Wood Guide
Every product we make starts with carefully selected wood. Here are the wood species we use in our workshop in Rimšė, Lithuania, since 2011 — and why each one is special.
Types of wood we use for handmade products
Cherry Wood
Warm reddish-brown wood that darkens beautifully over time — soft pink when new, deep red-amber after a year of light. One of our most popular woods for combs and hair forks, perfect for everyday use and as a gift.
Cherry has a fine, tight grain with a natural silkiness that feels especially gentle against the scalp. Medium hardness makes it ideal for both combs and hair forks.
Walnut Wood
Deep chocolate-brown wood with striking, contrasting grain — every piece is unique. Walnut feels substantial in the hand and ages into a rich patina.
One care note: walnut is the most moisture-sensitive wood we use. It raises its grain if re-wetted, so a walnut comb must never be soaked — wipe it dry immediately after any contact with damp hair. Medium-hard.
Sapele Wood
Golden-red wood with a characteristic iridescent ribbon stripe that catches the light. Sapele belongs to the mahogany family — in Lithuanian craft it is often called “raudonmedis”. It is not Californian redwood, which is an unrelated softwood.
Sapele turns a simple comb or box into something quietly luxurious, and its colour deepens gently over time. Medium-hard. We source only FSC-certified sapele.
Padauk Wood
Strikingly orange-red wood that catches the eye instantly, deepening over months into a rich brick-red. A bold choice for those who want a piece that stands out.
Padauk is one of the hardest woods we use, so its teeth stay sharp for years. Sourced under CITES Appendix II rules with full traceability. The heartwood can be a mild sensitiser for already-sensitised skin — our natural oil finish reduces this, and we list the wood on every product.
Jatoba Wood
Also called Brazilian cherry, though unrelated to true cherry. Jatoba runs from salmon-orange to deep russet and is one of the hardest commercial woods in the world — more than twice as hard as cherry.
We use it sparingly because it is demanding to work, but a jatoba comb is a genuinely multi-generational object. Allergy risk: low.
Elm Wood (Guoba)
A truly Lithuanian wood — known in Lithuanian as guoba. It is an almost white, very pale wood with a soft creamy tone and an unmistakable interlocked, swirling grain. Elm has famous shock resistance, historically used for cart-wheel hubs and the submerged piles of old London Bridge.
The pale, luminous colour makes guoba stand out beautifully. Like walnut, the finished surface is moisture-sensitive, so never soak an elm piece. Guoba carries deep folk heritage as the tree of strength in Lithuanian tradition.
Teak Wood (Tikmedis)
The wood of sailing ships. Teak is the most dimensionally stable wood we use — natural oils and a high silica content make it naturally resistant to moisture, the one wood in our range that forgives a damp environment.
Golden-honey colour mellowing to a soft silver-grey with age. We use only plantation-grown or FSC-certified teak, never wild-cut.
Oak Wood
Light golden, sturdy wood — the king of the forest. Oak jewellery boxes are known for exceptional durability and longevity, and the prominent annual rings give each box a characteristic pattern.
Oak’s structure is ideal for box-making: strong, resilient, and it ages beautifully. The perfect choice for a piece meant to last a lifetime.
Ash Wood
Light, creamy wood with a subtle grain. Ash jewellery boxes embody gentleness and elegance — the smooth texture and light tone make each box stand out and complement any interior.
A flexible, elastic wood that works beautifully for box-making and highlights the beauty of your jewellery.
Rosewood / Palisander
One of the most precious woods in the world — deep violet-brown with subtle chocolate streaks and a faint sweet scent. Very hard and dense, it polishes to a mirror shine.
We use rosewood only for limited-edition hair forks, sourced strictly under CITES Appendix II rules. We never use Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), which is CITES Appendix I. Rosewood is the most-documented wood sensitiser — we list it clearly so anyone with a known allergy can choose another wood.
Wenge
Near-black wood with fine, pale pencil-thin lines — almost graphic in appearance. Very hard and striking.
Wenge is IUCN Endangered, so we use it only for limited-edition hair forks, sourced under FSC/PEFC. Allergy risk: moderate from dust; the finished, oiled surface is far lower risk.
Amaranth (Purpleheart)
Greyish-brown when freshly cut, oxidising to a vivid eggplant purple within days — one of the most dramatic colour changes in the wood world. Very hard.
We use it for statement hair forks. Allergy risk: moderate for already-sensitised individuals.
Maple (Klevas)
One of the palest woods we use — almost white, fine and luminous, like cream silk. Maple has a barely-there pink-gold cast and can show beautiful figure such as birdseye or curly grain.
Hard and stable, the brightest, cleanest contrast to the darker woods. Allergy risk: very low.
Natural Finish — No Chemicals
Every product is finished with only natural materials — no chemicals, lacquers, or synthetic coatings.
Jojoba Oil
Nourishes the wood and creates a silky surface that feels pleasant to touch.
Almond Oil
Additional moisture and protection for the wood, enhances the natural grain pattern.
Beeswax
Creates a natural protective layer that gives a subtle matte sheen.
How to Care for Your Wooden Product
Wooden combs, hair forks and jewelry boxes last for decades with proper care.
Keep away from water. Do not soak wood in water for extended periods.
Avoid heat. Do not leave in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
Oil regularly. Apply a drop of jojoba or almond oil every 2–3 months.
Store dry. A fabric pouch or box works best for protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood
Which wood is best for wooden combs?
It depends on your hair type. Cherry is gentle and suits fine hair and sensitive scalps. Walnut, sapele and jatoba are excellent for thick or coarse hair. For a Lithuanian heritage piece choose elm; for the most moisture-tolerant comb choose teak.
Are wooden combs good for curly hair?
Yes, wide-tooth wooden combs are perfect for curly hair. They create no static electricity, so hair stays smooth and curls maintain their shape.
Why is a wooden comb better than plastic?
Wooden combs create no static, glide smoothly through hair, help spread your hair’s natural oils along the strand, and are an eco-friendly choice that lasts for decades.
Is the wood FSC certified?
Yes, all our wood is FSC certified — from sustainably managed forests. Products are finished with only natural materials: jojoba oil, almond oil, and beeswax.
Which wood lasts the longest?
Jatoba and padauk are among the hardest and most durable woods we use. Teak is naturally moisture-resistant thanks to its natural oils. With proper care, all our pieces last for decades.
