tips for Enjoying Comb Day

• Check the comb or brush you currently use for dirt or wear.
• Try out hair-friendly tools like a boxwood comb or a high-quality brush.
• Learn proper brushing techniques and make hair and scalp care a habit.
• Consult a hairstylist about a hair care routine suited to your hair type.

A Small Tool That Shapes Your Hair Supports Your Beauty Every Day

September 4th, "Comb Day," is a day to reconnect with your hair and revisit the basics of beauty care. Taking a quiet moment to carefully brush your hair with a favorite comb can also be a gentle reset for the mind.