If you have a beard brush, do you really need to use a beard comb?

If you have a beard brush, do you really need to use a beard comb? The answer is probably yes. The question isn’t whether a beard brush or a beard comb is better, it’s how you can use both to give yourself the best looking and healthiest beard possible.

Is it Better to Use a Beard Comb or Beard Brush?

Think of your beard comb as a compliment to your beard brush. Coarse-bristle brushes help to physically exfoliate away dead skin cells on the skin underneath your whiskers and distribute protective oils and bead products through the entire length of the beard. Daily brushing can help your beard stay moisturized and the skin underneath healthy. Beard combs, on the other hand, are best for styling and controlling the shape of your beard. They also help detangle hairs, especially as they get longer, which makes a comb a must-have for longer beards that generally require a bit more effort to shape and smooth. And more than brushes, beard combs are portable, so you can easily take them with you to maintain the shape of your beard throughout the day.

How to Find the Best Beard Comb for You

What kind of beard comb is best for you depends mostly on personal preference. Professionals often recommend combs made out of wood, as they say they are gentler on long facial hair that may pull and snag easily and can sometimes help distribute product more easily than plastic counterparts. However, they can be heavy, so if you’re looking for something more portable—or if you have a short beard—a plastic comb might be just up your alley. Wide tooth combs are generally recommended for thicker, coarser beard and fine tooth combs are better for thinner patches. Finding the best beard comb for you might take some trial and error, but the best place to start is this list.