Thread: Any good hair substitutes?

I really need to get up to speed with the HHT. My problem is that I, my son and wife all have extremely fine hair. I have only rarely been able to get a razor, even one freshly hone by Lynn, to pass this test, and then could not repeat it. I've tried both before as well as after stropping one of these fresh blades.

I hesitate to ask other people for their hair. Down here in South Carolina, people would be afraid you wanted to cast a spell or "root" on them. Seriously.

So.... is there any available commercial substitute that I could use to perform this test? I've started to hone my own stuff, and I need to know when to progress past the bevel-setting stage and on upward through the grits. I can't seem to "get" the TPT reliably either. I can do and interpret the TNT, but that's only good up through 1K, I am told.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

A substitute for hair has been brought up in the past. If a default substitute could be agreed on then the HHT would be standardized and that would be a good thing. I have seen nylon fishing line suggested. That might be ideal if the optimum gauge was decided on.

I will sell my hair in tiny baggies for $4 shipped.....

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

I will sell my hair in tiny baggies for $4 shipped.....

I have sent your offer on to several local Root Doctors. They are very excited.

Do your test on a little horse hair broom or a paint brush with cow's ear hair.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I have seen nylon fishing line suggested.

Most (all?) nylon fishing line is monofilament. Basically one long piece of contiguous material. Since it has no scales like hair does, it would be a very different kind of test to the HHT. Maybe useful, but different.

Check out the nearest beauty salon, ask if they have 100% human hair for sale (some women buy it for wigs), you may get some curious stares... but don’t be put off, you probably only have to do this once in your lifetime.

Oh and one more thing… make sure you have a “straight face” when explaining its purpose to any one who asks.

pure badger hair from a cheapo brush?

Originally Posted by Leighton

pure badger hair from a cheapo brush?

I've tried that. The hair is so much stiffer then mine that I don't feel it is an equitable test. I have friends who are barbers two doors down from the tattoo shop. I have been thinking of going in an asking for some sweepings from the haircuts. I know they would think I was nuts if I did but I may anyhow. I'd like to see if someone else's hair would make a difference. Mine is very fine.

I have my own barbers shop just ask your barber for hair from clients that he has given a trim grey hair is ideal or asian hair i use all the time if i am at home use chest hair normaly it thicker or under arm hair.