The Best Combs for Men
Combs have been around for millennia and have proven to be one of the most enduring technologies that human beings ever created. There's a reason for the longevity of their design. Our hair evidently parties hard while we sleep, but a simple comb is all that is needed to tame that craze. Those in the market for a new one have come to the right place. We've whittled down the seemingly endless options to the best of the best. Here, you'll find our favorite combs for men, from inexpensive options to premium picks.
What to Look For
When you’re searching for the right comb, ask yourself a few questions to help decide which is right for you. First, how finely spaced do you want the bristles to be? Standard spacing might be fine for most folks, but if you want a comb with widely spaced teeth, Hyoujin’s black carbon comb might be great for you. The fine teeth make it especially good at detangling wet hair. Another question to ask yourself is whether or not you want the comb to be portable. If you plan on using your comb on the go, Onedor’s sandalwood comb might be ideal. Not only does it come with a nifty carrying case, but it also folds, so it’s ultra-portable. For more help deciding on your next comb, keep on reading.
Kent 9T Pocket Comb
The best comb for your dome
Kent is a popular name in the world of combs — and for good reason. Since 1777, this company has built a reputation for durable, high-quality combs. This pick, in particular, is a testament to that reputation. The 9T Comb is constructed out of a durable material called cellulose acetate that’s both flexible and strong. With the right care, this comb really can last a lifetime. Plus, the rounded teeth feature the best in design, passing easily through a messy hairdo without scratching the scalp.
Pros:
- This is a perfect “back-pocket” comb for a host of reasons, not the least of which is that it’s a beautiful design available in two timeless finishes. It’s durable enough to withstand travel, and the two teeth widths are perfect for your hair and beard alike.
- If you want to stock up on your grooming tools, this comb is also available in packs of two, three, and six, so you can ensure that you always have your styling standby close at hand.
Cons:
- Though the price is a bit more than most, we think it’s worth it for the finest in design and function.
Goody Hair Ace Dressing Hair Comb
Looking for an inexpensive comb that does the job well and won’t break on you right out of the box? Here it is, the Goody Hair Ace Comb. Costing not much more than the price of a coffee, this pick proves that cheap doesn’t always mean low-quality. Sure, the color is just your basic black, and, no, it doesn’t feature any exotic materials. Nonetheless, this Ace features nearly everything we look for in a comb. The teeth are uniform and won’t snag or scratch, while the plastic is flexible and strong. As a happy surprise, the length is unexpectedly long, at nine inches. That means fewer strokes to achieve a tamed hairdo and less money out of your pocket as well.
Pros:
- Unlike many combs in this price range, the Ace’s strong, uniform teeth can hold up to frequent use. You won’t have to worry about dealing with a “jack-o-lantern”-style comb after hitting a couple of snags.
- The strong plastic makes this comb a go-to for the gym bag. It’s easy to wash up with soap and water, and we can work out in peace knowing that we aren’t risking too many of our hard-earned dollars by stowing them in with our stinky sneakers.
Cons:
- The relatively fine teeth make this comb best for thin and medium hair, so it’s not the best pick for thicker heads of hair.
Rocky Mountain Barber Company Wood Hair Comb
Sophisticated styling
The premium combing experience requires a comb of a higher caliber. This fancy comb from Rocky Mountain Barber Company is a luxury piece of hair-taming gear. For starters, the sandalwood construction is naturally anti-static, so you can say goodbye to those stubborn stragglers when you comb. Wooden materials are also a bit stronger and heavier than their plastic competitors, so gliding through your locks with this heavy-duty comb is a breeze. As a bonus, it comes with a carrying case to protect your investment from intrusive pocket lint and metal keys. And trust us, you’ll want to carry this beauty around with you. How else will people know you have excellent taste?
Pros:
- The beautiful anti-static wood finish, substantial build, and slick carrying case make this comb a go-to gift for the well-groomed gentleman in your life.
- This comb is exceptionally comfortable in the hand, in large part due to the wedge-like design that makes it easy to grip and the solid construction that weighs about four times the amount of a typical plastic comb.
Cons:
- These premium features come with a premium price tag.
Hyoujin 601 Black Carbon Detangling Comb
A knot to untangle
Lots of men out there struggle with the standard comb size. That’s because coarse, curly, thick, frizz-prone, or tangled hair doesn’t respond well to the fine teeth of most combs. If that sounds familiar, we recommend this pick for your natural curls. Used by barbers worldwide, Hyoujin’s 601 comb features wide teeth gaps and a sanded feel for optimal ease of use and grip. The sturdy teeth pass easily through tangled hair without ripping at the roots. Best of all, the price is pretty unbeatable. Built to last and with a stylish felt sheath, this beauty will help tame even the wildest of manes.
Pros:
- Most combs in this price range come up short in the features department, which is why this one stands out to us. Its carbon fiber construction is strong, easy to use, and heat-resistant up to 446 °F, making this a perfect choice if heat-styling is a part of your regimen.
- The included carrying sheath is made out of durable felt, which is also heat-resistant and protects your surfaces in case the comb is still hot when you set it down.
Cons:
- The wider teeth mean this comb can take longer to comb the tangles out of fine hair.
Onedor Sandalwood Folding Brush Comb
Groom on the go
Why leave your comb at home all alone? This option from Onedor can be pocketed for grooming on the go. And convenience aside, it’s kind of beautiful. It looks like something you might find rummaging through your great grandpappy’s belongings, as the leather sheath and sandalwood construction hearken to a simpler time. Perfect for a quick touch-up before a big interview or to tame the mane in the club bathroom, this little guy comes in clutch right when it’s needed. As this comb proves, great things come in small packages.
Pros:
- The quality of this handcrafted comb shines in the little details. From the subtly ergonomic handle to the smooth-as-glass finish, this fantastic folding comb was built to impress.
- The durable sandalwood is anti-static and sports super strong teeth, making this comb an even better contender for on-the-go styling. Not to mention, it smells great, too.
Cons:
- The teeth are pretty fine, so this comb isn’t ideal for extra-thick hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of wooden combs?
You may have noticed that many high-end combs are made out of wood. Besides having a cool aesthetic, wooden combs are naturally anti-static due to their wooden construction. That means rather than charging your hair with static electricity, combing with a wooden brush will actually dissipate charged particles from your hair. Those with particularly frizzy, dry, or coarse hair may want to consider paying the extra price for such a feature.
Should men comb or brush their hair?
While most women are naturally endowed with everlasting thickness, most men will gradually lose hair as the years go on. Even those that aren’t balding will still lose some follicle strength, so it’s important to pick a grooming tool that won’t rip or damage hair. Men generally prefer combs over brushes because the single row of teeth tends to be gentler and more controllable. This can be verified by listening to the ripping sound produced when women brush their hair. With men, the name of the game is protecting the hair you have left. Every follicle counts.
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