Ahoy, mateys! So you’ve spotted a fellow swashbuckler and you spied his beard with envy because it looked stylish and well-groomed – yet manly. And you wondered how that scurvy pirate achieved that roguishly handsome look: beard brush or beard comb? Aye, let’s take a closer look.
Now some of you may think, “Well, I already own a brush–the one I use on my hair. I’ll just use it on my beard, too.” Matey, that might be cheaper, but not actually better. Here is the thing: the hair on your head is very different from your beard hair. Go ahead, touch the hair on your head and then touch your beard hair. We’ll wait.
Aye, you may have noticed that the hair on your beard is likely a bit coarser and often thicker than the hair on your head. It’s also generally drier. Most importantly, though, the hair on your head grows… well, on your scalp. Whereas the hair on your beard grows on your face. Your face is more sensitive than your scalp and the skin on your face needs a different type of treatment. A gentler one. So, no, lads, your hair brush–well, we wouldn’t recommend it! Unless the idea of painfully yanking that thing through your beard sounds appealing.
So: beard brush or a beard comb? And what’s this dark secret? Aye, hang on, we’ll sail back to that in a moment.
Before we settle the all-important question about combing or brushing your beard, let’s talk about the difference between a beard brush and a beard comb. A beard comb has fixed, stiff teeth. It’s great if your beard is on the longer side or you’re battling some pernicious tangles (aye, crumbs from the hardtack you had last night may still be lodged in there somewhere). Whereas a beard brush has soft, flexible bristles and it doesn’t only style your beard, it also exfoliates your skin. And if your beard is longer than, say, a half-inch, it’s probably a lot less painful. Plus you can use your beard brush to add in a bit of product if you care to.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A BEARD COMB
You’ll likely want to use a beard comb if you have a beard that tends to tangle when you wash it. But please don’t just grab any hair comb and start yanking. That’s not good for your beard or your disposition. After you shampoo your beard, grab some conditioner or a touch of high-quality beard oil, such as 100% organic argan oil. Massage it into your beard and then gently comb it through. Please don’t rip through any tangles! You’ll risk not only pain but damaging your mustache and beard. Gently separate and pull the hairs apart to separate them.
By the way, when it comes to beard shampoo, no need to empty your treasure chest. The best—and cheapest—option is often baby shampoo. Why? Because it’s the gentlest there is and you can buy it inexpensively at any pharmacy or discount store.
When it comes to shopping for beard combs , there are a few things to look out for. Don’t buy a plastic comb. You don’t want to get out of the shower, comb your tangled beard and end up with half a comb stuck in your manly beard while you’re staring at the other half in your hand. So nix the plastic.
What are your other options? Well, metal of course. That should get you around the breakage issue. But if you’re worried about frizz or static cling, consider a wood comb. Not only is it durable, but it also has natural anti-static properties, which help prevent frizz and hair breakage. Your other options are ox horn (nah, we’re sure the ox was attached to that horn) and carbon fiber or cellulose acetate. All of these options are quite durable. Here at Blackbeard for Men, we prefer our implements all natural and cruelty-free, so our preferred choice would always be wood.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A BEARD BRUSH?
Now if you have a thicker beard, the answer is clear: use a beard brush. It’s generally a bit easier to tame a tough beard with a beard brush versus a beard comb. It can not only detangle, but it also stimulates blood flow for healthy beard growth. Regular use can even train your beard to grow into a specific direction. Plus it exfoliates the skin and distributes product and naturally occurring beard oils evenly throughout your beard and mustache.
Now when it comes to selecting a beard brush, there are many choices out there in all different sizes. These are almost all cheaply made in China, and… almost all of them harbor the same dark secret. Something they seldom tell you or advertise, which if you knew in advance might stop you from purchasing one.
SO WHAT’S THE DARK SECRET OF BEARD BRUSHES?
Lads, we have to warn you, this may be upsetting to some. But there is a huge animal products industry in China (and plenty of other countries,) and beard brushes are part of it. The sad reality is, that beard brush you just bought online was likely made with boar hair.
In fact, there are several types of animals which are harvested for their coarse fur–boar being the most prevalent in beard brushes. Boar hair is known for being a bit rough, almost like the consistency of an old straw broom or a paint brush rather than a hair brush. This can help tame tough beards, but… do you really want to be grooming your meticulously maintained mustache and beard with boar hair? So be aware that not all beard brushes are created equal – but many are not cruelty-free or appealing at all once you know the origin.
Aye, so it would appear that in many ways, a beard brush is a more versatile beard styling tool than a beard comb. Whether you want a high-quality beard brush to diffuse any product or to apply a touch of beard oil to give your beard a healthy sheen, or simply to get rid of the various things that accumulate in your beard in a typical day of swashbuckling, a beard brush has you covered.
But a beard comb may well be a solution if you’ve got a longer beard or one that is simply prone to tangles. In fact, you may wish to keep both around to handle any beard, mustache, or sideburns situation. With a little experimentation, you’ll quickly find which solution works best for you and your beard.
Remember to always wield the power of your mighty beard responsibly.
