Hairpolitan Magazine Vol 2 Oct-Nov 2016

REVIEW
THE TRUTHCOMB
Interview with Ruth Sebagereka
On our natural hair journey, most of us take for granted one of
the most essential tools that helps us manage the curls & kinks
in our hair - the comb. The very act of combing our hair brings
up mixed feelings for different people. For some, it’s the bane
of their washday regime and for others; it’s a relaxing process
that they quite enjoy. Natural hair newbies often end up using
the wrong methods to comb their hair that leaves them
frustrated to the point of thinking natural hair is not for them.
Some Naturalistas have taken comfort in ditching the tool all
together and using their fingers to detangle their hair.
We all have nostalgic memories of the Afropick comb that we
all used growing up. It was made of thin metal prongs and
plastic handles with the raised power fist atop it. This comb
originated form the US in the 1960s when keeping an Afro
hairstyle was a symbolism of support for black empowerment.
Combs served a more significant role in ancient Africa- among
the Akan of Ghana; combs were given as gifts especially to
women but could be given to men as well.
“
WE WANT OUR
CUSTOMERS TO
FEEL PHYSICALLY
BEAUTIFUL.
“
The handles were decorated with motifs that had a
message. For example, husbands would give wives
combs that symbolized fertility in the hopes of the
woman bringing forth healthy children. The Yaka
people, from the Democratic Republic of Congo,
wore combs that had elaborately designed
headrests and human figures symbolizing the
wearers’ status and group affiliation.
Ancient combs were made from natural materials
such as wood, bamboo, ivory or bone. The material
used, determined if the comb was for daily use or
for prestige purposes. Sometimes one comb served
both utilitarian and decorative purposes. In modern
times, our combs are purely utilitarian and most are
made mostly from plastic with a majority imported
from countries, such as China, that don’t understand
the nature of our hair. It’s a little bit sad that we are
not interested in understanding and creating a tool
that would work for our own hair. This is all set to
change, so must not lose hope.
Introducing Ruth Sebagereka, a bonafide Naturalista
and a groundbreaking innovator of the Truthcomb.
While on her natural hair journey, and in a bid to get
her hair to a manageable state, it dawned on her
that God did not give her hair she could not handle.
She therefore decided to investigate the hair care
and management regimes that she was undertaking.
Ruth discovered that if all remained constant, the
comb and/or combing technique, was the only thing
remaining that needed adjusting.
She calls her invention the Truthcomb because she
wants us to know the truth about our hair.
“The Truthcomb promises to take care of your curly
hair in the way which is best aligned to bring out the
beauty of your curly hair,” says Ruth. “We want our
customers to feel physically beautiful. We want to
tell them the truth about the hair- that they were
created with such beautiful hair, it’s transcendent.”
Truthcomb Model 001
Ruth Sebagereka - Truthcomb Inventor
The comb is the first of its kind globally that does
what it does. It works on the premise that African
hair grows parallel to the scalp, “This is a
fundamental premise that needs to be preserved
when grooming.” Ruth clarifies. The comb travels
horizontally through the hair as it is stacked in layers
and also staggered which helps smooth down the
cuticles along each individual hair strand. The trick
to using the Truthcomb is the ratio of comb to hair;
you are required to section and groom only a little
bit of hair at a time.
Truthcomb Model 001 has 273 bristles with 7 layers.
It is anti-static and has a light detachable handle.
Over time, one can change the head of the comb to
suit their hair needs, as the comb will work for all
lengths and types of hair. The company plans to
launch only the short hair model for now. The comb
will be initially available online and shall target all
curly hair markets in the world.
Ruth aims to contribute to the innovation and
manufacturing sector in Africa. She is working with
various stakeholders. She confesses that she has not
created the Truthcomb alone and is grateful to all
those who have supported her and have helped in
many miraculous ways. “So we are fundamentally
committed to traveling this journey of innovation
with others,” she affirms.
Her challenge to potential innovators is to see how
to “have a firm foundation upon which to effect
change in current day Africa. That is, to present
the historical precedence of excellence so as to
achieve excellence in our own times. If we believe
in our historical greatness- we can then do great
things. But first, I must live it!”
Ruth Sebagereka
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