Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (2024)

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (1)

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One of the best investments you can make in your daily beauty routine is to buy the right comb for your haircare needs. According to hairstylist Laurabeth Cabott, combs are typically ideal for wet hair and easing out tangles.

Combs are also versatile — they can typically be used during or after a shower to detangle or comb through a hair mask. Sometimes they can be paired with your hot tools, such as a flat iron or hair dryer, for a smooth, straight look. Those with thick, curly, or coily hair types will also love combs because they can help enhance your natural texture and give you that carefree fluffy look, like Diana Ross.

The Best Combs for Detangling and Styling

What to Consider

Hair Type

Curly, coily, or thick hair: Textured and thicker hair types should opt for combs equipped with stiffer bristles.

Straight, wavy, and medium-to-thick hair: Look for combs made with bristles that have a medium stiffness to detangle snarls as necessary.

Fine, thin, or damaged hair: You’ll need a hairbrush made with softer or flexible bristles.

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (2)

Comb Size

Consider your hair length. Those with shorter hair will want a small, more compact comb, while those with longer tresses can get away with using a larger model. For example, Tracee Ellis Ross created a detangling comb available in two sizes. I used and featured the larger option, but those rocking bobs or medium-length hair will likely prefer the smaller $8 version.

Teeth

When styling, I always recommend using combs with evenly spaced teeth for a smooth, uniform finish. They also detangle my hair easily. But what’s even more important is the distance between each bristle. Combs with tightly packed bristles, such as the HYOUJIN Rat Tail Comb, offer better style control. Those with straight or looser waves and curls can use these types of comb with zero issues. However, someone with thicker or curlier hair should opt for a wide-tooth comb because it won’t pull on their hair.

Material

My editor-tested combs are made from plastic, which is the most common material. It’s also inexpensive, can typically be used on wet or dry hair for greater styling variety, and is sturdy. There are also combs made from wood or metal, but TBH I’ve never been a huge fan of either material because I find they’re either uncomfortable on my sensitive scalp or they aren’t super-effective on my thicker, textured hair.

How We Selected

As our resident hair-obsessed Leo beauty editor, I have tried dozens of combs over the years across all budgets. All of these featured combs are currently in my rotation because they deliver on their respective promises without breaking the bank.

In addition to examining the above key specs, I considered their ease of use, comfort, and whether they can be used on wet, damp, or dry hair. I also researched to bring you mainly options that can be used while blowdrying the hair.

Regardless of which of my Best Tested, beauty editor-approved combs you select, you’ll be in good hands and won’t have to spend a lot of money. Five of my selections are $25 and under. The only outlier is the UNice electric hot comb, but I’ll justify its higher price tag in a bit.

1

Best Overall

Tangle Teezer The Wide Tooth Comb

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (3)

Pros
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (4)Compatible with all hair textures, including curly and coily
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (5)Unique, double-sided design
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (6)Ergonomic handle
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (7)Also sold in Peach
Cons
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (8)Should not be used with heat — only on wet, damp, or dry hair

Currently, my favorite combo is from Tangle Teezer. I most recently named the brand’s signature hairbrush as our best overall pick, and this comb is another hit worthy of your money.

Coming in at just under $13, this dual-sided comb is like having two tools in one: The right side features medium-length wide-spaced bristles that detangle wet and dry hair like a dream, while the left side comes with slightly softer bristles of varying lengths to remove stubborn knots and shedding.

The comb was created with textured hair types in mind, but anyone looking for a 2-in-1, does-it-all beauty tool will appreciate this affordable pick.

2

For Perfect Parts

HYOUJIN Rat Tail Comb

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (9)

Pros
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (10)Under $5
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (11)Also great for straightening hair
Cons
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (12)Works on smaller tangles, but larger ones will require a bigger brush

Everyone needs a rat tail comb — and this just under-$5 pick is totally worth it. (I know the moniker “rat tail comb” sounds silly, but I promise it’s a functional tool.)

Rat tail combs feature a long, thin handle and densely packed, evenly-spaced, short plastic teeth. They’re excellent for sectioning hair and creating the perfect part. Rat tail combs, such as this one, are also a wonderful tool for teasing and texturizing strands or achieving a sleek, straight look using the chase method, which is when you pair it with a flat iron for ultimate smoothness.

This top-rated pick also comes with a carrying case that’s great for preventing damage while traveling.

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3

Best for Wavy and Curly Hair

Diane Rake Comb

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (13)

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (14)

Now 30% Off

Pros
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (15)Can be used wet or dry
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (16)Great for breaking up curls
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (17)Fantastic price point
Cons
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (18)Those with shorter hair might find it too big for their styling needs

Rake combs feature wide, evenly-spaced teeth that can glide through wavy and curly hair. They can be used on wet hair to minimize frizz or on dry hair to break up curls so you can achieve bouncy, effortless hair versus Shirley Temple ringlets.

Unlike other rake combs on the market, this model features a long handle for added comfort. I especially like that the teeth are slimmer on this brush compared to others, such as the PATTERN Beauty model, because I can create a more precise part as necessary.

4

Best for Textured Hair

Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Wide Tooth Comb

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (19)

Pros
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (20)Those with straight and wavy hair can use it as well
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (21)Available in a smaller size for those with shorter hair
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (22)Wet- and dry-compatible
Cons
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (23)Some reviewers with straight, fine hair don't love it

Natural hair textures need extra care. Beyond creating a solid at-home hair routine filled with moisturizing shampoo, conditioners, oils, and butters galore, using a high-quality comb helps level up your beautiful coils and curls.

Separate and fluff your hair with this comb from natural hair icon Tracee Ellis Ross. The evenly-spaced, wide-set teeth feature curved ends that detangle in each section. I love that I can use it on wet or dry hair without discomfort.

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5

Best for Detangling

Dyson Detangling Comb

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (24)

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (25)

Pros
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (26)Works on all hair textures
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (27)Heat-resistant up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (28)Dyson-level quality
Cons
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (29)Cheaper options are available from random Amazon brands

A detangling comb is a dime a dozen, and frankly, there are more affordable options on Amazon. However, when I want to detangle my wet or dry hair or comb through a deep conditioner, I opt for this comb from Dyson.

It’s a best-in-class hair tool that features evenly-spaced teeth that comb through my tresses easily. Tough-to-comb-through knots? Bye! Need a quick side part? I can use this comb. (Sorry, not sorry, Zoomers!)

I love that it doesn’t snag on my hair, which can be a problem with more affordable options. For pain-free detangling, use this on yourself or your tender-headed child to ensure they’re fuss-free during their morning getting-ready routine.

6

Best Hot Comb

UNice Electric Straightening Hot Comb

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (30)

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (31)

Pros
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (32)Customized heat setting based on your hair texture and thickness
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (33)Excellently smoothes all hair types, but is especially useful for natural hair
Cons
  • Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (34)Should only be used on dry hair

Say goodbye to the painful hot combs of your childhood that heat up in a little oven at your local beauty salon. Modern technology has made the pro-grade tech available in consumer-friendly ways, such as this Barbie pink option from UNice.

Select from various temperatures after removing the protective comb cover and plugging in the cord. Those with fine, thin, or looser curl patterns can use a lower temp, while those with tighter curl patterns or thicker strands should use higher heat. This hot tool heats up in 15-degree intervals, starting at 250 and maxing at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

The biggest advantage of using the UNice hot comb over a traditional comb is that this model heats up fast and allows me to straighten my hair very close to the scalp without burning myself. It’s also lighter and easier to maneuver compared to a flat iron with the same results. Plus, it’s cheaper than a lot of full-sized hair straighteners, allowing you to use your extra savings and restock on one of these pro-loved hair serums instead.

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This $12 Comb for Daily Styling (35)

Nicole Saunders

Beauty Editor

Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.

Our Beauty Editor Can’t Get Enough of This  $12 Comb for Daily Styling (2024)

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