7 Different Hair Styling Combs For Styling Your Locks

Style your beautiful tresses the way you want and walk with confidence and ease.

Reviewed by Quarita Futrell, Licensed Master Cosmetologist Quarita Futrell Quarita FutrellLicensed Master Cosmetologist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE Jyotsana Rao BE linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc Shatabdi Bhattacharya BSc linkedin_icon Experience: 2.5 years
Fact-checked by Manjari Uppal, MSc Manjari Uppal MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

Hairstyling is an art!

We all know how a perfect hairstyle adds so much character to our style. And we often forget it is not just about the hairstyle but also the hairstyling tools. Yes, knowing how to do a trendy hairstyle and having the perfect hair is not enough. You should also have the best tools to get it done.

So, how do you know which hair comb to choose for that pretty hairdo you want to try? How to buy a good hairstyling comb? Fret not; we have you covered. This article will help you choose the right hair styling combs for your hair. You no longer have to visit hair salons and spend a small fortune on a nice hairdo. So, if you are ready to ace the art of hairstyling, scroll down to know more about it. Keep reading!

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Do not use your styling combs for detangling. That way, you can avoid extra strain on your hair.
  • Wide-toothed wooden combs are the best for curly hair. They are sustainable, will eliminate  static, and won’t snag the hair.
  • For extremely coily hair, ditch styling that requires combs. Embrace the wash-and-go style.

7 Different Hair Styling Combs

Alongside being a healthy hair care practice, brushing hair using the right tools is also essential to ensure you achieve precisely styled, neat looks. Scroll down to learn about various types of styling combs and what kind of styling they can assist you with.

1. Wide Tooth Combs

Wide Tooth Combs
Image: Shutterstock

I am sure you have one of these. Universally used for removing unwanted tangles from the hair, as well as styling out smooth styles. They can be used on straight, curly or even frizzy hair.

A blogger recalls her personal experience of combing her extremely frizzy and tangled afro hair. She suggests using a wide-toothed comb only and working on the ends first by gently moving lower till one reaches the roots. She adds, “It takes me about twenty minutes in the morning for me to spritz, moisturize, seal, and comb. The combing takes me about 13 minutes, but it could be less for you (i).”

protip_icon Quick Tip
Since a wide-tooth comb causes lesser friction, it is more gentle on the hair and prevents breakage.

2. Rat Tail Combs

Rat tail hair styling comb
Image: Shutterstock

You might have this rat-tail comb too. And if not, you sure must have seen these at your local styling salons. These hair styling combs look like a regular comb. The only difference – the handle is really long and with a pointed end. These are best suited for styling and parting hair. The tail portion is also used to part your hair when creating soft curls in the front section of your hair.

3. Pintail Comb

A pin tail comb
Image: Shutterstock

The pintail comb is similar to the rat-tail comb, except that the tail part of this comb is even finer, made of a metallic pin with a pointed end. It serves similar styling purposes like combing and parting clean sections of hair. However, it can execute sharper partitions and sleeker hairstyles, thanks to its fine body, and the precision and neatness of styles achieved is unmatched. It can also do a clean job of assisting in attaching and removing extensions.

4. Afro Pick Comb

Pick hair styling comb
Image: Shutterstock

These Afro pick combs, though practical, actually turned into accessories a long time back. They hold religious and ritualistic symbolism in African culture and can help achieve a number of traditional hairstyles for men and women. They are used for combing, detangling, and drawing all the hair toward the center to lock in styles. If you lock your hair with the comb, it makes your hair more bouncy and unique. The comb is pretty small and helps in parting as well. You can also ask your barber or a hair expert to suggest the right comb for you.

protip_icon Quick Tip
This is a great tool for styling and combing type 3 or 4 curls. The longer, wider-set teeth help grooming your curly, thick, and textured hair.

5. Styling Brushes With Metal Bristles

Hair styling comb with metal pins
Image: Shutterstock

These styling brushes are pretty useful for creating different hairdos, that’s why you’ll see them in the salon. They help in setting the hair by smoothing and curling. Hairstylists across the world use these combs to style classy and trendy hairstyles. It helps curl your hair; you can use a blow dryer and wrap your hair around its metal bristles.

6. Fine And Wide Tooth Comb (Regular Comb)

Fine and wide tooth hair styling comb
Image: Shutterstock

This is a two-in-one comb. It is used for braiding and for pony tails. It comes in handy for everyday styling and combing of the hair. Most women generally prefer fine and wide toothed comb because of its versatility. It can help detangle, tease, and section your hair. Also it can straighten or smoothen your hair with its fine teeth. These are mostly sold in plastic or wooden material.

7. Teasing Combs

Teasing Combs
Image: Shutterstock

If you want to rock a teased hairdo, invest in this one. As the name suggests, teasing comb is used in teasing hair at the root for added volume or updo hairstyles with a glammed finish. But how do you tease hair? It is simple; just hold one section of hair taut and use this tool to backcomb gently in short downward strokes.This is the best comb for creating volume in hair that becomes flat at the root.

Go grab these combs and start sporting your favorite hairstyle. Your loved ones will only be left asking about how you achieved the sexy look.

Quick tips for using hair styling combs

Once you get these combs:

  • Learn the technique of using each comb specifically. You can check out the videos and tutorials for styling hair using different combs.
  • Use the correct comb for the correct style. For example, use French twist combs for creating a twisted style on the back of your head. Side combs for pulling hair away from the face and so on.
  • To brush your hair the right way, start by brushing the ends first. Then, slowly move up while taking small strokes to brush your mane.
  • Different hair lengths, cuts and textures require different combs. Know what works best for your hair and invest accordingly.
  • Hair texture plays an important role in helping the comb hold its place properly.Spray your hair with hairspray for added hold. You can also use dry shampoo for the same.

Infographic: All About Different Comb Materials

Just like different comb shapes and designs impact their utility for various hair styles, so does the material used to create a comb. The infographic below discusses five commonly used materials to produce combs and their benefits and shortcomings. Keep scrolling to know more!

all about different comb materials(infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

You can style your hair effortlessly with the right comb. We understand that with the many comb and hair brush types available in the market, it can be tough to pick the right one for your desired fashionable looks. But, now, you know what to look for! Remember, it is not only about picking the right comb but also the technique you use to style your hair. You can’t use a round brush the same way you use a wide-toothed comb. Also, keep in mind that different brushes and combs work better with different hair types and textures. A fine-toothed comb might work incredibly on fine hair, but it won’t do well with thick, curly hair. So, scroll back up and check which comb is perfect for styling your beautiful locs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a wide tooth comb better for your hair?

Yes, a wide tooth comb is better for hair that tangles easily and is prone to breakage.

What is a banana comb?

A banana comb or clip is a hair accessory that is designed to comb up hair together and secure it in a flowy ponytail at the back of the head.

What kind of comb should I use for natural hair?

Wide toothed combs are most appropriate for natural hair as the wide spaces between the teeth allow hair to be combed without breakage.

Which type of comb is best for hair fall?

Bristle brushes made with natural fibers are gentle on the hair and scalp and hence, suitable for thinning hair.

Key Takeaways

  • The spaced out teeth in wide tooth combs are ideal for detangling knots and tangles.
  • Pick combs are ideal for afro-textured hair as the long, curved teeth can detangle curls without causing any damage.
  • Use French twist combs to create twisted styles at the back and side combs for pulling the hair away from the face.

Illustration: Different Hair Styling Combs For Styling Your Locks

Hair Styling Combs

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Did you know that there are different hair brushes and combs for styling? Watch this video to find out their names and how they are used.

Personal Experience: Source

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Quarita Futrell
Quarita FutrellLicensed Master Cosmetologist
Quarita Futrell is a Licensed Master Cosmetologist, trichologist practitioner, transformation specialist, and the founder of On the RUNNN salon and Girl Next Door Hair, the preferred hair brand of select A-List Celebrities, on-air news personalities, and models.

Read full bio of Quarita Futrell
Jyotsana Rao
Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

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Shatabdi Bhattacharya
Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor
Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

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Manjari Uppal
Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

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