9 Best Combs of 2026 for Getting Every Hair Into the Right Place

There’s a quiet romance to a great comb. It might seem like a utilitarian object, but the best combs will also detangle, texturize, distribute oils for hair health, stimulate, and, of course, shape your style. Your hair type, length, and lifestyle play a role when choosing the best combs. “Whether you’re going for a polished look or taming bedhead, the right comb is surprisingly personal,” Olivia Gomez, master barber and hairstylist at Church Barber explains. “It makes a difference—not just in style and control, but in hair health and precision—so it should feel natural in your hand and suit your routine.”

Whether you’re slicking your hair back, styling natural curls or waves, or touching up your strands on the go, Gomez notes that “combs come in all shapes, sizes, handle designs, and materials,” and investing in the best ones will elevate your grooming game from basic to seriously stylish. We found nine of our favorites, each suited to different hair types and needs.

The Best Combs, According to GQ

Best Overall

Mason Pearson Styling Comb

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Best Folding Comb

Kent 20T Handmade Folding Pocket Comb

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Best for Thick or Wavy Hair

Tek Large Wide-Tooth Comb

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Best Pick Comb

Chicago Comb Model 7 Carbon Fiber Pick Comb

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Best for Straight Hair

Kent F3T Fine Tooth Comb

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Best Pocket Comb

Baxter of California Pocket Comb

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Best Overall Comb: Mason Pearson Styling Comb C4

For the best overall comb, I’ve got to go with an OG that’s been in my arsenal for years: the Mason Pearson C4. (No relation to the uber-popular pre-workout powder.) The iconic British brand has been crafting some of the world’s finest hair tools—including their legendary boar bristle brushes—since the late 19th century, and the luxurious C4 is no exception. Handmade in Switzerland, this styling comb is balanced and versatile, measuring six inches long with fine teeth on one end to finesse your look and medium-width teeth on the other to detangle and work through many hair types. It’s made from celluloid, a flexible, durable material that’s easy to clean and smooth and glides through hair without tugging. The tapered teeth give your scalp a light massage while helping distribute natural oils. Plus, it looks old-school cool. Keep it close as a daily go-to—your follicles will thank you.

Best Folding Comb: Kent 20T Handmade Folding Comb

Another OG in the comb world synonymous with handmade luxury is Kent. Founded in 1777, the British brand has been crafting combs for royalty, supplying troops in two world wars, and blessing the world with impeccably made combs and brushes for centuries. They’ve got all kinds of stellar styles, but the cool AF folding comb is a carry-on essential. Made from large-sheet cellulose acetate (not molded), it’s cut and hand-finished from a solid sheet, giving it that extra-smooth, sleek feel that effortlessly glides through my fine hair. It folds up neatly for pocket carry, keeps the teeth protected, and doubles as a solid beard-taming tool. Whip this comb out of your denim pocket, and you’re channeling straight-up Outsiders energy.