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How To Comb A Beard

Author: Faiysal Kothiwala

Published at: Dec 09, 2024

One of the most common mistakes most men make when growing out their facial hair is not caring for it. Growing a longer beard without proper maintenance can be a nightmare. 

Your face itches, you get red blotches on your face and neck, and your beard looks like something a bird would use to nest in.

Learning how to comb your beard is crucial if you want to make sure your facial hair doesn’t tangle and that the skin underneath stays healthy. Read on to find out more about the different types of combs, how to use them, and how to style your beard with the help of a comb.

5-Step Guide to Combing Your Beard Like a Pro

A well-combed beard looks neat, feels soft, and stays healthy, but only if you do it right. Follow these steps to master combing like a grooming expert.

1. Choose the Right Comb

Your comb is your beard's best friend - pick the perfect one for tangle-free styling.

  • Opt for quality: Use a beard styling comb with wide-toothed and fine-toothed sides.

  • Material matters: Wood or sandalwood combs reduce static; metal combs handle thick beards.

  • Comfort grip: Ensure it fits well in your hand for better control.

2. Start Combing from the Bottom

Always begin your beard combing journey at the base for the smoothest results.

  • Neck to chin: Begin at the base of your neck and gently comb upward toward your chin and cheeks. This lifts hairs and detangles from the roots.

  • Slow and steady: Use short strokes to avoid snagging.

3. Deal with Tangles Gently

Knots happen - here's how to conquer them without casualties.

  • Never yank: Pulling rips hairs out and causes pain. Instead:

  • Apply oil to slippery beard hairs.

  • Use the wide-tooth side to gently separate knots.

  • Work from the tips toward the roots to minimize breakage.

4. Style with Direction

Master the art of directional combing for a perfectly polished beard.

  • Comb downward: After detangling, smooth hairs downward for a polished look.

  • Mustache care: Use a fine-tooth comb to direct mustache hairs away from your mouth (to the sides or into your beard).

5. Make It a Daily Habit

A few seconds daily keeps your beard looking its best.

  • Consistency is key: Comb your beard daily to train hair growth, distribute oils, and prevent knots.

  • Post-shower tip: Comb when your beard is slightly damp (not wet) to avoid damage.

Benefits of Combing a Beard

Regularly combing your beard is beneficial because it isn’t just about styling. It’s a key grooming habit that promotes healthier hair, prevents tangles, and enhances your overall look.

Trains Your Hair And Keeps Your Skin Healthy

Combing your beard helps train your facial hair to grow in a certain direction. This helps prevent your beard hairs from tangling, and it also helps your skin look better.

One of the most common causes for the red blemishes you get on your face when growing a beard is ingrown facial hairs. This occurs when hairs curl around themselves and begin to grow underneath the skin. 

But if you comb your beard on a regular basis, you train your facial hairs to grow in the direction you want, so you reduce the chances of having ingrown hairs.

Makes Your Beard Look Thicker

Combing your beard also makes your beard look thicker. Even though combing doesn’t affect the growth rate of your beard, it lines up all the hair follicles in the same direction, making your beard seem richer.

Clears Your Mouth

Munching on your own hair is never pleasant. And eating things with sauce when you have mustache hairs hanging over your upper lip can be a challenge. Combing your facial hair can help you trim your mustache, clearing your mouth, and making it easier for you to eat.

In addition, combing your beard and mustache will help direct the hairs around the mouth to the sides, reducing the number of food particles that get trapped in your facial hair.

Helps You Style Your Beard

You cannot style your beard without a beard comb or a high-quality brush. Besides training your facial hair to grow in a certain direction, combing your beard will also help you get the look you desire before leaving the house.

Comb your beard, add some balm or wax to maintain the look throughout the day, and you’re bound to turn heads anywhere you go.

Why Combing Isn’t Just for Style

Combing your beard does more than just detangling; it’s a vital step for a healthy, polished beard. Here’s how it works:

Aligns Hair Direction

Whether you comb your beard up for volume, down for a sleek look, or sideways for styling, a comb helps train your facial hair to grow in your preferred direction.

Removes Debris

Combing lifts trapped food, dust, and dead skin cells from your beard, keeping it clean, and reducing itchiness.

Distributes Natural Oils

A comb evenly spreads your facial skin’s sebum (natural oil) from root to tip, preventing dryness and flakiness.

Enhances Product Absorption

When you apply beard oil or balm, combing ensures even coverage for maximum moisture and shine.

Stimulates Blood Flow

Gentle combing massages hair follicles, promoting healthier growth and reducing breakage.

Types of Facial Hair Combs

Combs are made from a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. Whether you're going for style, durability, or function, choosing a good beard comb starts with understanding what it's made of. 

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular options.

Wood

The classic choice for a natural, frizz-free groom.

Pros:

  • Stylish, comfortable grip, and often handmade (unique designs).

  • No static buildup, reducing frizz.

  • Gentle on beard hairs and minimal pulling or tugging.

Cons:

  • Not waterproof; requires careful use after showers.

Metal

Built to last, but not always beard-friendly.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable; can withstand heavy use.

Cons:

  • Most metal combs create static, leading to frizz.

  • Less common for beard grooming unless made from specialized alloys.

Plastic

Budget-friendly, but with compromises.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive and widely available.

Cons:

  • Creates static, making beard taming difficult.

  • Prone to breakage (teeth may snap when detangling).

Cellulose Acetate

The low-maintenance, static-free alternative.

Pros:

  • Static-free (similar to rubber).

  • Easy to clean; ideal for those with debris in their beard.

Cons:

  • Less common than wood or plastic options.

Horn

Luxury grooming at its finest.

Pros:

  • Highly durable and stylish.

  • Provides a smooth, pleasant grooming experience.

Cons:

  • Typically, the most expensive option.

Healthy Beard, Sharp Look: It Starts with Combing

A truly exceptional beard doesn’t happen by accident; it takes the right tools, dedication, and a touch of beard wisdom. 

Crafting a rugged Viking mane, a sleek corporate beard, or something uniquely yours?

Check out The Beard Struggle’s shop and find the tools you need to make your beard the envy of your bearded brethren.

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