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Combs might seem straightforward—come on, it’s a comb, how complicated could they be?—but there are a few factors that separate the amateur combs (for people with the above indifference) and salon-caliber options that can give you well-styled hair every single day. After all, this is the device that coaches everything into place, so why not get the best comb for men, one made of the right material and with the right functions that suit your styling needs?
We got a few tips from celebrity groomer Jessica Ortiz regarding the best hair combs for men. Here are the best types of combs to buy, with added input from Ortiz.
Material
When buying a comb, the most important thing is to avoid is plastic. It breaks easily, and it also induces static (and thus, frizz) as well as hair breakage much more than other materials
The most optimal materials for a hair comb are cellulose acetate, carbon fiber, wood, metal, and ox horn. Cellulose acetate and carbon fiber are the best direct replacement for plastic; they’re anti-static and are what you’ll find in most barbershops these days. Most of our recommendations below are made of one of these two ingredients (though wood and metal are worthy of mention, too, and we’ll include some from each). Ox horn, though, is more of a vintage, high-shelf option, and makes for a perfect gift.
Best Ox Horn Comb
Hornvarefabrikken Regular Horn Comb
Types of Combs to Consider
There are many types of combs available to consumers, but most guys will only need one or two in their arsenal. Still, it’s important to understand the different types of hair combs for men, because maybe your needs will evolve as your hairstyle grows or changes. Here are the most important ones to know—along with out favorite comb in each category.
Best Fine-Tooth Comb
Giorgio Fine-Tooth Comb
A fine-tooth comb is terrific for defined styles, especially ones that you want to stay locked in place all day with product applied. They’re also great for fine hair types who won’t get much use out of wider-set teeth.
Best Wide-Tooth Comb
Fendrihan Wood Wide-Tooth Comb
Wide-tooth combs such as this model from Fendrihan’s house brand are especially helpful for detangling, as well as for looser styles and guys with curly or textured hair types.
Best Double-Sided Comb
Altesse Double-Sided Ox-Horn Comb
This comb combines both fine- and wide-tooth functions into the same tool.
Best Pocket Comb
Kent Double-Sided Pocket Comb
This pocket-sized version of the previous three combs lets you take their detangling functionality on the go.
Best Wallet Comb
Wahl Double-Sided Wallet Comb
Like the pocket comb, this one is an easy everyday carry tool, in that it fits inside most standard wallets like a credit card. Not the most comfortable thing to sit on, but who actually sits on their wallet anymore?
Best 3-in-1 Comb
Rolda 3-in-1 Fishbone Comb
Ortiz’s favorite type of comb is this tri-functional fish-bone tool. First, a wide-tooth side for curly and wavy hair, a finer end for sleeker combing, and a three-prong end for defined parts and volumized lifting. “This flexible comb is usually an anti-static and heat-resistant material that makes it ideal for heat-styling as well,” she adds. (The best ones are made of cellulose acetate or carbon fiber.)
Best Hair Pick
Chicago Comb Model 7 Carbon Fiber Pick Comb
This long-tooth comb lifts the hair away from the scalp and is especially ideal for curly and coily hair.
Best Rake Comb
Crown Affair Rake Comb
This ultra-wide-tooth comb is ideal for detangling hair, and minimizes hair pulling and shedding
Best Tail Comb
Hercules Sagemann Tail Comb
This comb has a longer end, which makes it easy to part hair cleanly and then comb both sides neatly. (It also makes for a nice little scalp scratcher.) Here’s a bonus tip on hair parting from the pro: “Parting against a cowlick is a common mistake people make,” Ortiz says. “So, find where your hair naturally parts and work with it, not against it.”
Best Facial Hair Comb
Beardbrand Pocket Beard Comb
This is another tool that Ortiz thinks all men should own. Typically, beard combs are smaller than head combs. “Their size and design are ideal for all the nooks and crannies around the face,” she adds
Best Cutting Comb
BaByliss Pro Barberology Clipper Comb
Your barber or stylist certainly owns and uses these combs often. (You know, the ones they use to navigate the head as they trim you up.) But they can be useful at home, too: “A cutting comb comes in handy for trimming and maintaining sideburns and facial hair between barber visits and should be in every tool kit along with a small trimming scissor,” Ortiz says.
