But there’s also not a lot a person can do about hair loss, that is, without doing something. Genetics, a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), stress, etc., all cause hair to fall out.

Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions, including products such as laser combs and other systems designed to slow hair loss while promoting new growth.

Quick summary

	Our #1 Choice Irestore Laser Hair Growth System	Safe and easy to use Comfortable and convenient FDA approved for safety	Check on Amazon
	Hairmax Ultima 9 Classic LaserComp Hair Growth Device	Portable and lightweight Doesn’t take a lot of time to use Patented design	Check on Amazon
	Hairguard Growband	No side effects Comfortable fit on the head Increases blood flow to the scalp	Check Best Price
	Theradome LH80 Pro Hair Growth Helmet	Can fit any size head Consists of 80 laser diodes for a thorough treatment Reaches all areas, no follicle is missed	Check on Amazon
	Aphrona Laser Hair Growth Helmet	Simple to use Looks like a normal hat FDA approved	Check on Amazon
	Hairguard Growcomb	No side effects Features different power settings Doesn't require a lot of time to use	Check Best Price

Before you buy: 6 Things to consider when purchasing a laser comb or system

If you’re looking for hair growth products, you’ve probably already done your fair share of research. You may have even seen a dermatologist. And while there are many products on the market promising to help with hair loss and thinning hair, you may be considering a laser comb or system to stimulate your follicles and promote healthy hair growth.

Before you take the plunge – and dip into your wallet or pocketbook – here are some things to keep in mind before you buy a laser comb or system:

1. Is it a helmet or a comb?

The type of device you choose comes down to laser combs and laser helmets (or caps). Combs are less expensive, but require manual use. Helmets fit on your head before they’re switched on to begin the treatment. But, yes, they are more expensive.

That said, you must decide between the convenience of use (helmets) vs. a price that best fits your budget. Also, a typical laser comb session doesn’t take as long as a session under a helmet, although not in every case.

2. Your hair loss

What is the severity of your hair loss? If you have bald spots that are smooth and shiny – which means there aren’t any dormant hair follicles in those areas – then low-level light therapy isn’t for you. LLLT cannot reverse balding.

Severity of Hair Loss

• Mild: Thinning hair is spread evenly throughout the scalp.
• Moderate: Thinning hair is noticeable, but a definite pattern may not be apparent.
• Severe: The top of the head is balding, and there may be only a wreath of hair around the sides and back.

3. Most LLLT devices are FDA cleared

We’ll mention “FDA-cleared” often in this post. It means that the FDA gives its clearance for safety, but not approval for proven results. Minoxidil and Propecia are the only two FDA-approved hair loss treatments.

4. Most have minimal side effects

Another good reason for giving low-level laser treatments a try is that they’re very safe – hence the FDA “clearance” for many of them. Users report very few laser comb side effects, if any, and most are very minor, such as an itchy scalp or mild irritation.

Despite some claims, LLLT therapy does not burn your scalp. Besides, many LLLT devices come with automatic shut-offs when your session has finished.

5. Some still aren’t convinced that they work

Legitimate low-level light therapy devices shouldn’t be confused with sham products or, for that matter, expensive toys. There are studies to back them up and many users report positive results after using them for the suggested amount of time.

Some still aren’t convinced that Laser Combs & Systems for Hair Growth work, but there is plenty of evidence to support their claims. A study done in 2011 by The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery concluded that low level laser therapy (LLLT) actually regrows hair on balding scalps.

That said, however, not all doctors are convinced that LLLT devices grow hair. But most feel that they provide at least a mild benefit. And we’ll get into clinical studies later in the post.

6. Price

LLLT combs and helmets aren’t cheap. As mentioned, combs cost less than helmets and caps but still make for a decent-sized investment.

But if your current method of preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth isn’t working, LLLT devices may be worth the time, and money.

The good news is the combs and helmets represent, for the most part, a one-time investment. Pills, shampoos and other hair-loss programs eventually run out and you’ll need to purchase more, while LLLT devices are (hopefully) built to last.

OK, let’s move on to our laser comb reviews.

The 6 best laser combs & systems for hair growth

1. iRestore Laser Hair Growth System

Best features

• Backed by clinical studies
• Can use it in conjunction with other hair loss solutions
• Safe to use every other day

The best laser comb/hair system for:

Anyone seeking a proven, helmet laser growth treatment

Overview

The iRestore system consists of a plastic helmet – with lasers and lights enclosed inside – that gives you a look of a stormtrooper, or as if you have a uniquely-designed bicycle helmet. It’s not just for looks, however.

iRestore has what we think is the best laser for hair growth today. They’re so confident that you’ll grow hair and stop it from thinning that they provide a full-money back guarantee if you don’t see results within six months of purchasing it.

That’s pretty strong stuff for technology that some still think of as something of a sham.

To their credit, the folks at iRestore have clinical studies to back up their claims that users may see increased hair growth by over 40 percent.

Their system also has FDA “clearance,” which means it’s approved for safe use, which is good to know when you place something filled with lasers on your head for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.

How does it work? Here’s a closer look:

• The iRestore Laser Hair Growth System uses 51 medical-grade laser and LEDs to radiate light energy that’s absorbed by hair follicles. In turn, it enhances the cell metabolism rate while reactivating follicles that stimulate hair growth.
• While iRestore is effective on its own, you can also use it in conjunction with other hair-loss solutions such as Minoxidil, hair-growth shampoos, and supplements. Some physicians recommend using multiple products but, again, iRestore works all on its own.
• iRestore is safe and drug-free with no known side effects.

The iRestore dome (i.e., helmet) consists of lightweight white plastic with a built-in headband that keeps the helmet in place during therapy sessions. Soft cushions inside the helmet help it to fit comfortably on your head.

You operate the device with a handheld controller that starts and stops the sessions, and which includes a small, backlit display with a timer. The LEDs automatically turn off after 25 minutes, although the controller emits a beep as a reminder.

You power the unit with an AC adapter that plugs into an electrical outlet (you don’t have to worry about constantly re-charging batteries).

The iRestore Laser Hair Growth System is safe enough to use every other day. Again, each treatment session last 25 minutes and the device automatically shuts off when it’s finished.

A few safety tips before you use the iRestore system, or any helmet-like hair growth device, for that matter. For one, never stare directly into the laser light, because doing so can damage your eyes.

Also, make sure that your hair is dry before use, and keep the device away from water and wet areas.

Finally, keep it out of reach of pets and children.

iRestore is suitable for men and women who experience hair loss and thinning hair. Most users experience positive results within two to six months. And here’s a video if you’d like to learn more.

Type: Helmet

Bottom Line

iRestore has proven results to back up the effectiveness of its product and the FDA approves it for safety.

It’s the go-to choice for many people looking for solutions to hair loss besides shampoos, topical solutions, and pills.

2. Hairmax Ultima 9 Classic LaserComp Hair Growth Device

Best features

• FDA cleared
• Patented design
• HairMax is a trusted brand name

The best laser comb/hair system for:

Anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time on treatments

Overview

HairMax is an important name in the laser hair growth world and has been since 2000. They’re a trusted company in the business, and products like their Ultima 9 Classic LaserComb are FDA-cleared and clinically-proven to deliver positive results.

And there’s more, because:

• The Ultima 9 LaserComb is lightweight, portable, and easy to use. You can use it for travel without having to worry about lugging battery packs around.
• It comes with a charging stand, a rechargeable battery, and a power cord.
• It doesn’t take a lot of time to use. You can use the LaserComb as little as 11 minutes every other day, which is shorter than many other laser comb products.
• It combines clinically-proven laser technology with an iconic, patented design that features hair-parting teeth that maximize coverage.
• The laser light is directed to hair follicles to reverse hair thinning while stimulating regrowth.

Another plus is that the HairMax LaserComb comes with a 2-year laser device warranty.

Type: Laser Comb

Bottom Line

HairMax’s patented LaserComb system has delivered excellent results for many years. You’ll experience dense, fuller, healthier hair in less time than it takes with many other products.

3. Hairguard Growband

Best features

• Increases blood flow to the scalp
• Reduces scalp calcification
• No side effects

The best laser comb/hair system for:

Anyone looking for an alternative to helmets and laser combs

Overview

Hairguard’s Growband is an interesting device, to say the least. After all, it features a band that you inflate, which lifts upward to release the tension on the scalp. It also helps to move blood around the scalp and toward the hair follicles.

The latter is important because sufficient blood flow is essential for helping hair follicles to thrive.

If you have thin or receding hair, one of the causes is a lack of blood flow. And reducing scalp tension allows blood to flow more freely while sending essential nutrients to starving hair follicles.

It also helps to reduce calcification on the scalp; calcification greatly reduces the scalp’s ability to grow healthy hair. Moreover, it reduces fibrosis, which inhibits the scalp’s ability to grow thick hair.

So, to say the Growband covers all bases is an understatement, and many product testers – utilized by Hairguard – demonstrated visual hair growth within four months of using it. Plus, you only need to use it 10-15 minutes a day.

As mentioned, the Growband features a band (an inner tube, really) that you inflate manually with a hand-held pump. The band rests comfortably on your head and includes soft cushioning and neck support.

There’s also a strap you can use to adjust to fit your head size.

It helps treat hair loss at the root cause and doesn’t cause side effects that you may experience with minoxidil and finasteride; although, admittedly, the percentage of men who experience side effects with those products is low.

Type: Inflatable headband

Bottom line

The Growband is an effective alternative to other types of laser systems, and you can experience noticeable results by using it only a few minutes a day.

4. Theradome LH80 PRO Hair Growth Helmet

Best features

• Helps decrease hair shedding
• Only need to use it a couple of times a week
• It covers a wide area of the head

The best laser comb/hair system for:

Anyone who wants a powerful, cordless laser solution

Overview

Theradome and technology tend to go hand-in-hand, and the company claims that its Theradome Hair Growth Helmet has the best technology of all other hair growth systems.

With 80 lasers ensconced within it helmet’s confines, it certainly has the “power” other systems don’t.

Our main concern, however, is if it works.

From what many users and reviewers say, it is effective in treating loss while promoting hair growth – meaning it’s worth a deeper look. And it has the backing of hair rejuvenation experts such as Bosley, Hair Club, and other legitimate medical clinics.

One of the things we like about the Theradome LH80 PRO is that you only need to use it a couple of times a week (at only 20 minutes per session).

That’s not a significant amount of time when you think about it, and which one of us truly can’t spare 20 minutes on two separate days. You’ll likely be able to fit it into your schedule somewhere.

Many users not only experience some hair growth from the Theradome LH80 PRO, but also notice less shedding. Furthermore, many of them experience an increase in individual hair diameter, which produces a thicker, more vibrant head of hair.

The Theradome LH80 device is cordless (rechargeable batteries are included) to provide greater convenience during use, and comes with a simple power switch that turns it on.

The lightweight plastic helmet comes with foam pads that allow it to fit heads of different sizes. There’s also a sensor that detects whether you’ve positioned the helmet on your head properly.

It even comes with an automated treatment counter that keeps track of your total number of treatments, as well as with an automatic shut-off that engages after 20 minutes.

Like other low-level laser treatment devices, the Theradome LH80 works well in conjunction with products such as Minoxidil, although that’s not a requirement.

You should wash and dry your hair before use, however. Never use it – or other laser treatment helmets – with a wet head.

Theradome recommends using it as directed for 18 to 26 weeks, when you’ll start to notice a decline in hair loss. They also claim that you’ll experience hair growth at 28-52 weeks.

In any case, the Theradome LH80 comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and 120-day money back guarantee.

Type: Helmet

Bottom Line

There’s a lot to like about the Theradome LH80 pro, including that it’s convenient and easy to use. And if you’re looking for something you don’t have to use every day – or even several times a week – this is a device worthy of your attention.

5. Aphrona Laser Hair Growth Helmet 

Best features

• FDA approved
• Rechargeable
• 1-year warranty

The best laser comb/hair system for:

Men who are looking to continue their hair loss treatment outdoors.

Overview

If you suffer from hair loss, there is a lot to love about Aphrona Laser Hair Growth Helmet. It is very convenient and easy to use.

What makes this product different than other hair treating laser products on our list?

The fact that it looks like a normal hat.

That’s right! It can be used even when outside your house doing other activities such as shopping, driving, walking, etc.

It features 81 lasers that are FDA-approved and clinically tested. According to a study, over 95% of participants saw some kind of hair growth within the first 17 weeks of using it.

The laser light promotes blood flow in epidemic stem cells, which are responsible for regeneration and reawakening weaker or dormant hair follicles. It also reverses the thinning process and restores the natural growth cycle, resulting in fuller, healthier hair.

Just three to four times per week (every other day) for just thirty minutes will do the trick.

As we said, the cool thing about Aphrona Laser Hair Growth is that it is very easy to use. It automatically turns on when you wear it and automatically turns itself off after thirty minutes of use.

How cool is that?

Overall, this is a great laser hair growth treatment that is pain-free and with no known side effects.

Type: Laser helmet/hat

Bottom Line

Aphrona Laser Hair Growth Helmet is a great convenient alternative to other laser treatments. Very easy to use and functional.

6. Hairguard Growcomb

Best features

• Different power settings
• Doesn’t take much time
• Easy to use

The best laser comb/hair system for:

Anyone who wants a convenient system that doesn’t take much time

Overview

Hairguard has another excellent product to offer anyone experiencing hair loss with its Growcomb. Like its Growband above, the Growcomb doesn’t require a lot of time to use, doesn’t cause side effects and uses new patented technology.

The Growcomb’s key feature is ETG technology, a.k.a., electrotrichogenesis. It works by emitting a pulsing electrostatic field through glass diodes that come into contact with the root of hair follicles.

The electrostatic field helps kickstart dormant hair follicles into the anagen, or growth, stage of hair growth.

The Growcomb comes with four power settings. The folks at Hairguard recommend that you use the first two settings until you get used to the sensation of the electrostatic field. It’s a tickly sensation, but pleasant, especially as you become accustomed to it.

Once you have your preferred setting, you comb the areas of your hair that are thinning and which you would like to grow thicker. Lightly brush the scalp in circular motions while allowing the ETG technology to work.

The Growcomb shuts off automatically after 10 minutes of use – just make sure you’ve covered the intended areas of the head during that time. It comes with a battery that you’ll need to charge once a week if that.

Type: Electrostatic comb

Bottom line

Hairguard’s Growcomb is fast, effective, and easy to use. You’ll experience good results with daily use without worrying about side effects.

Do laser combs and systems really work?

So, what’s the story? You’ve just spent – or are thinking of spending – a decent chunk of money on a laser comb or other type of laser therapy system. You’ve read reviews, you’ve done some research, perhaps you’ve even talked to others.

But a pressing question remains – do they work?

The answer is (drum roll) yes, although skeptics remain. It’s worth exploring a bit deeper, for sure.

• Yes, they work!

There are many studies and pages of research claiming that laser hair growth technology does, indeed, help you fight the battle against baldness.

In one trial, conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, over 100 hundred men and women were given laser combs which they used for 26 weeks.

In most cases, those using the laser comb – and not a placebo as was given to other patients – had a noticeable improvement in the thickness and fullness of their hair. Moreover, the improvements weren’t dependent on gender or age.

Meanwhile, two other studies published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information strongly suggest the low-level laser treatment devices work.

In one of the studies, 146 men and 188 women received a laser comb (one of three models) or a sham device.

Participants received treatment three times a week for 26 weeks with a large percentage of those subjects showing less hair loss and thicker, fuller hair. None of the participants reported adverse effects.

In another study, also published by the NCBI, 110 patients completed a study which involved the HairMax LaserComb and a sham device. Participants who used the laser comb reported an increase in hair density as well as overall hair regrowth.

A word of caution, however: laser hair growth technology cannot reverse baldness, which marches on whether we want it to or not. But if your hair is thinner than you’d like, you can give it a boost with a laser comb or other device.

• Not so fast, friends!

While studies and research are promising, not everyone in medical fields is convinced that laser combs and systems are effective for treating thinning hair. And even publishers of studies such as the NCBI suggest that more research is needed.

Some doctors go so far as to say they don’t work at all, while others say they provide a mild benefit. While they’re hardly endorsements that fill the buying public with confidence, living, breathing humans have testified that the devices work.

• The good news

One of the advantages of laser therapy is that it has few side effects and almost every study comes to that conclusion. There isn’t a lot of information regarding the long-term effects of using laser treatments, mainly because it’s a relatively new type of therapy.

Temporary shedding or hair loss is one possible side effect. Yes, that seems like something of a shocker considering that hair growth – not loss – is the goal, but it only occurs in the first few months of treatment (if at all) and new growth will follow.

• Something else to consider

While laser therapy isn’t FDA-approved, it does have FDA “clearance” for safety. The only FDA-approved hair loss treatments are finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine).

• Using it requires discipline

The discipline needed to stick with a laser treatment program may scare some folks away from trying it. A laser comb, cap, or helmet typically requires using it for one hour or more per week on an indefinite basis.

Where Did The Technology Come From?

During the middle of the twentieth century, Hungarian scientist Endre Mester, who was a pioneer in laser medicine, figured out that lasers can affect hair growth!

After the invention of the first laser, he started using lasers for different therapies, including skin cancer. As he was conducting an experiment of testing low-power lasers on mice, Mester noticed some hair growth on the shaved spots.

A few years after that, numerous companies incorporated lasers as a way to treat diseases. Soon after, Canadians came up with low laser treatments to help prevent hair loss.

What you need to do when using laser combs & systems (A simple, illustrated guide)

Devices such as laser combs and helmets often look a bit intimidating. All that technology wrapped up in a single product – which usually looks space-age enough to belong in a Star Wars movie.

No need to fret, however, because they’re relatively easy to use. Let’s look at laser combs and helmets and how to use them:

How to use laser combs

STEP 1: Laser combs represent the manual approach of low-level laser treatment options. Unlike a helmet, which you simply place on your head before flipping on the power source, laser combs need a bit of old-fashioned elbow grease.

STEP 2: While recommended usage amounts vary depending on the laser comb manufacturer, the typical suggested use is three times a week for 10 to 20 minutes per session. It’s best not to use it on consecutive days.

STEP 3: Never use a laser comb on hair that has gels, cream, sprays, or other common hair products. But it is OK to use on either wet or dry hair.

STEP 4: While it’s helpful that your scalp is clean before using a laser comb, it isn’t mandatory.

STEP 5: Place the laser comb flat on your hand after powering it on.

STEP 6: Move the laser comb slowly, not as you would when usually combing or brushing your hair. Leave it in a spot for a few seconds and then slowly move it to another spot.

STEP 7: Start at the front of your hairline and work your way back. Make sure to cover all areas of your head. Once you’ve reached the bottom of your hair, work your way back to the top of it (remember, you’re not trying to style your hair).

You’ll finish after you’ve covered all of your hair twice.

STEP 8: Laser combs have a row of teeth aligned with the laser beams. But their purpose is to part your hair to let the low-level laser light penetrate to the scalp.

STEP 9: If your hair is longer in spots, use your hand or a brush to lift it out of the way of the laser comb.

STEP 10: Perhaps the most important thing to remember when using a laser comb is to move it slowly.

How to use laser helmets

STEP 1: Laser helmets and laser caps are basically the same things with the only difference being that the latter device resides under a baseball cap-type hat. But the how-to of using them follows the same basic principles.

STEP 2: While every helmet differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, all of them are meant to remain on your head for the duration of a session, which is typically 20 to 30 minutes.

Like laser combs, there’s no need to use them every day but recommended usage is three times a week (perhaps a bit more, depending on the instructions).

STEP 3: Most helmets are adjustable to fit every head size and create little, if no, discomfort when in use. Some come with a power cord that’s plugged into a wall outlet, while others rely on battery power and come with rechargeable batteries.

The nice part of cordless helmets is that you’re free to move around while undergoing treatment.

STEP 4: Most helmets also include an incorporated timer that turns the device off automatically, meaning you don’t have to watch the clock. Many models come with various settings which correspond to a baldness pattern.

So, laser comb or laser cap – What’s the right choice?

Whether you choose a laser comb or a laser cap (or helmet) the basic technology remains the same.

Both rely on Low Laser Light Therapy to stimulate hair follicles and, hopefully, produce new hair growth. And, in both cases, shrinking hair follicles become larger and rejuvenate hair growth cells that have become dormant.

The science behind LLLT therapy is that medical-grade, low-level lasers and red light therapy penetrate the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.

To dig deeper into the science, the photons emitted from the light stimulate follicles on a cellular level which, in turn, increases adenosine triphosphate production.

ATP is the primary carrier of energy in the cells and enhances cell function and replication.

But back to our original question. While laser combs and caps and helmets work from the same scientific foundation, there are differences between them – differences that may influence the results each device provides.

Let’s take a look:

Laser combs

Laser combs are handheld devices that usually have 2-8 LEDs or lasers. That’s far less than laser caps and helmets, but we’ll get to those in a minute.

Rechargeable batteries provide the power source for laser combs which means you have the convenience of cordless operation. You’ll get multiple uses from one charge.

Laser combs typically work by parting the hair (as you comb) to enable the laser light to pass through to the scalp. You start at the front of your hairline and comb your way back while waiting the designated amount of time between each pass.

We’ve already discussed how to use a laser comb, but it’s worth mentioning again that laser combing isn’t like regular hair combing in that you only need a few passes over your scalp to do the job right.

Instead, you’ll need to keep combing with a laser comb for up to 10 minutes, at least three times a week.

Have you ever combed your hair for several minutes? It’s not as easy as it sounds, although you may build up your arm muscles in the process.

One advantage to using a laser comb is that it parts the hair when transmitting light. That’s very helpful for a person who has long – but thinning – hair because it allows the light to reach the skin.

Another advantage? Laser combs are less expensive than other forms of LLLT.

Finally, laser combs are OK to use in conjunction with other types of hair loss treatments, such as Minoxidil. Many hair loss clinics use the two as a combination treatment that they say creates better results than either might produce on its own.

Laser helmets

Perhaps the most significant difference between laser helmets and laser combs is the amount of light emitted from the device. Helmets use a combination of lasers and red lights that total a minimum of 50 LEDs (all the way up to 200). That’s a lot of power.

As the name implies, laser helmets consist of an outer shell (made of lightweight material) that houses the lasers and red lights. A typical laser helmet session lasts for up to 30 minutes, although usually not on a daily basis.

Laser helmets cover a much wider area of your head and scalp than combs – or, at least what a single pass of a comb covers.

Laser helmets are very user-friendly in that you place the device on your head and turn it on.

No comb must pass through your hair for several minutes; instead, your hands are free and you can engage in other activities, such as reading or listening to music, while you’re wearing the helmet.

Laser helmets come in a variety of styles and offer different features. They include timers which turn the device off automatically once you’ve reached the allotted time.

The power source for laser helmets varies from device to device. Some models plug into a standard electrical outlet, while others contain an internal rechargeable battery, allowing you to move about freely during the treatment session.

Laser caps

Laser caps and laser helmets share many similarities. But laser caps take the form of baseball caps, or other types of caps, that you can wear anywhere. Rechargeable batteries provide the power source for laser caps and provide ultimate convenience.

The laser technology of laser caps isn’t as powerful as the technology in laser helmets, and the total treatment time needed for laser caps is double that of laser helmets.

Then again, you can wear your laser cap in public, so it’s not like you have to put your life on hold while you treat your hair and scalp.

Our verdict? Which method of laser treatment you choose takes a few things into consideration – price, convenience and, of course, effectiveness.

You’ll spend more for a laser helmet (or cap) but you get a more powerful treatment. A comb treatment only takes several minutes and many are cordless to provide supreme convenience.

But if more power truly leads to better results – as many experts suggest – then a laser helmet provides a better overall treatment option, if you’re willing to spend the money.

How we chose these fine products

It’s not that there aren’t many low-level laser treatment options available, but the list of quality devices is shorter than you’d find with say, hair clippers or even DHT blockers.

Some folks remain skeptical of their effectiveness, but one glance at online reviews reveals that many users report positive results.

That said, we looked at the overall quality of the device, what others said (including users), as well as the price. We also like those that have FDA clearance for safety.

Conclusion

That wraps up another review and, as always, we’d love to hear from you. Have you tried low-level laser treatment? What were the results? We welcome your suggestions and feedback and would love to hear from you.

The post 6 Best Laser Combs & Systems for Hair Growth That Work appeared first on Balding & Beards.

Beard brushes might not be the most popular product in men’s facial hair care, but many understand how important they are in order to style and keep their beards controlled.

If you are reading this article, you probably know this, and you are probably looking for the best beard brush to tame your manly mane.

Well, look no further! We did all the hard work to make it easier for you.

We’ve put together some of the very best beard brushes on the market, taking into account all the different needs you might have. For example, price, thick beard, etc. But there’s more!

If you are new to the beard care gang, then we also have your back.

We’ve also included what you should look for before buying a beard brush and also a guide that explains how to brush your beard properly.

As a bonus, we’ve also compared the differences between beard brushes and beard combs and explained why using a brush is beneficial for your facial hair.

Let’s get right into it.

Quick summary

	Best overall Seven Potions Beard Brush for Men	First-cut boar bristles Easily removes tangles Not irritating	Check on Amazon
	Best for thicker beards ZilberHaar Pure Boar Bristles Beard Brush	Bristles are made of 100% boar hair Lifetime guarantee Extended pearwood handle	Check on Amazon
	Best for shorter beards, affordable Austin & Tyler Beard Brush	Portable, non-bulky product Very soft Affordable price	Check on Amazon
	Best beard brush kit for beginners Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit	Comes with a beard wash and beard conditioner Gets rid of tangles and knots Value for money	Check on Amazon
	Best vegan ZilberHaar Vegan Beard Brush	Extended handle for easy use Vegan plant-based bristles Premium craftsmanship	Check on Amazon
	Best for mustache Kent BRD2 Boar Bristle Beard Brush	Eliminates knots and tangles Sleek design White boar bristles	Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 5 Things to consider when purchasing a beard brush

There are several things you should take into consideration before buying a beard brush. In this section, we take a look at those things.

1. The material

Beard brushes are usually constructed with either some type of wood such as pearwood, walnut wood, etc., or plastic.

Wooden brushes are usually of higher quality and thus, usually more expensive.

The choice here is a personal preference. However, note that plastic brushes are often very cheap in terms of quality.

When it comes to beard brushes, you get what you pay for. cheaper brushes are typically made with low quality materials that often don’t do much to make your beard feel softer and look better.

Though there are many more expensive beard brushes on the market, we recommend that you set your sights on a mid-range option – one that offers good value with a reasonable price tag. We hope that this article helped you identify the best beard brush for you and left you feeling confident in choosing one without breaking the bank.

2. The bristles

A beard brush’s bristles can either be natural, synthetic, or plant-based.

Natural bristles are made with either boar’s hair or horsehair. They are more effective (than synthetic) in spreading the natural oil of your beard, making it feel softer. This results in a healthier and shinier look.

Synthetic (nylon) and vegetal bristles are great for men who are looking for solid cruelty-free or vegan alternatives.

Natural bristles usually last longer than synthetic or vegetal ones, as they are the real thing. More time and craftsmanship are spent in creating them. This, however, makes them often more expensive.

3. Stiffness

The stiffness of a brush is determined by the bristle material. Both softer and stiffer bristles have advantages and disadvantages.

Stiffer bristles do a better job in distributing the oil on your beard while also helping detangle and straighten out split ends due to their rigid characteristics.

Softer bristles, such as horsehair, are better for people who have sensitive skin and need something that is gentler when brushing.

If you are looking for a stiff beard brush, look for ones that are made of boar bristles, nylon, or vegetal. Out of the three materials, boar bristles are not as irritating to the skin due to their natural qualities.

4. The handle

The handle of the brush is what you’ll be using to hold and guide the brush through your beard. This part needs to be comfortable in your hand, so it’s best to choose a brush with a handle that feels natural to you. You might want to invest some time trying out different brushes to see which feels most comfortable in your hand before choosing one.

Some beard brushes have a handle that extends from the body, while others, like the brush you use to shine your shoes, are without one.

Each style has advantages and disadvantages, and your choice ultimately boils down to personal preference. Go for whatever feels better in your hands.

However, as a general rule of thumb, beard brushes with extended handles are usually easier to use on thicker and longer beards.

5. Price

Remember, there is no need to spend a fortune to buy the most premium beard brush on the market. There are plenty of good options that will perform equally at reasonable prices.

However, usually, the higher the price, the better its craftsmanship which means better longevity.

But, it is up to you to decide whether the extra quality is worth your hard-earned money or not. Going somewhere in the middle can provide the best of both worlds: affordability and quality.

Now, on to our reviews.

The 6 best beard brushes

1. Best overall: Seven Potions Beard Brush for Men

What stands out about this beard brush

• 100% boar bristles
• Great stiffness and bristle density makes it suitable for a variety of beard types
• Premium craftsmanship

The best beard brush for

Anyone who would like a well-balanced brush that is suitable for most beard types

Overview

A beard brush with limp bristles is like…well, you get the picture.

The bottom line is that the bristles on your brush must be stiff enough to A) untangle your whiskers and B) distribute the natural oils of your skin throughout your beard.

Seven Potions is a respectable brand as they have one goal in mind. To provide the best products without compromising on quality and performance.

Seven Potions provides everything you want in a good beard brush with their Seven Potions Beard Brush for Men.

Let’s start with what materials this brush is made of and continue with its performance.

It has an oval handle that is constructed of pear wood and fits pleasantly in your hand. Holding it feels premium which, is the result of its detailed craftsmanship.

It’s not too big or too small, making it suitable for beards of different lengths and thicknesses.

What sets this brush from the rest, however, is the quality of its bristles. They are 100% boar bristles that are first cut.

What does it mean?

The bristles are cut from their firmest parts and not from their tips, where they lack stiffness. This offers better effectiveness.

They provide a good stiffness while not being very irritating to the skin. They have excellent density, allowing brushing without tugging while at the same time removing difficult tangles.

While the bristles were firm, they were flexible enough, bending just slightly, avoiding pulling or ripping the hair.

Due to the excellent bristle density, it does a great job spreading the natural oil, and other beard products, such as beard balm, beard oil, etc., evenly.

But like everything in life, it has some drawbacks. If you have a super long or thick beard this might not be the one for you. Due to its thick bristle density and its lack of an external handle, you might find it difficult to brush properly. In this case, consider using the ZilberHaar Pure Beard Brush. It has an external handle for easier maneuvering.

Bottom Line

The Seven Potions Beard Brush can do it all: from detangling your beard to making it manageable and evenly distributing your skin’s natural oils.

2. Best for thicker beards: ZilberHaar Pure Boar Bristles Beard Brush

What stands out about this beard brush

• 100% boar bristles
• Extended pearwood handle
• Lifetime guarantee

The best beard brush for

Men who have a long and thick mane that can’t be controlled

Overview

ZilberHaar Pure Boar Bristles Beard Brush has a romance story behind it. The company’s CEO Anica Kath created this brush just to be able to kiss her husband as its beard was really tough and itchy upon physical contact.

Understandably then, this is a brush that has been crafted for the absolute serious beardsman.

Here are more reasons why.

The main feature that makes it different is its unique craftsmanship. It features an extended handle that is made from premium quality pear wood, providing full control and maneuverability while brushing your facial hair.

This makes it especially handier if you have a longer beard in comparison with the oval handle of the Seven Potions Beard Brush.

But there’s more!

Its bristles are made with 100% first-cut boar hair, so you know for a fact that they are stiff but not irritating. Indeed, the bristles were able to untangle even the most twisted hair, and they are long enough to manage even the thickest beards.

This means they have the perfect length to rich the hair from top to bottom, spreading the natural oil or any other beard products evenly.

If you are looking for a brush better suitable for shorter beards, then consider the next one on our list: Austin & Tyler Beard Brush. It is made with horsehair making it gentler when contacting the skin.

Lastly, it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee. To put it another way, if you’re not happy with it at any point in the future, ZilberHaar will refund your money in full. This means that ZilberHaar is very comfortable with the quality of their products, so you know you are getting something of high quality.

Bottom Line

This is one of the best beard brushes for long thicker beards. Simple as that!

3. Best for shorter beards, traveling, affordable: Austin & Tyler Beard Brush

What stands out about this beard brush

• 100% horsehair bristles
• Very compact
• Affordable price

The best beard brush for

Shorter beards, or people who have a very sensitive skin type

Overview

Austin & Tyler Beard Brush holds a unique place on our list as it is a beard brush that is made with 100% horsehair. As said previously, horsehair provides a gentler brushing feeling, making it the perfect option for shorter beards and sensitive skins.

While being incredibly soft, this beard brush manages to reduce beardruff and dead skin cells. It also distributes beard oil very effectively.

The handle is made out of wood and is well made. However, as it is very compact in size, people with big hands might find it difficult to hold. Nevertheless, its size is perfect if you are traveling a lot or need a small alternative while you are gone.

If you have a longer or coarse beard, you might find this brush a bit ineffective. This is because horsehair is not stiff enough and thus, can’t provide any effective detangling or styling. Any of the other beard brushes on our list will work better than this one for this purpose.

Also, if you use it on thicker beards regularly, its bristles might start falling off – as the bristles are not stiff enough for the job. So bear that in mind.

If you have a short to medium beard but you prefer a beard brush that has an extended handle for easier use, then Kent BRD2 Boar Bristle Beard Brush for Men is a great option. It is, however, made of 100% boar bristles, so if you have very sensitive skin, it might not be for you.

Bottom Line

This is a very soft, compact brush that isn’t for everyone. But if you have a short beard or you are short on budget, then you should consider it a try.

4. Best beard brush kit for beginners: Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit

What stands out about this beard brush

• All in one kit
• Synthetic bristles
• Comes with a beard wash and conditioning lotion

The best beard brush for

Beginners who are looking for a beard brush kit that includes all the necessary products to take care of their beard

Overview

The Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit is a three-piece all-in-one kit that includes a beard wash, a conditioning treatment, as well as a beard brush.

Before discussing the beard brush, let’s quickly discuss the beard wash and the conditioner included in the kit.

The main ingredients of the beard wash are aloe vera and green tea, and for the conditioner are aloe vera, witch hazel, jojoba, and glycerin.

Aloe vera is the holy grail of ingredients when it comes to skincare and hair care. Why?

It hydrates and nourishes the skin, and beard, reducing the amount of beardruff. It also stimulates the hair follicles, promoting hair growth over time.

Green tea cleanses the skin and beard due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties while also strengthening facial hair.

Witch hazel and jojoba reduce the effects of acne breakouts that might occur underneath the beard, due to their ability to balance excess oil on the face.

Glycerin hydrates and softens the beard while increasing the skin’s elasticity.

Overall, this is a great combination of ingredients that provide all-around protection, not only for the beard but also for your skin. What else could you ask for!

Now, let’s discuss the beard brush.

It features an oval handle -similar to Seven Potions Beard Brush – made from wood. It is pretty easy to hold in hand and looks well crafted.

The bristles are made from a blend of synthetic nylon and boar hair. Using the brush you will definitely notice that it is made for thicker beards as the bristles are extra stiff – firmer than 100% boar bristles.

If you have a short to medium beard, I suggest avoiding this brush as it can be a bit irritating due to the stiffness of its synthetic bristles.

It will, however, let you tame the beast by getting rid of tangles, dead skin cells, and beardruff.

Overall, the brush is decent but not as effective as other brushes on our list.

Bottom Line

The Beard Envy Kit from Billy Jealousy is an all-in-one solution for growing the kind of beard that makes other guys jealous.

5. Best vegan: ZilberHaar Vegan Beard Brush 

What stands out about this beard brush

• Vegan bristles made from Agave Lechugilla fiber
• Extended handle for easy use
• Stiff bristles

The best beard brush for

People who value cruelty-free and vegan products

Overview

Previously, we have examined ZilberHaar Pure Boar Bristles Beard Brush. This brush is also crafted from ZilberHaar, provides the same benefits, but it has one main difference:

It is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly!

The bristles are made with Agave Lechugilla fiber which is a firm cactus plant fiber and a better alternative to synthetic nylon. What makes this material unique?

It is a fact that it can hold and release water in a considerably higher amount than nylon. This has, as a result, a better distribution of oil.

As for the main body and handle, it is made from premium quality walnut wood. It feels luxurious to hold in hand, and it looks really high quality.

It looks so great that it is perfect to give it as a gift, as well.

Using the brush you will definitely appreciate the extended handle as it makes brushing your beard considerably easier. Especially if you have a longer one.

What we noticed, however, is that the bristles were a little stiffer than its boar equivalent. Nevertheless, we didn’t find them as irritating as, for example, Billy Jealousy’s Brush when using it on shorter hair.

Overall, this is another great beard brush from ZilberHaar that will definitely not disappoint our vegan fans.

Bottom Line

This is a great alternative to ZilberHaar Boar Beard Brush and is great at both, detangling and styling your beard.

6.  Best for mustache: Kent BRD2 Boar Bristle Beard Brush

What stands out about this beard brush

• Premium craftsmanship
• White boar bristles
• Features logo designed by Andre Visage

The best beard brush for

People who are looking for the best Kent beard brush for short beard or mustache

Overview

Kent is a well-established brand when it comes to premium beard care products. Their Kent BRD2 Boar Bristle Beard Brush is one of the most premium brushes on the market and not without a reason.

It features an extended pistol-like handle, which not only does it make it easier when brushing but also is thicker for more control. It is made from high-quality wood and features a designed logo from the well-known artist Andre Visage. If you appreciate art, then you will surely love the look of this brush.

It comes with 100% white boar bristles, which are specially cut to make it easier to spread the natural oil, style, and control. On one side, the bristles are shorter and stiffer in order to offer more styling and control, and on the other side, they are longer and softer to reach the deepest hair easier.

This is, however, not a beard brush for thick beards. The way its bristles are cut makes them a bit inconvenient to use on thicker beards. It is, however, very effective on mustaches and short to medium-sized beards.

If you are looking for a beard brush that is suitable for thicker longer beards, consider ZilberHaar Pure Boar Bristles Beard Brush. The bristles have a better angle placement and are also longer in size, making it a better option.

Bottom Line

This is a great premium beard brush for mustache styling and shorter beards.

How we chose the best beard brushes

It was impossible to test all the beard brushes available on the market. So, we included ones we have tried before and ones that have good reviews and value.
We tried to provide one for each need, for example:

• the best beard brush for vegans,
• the best mustache brush,
• the best beard brush for thick beards, etc.

Of course, because of the number of beard brushes available out there, there might be other options that outperform the ones we have included here. If you think that’s the case, don’t hesitate to leave a comment so we can check them out ourselves.

What are the benefits of using a beard brush?

If you are still reading this article and you are still unsure what are the benefits of using a beard brush, don’t worry. In this section, we will explain thoroughly those benefits and relieve you from wondering if it is a good investment for your facial hair or not.

Let’s dive right into it.

1. It helps you style your beard

I mean, this is a no-brainer. Brushing your beard detangles tangled hair, and makes it flatter and straighter. This means it is easier to style and control.

2. It exfoliates the skin and removes beardruff

The skin underneath your beard is closely related to the health of your beard. Due to the density of the bristles and solid stiffness, beard brushing helps reduce dead skin cells and dirt, i.e. food that has accumulated beneath your mane.

Additionally, it helps to remove beardruff giving the beard a much healthier appearance. You will be surprised how many men need to wipe off their clothes because of this condition.

3. Trains the beard to grow in the correct direction

Beards are well known to grow all over the place, making them difficult to keep in place and control. Using a beard brush often trains your mustache and beard to grow in the correct way and in the direction they are supposed to grow.

You will find yourself spending less time to style them in the correct direction: downwards.

4. Distributes oil and other beard products evenly

A beard brush will aid your skin’s natural sebaceous oils, as well as any beard oil, balm, wax, etc. you apply, coat each hair follicle evenly. A brush distributes oils evenly throughout your beard, repairing dry, scratchy beards. In the end, a beard brush is an excellent conditioning tool.

5. Reduces hair breakages and split ends

Brushing your beard regularly reduces the chances of breaking out or developing split ends. This is mainly because it distributes the sebum evenly – from the hair follicles to the tips -, and it detangles the hair.
The sebum acts as an additional layer of protection, and the untangled, flat hair makes it less likely to pull or tug. This also prevents hair loss.

6. Promotes hair growth

Brushes help to reduce hair loss while also promoting hair growth. That’s because the bristles of a hair brush softly massage the skin, having as a result, boosting the blood flow to the hair follicles.

How to use your beard brush like a pro in 6 simple, illustrated steps

Here’s something to keep in mind right away:

You need to use your beard brush every day to get all of its benefits.

It’s fine to apply it just once a day, but being consistent can help keep your beard appearing well-kept.

Now, let’s dive in into our guide:

1. Brush your beard ideally during the morning

The first step involves timing.

We want our beard to look the best throughout the day, so it is only logical that the best time to brush it is during your daily morning routine.

Additionally, we all know the feeling from the dreaded bed beard after we wake up. Using a beard brush detangles the beard and makes it straight and flat and thus, better looking.

2. Ideally, brush after beard applying shampoo and beard oil

After washing the beard, the beard and skin are very clean. This is the time where they are most absorbent. Wait for the beard to dry, and apply your beard moisturizer or oil. After applying, brushing your beard will spread the oil evenly on the hair and skin while also removing any leftover dirt, dust, or flakes that were left behind after the shampoo.

It will also straighten it out, removing any twists or knots that might occur while applying the above products.

3. Start brushing your beard with the grain

You can start by brushing your beard with the grain (i.e., going in the same direction as the growth of your hair). This will help reduce knots and keep your beard shiny and healthy-looking.

Start brushing from the tips of your beard and slowly work your way higher towards your face. Always, brush with the grain to avoid knots and tangles.

4. Work your way gently through any knots and tangles

Don’t let your beard turn into a tangled mess. A beard brush is an affordable, easy way to keep your facial hair groomed and neat. It’s important to use the right products on your beard if you want it to look its best.

Remember to try and spot any knots or tangles that might have skipped throughout the process. Don’t push excessively on the skin as you might irritate it if the bristles are very stiff.

There may be some minor discomfort, but brushing your beard is typically soothing and relaxing. Enjoy the ride.

5. Make sure your beard is dry before you start to brush

Always make sure that your beard is dry before you start to brush—wet hair is more likely to pull out, which means your beard won’t look as good when you’re done.

Brushing it while it’s still wet can cause you to lose hair that you’ve so magnificently grown.

6. Clean your beard brush weekly

Make it a habit to clean your beard brush once a week. This is to avoid making your beard dirtier rather than cleaning it.

Beard brush vs beard comb

A lot of people are confused about the differences between when to use a beard brush and when to use a beard comb.

Let’s take a look.

When is it time to use a beard brush?

• A beard brush is great for conditioning your beard, as it is exceptional in distributing the natural oils of your skin and other beard products evenly. It is also great in removing dirt, or any leftovers of said products (or food) keeping it clean.
• It is great when you want to exfoliate the skin underneath your beard. It removes dead skin cells keeping the pores unclogged and your skin healthy.
  It is great to make your beard look fuller and thicker. The brush’s bristles lift your hair away from your skin. A comb, on the other hand, has the tendency to pull your hair down.
• Finally, many beardsmen would advise you to use a brush during the early phases of beard growth. A brush has an advantage over a comb in that it is more effective in training your beard hairs to grow in the desired direction. It’s thought that training your beard at the start, rather than after it’s fully grown, is easier. A comb gives you a wonderful style, but styling your beard is a lot easier when it’s already pointing in the appropriate direction.
• A beard brush works better if you prefer to groom it dry rather than wet. Brushing on wet hair can cause breakage and damage to the hair follicles.

When is it time to use a beard comb?

• A beard comb might be a better choice if you have at least a three to four months old beard and you would like to style it. Combs are generally a better option for longer beards as they are easier to control. That is not to say that beard brushes can’t get the job done.
• They are a better choice if you have a longer and thicker beard and you want to detangle it. This is because combs have wider teeth that are rounded at the end, making it easier and smoother to remove twisted hair and knots.
• Combs can be used on wet beards if you prefer to groom right after showering.
• Beard combs are more portable and easy to carry around the whole day if you want to regularly keep your beard under control.

Conclusion

And there you have our best beard brush reviews, my friends.

As always, we encourage your input; if you have any comments about the brushes we’ve listed here, or about any men’s grooming topic, we’d love to hear from you.

The post 6 Best Beard Brushes That Will Make Your Beard Majestic appeared first on Balding & Beards.

But these days, there are so many options on the market, it’s hard to know what the best hair combs for men really are.

Which is exactly why we’ve taken the time to trial as many as possible, and deliver this review of the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to men’s combs.

And we’re not just going to review the top combs on the market:

We’ve also got a list of 7 handy tips for combing your hair, plus a detailed analysis of the differences between hair combs and brushes.

First though, we’ve got to dive into the key factors you need to consider when purchasing a comb.

Quick summary

	Best Overall Seven Potions Hair Comb For Men	Handcrafted quality construction Sawcut teeth are gentle on hair Extremely durable	Check on Amazon
	Best for Thicker Hair One&One Purpleheart Wood Comb	Great for thick, curly hair Bespoke premium design Does not pull hair, no static	Check on Amazon
	Best Portable Go Comb Wallet Hair and Beard Comb	Very portable design It's also a bottle opener Durable and anti-static	Check on Amazon
	Baxter Of California Comb	Produced through an extensive manufacturing process Ideal for any combing needs Thick and thin teeth options	Check on Amazon
	Kent R5T Handmade Fine Tooth Comb	Superior strength and durability Gentle, rounded teeth avoids irritating your hair and scalp Bio-degradable for the eco-conscious	Check on Amazon
	Rocky Mountain Anti-Static & No Snag Comb	Perfect for use with styling products Teeth do not damage hair Strong, long-lasting design	Check on Amazon
	Kent A FOT Handmade All Fine Tooth Saw Cut Beard Comb	Handcrafted Soft on the scalp Compact size	Check on Amazon
	Percy Nobleman Hair Comb	Sturdy, durable design Looks nice and modern Does not pull or snag hair	Check on Amazon
	Kent Handmade Fine Cut Folding Pocket Comb	Gentle comb, kind to hair Saw cut teeth Fold away design for portability	Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 4 Things to consider when purchasing a comb

To say that you’ll have plenty of choices when shopping for a comb is a massive understatement. Your favorite supermarket, pharmacy, and even the gas station mini-mart down the street carry combs.

Not that all of them are of high quality, however.

Sure, you can spend a couple of dollars on a comb and pat yourself on the back for your frugality, and no one will be the wiser, but your scalp and hair will notice the difference.

Also, the comb could break in a couple of months and send you back to the store to purchase another one.

We suggest putting a little extra thought into buying a comb, especially if you want healthy hair that looks well-groomed. So, what’s the right way to choose a hair comb? Here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Materials

Plastic. Wood. Horn. Indeed, combs are made from a variety of materials, and not only the three we just mentioned.

• Metal

Among the many virtues of metal combs is durability. They’re made to last – as you’d expect from a metal design – and they have a “heft” to them you don’t get from other comb materials. They also prevent friction and static that makes it hard to style your hair.

On the flip side, metal combs can snag and pull on your hair if the metal between the teeth isn’t polished.

• Plastic/Synthetic

Plastic combs are the black sheep of the comb family, partly by reputation and partly by, well, they’re just not very good.

The latter is especially true for cheap plastic combs you can buy practically anywhere; they’re not very durable, they can leave lines, ridges, and seams in your hair, while their injection-molded design can snag and damage hair.

To be fair, however, not all plastic combs are crappy and bad for your hair.

Higher-end plastic combs are often of excellent quality and are hand-cut, which helps to create a comfortable finish without all the pulling and snagging of the drugstore-variety plastic comb.

Cellulose acetate, a synthetic material more akin to rubber than plastic, is a high-end material used to make combs. They’re often hand-cut, polished to a nice finish, and durable enough to last for years.

So, while you don’t necessarily have to rule out plastic combs, you do want to make sure that you buy one that isn’t like all the rest.

• Wood

Plenty of experts say that the best comb material is wood. And what’s not to like? Wooden combs are excellent for massaging the scalp while releasing the natural oils that condition your hair, much like a brush does.

The smooth finish of handmade wooden combs enables them to glide through your beard more effectively than combs made of plastic or metal.

Also, you won’t experience the static electricity buildup as you do with other comb materials, which means your hair will have a fuller, healthier look, not one that’s dominated by frizziness.

Wooden combs also earn high marks for their durability, and a quality one should last you a lifetime.

Maintaining a wood comb is easy, too: you can rinse it with water (don’t use soap) or, even better, with light oil. Washing it with water can cause it to crack or splinter over time.

Types of wood used to make wooden combs include sandalwood, bamboo, and cherrywood but aren’t limited to those three.

• Carbon

Combs made from carbon also provide plenty of durability while producing less static, if any at all. Carbon combs are very firm and work well on thick, dense hair.

• Horn

Buffalo horn, ox horn – both are used to make combs. And while a horn comb might not be the first thing that pops into your mind, you should give it serious consideration.

After all, a horn comb’s natural material makes for super-smooth combing without static, and – like a wood comb – evenly distributes your scalp’s natural oils to create a healthy shine.

2. Design

A comb’s design includes its teeth and handle:

• Wide tooth comb – A wide tooth comb has thicker teeth and works best on thicker hair. It’s ideal for detangling curly and dense hair and your best bet for combing damp hair, as well. The spacing between the teeth on a wide-tooth comb is larger, which allows thicker hair to easily pass through and help “settle” things down after you get out of the shower or out of bed.
• Fine tooth comb – Fine tooth combs work best on thin, straighter hair and do a nice job of removing tangles, creating parts, and keeping hair neatly in place. However, you probably don’t want to use a fine-toothed comb to create a style such as, say, a pompadour, yet they’re excellent for creating a simple, clean look.
• Medium tooth comb – The most common and versatile comb choice is a medium tooth comb. It’s excellent for preparing to cut hair, as well as for removing tangles and for styling and shaping hair.

3. Handle design

Combs come with a variety of handle designs made from the materials we mentioned earlier, and some even have two different tooth sizes for added convenience.

Meanwhile, combs can fold to make them easier to transport, which are considered pocket or portable combs that you can carry with you – even in your jacket or pants pocket (hence the name). Pocket combs are small and very lightweight.

A tail comb features an extra-long design with a thin, pointed tail on the handle that enables you to divide hair into sections or use for creating fine details. It’s also excellent for managing stray hairs and cowlicks.

4. Sawcut vs. Machine-Pressed Combs

Another thing to consider when buying a comb is whether it’s sawcut (and handmade) or not. With a sawcut comb, the teeth are cut by hand and not machine-stamped like plastic combs. The teeth of a sawcut comb are then buffed and polished to a smooth finish.

A comb that’s been machine stamped or pressed often ends up with jagged teeth that are living hell on your hair and scalp. It’s just the nature of the process and, rest assured, that $2 comb you just bought off the rack at your grocery store was machine-stamped.

The 9 best combs for men

1. Seven Potions Hair Comb For Men

Good combs = good craftsmanship and vice versa. Seven Potions’ Hair Comb for Men is a prime example of that: it’s a handcrafted, sawcut comb that works amazingly well on all types of hair and has a classy, refined look.

That’s saying a lot, for sure, but we think it’s the best hair comb for men for a reason.

England’s Seven Potions saw cuts their combs and then buffs and polishes them until the tips of the comb’s teeth are rounded and smooth. You don’t have to worry about potentially jagged teeth that tug and tear at your hair and scalp, causing damage.

It’s also a great comb for stimulating the natural oils of your scalp while distributing them evenly across your hair. In turn, your hair will look stronger, shinier, and healthier.

While the Seven Potions Hair Comb for Men isn’t made from wood, as many sawcut combs are, it consists of cellulose acetate, a non-petroleum polymer that’s durable, flexible, and sustainable. It also resists static cling while pulling excess water from your hair.

The brush has both coarse and fine teeth, which makes it an excellent choice for all hair lengths, thicknesses, and styles.

Another plus of cellulose acetate is that it’s waterproof and easy to clean without worry of damaging or compromising the brush’s material and construction.

You’ll also like how easily the Seven Potions brush fits in your hand and how easy it is to control, whether you’re combing your hair right after you step out of the shower or as you’re styling it before you leave home for the day.

As mentioned, the cellulose acetate material consists of a non-petroleum polymer that’s sustainable and eco-friendly, which always is a good thing.

Bottom Line

It’s hard to go wrong with the Seven Potions Comb for Men. From its craftsmanship to its suitability for all hair types to its durability, it’s a comb that will serve you well for many years.

2. One&One Purpleheart Wood Comb 

The One&One Purpleheart Wood Comb is handcrafted with 100% sandalwood wood and buffalo horn. It’s a high-quality comb that makes combing enjoyable. How you might ask?

Its wider feet make detangling thicker or curly hair a lot easier without pulling or snagging them out.

Also, the buffalo horn teeth are very smooth, making gliding through the hair effortlessly. This reduces the chance of scalp or follicles irritations and protects your hair against split ends and breakage.

While these weren’t enough, it is also static-free and does a fantastic job of dispersing your scalp’s natural oils, resulting in fuller, shinier hair.

Its grip is very comfortable to hold, adding this way to its overall ease of use.

Generally, it is a very premium comb that is a must for those having trouble taming their hair.

Bottom Line

A must-have comb for men with thicker hair. It is unique, effective and it is built to last.

3. Go Comb Wallet Hair and Beard Comb

Chances are you’ve never come across a comb quite like Go-Comb’s Wallet Comb. It’s unique, hilarious design is intended to solve a bunch of problems at once, start conversations and hopefully make people smile when they first see it.

Not satisfied with the classic-but-cumbersome comb designs they saw, this startup developed their combs so that is far more compact (and therefore easier to carry around.) But they had a couple of other ideas, too, and that was when it really began to get interesting.

See, this thing isn’t just a good quality comb – sleek and durable and easy to use – it’s also a bottle opener. It’s small enough to just fit into your wallet, so that when you’re out and about, you’ll always be able to get your hair on point and your bottles flowing.

But it’s no simple novelty item: the comb itself is made from high grade stainless steel, has fine teeth and is anti-static. And though it will get some laughs, it will make your hair look anything but laughable.

Because it’s designed to be stored in your wallet, it’s also probably the hardest comb to lose.

Bottom Line

One of the more unusual – and smartest – designs you’ll see. While it isn’t the best quality comb out there, it’s certainly the most fun.

4. Baxter of California Comb

Another excellent comb made from cellulose acetate (and one that also goes through a rigorous manufacturing process) is Baxter of California’s Comb – or combs, because they have different sized hair combs, but all produce the same superior results.

Baxter of California’s combs are made in Switzerland – and not on the U.S. West Coast – but go through a 12-step manufacturing process. Their combs are sawcut, and the result is smoothly tapered teeth and rounded tips that won’t pull, tug, or damage your hair.

The comb has a selection of thin and thick teeth, meaning it can adapt to just about any task, whether it’s sculpting a more complex style or taming a few strays.

It’s ideal for everyday maintenance and styling, and you can take their pocket comb with your wherever you go.

Their long comb, which we’ve linked to in this article, measures just under 8 inches and, again, works well for any combing task, whether it’s heavy styling or just putting some strays back in place. It’s also a great tool for creating parts that look crisp and sharp.

Their large comb has just the right amount of heft so that it works easily, but gently, through tangles, yet it also fits comfortably in your hand.

The Baxter of California comb also is versatile enough to use on your beard and eyebrows, but their 81-T handmade beard and mustache comb ranks among the best beard combs available.

Bottom Line

Many, many men love – and are loyal to – Baxter of California’s grooming products. They make quality products that are worth the price, and their hair comb is no exception.

5. Kent R5T Handmade Fine Tooth Comb

Kent R5T Handmade Fine Tooth Comb is genuinely excellent: it’s made from quality, 100% cellulose acetate, which is both super durable and biodegradable. And each of its combs are entirely handmade, with the care and dedication of true expertise.

So far, so good. But what makes it exceptional?

Well, the round teeth ensure a smooth, comfortable action and are great for thick (or wet!) hair that needs a forceful motion to really detangle it. And its toughness makes it great for people with a Pompadour.

But that’s not to say it isn’t also great for fine hair, which also loves its smooth action and rounded teeth. Because they are made from cellulose acetate, they end up being exceedingly gentle, which is great for a detangling comb because they often end up a little harsh and prone to scratching the scalp if you’re not careful.

You can use this not just to detangle hair, but to treat your beard too, which is a nice extra. And it fits neatly in your pocket, so it’s easy to take with you if you think you might need a little extra grooming on the go.

Yes, this is a pricey comb. But quality will out, and frankly if you’re reading a review like this, it seems likely you’re after the best quality combs, not just the cheapest!

Bottom Line

This is a luxury comb: it’s thick, high quality and somehow manages to fit in your pocket. Definitely worthy of its price tag!

6. Rocky Mountain Anti-Static & No Snag Comb

We’ve already discussed the many virtues of a wood comb – that traditional grooming tool that your grandfather used (and even your father). Wood combs are anti-static and generally gentler on hair than combs made from other materials.

The Rocky Mountain comb is rugged and durable enough to handle a man’s daily combing tasks, and it’s also warp-resistant. Yet, it has gentle, soft teeth that won’t scratch or itch your face, all while keeping your beard neat and tidy.

Another reason we like it is that it’s a great comb for pomade and other styling products that help you shape your hair into your favorite style, and you can use it on your beard and mustache without sacrificing any of its many benefits.

There’s nothing necessarily fancy about Rocky Mountain’s wood comb. Within that simplicity, though, lies a tool that offers everything you want from a comb and more.

Bottom Line

The Rocky Mountain Wood Comb is a versatile grooming tool with a throwback design that will help you to keep your hair looking its best.

7. Kent A FOT Handmade All Fine Tooth Saw Cut Beard Comb

Detangling thick hair can be a serious task; most combs buckle under the pressure and end up tugging at your hair in a painful, unhelpful way. But that’s not the case with Kent A FOT’s Handmade All Fine Tooth Saw Cut Beard Comb – a pocket size comb that is still able to tackle the toughest, knottiest, and thickest manes.

At 4 ½”, you’d be forgiven for assuming this was more of a travel comb – and of course, it is great to travel with – but it’s actually very tough, durable and easy to use.

It is hand polished and buffed to ensure the teeth are rounded and soft, which keeps it from scratching at your scalp and skin. The teeth even stimulate the natural oils in your hair, to keep your scalp and roots healthy and looking great.

Ultimately, the size and lightness make for a super easy experience – it just glides through the hair. And because it’s made with cellulose acetate, it produces less static than other combs and leaves you hair smooth and silky.

The reality is, the size of this comb will simply not be to every man’s liking: it does feel small in your hands, and it even becomes tricky to use if you have particularly large hands.

But if you can look past that – or actively like the size – then you’ll get a great deal here: genuine quality hand craftsmanship from a company that’s been around long enough to know a thing or two about how to build a fine tooth comb.

Bottom Line

Great things come in small packages: a beautifully made comb that is ideal for travelling men with glorious thick manes.

8. Percy Nobleman Hair Comb

The Percy Nobleman Hair Comb is gentle on your hair and scalp yet strong enough to work on all hair types and lengths. It also comes with an attractive tortoiseshell design that helps set it apart from many other combs.

Made from soft-yet-sturdy synthetic acetate, the Percy Nobleman comb makes combing your hair easy and won’t pull or snag, which not only can be painful but also hard on your overall hair and scalp health.

You’ll love the nicely rounded teeth on the Percy Nobleman comb that further reduce irritation, while teeth come in two widths to help you maintain close control in shaping and styling your hair.

It’s hand cut in France, so you don’t have to worry about potentially jagged tips as you do with machine-pressed combs.

Overall, it’s a comb you can use on both fine and coarse hair, plus everything in between.

This comb is longer than most pocket combs – it measures 7.5 inches – as well as more substantial, but it’s still convenient enough to bring with you and ideal for an on-the-go lifestyle.

Bottom Line

Durable, lightweight, and gentle on your hair, the Percy Nobleman comb makes combing your hair a pleasure, and it’s convenient enough for use on the go.

9. Kent Handmade Fine Cut Folding Pocket Comb

Kent’s fine-tooth folding pocket comb is another excellent choice in the cellulose acetate line, but that’s hardly a surprise. Kent combs are known for superior quality and craftsmanship, and it’s tough to choose the best of their lot.

There’s certainly plenty to like about their fine cut folding pocket comb. For one, it’s gentler on the hair than many combs; for another, it works nicely to distribute the natural oils of your scalp and hair.

The Kent Handmade Pocket Comb consists of cellulose acetate that’s cut from large sheets, rather than molded, which makes for a gentler comb that doesn’t snag or damage hair. Its rounded teeth ensure a smooth, comfortable brush every time.

The saw cut fine teeth are particularly effective on fine, straight hair and also help make it easier to create different styles, including side parts. We think it’s the best comb for a men’s side part.

Something else that you’ll notice is that the Kent Handmade Pocket Comb glides easily through your hair without creating even a hint of static.

As its name suggests, this comb has a hinge that allows you to fold it nearly in half. It measures 6.5 inches unfolded but folds to 3.5-inches to help it fit in your shirt or pants pocket perfectly.

Bottom Line

Fine craftsmanship is part of the Kent legacy that dates to 1777. Their handmade comb has a modern look and feel while retaining the traditional aspects that make Kent’s combs so good.

How we chose these combs for our review

A quality hair comb comes down to a variety of factors: the material from which it’s made, how it was manufactured, how easy it is to handle and, last but not least, the ease with which it allows you style your hair while getting rid of any tangles.

We took all of those factors, as well as price, into consideration when choosing the combs for this review. We hope it’s a helpful guide for picking the right comb for you.

7 Handy tips for combing your hair the right way

Many of us treat combing our hair like any other simple, daily task, i.e., we do it rather mindlessly without a lot of thought given to technique and detail.

The thing is, if you put a bit more effort and thought into it, combing your hair can easily enhance the look of A) your hair and B) your overall appearance.

So, keep the following tips in mind when you stand in front of your bathroom mirror, comb in hand.

1. Comb your hair when it’s wet (or not)

There’s a bit of debate about whether it’s a good idea to comb your hair when it’s wet. Some hair experts suggest that you shouldn’t comb wet hair; others say it’s OK to do so, as long as you do it gently.

In general, however, it’s suggested that a comb is OK for wet and tangled hair, unlike a brush. You need to comb gently, because wet hair is more prone to wear, tear, and split ends.

What do we recommend? We think it’s perfectly fine to comb your damp hair, i.e., hair that’s about 80 to 90% dry.

2. Use a wide-tooth comb for detangling

A wide tooth comb makes it easier to untangle hair and loosen knots or would-be knots. Use a fine tooth comb for styling.

Combing your hair with the right tool is essential.

Using a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair without pulling or snagging is key. The 11 best combs for men are a great place to start.

3. Use combs that generate less static

Plastic combs and other combs made of cheaper materials generate static when you guide them through your hair. Static not only causes frizziness, but it’s hard on your hair and can cause damage, such as split ends.

Wood is probably the most gentle comb construction material, because it doesn’t conduct electricity. Wood combs also provide a nice massaging effect to your scalp while evenly distributing its natural oils.

That’s not to say that other materials aren’t good for reducing static, and cellulose acetate is one such material that immediately comes to mind.

4. Parting your hair with a comb

The best tool for parting your hair is a comb. While there’s nothing overly complicated about parting your hair, there are a few rules of the road you can follow to make it easier:

• Decide which way to part your hair: You can part your hair in any direction, but your hair will have its own preferred, natural part. For the neatest, sharpest part, it’s wise to follow your hair’s natural part.
• Finding your part: There are a couple of ways to find your hair’s natural part. The first method is to comb your hair forward; your hair should part in at least one direction. Another way is to use your fingers to move your hair from front to back and side to side; your hair will fall in the direction that it naturally grows.
• Creating a part line: Use your comb to create a part line by placing it over the section of the hair you want to part. Doing so establishes the line and creates a guide by which to style your hair. The most fashionable of (today’s) styles tend to have a part from the far left or far right side of your head while avoiding the center.
• Comb the larger side of the part line: Use a fine-toothed comb to comb the section of hair on the larger side of the divide established by your part. You can use your fingers to keep the part in place while you’re styling your hair.
• Comb the smaller side of the part line: Comb the smaller section of hair established by the part line while letting it fall naturally down the side of your head. You should have a clean, even part in which no hair is crossing over from one side to the other when you’ve finished.
• Use hair product if so desired: Hair gel, pomade, and other styling products will help keep your hair in place and from wandering over your part line.
• Don’t be afraid to ask your barber: If you have doubts about the location of your hair’s natural part, ask your barber. You might be surprised by the true location of your part.

5. Combing hair while using styling products

You don’t need a ton of hair gel or another styling product to work your hair into your favorite style or to lie in a particular direction.

Rub a dime-sized amount of the product between your palms and then run your fingers from the front of the hair to the back while evenly coating its strands.

You may need a bit more product if you have long hair. Once you’ve established the shape of your hair, use a hair dryer for additional styling and to set it in place.

6. Combing tips for black men

Black men should comb or brush their hair when it’s dry to avoid breaking and damaging your hair. Use oil to help with detangling your hair. Also, a comb is your best tool if you have shorter hair, although a wide-tooth comb or afro comb is suitable for long hair.

Combing hair is one of the first things a black boy learns to do. With that being said, it is important to know how to correctly comb your hair so as not to damage it.

The first thing to do when combing is to choose the right comb. You want to make sure that you are using a wide-toothed comb because it will be easier on your hair and less likely to cause breakage.

The second thing to do when combing is to use a conditioner before starting. This will help keep the ends of your hair from breaking off and splitting during the process.

The third thing you should do when combing is use an anti-static spray or gel before starting. This will help keep static from building up in your hair as well as keeping it from frizzing out during the process.

The fourth thing you should do when combing is use an anti-frizz product after every pass through with the comb so that no matter what type of style you have, there will always be one product for every look!

7. Using a comb to create spikes

You can create spikes in your hair with a comb after you’ve applied your styling product. Pull your comb from the bottom of the hair strand to the top while letting it stick up in the air, then twist the spikes in place.

Once you’ve styled the spikes, use a hair spray to harden them in place or let them dry naturally. Use a wide-toothed comb for larger spikes and a fine-toothed comb for smaller ones.

Hair comb vs. hair brush: What’s the difference?

For some men, the real question concerning hair brushes and hair combs is this: What’s the difference? In other words, can’t you use one or the other and get the same results?

The answer is, no, not really, and both serve different purposes in many ways. Let’s break it down a bit:

Combs & Combing

You can break down what a comb does in the following way:

• Combing is especially effective for untangling hair when it’s wet (and without breaking the hair when it’s damp). Using a brush on tangled and wet hair can damage it, but it’s always best if you use a comb with wide teeth, so it doesn’t tug on the wet hair.
• Combs gives you better control, in general, because they have one row of teeth, albeit teeth of different sizes. It’s easier to create parts in your hair and, as we’ve already mentioned, combs are gentler on hair follicles.
• A comb not only gives you better control of your hair but makes it easier to style it with gels, pomades, clays, and other styling products.
• Hey, you can use even use a comb to rock a combover. Wait, there’s no “rocking” a combover, no matter how good you think it looks, but if you’re going to do it, you might as well use a comb.
• Combs work well on every hair type: thick, thin, in-between, and for most styles.

Brushes & Brushing

Brushing is what you do after you’ve combed your hair – at least that’s the general rule of thumb (but certainly not etched in stone).

• It helps to remove the buildup of dirt, dead skin flakes, and hair product build-up that can coat the hair and scalp.
• Brushing your hair massages the scalp while enhancing blood flow and stimulating the release of natural oils.
• Using a brush after blow drying, or during it, is a highly effective way to give your hairstyle a fuller look.
• Regular brushing can stimulate the scalp and help enhance hair growth. That’s not to say brushing your hair will cause hair to grow, but stimulating the scalp improves its overall health and the health of your hair.
• Avoid using brushes on curly hair, because they’ll likely cause tugging and pulling.
• Round brushes work better on layered hair while giving it volume and even waves, if you so desire.
• Brushing is a quick way to get neat, smooth hair when pressed for time.

Conclusion

You owe it to yourself and your hair to not settle for a cheap comb just to save a few bucks. A quality hair comb will last a long time and will improve and enhance the overall health of your hair.

As always, we’d love your input. What’s your favorite hair comb? Have you used any of the combs on this list? We hope to hear from you.

The post 9 Best Men’s Hair Combs for Magnificent-Looking Hair appeared first on Balding & Beards.

From styling and softening your beard to simply untangling and evening it out, a good quality comb is essential to any beadsman’s arsenal. And that’s exactly why we’ve put together this list of the best beard combs on the market.

See, choosing a beard comb can be baffling – how exactly are they different? And which one’s better?

So we’ve put together a solid list of the best options for a variety of beardy needs.

So we’ve got you covered with everything you need to find the best beard comb for you.

But we’re also going to show you the best way to use your beard comb; explain the key benefits of using a beard comb; explore the various types of beard combs, and discuss the differences between combs and brushes.

And before we do any of that, let’s start with a few tips to consider when buying your beard comb.

Quick summary

	Best Overall Baxter of California Beard Comb	Exceptional craft quality Smooth teeth for comfort Compact design	Check on Amazon
	Best Value Kent Men’s Handmade Comb (Set of 3)	Excellently hand-crafted Suitable for all beard lengths Durable	Check on Amazon
	Best for Durability Airisland Dual-action Stainless Steel Beard & Mustache Comb	Minimizes static Stainless steel design Great for thicker beards due to its sturdy design	Check on Amazon
	Seven Potions Beard Comb for Men	Handmade quality Static-free Wont tangle or tug hair	Check on Amazon
	Beard Brush & Comb Set By Grow Alpha Beard	Portable and compact size Reduces static Comes with a beard brush	Check on Amazon
	Badass Beard Care Black Series Fine Tooth Ox Horn Comb	Reduces static Hand crafted Great durability	Check on Amazon
	The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Beard Comb	Great for thick beards Two-sided design Made from sturdy sandalwood	Check on Amazon
	Kent 87T Brand New Limited Edition Folding Beard & Moustache Comb	Folds up for greater portability Useful for all hair types Handmade	Check on Amazon
	Kent 81T Men’s Extra-Small Handmade Beard/Moustache Comb	Handmade design Very portable Suitable for shorter beards and mustaches	Check on Amazon

Fortunately, there are plenty of quality beard combs available, and we suggest evaluating each according to the following criteria:

Before you buy: 7 Things to consider when purchasing a beard comb

Beards can be itchy, tangled and unruly. Men with a beard know how hard it is to keep it neat and tidy. If you have a long beard, the situation is even worse. Brushing your beard regularly is important to make sure that it grows in the right direction, preventing ingrown hairs and keeping your facial hair healthy.

Beard combs are an essential tool for any man with a beard. But what makes a good beard comb? Here’s what you need to know about buying the best one for your needs:

1. What material is it made of?

Beard combs are made from a variety of materials, and the specifics of those materials are extremely important.

There are 4 common materials you’ll encounter:

Wood combs are the most popular beard combs and for good reason. They are very gentle on beards, generally distributing oil very nicely, and they tend to be very durable – particularly if they’re made from good wood, like bamboo.

Wood also doesn’t tend to cause static, and that means your beard will look smoother and fuller as a result.

Metal combs are the most durable combs you’ll find, and if you’re looking for a simple long-term investment you should give them some serious consideration. They tend to be very lightweight and easy to use, but occasionally they will have sharp teeth that can create lots of static and really nick at your hair and skin – so beware!

Bone combs are uncommon, but you do occasionally come across them, and they tend to be very high-quality. Generally, they’re thicker and heavier than other kinds of combs, and men with particularly tough beards will find a lot to love in them.

Plastic or synthetic combs are generally a cheap option because they’re mass-produced. And while the quality is usually quite low, they can be a good backup comb. Watch out for jagged teeth and poor quality construction. But if you need to save a buck, they might be your best bet.

2. How was it made?

There are two basic ways combs are made: using a stamp press or by hand.

Stamp-pressed combs are made industrially, using an assembly-line machine that stamps them out in huge batches. This means they are generally cheaper, but also means the quality is far lower and they are more likely to break, as manufacturers often scrimp on materials.

Handmade combs are the opposite – made by a human being that carefully cultivates and crafts them. They are generally far higher quality and more durable, though you will inevitably pay a little extra for the privilege. You can expect fewer jagged edges when a comb is handmade, and probably more even teeth.

3. What is the teeth width?

The width of a comb’s teeth is vital: it determines how they brush and what kind of beards they are best suited to.

Wider spaces in the teeth reduce the likelihood of pulling or tugging, though shorter spaces tend to be better for softer beards and distribute oil a little more evenly.

4. What type of beard hair do you grow?

It’s always important to know what you’re working with when grooming, and in this case, it’s vital that you understand what kind of hair you have and what it needs.

Thicker hair requires a tougher comb, while thinner hair might be at risk of getting pulled or looking too wispy. There are also various idiosyncratic needs, like frizziness, which certain combs are specially designed to tackle.

5. What beard style are you going for?

As well as understanding the type of hair you’ve got, you should also be very conscious of what you’re hoping to do with your comb. What sort of beard style are you after? What length and cut? Are there special styling requirements?

6. What shape and size do you want?

Combs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And while it might not seem like that makes a big difference, the size and shape of your comb will impact a bunch of things, not least how easy it is to travel with it.

Some combs – like Kent’s Handmade Combs for Men – come in numerous sizes. But most of the time, you’ll have to decide what size best suits your needs.

The shape of the comb’s handle also changes how it feels to use the comb; some have standard, straight handles whereas others have a curved design which more easily fits your hand.

7. Is it of great value?

We feel strongly that every purchase our readers make should be a great deal, so it’s important that you’re very aware of the market. Reviews like this one help you understand what can be expected at what price, and you should be very clear in your mind about what you expect to get for the money you spend.

The 9 best beard combs

1. Baxter of California Beard Comb

Best features:

• Handcrafted
• Smoothly tapered teeth
• Highly compact

The best beard comb for:

Men who want the absolute best

Overview

Baxter of California has been around since 1965, producing world-class men’s grooming products that are informed by science and designed with maximum ease-of-use in mind. Their beard comb is as good as they come, and that’s why it’s clinched our top spot here.

First, let’s admire the sheer craft involved in it: BoC handcraft their comb in Switzerland using high-quality cellulose acetate sheets and a detailed, 12-step process that ensures the final product is exceptionally refined and durable. The ultimate result is a beautifully compact comb that is a joy to use and does everything you could possibly need it to.

The smoothly tapered teeth and rounded tips achieve maximum comfort, ensuring there’s no harshness on your skin and that every bit of your beard benefits.

Another clear benefit is its size: at 3.5” long, this is an exceptionally compact design, and that makes it perfectly easy to just throw it in your pocket or find space in a bag to travel.

It works great with all styling products and can be used to tame your beard, as well as your eyebrows and mustache. So not only is this a premium quality product, but it’s also hugely versatile – a fitting first choice on any list of the best beard combs.

Bottom line

Our top choice for a reason: a beautifully handcrafted beard comb that you’ll absolutely love.

2. Kent Handmade Combs for Men

Best features:

• Smooth-cut teeth
• Durable
• Comes in a 3-pack

The best beard comb for:

Anyone looking for a versatile set of beard combs

Overview

A Kent Handmade Comb is a cut above the rest. Made by a British company that’s been around since 1777, Kent promises and delivers products of high quality.

What’s cool is that you can also buy them in a three-piece set that includes all the combs you need for the health and appearance of your beard, mustache, and scalp hair.

The set includes combs of three sizes, each of which is individually saw-cut and hand-polished and buffed to create rounded teeth that won’t damage your hair.

The smooth teeth stimulate the natural oils of your facial skin and beard and help to distribute them evenly.

Each comb is made from cellulose acetate that doesn’t cause static. Also, Kent leaves a rough saw-cut impression on the edge of each tooth that cleans dust from the hair while also stimulating the release of natural oils.

As you’d expect from a Kent product, the handmade comb provides the optimal balance between weight and balance. It simply feels good in your hand.

Bottom line

You can never go wrong with a Kent handmade comb as part of your grooming arsenal. It’s gentle on your beard but robust enough to keep it well-styled and well-moisturized.

3. Airisland Dual-action Stainless Steel Beard & Mustache Comb

Best features:

• Ideal for everyday carry
• Anti-static
• Built to last

The best beard comb for:

Men who prefer steel beard combs

Overview

It’s hard to beat the durability of a stainless steel comb. A quality steel comb combined with proper care should last its owner for a lifetime.

Airisland’s stainless steel beard and mustache comb is no exception – it’s made to last. It’s also portable thanks to its compact design, and you can carry it in your wallet or pocket without worrying about breakage.

That can’t be said of all wooden or plastic combs, mind you.

The Airisand comb has other benefits, as well, including that it enables you to style your beard without causing static and static’s inevitable frizziness.

Airsand’s sturdy design makes it well-suited for use on thicker, coarser beards, and it has a fine-toothed side that’s designed for use on thinner, finer beards.

Again, it’s hard to beat the portability of this comb. It’s about the size of a credit card, albeit a bit smaller, and you can bring it with you wherever you go.

Bottom line

A durable design that’s built to last, easy portability – the Airisland stainless steel beard and mustache comb has a lot of offer, and it helps you to style and detangle your beard easily.

4. Seven Potions Beard Comb

Best features:

• Sawcut
• Good for all beard types
• Durability

The best beard comb for:

Men who want a comb that’s good for use on all beard types

Overview

Like Kent, Seven Potions is an English company that produces excellent grooming tools, not the least of which is their beard comb for men.

The latter has everything you’d expect from a top-of-the-line beard comb and will enhance the overall health and appearance of your wonderous whiskers.

It will also make you even more willing to ditch your cheap plastic comb. Made from cellulose acetate, the Seven Potions comb is suitable for all beard lengths, thicknesses, and styles.

As with all cellulose acetate combs, it helps eliminate excess static while also evenly distributing natural oils (and manufactured beard oil, which we hope you’re using) through the skin and hair.

On the flip side, it helps to pull excess oil from your beard, which is handy if your facial skin and hair tend to be overly oily.

It’s also durable and waterproof and should last you a lifetime with the proper care. True, you’ll pay a bit more for the Seven Potions comb than you would for other, lesser-quality combs, but it’s well worth your investment.

Each Seven Potions comb is saw cut and hand polished and has soft, rounded teeth that won’t damage your whiskers or irritate the skin underneath.

Bottom line

You’ll enhance the overall look and health of your beard with tools such as the Seven Potions Beard Comb. Why settle for a cheap alternative?

5. Beard Brush & Comb Set By Grow Alpha Beard

Best features:

• Portability
• Easy to control
• Set also includes a beard brush

The best beard comb for:

Men looking for a comb that’s good for all beard types

Overview

Many beards feature a design that makes them easy to take with you, and the Grow Alpha Beard Comb & Brush Set is one we really like.

The set includes a pocket-size comb that fits into your pocket or bag easily and is always ready when you are when it’s time for a touch-up.

Made from bamboo, this comb is lightweight and helps to gently massage facial hair and eliminates tangles and static. It stimulates the production of natural oils in your skin while spreading those oils evenly throughout your beard.

The comb also reduces static that can cause frizziness and lead to knots and tangles.

Both the comb and brush come with a money-back guarantee; if you don’t like them, send them back to Grow Alpha Beard for a full refund.

Bottom line

The bamboo beard comb by Grow Alpha Beard offers everything you need in a quality comb. Don’t let its compact size fool you.

6. Badass Beard Care Black Series Fine Tooth Ox Horn Comb

Best features:

• Hand made
• Doesn’t create static
• Very smooth – for most users

The best beard comb for:

Those looking for something a little ‘out there’

Overview

There’s a lot to like about Badass Beard Care’s Black Series – even the name has a sense of humor about itself. And while that sense of fun is greatly appreciated, it’s actually the smart design of their Fine Tooth Ox Horn Comb that will most impress you.

You see, they’ve actually combined a sandalwood comb and an ox horn comb and created this crazed Frankenstein of a comb.

The spine of the comb is made of hand-carved Australian sandalwood, which is sanded and engraved and provides a super-strong, durable basis for the comb. But teeth themselves are hand carved from a solid piece of horn.

It’s unlike any other comb you’ll find and genuinely great to use.

The teeth are 0.75-1.0” while the comb itself is 4.33×1.87”: it’s a big boy, and it feels great to hold.

While the exotica of it is great, it does also actually perform: it will give you a very even, easy brush and avoids static. It’s also very easy to keep clean and requires very little maintenance.

Bottom line

This is an unusual and striking comb, sure. But it also does the job brilliantly and won’t break the bank.

7. The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Beard Comb

Best features:

• Two comb widths
• Easy to take with you
• Durable

The best beard comb for:

Men with medium to longer-length beards

Overview

One of the few knocks against beard combs is their fragility. Yes, they reduce static and glide effortlessly through your beard – at least the good ones do, that is – but they can break more easily than combs made of other materials.

The Art of Shaving’s Sandalwood Beard Comb, on the other hand, is durable enough that you can take it with you without worrying about it breaking. Made from Argentinian green sandalwood, it has a sturdy design and should last you a long time.

It’s also two-sided – one side consists of wider teeth that are ideal for curly or wavy hair, while the other has finer teeth for straighter beard hair types.

Bottom line

The Art of Shaving’s Sandalwood Beard Comb is another good tool to have in your beard grooming kit. It’s sturdy and can handle thicker beards without snagging.

8. Kent 87t Pocket Beard Comb

Best features:

• Stimulates the scalp and skin
• Handmade
• Good for mustaches, too

The best beard comb for:

Men who like folding-style beard combs

Overview

Back to our friends at Kent, who give us the Kent 87T Limited Edition Folding Beard & Mustache Comb. The latter is representative of the quality of Kent’s comb as a whole, and also good for men of all beard hair types and thicknesses.

The 87T, as its name suggests, has a fold-up design that makes it easy to take with you no matter where you go. Like all Kent combs, it’s saw-cut, then hand-polished and buffed to create rounded teeth that won’t snag or damage facial hair.

Its teeth also help to stimulate the natural oils on the skin beneath your beard. In turn, those oils help hair to lie flat while creating healthy, strong, and shiny hair. And, the overall result is a beard that’s free of split ends and tangles.

Bottom line

Kent makes good combs … and brushes and other products. Its 87T folding comb is representative of Kent’s high quality and is a great tool for helping beards reach their full potential.

9. Kent 81t Pocket Comb For Mustache And Beard

Best features:

• Compact design
• Gentle on facial hair
• Saw-cut and hand-polished

The best beard comb for:

Men looking for an affordable, quality beard comb

Overview

Kent makes excellent beard and mustache combs, which we’ve already established. They also offer a wide variety of combs that come in different sizes and price ranges, and the 81T, which is available in the Kent comb set above, is worthy of its own review.

The Kent 81T is a compact comb – it measures 2.8” long by 0.5” wide – and budget-friendly, all while offering the kind of quality customers have come to expect from a premier men’s grooming company.

The 81T consists of durable, saw-cut cellulose acetate that comes from large sheets of material and isn’t injection-molded.

Its rounded teeth are hand-polished and buffed to help deliver gentle combing action, whether it’s on your beard or ‘stache.

You’ll generate much less static than you would with many other combs, and it delivers all the force you need to get through stubborn knots and tangles.

The smooth teeth also help to stimulate the natural oil inside hair cuticles as you comb through your whiskers. You can use it with your favorite beard oil to deliver extra hydration and easy combing action.

The size of the 81T makes it ideal for carrying with you no matter where you go. It fits nicely in a pants pocket, and even in a wallet, which enables you to give your beard and mustache a touch-up whenever needed.

Bottom line

The Kent 81T is proof that good things sometimes come in small packages. You can take it with you and use it for occasional touch-ups no matter where you are.

How we chose these beard combs for our reviews

Quality beard combs abound, which makes choosing the best of the best something of a challenge. But we think our list provides a nice mixture of options for when you’re shopping for a beard comb.

We wanted to include combs that covered the entire gamut of materials, from wood to metal to bone to cellulose acetate. We also looked at other factors, such as the quality of their construction, their durability, and price.

The right way to use a beard comb in 6 easy steps

Once you’ve purchased a quality beard comb, you’ve taken an important step toward a healthier, better-looking beard.

You still have to put the comb to work, of course, and – while it’s not overly-complicated – there are a few things and techniques you should keep in mind.

1. Make sure your beard is clean

Always clean your beard before you comb it. We recommend using a quality beard wash or shampoo, and not the same shampoo you use on your head.

The latter is designed, in part, to wash away oils on the scalp, which can lead to greasy-looking hair. But you don’t want to wash away the natural oils produced by your facial skin.

After you’ve washed your beard, dry it by patting a soft towel over your whiskers until all the excess moisture is removed.

2. Getting started

Begin using the comb by holding it with the teeth pointed upwards. Start at your neckline and work your way up to the chin and beyond. Combing upward at the start separates the hair and helps to “fluff” out the whiskers. In turn, that makes them easier to style later on.

A few words about combing your beard under the chin:

• You may run into snags under your chin more readily than you do above it. To lessen potentially painful tugging and snagging, you can sprinkle some beard oil onto your comb.
• Spend a little extra time on the growth below your chin, if needed.
• Comb slowly and carefully to avoid snags.
• Only reverse the direction of the stroke after you’ve fluffed the hair out sufficiently.

3. Hitting snags

A couple of other thoughts about dealing with snags: first, never try to tug and pull at the snag to get rid of it. In most cases, it’s just a couple of hairs that have crossed over each other.

Be gentle when you encounter a snag. Comb slowly through it, taking multiple strokes if needed, until you’ve loosened it enough that it becomes undone.

And, remember, beard oil will help make the process easier.

4. Use a lighter touch

The same rule that applies for combing through snags applies to all areas of your beard, i.e., you don’t need to grip the comb with such force that your knuckles turn white. Instead, hold it with enough force that it won’t fall out of your hand.

5. Combing and styling your beard

Once you’ve separated your beard hairs and “fluffed” them out, it’s time to reverse direction and comb the hair down while styling it in the way you prefer. And don’t forget your mustache (or the areas around the mouth where mustache and beard hair can intrude).

6. Maintaining a beard combing schedule

You should comb your beard at least once a day and no more than three times. How often you comb it depends on the coarseness and unruliness of your whiskers. Be careful not to over-comb your beard, which may damage it.

Why you need to use a beard comb (4 benefits)

Beard combs help enhance the overall health and look of your beard, which our reviews of the best ones help validate. Here’s a look at a beard comb’s benefits:

1. Prevents ingrown hair

Regularly combing your beard will help to keep ingrown hair at bay. Ingrown hair, in which individual whiskers have curled and grown under the skin, can be painful – as anyone who’s experienced it can testify.

Combing your beard with a quality beard comb helps to train hair to grow in the right direction, and not beneath the surface of the skin.

2. Keeps your mouth clear of whiskers

Training your beard to grow in the right direction includes keeping whiskers from protruding into your mouth. That’s an aggravation, and it can result in food getting trapped in facial hair. That’s not a good look, and it isn’t sanitary.

3. Helps to moisturize the beard

Regular combing helps to distribute your beard and skin’s natural oils, which keeps your beard moisturized and healthy.

We always recommend using a quality beard oil to maintain the overall health of your beard, and a beard comb makes it easy to spread beard oil evenly throughout your whiskers.

4. It trains your beard

We don’t mean “train” your beard like a fitness instructor trains his students, but to train it to grow in a way that aligns the hair properly. A beard in which hairs grow in a uniform direction will look fuller and more masculine.

The various types of beards combs you should know about

We talked earlier about different types of beard combs – at least in a roundabout way – in our earlier section about what to look for when buying a beard comb.

In general, the four main types of beard combs, based on the material from which they’re made are:

• Wooden – Wood is a popular material used in beard comb construction, and it’s gentle on beards because its saw-cut and the teeth are polished and rounded to get rid of rough edges. Wood combs don’t produce a lot of static, either. The only downside is that wood is a bit more fragile than other materials used in beard comb construction, but should still last you quite a long time with proper care.
• Metal – You don’t have to worry about durability if you choose a metal beard comb. They typically feature a thin, minimalist design that’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver through your beard. If nothing else, they should last you a lifetime. They do cause a bit of static, however.
• Bone – Bone, or horn, combs aren’t as readily available as wooden or metal combs, but they’ve gained popularity. They’re hand-polished and provide a very comfortable combing experience.
• Plastic/synthetic – The best type of synthetic beard combs consist of cellulose acetate and are stamp-cut and hand polished to provide the smoothest of cutting edges. They’re also durable. Avoid plastic combs, which generally are cheaply-made and rough on whiskers.

Another type worth mentioning is the heated beard comb. Heated combs are just that: they feature a heating element inside that helps the comb straighten curly beards that defy the efforts of standard beard combs.

Arkam Deluxe Beard Straightener for Men is a heated comb that many customers love.

You can also break beard comb types into their various designs: pocket, straight, folding (or switchblade), etc. Pocket combs, as you might expect, offer the best portability.

Beard combs vs. beard brushes: Differences, advantages, etc.

Beard combs aren’t the only game in town regarding men’s facial hair grooming. Another important tool is a beard brush, and your beard-care kit should include a brush as well as a comb.

Which also leads to questions such as, “Which one should you use?” “When?” “What are the differences?”

Let’s take a deeper dive.

1. The basics – beard combs

We’ve already talked at length about beard combs and their many benefits. A comb, unlike a brush, features teeth that you guide through your hair to style it, remove tangles, distribute helpful oils, and more.

Because it has teeth, a comb is well-designed for working its way through long beard hair. The good ones won’t snag or pull at your whiskers, and they’ll enable you to work your way gently through knots.

You can purchase beard combs in a variety of materials, from wood to metal to plastic to cellulose acetate. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose depends on a variety of factors, such as the length of your beard and budget.

A beard comb is useful in another way, too: you can use it as a guide as you’re trimming your beard, especially when using beard scissors. With your comb, you can isolate sections of your beard for trimming – just as a barber uses a comb when trimming your scalp hair.

Beard combs also come in different sizes and designs. Many of them are compact enough that you can carry them with you easily, which enables you to do “touch-ups” on the go.

• Beard combs: advantages and disadvantages

There’s a lot to love about beard combs, and every self-respecting beardsman should always have one at hand. Or, at the least, always one in his grooming kit.

Besides the beard comb benefits we’ve listed above, another advantage of using one is that it’s excellent for styling longer beards. The comb’s teeth need a reasonable amount of hair to work with, and that makes it ideal for detangling longer beards.

A comb eliminates the pain of having to drag a brush through the often unruly territory that makes up a long beard. A brush is more apt to get caught on knots and tangles, and that can be an unpleasant experience, to say the least.

The teeth in beard combs also tend to generate less friction than brush bristles. You can also use combs on a wet beard because it can work out the knots and tangles without causing damages. A beard brush, on the other hand, is best reserved for dry beards.

But beard combs don’t work as effectively as brushes for styling and managing shorter beards, and that’s probably the biggest difference in all.

2. The basics – beard brushes

The typical beard brush comes with a handle (often made of wood), and bristles, such as you’d expect from any type of brush.

One important difference between beard brushes and regular brushes, such as those you’d use on your scalp, is that beard brushes often have bristles made of natural materials, such as boar hair.

A boar hair beard brush makes it ideal for distributing sebum, your skin’s natural oils, throughout your beard, and for spreading beard oil that you buy.

The idea is to make sure the oil is coated evenly from root to tips, which makes your beard more hydrated, more manageable, and healthier.

While many beard combs have handles made from wood, other types of materials are used as well, including metal, horn or bone, and plastic.

• Beard brushes – advantages and disadvantages

There’s no harm in saying it again: beard brushes are better for maintaining shorter beards than are beard combs. The bristles are denser and packed together more tightly and can get tangled up in long hair.

One of the key benefits of a beard brush is that it does a great job of cleaning the beard. Let’s face it; beards can be a magnet for food, grime, and dust, and keeping them clean requires a good beard shampoo or wash.

But a beard brush helps clean a beard and is better at removing debris that a comb may not get otherwise.

Beard brushes also help to exfoliate the beard, i.e., remove dead skin cells that everyone accumulates daily. Those cells can lead to itching and beardruff and leave the beard looking dull and lifeless.

Most grooming experts agree that beard brushes do a better job of training beards than a beard comb. The densely-packed bristles create enough friction to draw individual beard hair back into line, which means your beard looks better overall.

And, as mentioned, beard brushes do a nice job of distributing oils – natural or otherwise – over beard follicles. In other words, a beard brush is an excellent conditioning tool, and it helps to give your whiskers a natural shine and softer look.

So, which one should I use?

Perhaps the best answer is: “Why not use both?” While the general rule is that brushes work best on shorter beards and combs better on longer ones, and each comes with a unique set of benefits, there’s no reason not to have both.

Even if you have a shorter beard, for instance, it’s always helpful to have a beard comb handy to serve as a trimming guide.

Either way, the best beard combs, and brushes are built to last. Buying both now represents a wise long-term investment.

Conclusion

One of the many advantages of growing and maintaining a beard is that there are plenty of tools to help you along the way. Beard combs are a great example and have many benefits for helping you to attain the kind of beard you want.

We’d also love to hear from you. Do you have a favorite beard comb? If so, what do you like about it? We welcome your feedback and suggestions.

The post 9 Best Beard Combs for a Neat, Untangled & Stylish Beard appeared first on Balding & Beards.

It’s an old-school approach that connects you with your ancestors and makes you feel

But the right shaving brush isn’t always easy to find, so we’ve put together this list of the 6 best shaving brushes on the market.

Shaving brushes are a great way to enhance your shave quality. They help to spread the shaving cream evenly, which means a more even shave, as well as a cleaner shave with less irritation. In short: you’re going to love your new shaving brush.

And we haven’t stopped there:

We’ve also put together a simple guide to using a shaving brush, as well as a detailed discussion about why shaving brushes work so well.

First, let’s look at the 5 essential factors you need to consider when purchasing your shaving brush.

Quick summary

	Best Overall Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush	Handmade, quality construction Helps prepare your face for the closest shave possible Comes with handy drip stand	Check on Amazon
	Best Synthetic VIKINGS BLADE 'White Knight' Luxury Shaving Brush	Synthetic fibres that rival badger hair Durable High water retention	Check on Amazon
	Best Affordable Omega Professional Boar Bristle Shaving Brush	Builds an excellent lather Quality handle with good grip Bristles get even better with time	Check on Amazon
	Parker Safety Razor 100% Silvertip Badger Bristle Shaving Brush	Silvertip badger hair bristles Good durability Comes with a shave brush stand	Check on Amazon
	Semogue 620 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush	Excellent craftsmanship Doesn’t irritate the skin Creates a nice, full lather	Check on Amazon
	Proraso Professional Shaving Brush	Durable bristles Beautifully crafted Large coverage area	Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 5 Things to consider when purchasing a shave brush

OK, let’s cut to the chase: With hands, who needs a shave brush? Yes, we get it, you can always build a lather and apply it to your face with your hands, but is it as good as what you’d get by using a shave brush?

No.

Purchasing a quality brush not only shows that you take wet shaving seriously, but also that you truly desire the kind of lather (and other attributes) that make for a close shave. There are many advantages to using a shave brush:

• It whips air into shaving cream or soap to generate a rich lather.
• A shaving brush softens and lifts the hair off the face, making it easier to shave.
• It adds heat to the skin during your shave which helps lubricate the skin while also opening skin pores.
• The brush’s bristles gently exfoliate the skin to rid of dead cells.

Yes, a shave brush is old school, but some things in life will always hold their value.

Now that you’re ready to buy a shave brush – whether it’s your first or one of many – here are some things to keep in mind before making your purchase.

1. Type

One of the most important criterion when choosing a shave brush is the type of hair in the brush. And most types of shaving brushes come in one of four types of bristles: badger hair, boar hair, horse hair, or synthetic.

We’ll get into the pros and cons of each type of hair later in this post.

As a general rule, however, boar hair is the type of brush you’ll find in many supermarkets and drug stores, while horse hair comes from the horse’s tail or mane and is making a comeback of sorts when it comes to shaving brushes.

Just a note: Harvesting badger and boar hair mean killing the animal. If that’s a personal concern, then you’re better off choosing a synthetic or horse hair brush.

2. Price

The nice part about shave brushes is that you can find one to fit any budget. A top-notch Silvertip badger hair brush may cost as much as $150, while you can pick up a good boar brush for as little as $10. Quality synthetic versions can range in price for $30 to $150.

You’ll probably want to choose a relatively inexpensive brush if you’re new to wet shaving, since you may not be sure whether you’re going to like it or not.

The cheapest option is a synthetic bristle, which will also dry faster than natural bristles and doesn’t require special care. A mid-range option is badger hair, which comes from a variety of sources: pure (most expensive); best; super; and fine (least expensive). Boar hair is the least expensive option, but it takes longer to get used to and loses its shape quickly.

3. Size

Brush size and shape is another important factor when buying a shaving brush. Most brush dimensions are expressed in millimeters and often divided into three sections: loft, knot, and overall height.

The loft is the length of the hair from the top of the handle to the tip of the hair, while the knot refers to the amount of hair that’s packed into the handle. The length of the handle is included when determining the overall height of the brush.

The length of the handle is included when determining the overall height of the brush.

Generally speaking, larger brushes are superior for quickly lathering a large area of your face while smaller brushes have more control.

4. Handle

Brush handles are usually offered in different sizes and weights depending on the manufacturer. The size of your hand should be a key determining factor in choosing the right handle for you.

The most common materials used for brush handles are metal, wood, horn, and synthetic.

Metal handles are often made of brass – and plated with chrome or nickel to increase their durability – while wooden handles come from a variety of wood types, such as pine, sycamore, and ash.

As far as horn handles, the best and most common option is buffalo horn – which has excellent durability among its many attributes.

5. Shedding

Don’t be alarmed if your brush sheds some bristles for the first week or so after purchasing it. The shedding ends sooner than later, but you can expedite the process by washing your brush with shampoo or combing it.

When you’re shopping for a shaving brush, one of the most important things to consider is how much it sheds. A good shaving brush should hold its bristles.

Besides shedding, another great quality in a brush is softness. Softness is probably the most difficult feature to find in a shaving brush—it’s pretty rare that a shaving brush will be both soft and non-shedding (let alone an affordable price). But if you happen to find one, it’s definitely worth buying!

We’ll dig deeper into the types of shave brush bristles later on, but now it’s time to get into our shaving brush reviews.

The 6 best shaving brushes

1. Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush With Drip Stand

Sheffield, England-based Edwin Jagger exists exclusively to meet the needs to wet shavers worldwide. Founded in 1988, it designs and manufactures a wide variety of high-quality wet shaving accessories, including their incomparable badger hair shaving brush.

And their Best Badger Shaving Brush (with drip stand) is the best badger shaving brush on the market – the name doesn’t lie. Then again, what else should one expect from a company that stakes its reputation on quality?

Edwin Jagger makes all of its shaving brushes from the hair of the Meles Meles badger – which is a “sustainable” source (and also known as the European Badger).

As mentioned, badger hair is a common source of shaving brush bristles – and has been for a couple of hundred of years – and absorbs water better than other bristle types.

Combining a top-quality badger hair brush with a superior shave cream or soap all but guarantees a lather that’s second-to-none.

Combining a top-quality badger hair brush with a superior shave cream or soap all but guarantees a lather that’s second-to-none.

But there’s more to like about Edwin Jagger’s Best Badger Shaving Brush with Drip Stand. Let’s break it down a bit:

• Badger hair absorbs hot water during the shave which, in turn, helps you to produce a rich, creamy later. A badger hair brush is also great when used with a hard shaving soap, especially for men who prefer a firmer feel during the lathering process, or who have coarse facial hair.
• Edwin Jagger makes its shaving brushes by hand and uses the latest technology combined with traditional craftsman skills.
• While the brush is shorter than some others, it fits comfortably in your hand and provides good control during the mixing and lathering processes. Its size also makes it an excellent travel shaving brush.
• Your Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush comes with a drip stand that allows you to store your brush and hang it to dry. It’s important to rinse your brush with warm water after every use and hang it to dry.

All in all, it makes for an excellent shaving brush kit.

Bristle Type

• Badger hair

Bottom Line

Edwin Jagger has established itself as one of the key players in the wet shaving game and only enhances its strong reputation with products like the Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush.

A bonus is that it comes with a shaving brush stand, as well. We think this is the best shaving brush available.

2. VIKINGS BLADE ‘White Knight’ Luxury Shaving Brush

Synthetic brushes can get a bad rap from shaving brush purists, but there’s really no denying quality when you see it, and Vikings Blade’s ‘White Knight’ brush is a perfect example.

The hair itself is made of top quality fibres that look and feel like silvertip – it makes for a wonderfully soft, luxurious brushing experience. Plus the brushes are designed for optimal water retention, making it extremely comfortable to apply.

The heavy stainless steel base – made of Premium Swedish Alloy – gives you solid control and makes using the brush feel extremely masculine. Plus the handle – made of Ivory Tusk Acrylic – has surprisingly good grip, on top of being dense and durable.

Because the fibres are synthetic, it doesn’t shed nearly as much as many ‘natural’ brushes, and the aesthetic is fantastic – it comes in a beautiful Swedish case, making for an absolute all round manly experience.

When you first use it, you should expect a mild badger smell – but nothing more than the standard shaving brush. And because of its durability, this is ideal for men who need to do a wet shave every single day.

Bristle Type

• Top-end synthetic fibres

Bottom Line

A synthetic brush that can compete with the best – beautifully weighty, durable, and luxuriously soft.

3. Omega Professional Boar Bristle Shaving Brush

Founded in 1931, Italy’s Omega is one of the most popular shaving brush manufacturers worldwide. Their brushes are not only high quality but also reasonably priced (and worth every penny at any price).

Made of natural boar hair, the Professional Boar Bristle Shaving Brush comes with a black resin handle that’s almost as tall as the loft, making it one of the bigger handles out there. While it may not be as premium as a wooden handle, it has a quality feel to it.

It also provides superior grip, unlike other models that feel too rough or too slick.

But more about the bristles.

As with many other boar brushes, the Omega Professional takes a bit of time to break in. But, also like most boar brushes, the more you use the bristles, the better they become.

And the Omega Professional’s bristles are softer out of the box than most other boar brushes.

If you’re looking for a brush that will give you a rich lather that covers your entire shaving area, then the Omega Professional is right up your alley.

The bristles are great for exfoliating – eliminating dead skin cells – the skin during your shave, and your face will feel smooth and refreshed when you’ve finished.

Again, the Omega Professional Boar Bristle Shaving Brush is very affordable. There are plenty of more expensive brushes available that aren’t of similar quality as the Omega.

We’d be shirking our duties if we didn’t touch on the Omega Professional Brush’s smell. The fact is, the brush has a strong odor when you first open up the package and during the break-in period.

Not to worry, however, because the odor goes away the more you use the brush. Furthermore, it’s made more bearable at the start because of the thick lather the bristles provide right from the get-go.

Bristle Type

• Boar hair

Bottom Line

The Omega Professional shaving brush is the best boar shaving brush available. You’ll like the lather and the way it makes your skin feel after your shave. Even better, it’s available at a price that won’t bust your budget.

4. Parker Safety Razor 100% Silvertip Badger Bristle Shaving Brush

The folks at Parker have made it their business to make only the best products for wet shavers everywhere, and their Silvertip Bristle Shaving Brush is as good as it gets.

Made from pure Silvertip badger hair – arguably the best material for bristles on the planet – this brush is extremely soft and better than a lot of brushes that carry a heavier price tag (although it’s not cheap, by any means).

Its bristles can hold large amounts of water, which makes it easier to work up a beautiful lather.

The bristles are lighter in color at the top and feature a distinct black band, and they need little break-in time compared to any other kind of bristles. They’re soft but extremely tough and you can expect years of service with this brush before it’s time to buy a new one.

Like most of the top shaving brushes on the market, the Parker Silvertip has excellent exfoliating qualities. It’s also a great option if you have sensitive skin because of its soft bristles.

The brush also has a low shed rate and you’ll experience minimal bristle loss after your first few uses.

The Parker Silvertip Badger Bristle Brush is a testament to craftsmanship as it’s handmade and you can feel the quality when you hold it in your palm. The handle is a comfortable length that’s neither too long or too short.

Another reason to like this brush is that it comes with a chrome shaving brush stand that ensures proper drying and storage.

Some reviewers suggest that the Parker Silvertip’s knot is a bit “looser,” i.e., higher up the handle, than other shaving brushes, which makes it less suitable for aerosol creams.

Why? Because a portion of the aerosol cream remains stuck in the bristles and never reach your face.

Then again, if you’re using a shaving brush, there’s no sense in using a cheap aerosol cream instead of making your cream from scratch, or using shave soap.

If you’re going to go “old school” and use a shave brush, why not be just as traditional with your cream or soap?

Bristle Type

• Badger hair

Bottom Line

The Silvertip Bristle Shaving Brush is a product that’s very representative of the type of wet shaving items that Parker produces on a regular basis. You’ll love the softness of the bristles, just as you’ll love the brush’s durability.

5. Semogue 620 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush

You may not have heard of Semogue, but the Portugal-based company is a longtime leader in the brush industry.

With over 60 years of experience, it’s no surprise that its Semogue 620 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush is a prized possession in many men’s grooming kits.

If you’re part of the trend of men who prefer the wet shaving experience, then the Semogue 620 will help you make the most of it. It’s a handcrafted brush that looks great and delivers superior performance with each shave.

We like it for a lot of reasons, including that it builds a sizable lather without the irritation of lesser-quality shaving brushes.

Its boar’s hair bristles are more numerous than on many brushes, and you’ll get the kind of lather you desire whether you’re using shaving cream or soap.

Like other boar bristle brushes, there’s some break-in time with the Semogue 620, but not all that long.

Once it’s fully broken in, you simply need to soften it for 10 to 15 minutes in warm water before shaving. The tips of the brush become very soft and retain water, unlike few other brushes.

The Semogue 620 also has a sturdy construction with a strong backbone. The handle, made from acrylic, has good balance and fits easily into your hand.

Meanwhile, the full-bodied boar bristle knot is held in place by a sterling ring – which contributes to the brush’s overall attractiveness.

Bristle Type

• Boar Hair

Bottom Line

The Semogue company and its master craftsmen consistently create brushes of a higher quality and its 620 shaving brush is no exception. It helps create a full, rich lather, the bristles don’t irritate the skin, while it has an attractive design.

6. Proraso Professional Shaving Brush

Proraso is a legendary Italian shaving company, and their shaving brush is exactly as great as you’d expect from such a brand.

Made from high-quality boar bristles whose length and stiffness have been carefully calibrated to create a beautifully soapy lather, this is a shaving brush for anybody who wants to know what real quality feels like.

It is exceptionally tough and durable, with most reviewers reporting an almost complete absence of shedding – a real problem with many less well-made brushes.

Yet the bristles are gentle enough to allow for you to massage the beard without any itching or scratching at all.

And it can load up a huge amount of soap and has a very large coverage area, making it easy to use on even the biggest of beards.

The handle is exceptionally chunky, which will divide men: some will love the weight, while others will find it less comfortable than other brushes on this list.

While it does take a few goes to break in, the Proraso shaving brush gets going quicker than most and, as we’ve already said, is immensely durable.

Some note a slightly unpleasant odour on the brush when it first arrives – though not all. However, everyone agrees that the smell disappears fairly quickly.

Bristle Type

• Boar

Bottom Line

Proraso delivers another great shaving product: great quality boar bristles with a nice handle design and super durability, all for a total reasonable price.

How we chose our best shaving brushes

There is a variety of factors we considered when choosing our best shaving brushes.

Perhaps the most important is the type of bristle – there’s no better way to evaluate a shave brush. Badger hair brushes remain the best of the bunch, but we also wanted to include at least one brush each of the other types of bristles.

The quality of the lather is another key criteria when selecting the best brushes; after all it’s all about providing the best foundation for your shave.

Price is, of course, another factor, but like with all of our reviews, we want to include products in a good range of price options.

The quality of construction is another thing to consider when evaluating shaving brushes, and that includes the handle. If the brush isn’t comfortable in your hand, then chances are you’re not going to get a comfortable shave.

Finally, we spend a lot of time doing research, including perusing the reviews of others.

While we can’t try every shave brush available, we do turn over every stone when it comes to digging through all of the literature available on shaving brushes (and men’s grooming products, in general).

5 Steps to a luxurious Shave: How to use a shaving brush

Using a shaving brush isn’t rocket science. Then again, we’re not building rockets, and there is some technique involved if you want to get the most out of your shave brush (and create the kind of lather you and your face will love).

Here’s how:

1. Prepare your bowl and brush

Get a mug or bowl – the best are those designed specifically for wet shaving – and fill it with hot water. Not boiling water, mind you, but still nice and warm.

Place your brush in the water and make sure to cover all of the bristles with water. Let the brush soak for a few minutes, or even while you’re showering. Soaking it will soften the bristles and make lathering a whole lot easier.

2. Bring some water out

After the brush has soaked for a bit, take it out and squeeze its bristles until the excess water goes away. You only need to apply enough pressure to ensure that the brush isn’t dripping water but is still moist.

3. Building your lather

Now it’s time to build your lather and the process depends on whether you’re using shaving cream or shaving soap.

• With shave cream

There are a couple of ways to build your lather using a shave cream:

Place some cream in your shave bowl (after you’ve emptied it of water). Add drops of water to the cream to get your preferred thickness and texture as you swish the mixture around in the bowl with your brush.

The key thing to remember is that you want to create a lather that has the right mix of air and water. You’ll know you’re there when the lather is rich and creamy and not foamy.

Building a good lather usually takes about a minute, maybe more, maybe less, depending on technique, products, brush, etc.

Or, create a small amount of shave cream in a small cavity of your hair brush. You can create the cavity by pushing down on the top of the shaving brush. Note: it’s still a good idea to mix your cream in the bowl before applying it to your brush.

• With shave soap

Place a small portion of shave soap in your bowl and add a few drops of water to moisten it. Swirl your brush on the top of it for several seconds (it doesn’t take long) until you have a good amount of soap on your brush.

4. Lathering your face with a shave brush

Now we’re on to the fun part – applying that luxurious lather to your face while using a shave brush.

• Make sure that your face is thoroughly wet before applying your lather. We’ve mentioned it in another post, and it’s worth repeating – a great time to shave is after you’ve showered because the warm shower water will soften your facial hairs and make them more pliable for your razor.
• Your first step in lathering your face is to apply it with swirling motions. You don’t need to apply a whole lot of pressure but just enough to thoroughly lather your face while exfoliating your skin.
• After you’ve covered your face with lather, use an up-and-down painting motion that will smooth out the cream on your face to provide a nice, slick shaving surface.

5. Re-apply lather

After you’ve completed one pass with your razor over your face and neck, it’s often wise to apply more lather to your face while using the same motions you used in step 4.

Doing so ensures the closest shave possible. Just make sure that your lather doesn’t get dry while you’re shaving, so apply a few drops of water to keep it moist.

So, what’s better, a shaving brush or my hand?

If you’re one of those men who wonders why you can’t just skip all of the steps above and work up a lather in your hand instead, you’re not alone.

And let’s face it, men have created a lather in their hands – and applied their mix to their face by using their fingertips – for, well, a long, long time. That’s not going to change, either.

Indeed, using the palm of your hand is a simpler process than building a lather with a shave brush. You don’t have to deal with a bowl, wait for your brush to soak, etc.

Palm lathering is a nice option when using heavy creams because you won’t worry about more cream ending up around the perimeter of your bowl than on your brush.

But while the simple things in life are often more rewarding than those that are more complicated, that’s not the case when it comes to building a luxurious lather for your wet shave.

The fact is, a shaving brush has many more advantages than using your hand:

• A shaving brush is good for your skin. While you’re applying the lather to your face you’re also removing dry skin cells and exfoliating your skin.
• A shaving brush raises your facial hair and makes it softer. In turn, you’ll get a closer shave. You’re also less likely to irritate your skin during the shaving process.
• You’ll build a better lather with a shaving brush and bowl. End of story.

Here’s the difference: A closer look at the types of shaving brushes

We’re fortunate to live in an era where there are more options for shaving brushes than ever before. Synthetic materials are a big reason why, but animal hair brushes are as prevalent as ever (and the choice of many, many wet shavers).

Let’s delve into the different types of material used to create a shaving brush’s bristles:

1. Boar Hair Brushes

Boar hair brushes are the least expensive and most prevalent type of shaving brush available today.

Also known as “Pure Bristle” or “Natural Bristle,” boar hair brushes are comparable in price to synthetic brushes (and, in most cases, cost less) and provide a lather that you probably won’t get with a non-animal hair brush.

There are a couple of drawbacks with boar hair brushes, 1) the bristles are harder and more prone to breaking than badger or horse hair brushes, and 2) they don’t retain water as well as other brushes.

It’s worth noting, however, that the bristles of a boar hair brush do become softer with use.

2. Badger Hair Brushes

Badger hair brushes are not only the oldest type of shaving brush – you’ll have plenty of options if you’re looking for an antique shaving brush that you’d like to restore – but also considered the best option for wet shaving.

They’re excellent for sensitive skin, they produce a superb lather, and you have four types of badger hair brushes from which to choose:

• Pure Badger Hair

A pure badger hair brush is the lowest quality and least expensive brush of its kind. The bristles have a dark brown color and come from the belly of the badger.

Cheaper doesn’t mean lesser, however, as many wet shavers prefer this type of bristle over any other. The bristles are soft, but not too soft.

• Best Badger Hair

The next step up grade-wise is the best badger hair brush. The brush is a bit larger and the bristles a lighter color (than pure badger hair), while the softness is excellent.

• Super Badger Hair

The bristles are even softer on a super badger hair brush than the previous two types and the quality is almost as good as it gets.

• Silvertip Badger Hair

Silvertip bristles are as good as it gets when it comes to badger hair. It comes from the neck of the badger, where the hair is extremely soft and is harder to find because it’s acquired during the winter only when the hair is a silver hue.

Most Silvertip shaving brushes are handmade and can cost $100 – and more.

3. Horse Hair Brushes

Horse hair brushes are harder to find than other types but are the preference of many wet shavers in Spain – which produces the best brushes of this type. Horse hair is softer than boar hair but not as soft as badger hair.

While the larger portion of horse hair brush bristles is stiffer than other types, the tips are pleasingly soft.

Horse hair is stiff and coarse, which makes it ideal for creating a dense lather. It’s extremely durable, so it’s one of the most popular options for shaving brushes.

4. Synthetic brushes

Synthetic shaving brushes have come a long way, baby. Made of synthetic materials (think nylon) they’re considered a good option for folks who want a shaving brush that’s not as expensive and not made from the hair of animals.

While many of the kinks associated with synthetic brushes have been worked out over the years, users still complain that they don’t hold water as well as brushes made of animal hair.

Synthetic bristles also tend to be stiffer than other types and may pick and poke your skin.

Conclusion

We hope you found this “best-of” review helpful and that it positively influences your buying decisions. After all, an informed shopper is the best shopper.

And, as always, we welcome your comments, suggestions, and overall feedback.

Have you used any of the brushes listed in this review? Do you use a brush that you think should be on the list? We’d love to hear from you.

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