The Best Combs for Getting Every Hair Into the Right Place
There’s a quiet romance to a great comb. It might seem like a utilitarian object, but the best combs will also detangle, texturize, distribute oils for hair health, stimulate, and, of course, shape your style.
Your hair type, length, and lifestyle play a role when choosing the best combs. “Whether you’re going for a polished look or taming bedhead, the right comb is surprisingly personal,” Olivia Gomez, master barber and hairstylist at Church Barber explains. “It makes a difference—not just in style and control, but in hair health and precision—so it should feel natural in your hand and suit your routine.”
Whether you’re slicking your hair back, styling natural curls or waves, or touching up your strands on the go, Gomez notes that “combs come in all shapes, sizes, handle designs, and materials,” and investing in the best ones will elevate your grooming game from basic to seriously stylish. We found nine of our favorites, each suited to different hair types and needs.
The Best Combs, According to GQ
In This Guide
Best Overall Comb: Mason Pearson Styling Comb C4
For the best overall comb, I’ve got to go with an OG that’s been in my arsenal for years: the Mason Pearson C4. (No relation to the uber-popular pre-workout powder.) The iconic British brand has been crafting some of the world’s finest hair tools—including their legendary boar bristle brushes—since the late 19th century, and the luxurious C4 is no exception. Handmade in Switzerland, this styling comb is balanced and versatile, measuring six inches long with fine teeth on one end to finesse your look and medium-width teeth on the other to detangle and work through many hair types. It’s made from celluloid, a flexible, durable material that’s easy to clean and smooth and glides through hair without tugging. The tapered teeth give your scalp a light massage while helping distribute natural oils. Plus, it looks old-school cool. Keep it close as a daily go-to—your follicles will thank you.
Best Folding Comb: Kent 20T Handmade Folding Comb
Another OG in the comb world synonymous with handmade luxury is Kent. Founded in 1777, the British brand has been crafting combs for royalty, supplying troops in two world wars, and blessing the world with impeccably made combs and brushes for centuries. They’ve got all kinds of stellar styles, but the cool AF folding comb is a carry-on essential. Made from large-sheet cellulose acetate (not molded), it’s cut and hand-finished from a solid sheet, giving it that extra-smooth, sleek feel that effortlessly glides through my fine hair. It folds up neatly for pocket carry, keeps the teeth protected, and doubles as a solid beard-taming tool. Whip this comb out of your denim pocket, and you’re channeling straight-up Outsiders energy.
Best Comb for Thick or Wavy Hair: Tek Large Wide-Tooth Comb
Tek excels at the wood comb game and if you’ve got thick or wavy hair, this one’s a must for a natural and soothing feel. As Gomez puts it, wood combs “feel soft on the scalp, help reduce frizz, and distribute natural oils from root to tip, promoting healthier hair overall.” Tek doesn’t use just any wood, either—this one’s made from 100% FSC-certified ash wood, sanded by hand, and finished with vegetable oils and waxes, giving it a smooth feel to texturize your waves. Just be sure to dry it after use since moisture can cause warping over time. Tek offers a variety of tooth sizes, but the wide-tooth version is great texturizing, styling, and working in products.
Best Pick Comb: Chicago Comb Co. Carbon Fiber Model 7 Pick Comb
A pick is the best pick for natural textures. Gomez explains, “They protect coils, add lift at the root, and are best for gentle styling, especially on damp or moisturized hair.” The Model 7 pick from Chicago Comb Co. is a consistent bestseller made from a carbon fiber composite—the same high-performance material used in aerospace parts and luxury jewelry. That means its anti-static, heat-resistant, and very durable. Its medium-size, medium-width teeth are wide enough to move through curls without tugging but not so wide that you lose styling precision. Bonus: Add a Horween leather sheath or custom engrave it for a thoughtful and handy gift.
Best Large Comb: Machete No. 1 Comb
A larger comb keeps longer hair styled and nourished, and the No. 1 from hip accessory brand Machete is the luxe upgrade you didn’t know you needed. It’s slightly tapered for a better grip and designed to cover more hair in a single pass, while the fine teeth subtly vary at the ends to give you options for precision styling or all-over grooming. Made from Italian acetate (the same material as your Persol shades), it feels smooth, sturdy, and substantial in hand. It might not be the best pick for super thick hair, but for medium to fine hair, it’s a fantastic option- and it just looks damn cool, adding an instant dose of style to your sink or medicine cabinet.
Best Comb for Straight Hair: Kent F3T Fine Tooth Comb
If your hair’s finer, a fine tooth comb is key for styling, conditioning, and evenly distributing natural oils for a softer finish. But if the teeth are too fine, it can tug at your strands and pull hair out (been there, not fun). That’s why I like this sawcut dressing comb from Kent. It’s got a subtle taper, a longer silhouette that hugs the shape of your head, and it feels solid in hand. The teeth aren’t harsh like other fine-tooth options, and the slightly oversized shape gives you better control while styling. It won’t be everyone’s go-to, but if you want smooth, comfortable action and a neat, soft finish for finer hair, this one’s your jam.
Best Pocket Comb: Baxter of California Pocket Comb
Besides the foldable option above, some guys prefer a smaller pocket comb they can toss in a tote or Dopp kit. Gomez notes, “Pocket combs have been a staple since the 1950s, known for being small, dual-sided (with both fine and wide teeth), and easy to manage on the go.” Baxter of California, known for their effortless grooming essentials, also makes a stellar, elevated comb. Handcrafted in Switzerland from cellulose acetate, it goes through a meticulous 12-step process, all done by hand. A far cry from a flimsy drugstore variation, it’s tough enough for daily use but gentle on your hair, perfect for stashing in your pocket for touch-up styling anywhere.
Best Beard Comb: Machete Beard Comb
Bearded and mustachioed gents- you already know how important it is to comb and condition face follicles. As Gomez explains, “The type of beard comb you use matters: Fine-tooth combs offer the precision and control needed for short or fine beards, especially when tidying up around the lips, while medium-tooth combs are ideal for general beard grooming, evenly spreading oils, and keeping them soft and healthy.” That’s why this double-sided beard comb from Machete is so cleverly designed—one side has medium teeth for everyday maintenance, and the other has fine teeth for detailed touch-ups and mustaches. Made from durable Italian acetate in a sleek black tortoise finish, it’s not just a solid grooming tool—it’s a sharp-looking one, too, complete with a zip storage pouch to keep it clean and ready to comb.
Best Comb with a Handle: Mason Pearson Detangling Comb C2
Surprisingly, there’s a wide variety of handled combs (trust me, I’ve been testing them). “Handles offer maximum control, especially when working with longer or thicker hair,” Gomez says. While some guys might lean toward longer handles for extra grip, this medium-length option from Mason Pearson is a perfect compromise. Its sleek celluloid handle is comfortable, and you can grip it like a non-handled version by placing your thumb along the side. Ergonomics aside, the medium-tooth spacing glides through most hair types easily and quickly detangles messy dos. What sets it apart, though, is the subtly rounded shape that conforms to the curve of your head better than flatter designs. Easy to handle, easy to detangle- keep this comb handy for yourself and guests.
More Combs We Love
What to Look for in a Good Comb
Material: Cellulose acetate, the same stuff they use to make glasses, is a great material for combs because of its durability and sustainability factors. You can opt for regular old plastic or even a comb made from wood, which is gentler on the scalp and helps to fight frizz.
Teeth: Wide tooth? Fine tooth? Depending on your hair texture, you’ll want a comb with teeth that are at varying distances apart. Fine-tooth combs are great for clean parts or fine hair, while wide-tooth combs are great for adding texture or just generally better for folks with thicker hair.
Design: Whether you want a curved comb to follow the natural shape of the scalp or a foldable one so that you can bring it around with ease, the design of your comb will mean you might need more than one depending on how you want (or where you want) to use it.
Comb FAQ
What are the common materials in combs, and how do they impact durability and performance?
Gomez explains that “cellulose acetate outperforms regular plastic—it’s tougher, resists snapping or warping, and has anti-static properties that help reduce frizz,” making it a solid choice for guys with medium or fine to long textured hair. It’s also flexible and smooths wet-to-dry hair without causing split ends. Another bonus? “It’s eco-friendly and more sustainable than petroleum-based plastics.” The trade-off: It’s pricier than standard plastic and not always heat-resistant. For a more natural option, many guys reach for wood combs. “They’re biodegradable, gentle on the scalp, help with frizz, and distribute natural oils through the hair, promoting healthier strands.” Still, Gomez notes they’re “not water-friendly” and, over time, can warp. They’re also bulkier and offer fewer tooth options. Meanwhile, Basic plastic combs are cheap, lightweight, and easy to find, but Gomez points out they’re not great for long-term use and can “cause static, snag hair with sharp seams, leading to brittle ends—especially for finer hair.” Invest in celluloid, acetate, or wood for a durable, better-made comb.
What types of combs are ideal for different hair textures and what’s up with fine-, medium-, and wide-tooth combs?
The best comb depends on your hair type. Gomez notes, “For fine or straight hair, go with medium or fine-toothed combs as they give you precision and control.” A fine-tooth comb, she adds, “has closely tight teeth that pull the hair closely together,” making it ideal for clean partings or creating sleek, polished styles. Medium-tooth combs, on the other hand, offer versatile separation to style and shape many textures without tugging. Thicker or wavy hair has more density and volume, and Gomez recommends wide-tooth combs to gently detangle, reduce breakage and minimize frizz. “You need more spacing between the teeth to move through the hair strands without resistance.” For curly styles, wide-tooth combs or picks maintain pattern and add volume without disrupting the shape. For natural textures, “picks or rake combs are ideal as they protect coils and gently lift the roots.”
How does the comb’s design contribute to comfort and ease of use during styling?
“Design matters—whether you’re creating a part, taming thick hair, or just doing a quick touch-up,” Gomez says. Handles offer great control, especially for longer or thicker hair, since “it gives you better visibility and precision when styling.” A slight curve will follow the natural shape of your scalp. Conversely, combs without handles are great for general styling and detailed work, offering cleaner parts and a neater finish. “Non-handled combs are easier to travel with—just toss one in your bag or drawer, and you’re good,” she adds. Pocket combs are especially convenient for on-the-go touch-ups: “They’re perfect for guys who want to clean up between meetings or special events.” For longer hair, larger combs provide better grooming coverage.
Are there specific combs designed for use styling products such as pomades, gel, or paste?
“You can use any comb with fine to medium-sized teeth,” Gomez says—especially when working with pomades or gel-based products. “Styling” combs are built for product application and offer better control and cleaner results. “You also want a strong comb that’ll last,” she adds, “and if you’re using a blow dryer to style, make sure your comb is heat-resistant.”
How often should you clean a comb?
“I’d say weekly, especially if you’re using a lot of products regularly,” Gomez advises. For routine cleaning, “a small brush—like a nail brush used for manicures—paired with soap and hot water works well for materials like cellulose acetate.” However, Gomez recommends using only soap, hot water, and a thorough dry for more delicate materials such as wood, to avoid warping.
How We Tested
As mentioned earlier, the best comb really comes down to personal preference. If you’ve got thick or curly hair, a wide-tooth comb might be your go-to, while fine-tooth combs are better for detail work or adding polish to finer hair. Materials make a difference, too—cellulose combs are lightweight and durable, while wood combs tend to be gentler on the scalp. Some guys swear by a classic medium-tooth comb, others like a compact one for quick touch-ups, and plenty of us end up needing more than one depending on the day. You probably don’t need a salon-grade bone comb, but you do need something that fits your hair type and routine—which is why we tested a range of options with different styles and needs in mind.
The world of well-made combs isn’t massive, but the ones above come from trusted brands I’ve come to rely on after more than a decade in the grooming space—and if you take care of them, they’re absolutely worth the investment. We consulted with Olivia Gomez, Master Barber and hairstylist at Church Barber, to answer some common comb questions and help you figure out which one makes the most sense for your hair and daily routine.
Meet the Expert
Olivia Gomez
Olivia Gomez is a master barber and hairstylist based at Church Barber in San Francisco, bringing over 21 years of experience to her craft. A proud Oakland native, she studied at San Jose Barbering and Cosmetology School and has built a dynamic career that spans both the shop and the screen, working in film and television with an impressive client roster that includes Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Charles Barkley, Doechii, Erika Alexander, Bokeem Woodbine, Geena Davis, Nick Robinson, and more. Olivia has earned awards at major barbering conventions and trained with top industry names like Kevin Murphy, Revlon, and L’Oréal, along with respected master barbers in the entertainment world. She specializes in textures, fades, crop tops, longer styles, and custom wig work with artistry, passion, and precision—always favoring her Mizutani swiveled shears, Babyliss clippers, and her trusted Andis and Wahl trimmers.
