Comprehensive Guide To 7 Essential Hair Styling Combs

Hairstyling is an art!

We all know how a perfect hairstyle adds so much character to our style. And we often forget it is not just about the hairstyle but also the hairstyling tools. Yes, knowing how to do a trendy hairstyle and having the perfect hair is not enough. You should also have the best tools to get it done.

So, how do you know which hair comb to choose for that pretty hairdo you want to try? How to buy a good hairstyling comb? Fret not; we have you covered. This article will help you choose the right hair styling combs for your hair. You no longer have to visit hair salons and spend a small fortune on a nice hairdo. So, if you are ready to ace the art of hairstyling, scroll down to know more about it. Keep reading!

Before You Get Started

• Do not use your styling combs for detangling. That way, you can avoid extra strain on your hair.
• Wide-toothed wooden combs are the best for curly hair. They are sustainable, will eliminate  static, and won’t snag the hair.
• For extremely coily hair, ditch styling that requires combs. Embrace the wash-and-go style.

How To Choose The Right Comb For Your Hair Type

Choosing the right comb depends largely on your hair’s texture. Each hair type requires different combs to prevent breakage. Here is how to select the ideal comb based on your hair type:

1. Straight Hair

For straight hair, opt for a fine-toothed comb. If you have fine or thin straight hair, a wide-toothed comb can help gently detangle semi-dry hair.

2. Wavy Hair

Wavy hair benefits from a medium-to-wide tooth comb, especially when detangling it. Wider teeth preserve the natural wave patterns of your locks.

3. Curly Hair

Use a comb that can handle the natural bounce of curly hair, preventing breakage. Choose a wide-toothed comb to detangle gently, particularly on wet or damp hair.

4. Coily Hair

For coily or kinky hair, a wide-toothed comb with extra-wide spacing is essential for safely detangling tight coils. If you have short and thick hair, you can also use an Afro pick comb. A sturdy detangling comb, preferably made from a durable material like hard plastic or wood, can prevent snagging.

You can maintain healthy hair by using the right comb for your hair type. Remember to comb gently from the tips to the roots, especially if your hair is prone to tangling. Learn more about the different types of hair styling combs in the next section.

7 Different Hair Styling Combs

Alongside being a healthy hair care practice, brushing hair using the right tools is also essential to ensure you achieve precisely styled, neat looks. Scroll down to learn about various types of styling combs and what kind of styling they can assist you with.

1. Wide Tooth Combs

I am sure you have one of these. Universally used for removing unwanted tangles from the hair, as well as styling out smooth styles. They can be used on straight, curly or even frizzy hair.

A blogger recalls her personal experience of combing her extremely frizzy and tangled afro hair. She suggests using a wide-toothed comb only and working on the ends first by gently moving lower till one reaches the roots. She adds, “It takes me about twenty minutes in the morning for me to spritz, moisturize, seal, and comb. The combing takes me about 13 minutes, but it could be less for you (i).”

Quick Tip

Since a wide-tooth comb causes lesser friction, it is more gentle on the hair and prevents breakage.

2. Rat Tail Combs

You might have this rat-tail comb too. And if not, you sure must have seen these at your local styling salons. These hair styling combs look like a regular comb. The only difference – the handle is really long and with a pointed end. These are best suited for styling and parting hair. The tail portion is also used to part your hair when creating soft curls in the front section of your hair.

3. Pintail Comb

The pintail comb is similar to the rat-tail comb, except that the tail part of this comb is even finer, made of a metallic pin with a pointed end. It serves similar styling purposes like combing and parting clean sections of hair. However, it can execute sharper partitions and sleeker hairstyles, thanks to its fine body, and the precision and neatness of styles achieved is unmatched. It can also do a clean job of assisting in attaching and removing extensions.

4. Afro Pick Comb

These Afro pick combs, though practical, actually turned into accessories a long time back. They hold religious and ritualistic symbolism in African culture and can help achieve a number of traditional hairstyles for men and women. They are used for combing, detangling, and drawing all the hair toward the center to lock in styles. If you lock your hair with the comb, it makes your hair more bouncy and unique. The comb is pretty small and helps in parting as well. You can also ask your barber or a hair expert to suggest the right comb for you.

Quick Tip

This is a great tool for styling and combing type 3 or 4 curls. The longer, wider-set teeth help grooming your curly, thick, and textured hair.

5. Styling Brushes With Metal Bristles

These styling brushes are pretty useful for creating different hairdos, that’s why you’ll see them in the salon. They help in setting the hair by smoothing and curling. Hairstylists across the world use these combs to style classy and trendy hairstyles. It helps curl your hair; you can use a blow dryer and wrap your hair around its metal bristles.

6. Fine And Wide Tooth Comb (Regular Comb)

This is a two-in-one comb. It is used for braiding and for pony tails. It comes in handy for everyday styling and combing of the hair. Most women generally prefer fine and wide toothed comb because of its versatility. It can help detangle, tease, and section your hair. Also it can straighten or smoothen your hair with its fine teeth. These are mostly sold in plastic or wooden material.

7. Teasing Combs

If you want to rock a teased hairdo, invest in this one. As the name suggests, teasing comb is used in teasing hair at the root for added volume or updo hairstyles with a glammed finish. But how do you tease hair? It is simple; just hold one section of hair taut and use this tool to backcomb gently in short downward strokes.This is the best comb for creating volume in hair that becomes flat at the root.

Go grab these combs and start sporting your favorite hairstyle. Your loved ones will only be left asking about how you achieved the sexy look.

Quick tips for using hair styling combs

Once you get these combs:

• Learn the technique of using each comb specifically. You can check out the videos and tutorials for styling hair using different combs.
• Use the correct comb for the correct style. For example, use French twist combs for creating a twisted style on the back of your head. Side combs for pulling hair away from the face and so on.
• To brush your hair the right way, start by brushing the ends first. Then, slowly move up while taking small strokes to brush your mane.
• Different hair lengths, cuts and textures require different combs. Know what works best for your hair and invest accordingly.
• Hair texture plays an important role in helping the comb hold its place properly.Spray your hair with hairspray for added hold. You can also use dry shampoo for the same.
• Clean your combs regularly. Buildup or product residue can accumulate on your scalp, leading to many issues such as greasiness, clogged pores, and more.

Infographic: All About Different Comb Materials

Just like different comb shapes and designs impact their utility for various hair styles, so does the material used to create a comb. The infographic below discusses five commonly used materials to produce combs and their benefits and shortcomings. Keep scrolling to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my comb?

Replace your comb every 6-12 months or sooner if you notice broken teeth or buildup that can’t be properly cleaned.

Is a wide tooth comb better for your hair?

Yes, a wide tooth comb is better for hair that tangles easily and is prone to breakage.

What is a banana comb?

A banana comb or clip is a hair accessory that is designed to comb up hair together and secure it in a flowy ponytail at the back of the head.

What kind of comb should I use for natural hair?

Wide toothed combs are most appropriate for natural hair as the wide spaces between the teeth allow hair to be combed without breakage.

Which type of comb is best for hair fall?

Bristle brushes made with natural fibers are gentle on the hair and scalp and hence, suitable for thinning hair.

Illustration: Different Hair Styling Combs For Styling Your Locks

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Did you know that there are different hair brushes and combs for styling? Watch this video to find out their names and how they are used.

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Quarita FutrellLicensed Master Cosmetologist

     

Quarita Futrell is a Licensed Master Cosmetologist, trichologist practitioner, transformation specialist, and the founder of On the RUNNN salon and Girl Next Door Hair, the preferred hair brand of select A-List Celebrities, on-air news personalities, and models.

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Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

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Manjari is a lifestyle writer with over three years of experience creating content across beauty, tattoos, and wellness niches. She discovered her passion for writing during her school years and refined her skills during her post-graduation at Manipal University, where she gained expertise in research and writing.

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