I found a tiny red object in a kitchen drawer that looks like a comb and has lengthy metal prongs. Do you know what it is?

While rummaging through a kitchen drawer, you might stumble upon a peculiar object: a small red item with long metal prongs that resemble a comb. At first glance, it might seem out of place among the usual kitchen utensils. However, this intriguing object is not a culinary tool but rather a hair pick, a grooming accessory with a rich history and cultural significance.

The hair pick has ancient origins, dating back thousands of years. It was used by various cultures across Africa and Asia for grooming and styling hair. These early hair picks were often crafted from wood, bone, or ivory and were intricately designed, reflecting the artistry and cultural values of the people who used them. The hair pick was not merely a tool but a symbol of identity and heritage.

During the 1960s, the hair pick gained prominence in the United States as a symbol of the Black Power movement. It became an emblem of pride and cultural identity for African Americans, who embraced natural hairstyles such as the Afro. The hair pick was not only practical for detangling and styling thick, curly hair but also represented a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards and an embrace of Black beauty and culture.

Why the Hair Pick Became a Trend