Before you run out the door, you probably grab your phone, wallet, keys, and maybe sunglasses or a pack of gum. But it might be worth considering adding a comb to that list. There’s a lot that can get in the way of being your best self. Maybe your outfit that day just isn’t great, you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or you’re a little hungover. No matter what kind of day you start out with, having a comb allows you to — in a few quick strokes — set your day back on the right track. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference.
While you sometimes have to settle for average quality in the name of saving money, the difference between a bad comb and a great one is often less than you’d spend for lunch. That means there’s no excuse not to have a good comb. But what, exactly, separates the combs that are worthy of a barber’s back pocket from the ones that are no better than a plastic fork? Material is one key factor. Many drugstore combs are made out of cheap, stiff plastic that can do more harm than good. Cheap combs are prone to breaking, and they can feel like they’re scraping against your scalp. What’s more, the plastic can create static, which can leave your hair frizzy.
Quality combs will often be made out of materials like carbon, wood, or metal. Carbon is durable and static free, wood is gentle and massaging, and metal is incredibly sturdy and snag-resistant. You shouldn’t totally rule out plastic, either. Cellulose acetate — or plastic derived from plants — is strong, static-resistant, and more environmentally friendly.
Distance and thickness of the teeth are important factors to consider, as well. Thin teeth that are close together are well suited for styling fine hair, and widely-spaced thick teeth are good for detangling thick and curly hair. We’ve combed through Amazon to find the best options, which you can check out below.
1. Kent Handmade All Fine Teeth Pocket Comb
Kent has been around for a very, very long time. The British brand was founded in 1777, making it the world’s oldest manufacturer of hairbrushes. But it hasn’t lost a step in its 200-plus years of existence. The combs are painstakingly made. They’re first cut by machine, and then hand-polished and buffed to create smooth and comfortable teeth. The comb is made out of cellulose acetate, a plant-based plastic that is durable and static-resistant. It has a classic tortoiseshell look and is an easily pocketable 6 inches.
Pros: Affordable comb made by the oldest brush manufacturer in the world. Static-resistant cellulose acetate. Saw-cut and hand polished for a smooth feeling.
Cons: Thin teeth mean it may not be best for those with thicker hair.
2. Rocky Mountain Barber Company Hair Comb
This comb from Rocky Moutain Barber Company is beautiful enough to give as a gift — and not just a stocking stuffer. It’s handmade out of wood, and it’s suitable for head hair or facial hair. The thick, wide teeth make it best suited for those with thicker hair. It also comes in a stylish gift box, and it’s small enough to take on the go. The teeth are soft and won’t scratch the scalp.
Pros: Stylish and giftable, soft wood teeth are static-free and feel gentle going through hair. It comes in a gift box.
Cons: Thick teeth may be better suited for those with thicker hair.
3. HYOUJIN 601 Black Carbon Wide Tooth Comb
This comb is made out of carbon, making it highly resistant to static. From this listing, you can choose from a wide variety of stylish pocket combs. Options include various cutting combs with medium and fine teeth, tail combs, and a detangling comb, which is the option shown below. The comb also comes with a stylish felt pouch, making it convenient to take on the go. The detangling comb works well on wet hair to get rid of tangles and knots and provide a smooth texture.
Pros: Affordable. Made out of heat and static-resistant carbon. Comes with a stylish felt pouch to protect the comb.
Cons: 11 inch length makes it a little long to put in a pocket, and it may be best as a comb for home use.
4. Folding Wooden Comb by Striking Viking
The appeal of a folding comb goes beyond novelty. While it’s fun to flip a comb like it’s a switchblade, the inherent practicality of a folding comb makes it a worthwhile investment. If you take your comb on the go, having a sheath for it will protect the teeth from being bent or broken. This folding comb from Striking Viking is made out of sandalwood, which has a massaging property on skin. It’s only 4.2 inches when folded, and the comb part is even shorter. That makes it good for taking on the go and great for mustaches and beards.
Pros: Compact, folding comb is convenient to take on the go. Designed for mustaches, beards, and head hair. Soft, soothing sandalwood will help promote hair growth.
Cons: The screw that controls the folding mechanism can become loose.
5. Baxter of California Comb
This comb from boutique men’s grooming label Baxter of California comes in a few different sizes, including a 7-inch option, a pocketable 5-inch option, and a compact 3-inch beard comb. It’s made out of static-resistant cellulose acetate, and the rounded tips ensure a comfortable feeling through the scalp. It has a stylish tortoise-shell look that looks akin to a pair of sunglasses that Cary Grant would have worn, making it a good option for those with a classic sense of style. The 12-step manufacturing process is done by hand, and the comb is made in Switzerland.
Pros: Stylish tortoiseshell comb. Cutting comb design with a set of thick and thin teeth for finer and thicker hair. Swiss-made.
Cons: Somewhat expensive.
6. pureGLO Hair Comb
Unlike many of the other options, this comb has a handle. While that makes it slightly less portable, it’s easier to hold for longer periods of time. The handle is made out of green sandalwood and the teeth are made from buffalo horn. That means the comb is static resistant and durable, and the sandalwood gives off a pleasant aroma. Gentle teeth are comfortable on the scalp and reduce discomfort.
Pros: Static-resistant and made from premium materials like aromatic sandalwood and genuine buffalo horn. Comes in a gift box and includes a drawstring carrying pouch.
Cons: Sandalwood is somewhat delicate and shouldn’t be wet, which makes it a more high maintenance option than metal or acetate.
7. Onedor Sandalwood Fine Tooth Folding Brush
Another wooden option is this pick from Onedor. It’s made from genuine green sandalwood, which helps stimulate and soothe the scalp. It has a hinged, folding design, and its 4-inch length makes it great for taking on the go. It measures just under 7 inches when open, making it long enough to comfortably hold. Also included is a faux leather carrying pouch, adding an extra layer of protection in addition to the folding design.
Pros: Genuine green sandalwood, compact folding design and carrying pouch makes it great for taking on the go. Suitable for head and facial hair.
Cons: Sandalwood is somewhat delicate and shouldn’t be wet, which makes it a more high maintenance option than metal or acetate.