Does A Comb And A Brush Serve The Same Purpose?

Though most men seem to believe that they serve almost the same purpose, brushes and Combs are meant for two very different things.

Combing serves to remove any tangles or knots from your Hair, making it easier to brush and easier to manage.

When combing, start at the tip of your hair and brush backward towards the base, straightening and relieving any tangles along the way.

Combs provide better control of your hair, and allow you to style your hair with clays, pomades and gel.

They also work well for parting your hair into classic combovers.

Brushing, on the other hand, is usually performed after combing, and is meant to remove flakes, dirt and hair and buildup (such as from hair product).

The motion of the brush helps massage the scalp and helps stimulate the release of the natural oils that keep your hair healthy and looking great. They are also very helpful after blow-drying, giving your hair a fuller look with more volume.

Using a brush in conjunction with a blow-dryer will allow you to style your hair in pompadours, etc.

Brushing does not need to be done as frequently combing – maybe 2 or 3 times a week for healthy hair.

Of course, it may be beneficial to use both regularly. Style and detangle your hair with the comb, while regularly cleaning and grooming it with a brush for the healthiest, shiniest hair you can manage.

Which Comb Material is Best?

Combs are made from a variety of different materials, each with their own advantages.

Metal Combs

Metal combs are great at preventing friction from building up in your hair during use, and keeping it from snagging.

They’re also the most durable and have a great, classic look.

Carbon Combs

Carbon combs are made to withstand heat from thermal styling, and prevent the buildup of static in your hair. They are also extra durable and lightweight, making them suitable for thick, tangled hair.

Wooden Combs

Wooden combs are excellent for massaging your scalp, and helping release the natural oils that condition your hair, much the same way that brushes do. This helps keep your hair healthy, nourished and shiny. Common woods include sandalwood, bamboo and Cherrywood.

Plastic/Sythetic Combs

Cheap plastic combs often have a reputation as worst and least durable of combs, for breaking constantly, as well as for not being the best material to put on your hair; the cheap build quality often leaves lines, ridges or seams from the injection-molding process that can snag and damage your hair.

However, higher-end plastic combs, such as those made of cellulose acetate, are of excellent quality. They are often hand-cut, polished to comfortable finish, and last for years on end.

Horn Combs

Horn combs, usually made of buffalo or ox horn, are some of the nicest and most luxurious combs available. Their natural material makes them excellent for smooth brushing where the comb glides through the air. They do not create any static, and – like wooden combs – help spread your hair’s natural oils for a healthy shine.

Design Choices to Consider When Buying a Comb

Once you’ve chosen a material you like, you’ll want to take a look at the comb’s design, such as tooth width, size and comb end. Combs come in a variety of tooth widths, and you’ll want to be sure you use the right one for your hair and style:

Fine Tooth combs are best used on straight, thin hair, and are best used removing tangles, parting your hair or putting and keeping it neatly in place.

They are not, however, best for styling your hair – such as in a pompadour. They will easily get caught in hair that is too thick, and may pull it out.

A Medium Tooth comb is the most common and versatile of comb choices. They are good at removing tangles, but also for preparing to cut hair, and to strengthen thicker hair after blowing. These are the often the best combs for styling and shaping hair.

Wide Tooth combs are usually reserved for curly hair or extra thick hair with lots of volume. They are perfect for combing through damp hair, and especially for detangling hair that is wet or extra matted.

Handle Design

Combs also come in a variety of sizes and builds. Many have handles, especially the higher-end, luxurious combs made of horn and wood.  Some come with two different tooth sizes for added convenience, and some even fold, and have metal or wooden handles and pocket clips.

Pocket, or portable, combs are made to be carried throughout the day and fit right into your jacket or pants pocket. They are usually small (under 6”) and remarkably light.

Tail combs are extra-long combs with a thin, pointed tail on the handle (like a rattail) and are used to divide hair into sections or create fine details. They are also often called teasing combs, and can manage cowlicks and stray hairs, putting them into place.

The Best Combs For Men To Achieve The Perfect Hair Style

To give you a hand in picking the right comb, we’ve rounded up some of the best combs on the market today:

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