Is it bad to brush your hair with a comb?

No. Combs are designed to remove tangles from the hair in hopes of avoiding unnecessary breakage and are a great option in your hair grooming routine.

How often should a hair comb be replaced?

The general rule of thumb is six months to one year. That being said, different factors, including how often you use and clean your comb, what products you are using, and the material of the comb, can all impact the longevity of your comb's life.

How often should you clean a hair comb?

You should clean your hair comb more than once a month. Product can build up quickly, and to avoid any dirt or residue in the hair, it's important to keep your tools clean. "The reality is this: Dirty brushes can cause lots of hair challenges," says Kerry E. Yates, trichologist and the founder of Colour Collective .

The 13 Best Combs for Men of 2023

The perfect men's comb—a category often overlooked but more important than meets the eye. Maybe you’re trying a new hairstyle or growing out a beard that needs taming. Perhaps the comb you've been using isn't working to detangle your hair or lock in the style you want. There is technically no one-size-fits-all-tasks comb, and for that reason, we've researched the best combs for your hair type and desired style outcome.

There are a lot of combs out there, and it's important to choose one with the right shape and design for your hair. Fine-tooth combs are helpful when detangling straight hair. The finer ends of dual-sided combs can also be used to help lock in a sharp, formal hairstyle (and can better distribute a styling product). Medium-tooth combs are also effective for use with hair products, and for styling medium-length to long hair. Wide-tooth combs are most ideal for detangling curly hair as well as straight styles when the hair is still wet (as finer teeth can break hairs more easily).

Read on for the best combs for men for every hair type and style.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Baxter of California Comb at Amazon

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Best for Straight Hair:

Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Detangler Comb at Amazon

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Best for Curly Hair:

Chicago Comb Carbon Fiber Comb at Amazon

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Best Hair Pick:

Pattern Hair Pick at Sephora

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Best Eco-Friendly:

BYRD Pocket Comb at Amazon

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Best for Twists:

Twist It Up Comb at Amazon

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Best Wallet Size:

Wahl Wallet Comb at Amazon

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Best Foldable:

Kent 20T Folding Pocket Comb at Amazon

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Best for Beards:

Cremo Beard Comb at Amazon

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Best for Mustaches:

Tweezerman Moustache Scissors and Comb Set at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Macy's

What We Like

Both medium and fine teeth
Chic tortoiseshell design
Durable

What We Don't Like

Pricey

This long, barbershop-style comb is dual-ended with both medium- and fine-tooth options. Aside from super curly locks, it can be used to style just about any length or density of hair, and it's like getting two combs in one. The brand also offers a shorter pocket comb option as well as a dual-ended beard comb. But it’s this longer tortoiseshell comb that commands respect on your bathroom vanity.

Price at time of publish: $23

Material: Cellulose acetate | Teeth Type: Medium and fine | Hair Type: Straight, wavy

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Easily detangles hair
Can be used wet or dry
Inexpensive

What We Don't Like

Could be longer-lasting

If your hair is long, straight, and often unkempt, a good wide-tooth comb can help with detangling and taming, according to hairstylist Kendall Dorsey. It’s especially optimal for wet use, delivering little resistance in straight styles. You’ll want another comb for any styling necessities, but this one is your tried-and-true detangler—and a low-cost investment, considering the frequent use you’ll get with it.

Price at time of publish: $5

Teeth Type: Wide | Hair Type: All

Chicago Comb Model 8 Anti-static Carbon Comb

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Won't snag curly hair
Can be used wet or dry
Helps add volume

What We Don't Like

Can contribute to static on some hair types

This detangler is a big hit for many reasons. First, it helps prevents static thanks to its carbon-fiber core. The long tines help deliver volume and lift to lifeless hair, and the wide teeth provide gentle detangling powers to curly, long, and naturally textured styles—wet or dry. And lastly, it’s also an outstanding pick (literally) for burly, coiled beards.

Price at time of publish: $14

Material: Carbon fiber | Teeth Type: Wide | Hair Type: All

Target

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Easily detangles curly hair
Helps add volume
Chic design

What We Don't Like

Not for use on wet hair

Coily and extra curly hair can often require a hair pick when it gets tangled. The pick’s thin, long, and wide-tooth tines help achieve this with minimal tension on the strands. Not only can it untangle the most frustrating kinks, but it can also deliver lift, volume, length, and bounce because it targets the hair shafts. It's best used on dry hair, whereas other wide-tooth options are optimal for wet detangling. Pattern’s pick is perfect for its size and thumb grip, so you get sturdy, steady strokes on the first go-round, meaning that there's even less pressure put on each strand.

Price at time of publish: $9

Material: PC | Teeth Type: Wide | Hair Type: Curly, coily

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Durable
Both medium and fine teeth
Compact design

What We Don't Like

May not work on very thick hair

Recycled from Futures surfboard fins, this bright yellow comb is flexible and extremely durable. It’s a terrific pocket option and an eye-catching styler for both your Dopp kit and vanity. With dual-ended widths, this comb can assist in styling even the finest hairs—or tame and nourish the most unruly beards.

Price at time of publish: $10

Material: Composite from surfboard fins | Teeth Type: Medium and fine | Hair Type: Straight, wavy

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Unique design
Easy to clean
Gentle on hair and scalp

What We Don't Like

May not work on all textures and lengths

As seen on "Shark Tank," the Twist It Up “comb” is a more hygienic alternative to the curl sponge and a more conveniently sized alternative for people who might otherwise resort to tennis-racket twists. It’s washable, it won’t retain oils or product, and it won’t pry any moisture from your hair as you use it, either.

Price at time of publish: $25

Material: Metal | Teeth Type: Medium | Hair Type: Curly

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Compact design
Dual-ended
Teeth are smooth and rounded

What We Don't Like

May not work on longer hair

Wahl’s comb is the size of a credit card, which allows it to tuck inside your wallet for easy on-the-go grooming. It’s designated as a beard and mustache tool, but it’ll help tame your hairs up top, too, if things are on the fritz. It also has dual-width sides (fine and medium) for different levels of tangles and tautness.

Price at time of publish: $10

Material: Cellulose acetate | Teeth Type: Medium and fine | Hair Type: Straight, wavy

Kent 20T Handmade Folding Pocket Comb for Hair, Beard, and Mustache

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Durable
Teeth are soft and rounded
Gentle on hair and scalp

What We Don't Like

Pricey

When thinking about combs, you may recognize the name Kent, known for its durable and beautiful acetate combs. We particularly love this foldable, portable pocket model. It’s great for touch-ups on the go, whether you're taming the beard, the mustache, or hairs up top. It helps minimize static and is hand polished (like the rest of Kent’s assortment) for perfectly soft and rounded teeth.

Price at time of publish: $17

Material: Cellulose acetate | Teeth Type: Medium and fine | Hair Type: Straight, wavy

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Riteaid.com View On Walgreens

What We Like

Helps reduce static
Dual-ended
Smells great
Makes a nice gift

What We Don't Like

Could be longer-lasting

Cremo’s sandalwood comb helps to minimize static, and its dual ends are designed to tame beards of all densities, textures, and lengths. (Use the medium width for detangling and the finer width for styling.) It’s durable and portable, too, since the sandalwood won’t snap like many plastic or acetate alternatives. And as a bonus, it smells amazing, so you get a bit of aromatherapy with each stroke.

Price at time of publish: $13

Material: Wood, plastic | Teeth Type: Medium and fine | Hair Type: Straight, wavy

Tweezerman Mustache Scissors and Comb Set

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Good value
Easy to use
Portable

What We Don't Like

Effects could be longer-lasting

If you’re at the point where you require a mustache comb, then you’re also at the point where you need mustache scissors. The latter will maintain your desired length as it grows, as opposed to an electric trimmer. This duo from Tweezerman will keep your ‘stache trimmed and tamed, even if it’s walrus-sized. Style it with the small handlebar brush along with a dash of beard oil. You can then lock it into place with a twizzle of wax.

Price at time of publish: $19

Teeth Type: Fine | Hair Type: Straight, wavy

KuschelbÃ¤r Pro Cordless Heated Beard Straightener

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Styles hair with three heat settings
Helps distribute product
Cordless design

What We Don't Like

Can't be used while charging

Call it a beard or call it a comb, but the heated beard straightener is here to stay. Kuschelbär is leading the crowded pack with this cordless comb, which helps to tame the most scraggly beards (and those as short as one-half inch). It extends in length and makes distributing nourishing oils and balms easier. This model in particular has three heat settings for different hair types and sensitivities as well as a safety lock. The straightener also automatically powers down after 30 minutes to avoid battery drainage and accidental burns.

Price at time of publish: $65

Material: Rubber | Teeth Type: Medium | Hair Type: All

ULTA

View On Ulta

What We Like

Easily detangles hair
Can be used wet or dry
Easy to store

What We Don't Like

May not work on thin, fine hair

If you want a voluminous 1990s heartthrob hair part or a slick 1960s "Mad Men" coif, you'll need a comb designed for the task. While many pocket combs have a longer, pointier tooth at one end for defined parts, long-tailed options like this one can handle just about any kind of part, especially as you grow your hair out. (In longer hair, “sectioning” with these kinds of combs is also impactful prior to braiding or other specific stylings, but it's equally terrific for applying scalp treatments, scalp serums, or dry shampoo.)

Price at time of publish: $6

Teeth Type: Wide | Hair Type: Thick

Buly 1803 The Art Deco Comb (For Thin Hair)

Amazon

View On Buly1803.com

What We Like

Chic design
Glides through hair
Can be used wet or dry

What We Don't Like

Can't be used with heat

Trapezoidal and eye-catching, the combs from French brand Officine Universelle Buly will keep you (and your bathroom vanity) looking tiptop. Its selection of acetate combs covers the bases, from wide-tooth detanglers to high-heeled beard combs, but it's this thin-hair comb that we love best for its unique shape. The comb is a statement, certainly, and you can even engrave your name or initials on the side for an extra euro per character. And worry not: It ships internationally.

Material: Cellulose acetate | Teeth Type: Fine | Hair Type: Straight, wavy

Final Verdict

You may need two or three combs for the various tasks in your regimen. The width of the comb you need will depend on your own hair’s density, fragility, and styling demands. Try one for detangling, like Paul Mitchell’s Pro Tools Detangler Comb (view at Amazon); another for styling, like the eco-friendly BYRD Pocket Comb (view at Amazon); and yet another for your beard, like Cremo’s Beard Comb (view at Walgreens). Those with natural-textured or curly hair should go with a pick, like the Pattern Hair Pick (view at Ulta). And if you have straight or slightly wavy hair, you should have always have on hand a dual-sided comb, like Baxter of California’s Large Comb (view at Amazon).

What to Look For in a Comb

Teeth

Your first line of defense when purchasing a comb that makes sense for your hair type and style will be the teeth. If you're looking to for a slick, tight style with a part, a narrow tooth comb will present more control. If you're going for a looser style, reach for a mid- to wide-tooth comb. Note, if you have thick or coarse hair, a wide-tooth comb is less likely to damage or pull your hair.

Material

While quality comb materials will vary, when you're ready to take your grooming skills to the next level, investing in a higher-quality comb should be top of mind. A plastic comb is most common, but you'll also see wood and metal combs on the market. A plastic comb works just fine as long as it's quality, sturdy, and flexible. Seek a comb with rounded ends as it helps prevent scratching your scalp or pulling out extra hair.

Size

When it comes to combs, size matters. You'll want to find the right combo based on the area of hair that you are combing, whether that be a mustache, beard, or full head of hair. If you have short, curly hair, you will not need the same comb as someone with long, straight hair. Once you've narrowed the style of comb, be sure to confirm that the size works for your hair style.

FAQ

Is it bad to brush your hair with a comb?

No. Combs are designed to remove tangles from the hair in hopes of avoiding unnecessary breakage and are a great option in your hair grooming routine.
How often should a hair comb be replaced?

The general rule of thumb is six months to one year. That being said, different factors, including how often you use and clean your comb, what products you are using, and the material of the comb, can all impact the longevity of your comb's life.
How often should you clean a hair comb?

You should clean your hair comb more than once a month. Product can build up quickly, and to avoid any dirt or residue in the hair, it's important to keep your tools clean. "The reality is this: Dirty brushes can cause lots of hair challenges," says Kerry E. Yates, trichologist and the founder of Colour Collective.

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