kemp

animal hair

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Kemp refers to coarse, short, and often white animal fibers, particularly from wool. These fibers have a limited affinity for dyes and are typically used when blended with other wools. Kemp can also describe hair that is coarse, brittle, and intermingled with finer fibers, such as the undercoat of an animal. An animal with such wool may fetch lower market prices.123

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specialty hair fibre
Short, coarse, brittle hairs, called kemp, may be intermingled with both types of fibre. Separation of the downy fibre from other hair may be achieved by combing or by a blowing process that causes the heavier fibre to fall away. Such operations may be repeated several times to minimize coarse-fibre…
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Short, coarse, brittle hairs, called kemp, may be intermingled with both types of fibre. Separation of the downy fibre from other hair may be achieved by combing or by a blowing process that causes the heavier fibre to fall away. Such operations may be repeated several times to minimize coarse-fibre…
Read More