Beards are always a great style for facial hair, and they're growing in popularity once again, with stars like Angus Cloud and Drake rocking influential scruff. And it’s not just for celebrities and creatives: Even executives and finance sector types are embracing the bearded look to add dimension, depth, and gravitas to their look. But with varying hair textures, beard lengths, and personal preferences comes the need to choose your grooming routine and styling tools carefully. After all, you don’t want to grow out that beard in a way that feels too unkempt for your liking or fails to embody the distinguished mood you're trying to project. Luckily, there are many options for keeping beards looking sharp, from conditioning and styling products to tools like trimmers and beard scissors.
Today, we're going to focus on an oft-overlooked grooming tool—the beard comb. Not only is there something appealing about using a natural material like wood, but it can also be downright luxurious. Willis Orengo, the owner of the Well Connected barbershop in New York’s Lower East Side, recommends using a beard comb to those who “not only want to look good, but also feel good. Your beard will have a shine and bounce to it, plus it will give the skin underneath a little extra care as the teeth of the beard comb massage the face, which improves blood circulation.” Specifically, Orengo recommends using a comb made of wood.
Meet the Expert
- Willis Orengo is the owner of Well Connected, a barbershop in the New York City's Lower East Side, as well as a King C. Gillette ambassador. His celebrity clients include global sensations like J. Balvin and J. Cole.
Benefits of Wooden Beard Combs
There are several reasons you may want to choose a wooden beard comb over other options like plastic. “One of the advantages of a wooden beard comb is that it can easily glide through beards without breaking or ripping hair, while plastic can cause static electricity that pulls hair out and breaks the strands. You’ll have a noticeably smoother beard with wood,” Orengo explains. “Wood is also more durable, so the high quality will last you a long time. Wooden beard combs help to evenly distribute beard oil or beard thickener throughout the beard, while plastic beard combs will often hold onto products instead of spreading them throughout your facial hair. In general, using beard care products with a wooden beard comb reduces tug or pull, while plastic beard combs can pull at knots instead of combing them out or even scratch the skin beneath, which may lead to skin irritation.”
Intrigued by wooden beard combs, but not sure where to start? Read on for the best wooden beard combs and beard care products that will take your regimen to the next level.
The Best Wooden Beard Combs and Beard Care Products
The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Beard Comb
Made from Argentinian sandalwood, this comb has two widths to accommodate personal preference and beard depth. This enables you to choose the spacing that makes the most sense for your beard.
Viking Revolution Beard Comb and Brush Set
This set features a comb and brush fashioned from bamboo and pear wood, along with a handy pair of beard scissors. The comb features varying widths to address thicker or thinner beard hair.
Buly Toyako Japanese Tail Comb
This comb is a stunning investment for those with discerning tastes or who consider a beard part of their signature look. Luxury Parisian brand Buly has offered its take on Japanese craftsmanship with this comb, which is chiseled from alnus firma wood, ready to style and smooth hair fibers for a well-groomed result.
Bevel Beard Softener
Coarse textures are common in beard hair, so if you're looking for a softer feel, this dermatologist-tested beard conditioner can help. Formulated with aloe vera, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and shea butter, this product is a great way to soften the feel and texture of your beard.
Levi Fisher Fresh Start Beard Wash
This beard wash contains several essential oils to not only keep your beard clean and tidy, but condition it, too. The formulation contains African black soap, green tea extract, and aloe juice. Use it at the start of your routine ahead of the wooden beard comb for a soft, refreshed result.
King C. Gillette Style Master
This cordless rechargeable beard trimmer is light, compact, and versatile, as it works for shaving, edging, and trimming. The trimmer comes with three guards to enable you to trim your beard or sections of it to different lengths based on your preference. The replaceable blade is said to last for up to six months.