8 Best Wide

Aug 28, 2023

By Iman Balagam

When you think of wide tooth combs, you may initially associate them with flimsy, cheap plastic tools that seem to have no real purpose in your beauty routine. However, wide tooth combs are actually unsung heroes in the world of hair care – they are suitable for all hair types and prove to be excellent for detangling hair and evenly distributing hair products. According to hairstylist Derek Yuen, "The wide-tooth comb is used mainly to distribute product through damp hair and glide through any knots."

Now that we've gotten the basics squared away, it's time to define a good wide tooth comb, which is based on your hair type. For those with curly hair, hairstylist Brian Fisher suggests using a wide-tooth comb in the shower while conditioning, and then using your hands to form curls, rather than further brushing or combing. Hairstylist DJ Quintero adds, "Using a wide tooth comb on curly hair helps prevent breakage when your hair is wet and at its most vulnerable. It also helps to not disrupt the curl pattern when combing."

A wide-tooth comb is also beneficial for straight styles, but the key is to use it on damp to wet hair, as this can provide even greater benefits. Quintero explains, "You can use a wide-tooth comb on both wet and dry hair," Quintero notes. "Although, I would recommend using it in the shower or when wet to help with detangling and product distribution." When it comes to detangling, Quintero suggests starting the process at the ends first and then making your way up to the roots to minimize breakage and hair pulling.

Now that you understand the importance of a wide-tooth comb, you can't just head to the drugstore and pick up any old comb. Well, you can, but you'd be missing out on the opportunity to shop for a stylist and editor-approved pick. Below, you'll find the 8 finest wide-tooth combs, suitable for all hair types and budgets.

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Denman is renowned in the hair world for its classic brushes and combs, which excel in detangling. According to Quintero, the Denman Brush Rake Comb is an absolute "must-have." Not only is it impressively durable — essentially a one-time purchase — it's also budget-friendly, costing less than $20. Its round handle offers an easy grip and its compact size (measuring just nine inches) makes it convenient for quick touch-ups on the go.

Behold the Oribe Wide Tooth Comb, a masterpiece that blends form and function. Crafted with custom-designed resin, this beautiful comb "never snags," as Fisher describes. It proves effective on both wet and dry hair, making it a seamless addition to your daily routine, regardless of your hair-washing frequency. While it comes with a higher price tag, each comb was finished by hand in Italy, so think of it as a little souvenir.

For those looking to enhance the volume of their curls, the Pattern Wide Tooth Comb is the ideal choice. Its wide-tooth spacing is a smooth-gliding dream for thick, curly hair. And if your hair has a history of breaking combs, you can set those worries aside, as this comb is super durable and features an easy-to-hold handle. However, it's worth noting that the comb's wider design with fewer teeth might not be the most suitable option for straight or fine hair.

The Yves Durif Comb is a favorite of Quintero, and we're not surprised. It's made from heat-resistant resin that can handle nearly everything and comes with a faux-croc carrying sleeve so you can take it with you anywhere without worrying that it might snap in half. It can be used on both wet and dry hair to detangle and style. So, if you've been looking for help in achieving the fairy princess ponytail or a big ol' bun, this is the comb for you.

The Wet Brush Detangling Comb is Yuen's preferred choice for evenly distributing products on damp to wet hair, thanks to its wide teeth that prevent snagging during detangling. And for those who scream "ouch" every time a comb comes near them, it also features rounded tips that are gentle on the scalp. On top of that, "the wavy teeth are particularly useful when combing through curly or coily hair," Yuen notes.

When it comes to detangling, starting with a wide-tooth comb is a smart approach to tackling unruly knots before moving onto a brush. In the shower, the Art+Acre Detangling Hair Comb pairs excellently with your favorite conditioner, offering a hassle-free detangling experience. In other words, it's especially perfect for fans of the viral everything shower. "For post-shower usage, it's wide enough to glide through hair and even has a short tooth to achieve easy, even partings," explains Yuen.

Tangle Teezer's double-sided Wide Tooth Comb is specifically designed for individuals with tight curls or coils, particularly 3C to 4C hair. Fisher recommends this comb due to its "ultra wide-tooth [design] and knot-removing tiny teeth on the other side." Pair it with a high-quality conditioner in the shower to cut detangling time in half, giving you more time for other activities, like aimlessly scrolling on TikTok.

According to Fisher, the Cricket Carbon Comb is "nearly unbreakable, heat-proof, and snag-free." Equipped with both fine-tooth and wide-tooth sections, as well as a section pick, this comb caters to all hair types, making it an all-in-one solution. Carbon is also an anti-static material, ensuring you won't have to deal with pesky baby hairs, frizz, or static. Priced at under $10, it's an immediate "add to cart" purchase.

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