How We Tested the Best Beard Combs
Senior Commerce Writer, Owen Gough, loves his beard. The lengths he goes to take care of it lends itself to him reviewing all the best grooming tools on the market to help him look his best. Having tested each on his facial fuzz to tease out tangles and style to perfection, the above combs are a selection of his favorites, informed by expert guidance from professional barbers to help figure out which comb is best for the average beard owner.
Beard Comb FAQ
What’s the difference between a beard brush and a beard comb?
Regardless of your beard style or length, taking care of facial hair is essential if you’re hoping to grow your beard and look your best. Beard grooming has several benefits aside from styling, including helping to clear out dead skin and dandruff, as well as generally nourishing the skin and aiding the follicles in growing to the strongest they can be. Beard brushes do a great job of spreading oils—both naturally produced from your skin and from some of the best beard oils—through short beards. Often made of boar’s hair (or a synthetic alternative if it’s vegan friendly), the thicker, coarser brush is great for cleaning your chin and jaw of dirt and detritus you pick up throughout the day. If your beard is longer, thicker or prone to tangled hair, a comb will be your savior. Well-groomed beards longer than an inch should be neat, styled, and grow in the same direction, so committing to using your comb will instantly level up your look as well as encourage beard growth. Most will be fine-tooth to allow you to fine-tune your style or to be used as a moustache comb, but many of the combs featured here will also have a second wide-tooth side for broader styling on longer beards.
Is a plastic or wood comb better for a beard?
In most cases, the material of your comb is down to personal preference. Supply 91's Maxwell Oakley says, “Honestly, itdoesn’t matter much—plastic and wooden combs work well. What matters more is the quality of the comb and how it treats your beard. You want something that won’t cause static, tug, or damage to the hair. I like the recycled plastic combs from Re:Comb. It’s sustainably made, feels great in hand, and glides through your beard without snagging. Plus, it looks good on your bathroom shelf.”
Do you use beard oil or balm and need a brush to distribute the product evenly?
According to Oakley, “You don’t need a brush. For best results, I'd recommend applying a high-quality beard oil after a shower, when your beard is still slightly damp. Comb through, then follow with two to three drops of oil. Rub it between your palms, then massage it into the skin beneath your beard, working it through the hairs with an up-and-down motion. This helps hydrate the skin, soften the beard, and keep everything looking tidy. You can then use the brush to further work the oil into the hair and soften the look. If you're applying oil to a dry beard, it can be nice to brush it at the end to tame it further.”
How often should I brush my beard?
“Ideally, every day," Oakley says. "Brushing your beard should be part of your regular grooming routine—it helpskeepyour beard tidy and stimulates the skin underneath to support healthy growth. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.”
This story originally appeared on British GQ.
