As a man in my 40s, my hair isn’t getting any thicker from here on out.
To keep the hair I do have healthy, I’ve become more conscious of small habits. I kept noticing that my cheap plastic comb pulled at my hair, and it struggled especially when I tried to comb my damp hair out after a shower. That’s what sent me down a hair-hygiene rabbit hole online.
A comb usually falls into the same mental category as a toothbrush: inexpensive and not something you expect to last. The majority of men’s combs are constructed from injection-molded plastic – they’re designed to be manufactured quickly and in huge quantities rather than built for long-term use. But, after researching online and scrolling through Reddit’s Buy It For Life subreddit, I came across praise for Kent combs again and again.
At a glance
My favorite men’s hair comb: Kent 16T Tortoise Fine Tooth and Wide Tooth Comb
What are Kent combs?
Kent has been handcrafting combs in England since 1777 – in fact, it claims to be the oldest brush manufacturer in the world. The family-run company veers far from the molded plastics many of us are used to. Each comb is cut from a solid sheet of cellulose acetate, the same plant-derived material used to make lightweight yet durable eyewear.
Why is cellulose acetate better than plastic?
Cellulose acetate is more naturally flexible than petroleum-based plastics. This allows a comb to work through tangles without stressing the hair, and it doesn’t turn brittle or warp in frequently moist bathrooms.
Hair follicles aren’t smooth. Under a microscope, each strand looks textured thanks to a coating of overlapping, shingle-like cells that protect the inner structure of the hair. Those tiny “shingles” catch easily on rough or poorly finished comb teeth, which injection molding often results in. These teeth can lift or scrape the cuticle, leaving hair more prone to frizz, breakage and dullness over time.
Hand-polished acetate teeth (which Kent combs all have) are smooth and rounded, so they move through hair with less friction, especially when damp. This also helps reduce the cumulative wear that rougher combs can cause over months and years of daily use. Plus, it’s more sustainable for the environment.
Is buying a Kent comb worth it?
Kent makes a wide range of combs for men and women, including compact folding models for travel. I’ve found the 16T best for daily use at home. It has widely spaced teeth on one end for detangling or distributing conditioner, and finely spaced teeth on the other for everyday styling. This makes it versatile enough to replace a handful of disposable combs.
Kent 16T Tortoise Fine Tooth and Wide Tooth Comb
$9.99 at Amazon $14.50 at WalmartAfter a few weeks of use, I noticed my hair felt smoother and less pulled in general, which is really all I was hoping for. Compared with the wooden combs I’d also tried in place of basic plastic combs, maintenance was minimal. I could rinse off any buildup of hair product, let it dry and have it ready to go. I kept it in my bathroom where it endured frequent moisture from the shower, and there was nothing to warp and no coating to peel. It disappeared into my routine quickly, a quiet, durable object that did its job well.
What’s more, despite Kent’s premium branding, the 16T remains a genuinely affordable upgrade. It can sell for less than $10 online. It’s also the kind of small item that makes an excellent everyday yet well-made gift.
And if I do reach the point where my hairline starts retreating faster than I’d like, at least I’ll know it wasn’t the comb’s fault.
