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How Do I Choose the Best Comb Set?

Dee Jones
Dee Jones

When choosing a comb set, a consumer has many options. Some comb sets include a variety of combs, each meant to serve a certain purpose. Other comb sets are made up of a comb and brush, and perhaps a mirror. For those buying a comb and brush set, it’s important that the comb included is right for the buyer’s specific hair length and texture. The brush included with the comb set should be suitable for daily use, such as brushes with round balls on the end that are unlikely to damage the hair or scratch the scalp. Boar bristle brushes are a good, all-purpose choice for almost any hair type.

Many comb sets come with combs in a variety of teeth widths and sizes. Each of these will have a different effect on the hair, and will work better on some types of hair than others. Sometimes, a comb set will include a brush and a hand mirror, and perhaps other types of hair grooming tools. Comb sets are available at every price range, and it is even possible to buy an antique comb set, although many would argue that most antique comb sets should be purchased for decorative or collectible purposes rather than for actual use.

Boar bristle brushes effectively smooth, lift, and help redistribute oil throughout the hair.
Boar bristle brushes effectively smooth, lift, and help redistribute oil throughout the hair.

When choosing a comb set that only comes with one comb, the buyer should make sure the comb is right for her hair type, length, and texture. A person with short, coarse hair will probably require a different kind of comb than someone with long, fine hair. Many find that a wide-tooth comb is a good, all-purpose choice that works well with most hair types and textures. Wide-tooth combs are also good for detangling wet and dry hair without breaking it. Combs should have blunt or rounded tips that won’t scratch or irritate the scalp.

A wide toothed comb is ideal for working with a variety of hair types.
A wide toothed comb is ideal for working with a variety of hair types.

Many times, a comb set will include a brush, and the buyer should make sure the brush is right for daily use. A standard, flat paddle brush is good for most daily hair care needs. Brushes with boar bristles are recommended by many hair care professionals. Boar bristles won’t break or damage the hair and, some claim, can even help prevent split ends. Any brush not made of boar bristles should have round balls at the ends of the bristles, which will prevent damage to the hair and scalp.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

I buy a comb set for my husband every year. It's a set but it has two of the same exact pocket comb. My husband always carries a comb with him but loses it every once in a while. So it's nice to have extra. Thankfully, they are very affordable so it's not a big deal.

bear78

@canyquilt-- Get the set. You might need those other combs later or you could give them away to friends and family if you want. Just make sure that the comb set is a good quality, made of thick durable plastic and without ragged edges. I once bought a plastic comb set online because it was cheap. But it was made so poorly that I couldn't use the combs due to the ragged edges in the teeth. I was afraid of damaging my hair and scalp.

Also, if you do some research on the variety of combs, you may discover that you need those extra combs after all. I had an unused teasing comb for a long time because I had no idea what to do with it. Then I realized that I can use it to tease my hair for a very nice updo.

candyquilt

I want a regular straight fine toothed comb to style my hair and another wide-toothed one to simply comb through the tangles after showering. I can get them in a comb set but then, there are going to be three other combs that I have no need for and will not use. If I buy the two combs I need separately though, it will cost more than the whole set together.

I'm not sure which is the best option. I guess I could get the set and just store the combs I don't need and hope that they'll be of good use later.

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    • Boar bristle brushes effectively smooth, lift, and help redistribute oil throughout the hair.
      By: Leonid Nyshko
      Boar bristle brushes effectively smooth, lift, and help redistribute oil throughout the hair.
    • A wide toothed comb is ideal for working with a variety of hair types.
      By: Syda Productions
      A wide toothed comb is ideal for working with a variety of hair types.