Best Detangling Comb

The best detangling comb is a wide-tooth comb with smooth teeth that slide through knots instead of catching on them. Tooth spacing does most of the work. Material and grip come next. We've put the combs we'd reach for on long, thick, curly and knot-prone hair on one page, so you can compare them side by side.

What to look for

• Wide, well-spaced teeth. The thicker or curlier the hair, the wider you want the gaps. Fine, straight hair copes with closer teeth.
• Smooth, seamless teeth. Run a fingernail down a tooth. If you feel a ridge left from the mould, it will snag hair. A good comb has nothing there to catch.
• Sturdy teeth. Thin teeth bend and snap when they hit a firm knot. Thicker teeth hold their shape.
• The right material. Carbon and other heat-resistant plastics are easy to clean and handle hot tools. Wood needs drying after every wet use.
• A grip you can hold with wet hands. You'll use it in the shower more often than not.

Choosing for your hair

Tangles look different on different heads, so the comb should match the hair, not the other way around.

For curly and coily hair, go wide. The best comb for detangling hair with a natural curl pattern is one you can use wet, with conditioner still in, so the curls clump together rather than frizz out.

For long, fine hair that knots at the nape, a comb with medium-wide teeth works well. It is gentle enough not to drag, but close enough to actually separate the strands. That is usually the best comb for tangled hair that's fine and long.

The best comb for matted hair has wide, strong teeth and a solid handle. Mats need slow, small passes, and a flimsy comb will flex or break before the knot gives way.

If you're not sure which one you need, a wide-tooth comb is the safe pick. It suits almost everyone, and you can add a finer comb later for parting and finishing.

How to detangle without breakage

Start at the ends and work up. Take small sections. Hold the hair above the knot so the pull stops in your hand, not at the scalp. Comb damp hair with some slip in it, never bone dry and never soaking wet with nothing on it.

A detangling comb and a brush do different jobs. The comb opens up knots. A brush smooths hair that is already tangle-free. Using a brush first on knotted hair just pulls the knot tighter.

What to pair it with

The comb does half the job. Slip does the other half. Washing with our best conditioner for knotty hair gives the comb something to glide on while you're still in the shower. If knots come back by the afternoon, a leave-in keeps the slip in place after you rinse. Have a look at our best leave in conditioner for tangled hair picks.

Need a tail comb for parting, a cutting comb or spares for the salon station? Shop all combs to see the full range in one place.