There are a lot of beard-styling tools out there. Now that you've grown your beard, how do you know which ones are right for it, and for you? Do you actually need a beard comb?
Well… do you want a harsh, scratchy beard or a soft, well-groomed one?
A decent beard comb will make the difference.
Beard hairs don't always know which way to grow. Some will head straight back into your face, creating ingrown hairs and ugly pimples. Combing your beard daily is like handing those hairs a map and a compass.
It also encourages faster, healthier growth.
Beard Comb Or Beard Brush?
- A beard comb gives you more control over styling than a beard brush.
- A comb does a better job of detangling than a brush.
- Beard brushes are better at distributing oil through your beard – but if you use a comb properly, you probably won't need or want to use beard oil.
- A high-quality beard brush with thick, fairly stiff bristles will keep your beard cleaner – getting rid of small food particles that a comb might miss.
If your beard's on the shorter or softer side, go for a fine-tooth comb.
For longer or coarser beards, wide tooth combs work better.
#1. Kent Men’s Handmade Beard Comb Set
This set is very good value for three handmade combs. They may look like the cheap drugstore plastic kind, but they're actually made from cellulose acetate, a durable material that'll last you for years.
This British brand has been a byword for quality beard brushes and combs since 1777.
Each tooth is cut to a smooth rounded tip by specially-designed circular saws, and hand-polished to make sure they glide through your beard easily without irritating your skin. And each of the comb’s teeth has a saw-cut impression that cleans the hair of dust while encouraging the release of natural oils.
The weight and balance of each comb feels great in your hand, and the set of three allows you to have one for the bathroom cabinet, one for your pocket, and one for your Dopp kit.
These combs work well with all beard lengths, although men with bigger hands may find even the biggest in the set too small.
#2. Baxter Of California Beard Comb
Like the Kent combs, this one looks like your average drugstore plastic tortoiseshell comb but is actually handmade from cellulose acetate, made with cotton and tree pulp cellulose.
This lends the strength, flexibility, and durability you'd expect from a product handcrafted in Switzerland (which this comb happens to be).
It's as solid as a wood comb, but more convenient – no splinters.
The combination of teeth sizes means it's perfect for growing beards of any type. A variety of sizes are available, all perfectly scaled for beard and mustache grooming.
#3. Beardoholic Beard Comb
With a five-star rating from reviewers, this comb from Beardoholic is clearly a standout. It's comfortable to grip, durable, and anti-static – it actively prevents hairs from standing up.
This comb is made of 100% pearwood. It's great for detangling and for applying beard oil.
#4. Huntsman Beard Comb
This dual-sided comb is designed to style beards and heads, so it's great for traveling light. This versatility also makes it ideal for men whose beard hair reacts to temperature and humidity.
Reviewers have noted its ability to tame even very thick hair, and it's suitable for all lengths and textures.
Another perk to this comb: it's made of sandalwood.
This not only will detangle hair without snagging, but has a pleasant, woody scent that lingers a bit when you're done combing.
#5. Hundred Beard Company Beard Comb
Hundred Beard Company's comb is another dual-sided sandalwood option. It's a bit on the larger side – a potential saving grace for those who find the small size of most beard combs unwieldy.
The broad teeth on one side are ideal for use on wet hair or to work out knots, while the finer teeth are great for styling.
Overall, it's a tool that provides everything you need.
#6. Grow A Beard Beard Brush and Comb Set
This brush-and-comb travel set, constructed from durable (and sustainable) bamboo, covers all of your beard-grooming needs. With the comb designed specifically for detangling and the brush made to massage your hair follicles and distribute your beard's natural oils, they're sort of a one-two punch when used together.
The comb is small, but ergonomic – great for styling even when you've got two-day-old tangles.
The set comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can definitely feel confident about the purchase.
#7. Go-Comb Wallet Comb + Bottle Opener
This offering from Go-Comb – a company that makes more types of combs than you can shake a stick at – looks like a novelty. It's designed on a simple premise:
Both a beard comb and a bottle opener are handy things for a man to have in his pocket, so why not put them together?
(Did you know beer makes your beard grow?)
But gimmicks aside, this is simply a well-made product. With a stainless steel base, it will basically last forever. Although it's not as gentle as a wood or plastic comb, breakage can be avoided with just a little finesse.
It's perfectly pocket-sized, making it a good choice for touch-ups through the day.
#8. Striking Viking Beard Comb
Another top contender for portability, the Striking Viking beard comb folds down to a length of just a few inches, and its sandalwood construction prevents static even if it's been in the pocket of a wool sports jacket.
Like any sandalwood comb, it'll also make your beard smell great.
This comb is also notably durable since its teeth are always protected when it's folded shut – they basically have no opportunity to break.
#9. Viking Revolution Beard Comb
This wood comb is just the right size – ideal for both home and travel use. The combination of tooth sizes mean it's a great option for any beard length or thickness. In short, this is an exceptionally versatile comb.
The Viking Revolution comb is fairly affordable as wooden beard combs go, but if you're still on the fence, the company offers a money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with how it performs.
#10. Wild Wild Nest Beard Comb
This comb is half-and-half buffalo horn and sandalwood.
Both natural static-fighters that make styling a breeze and won't snag the way some wood combs can.
It's a bit more expensive than some of the others on this list at $30, but as soon as you experience the weight and quality of the thing, you'll understand why. It looks and feels like an heirloom, which is always a plus when you're trying to get in a stylish mindset.
Just like your hair, your beard needs more than a comb to look its best – it also needs to be properly trimmed. Click here to find the best beard trimmer for your length and style of beard.
If you want to make extra sure your beard is clean (was anyone else scarred by Roald Dahl's ‘The Twits'?) you want a comb AND a brush – click here for my top 10 beard brush rankings.
And if your beard's still looking dry (or it doesn't smell too great) click here for the best beard oil top 10.
