Hair Comb Guide: Which Size and Type?
Side combs or a French twist comb? 6cm or 9cm? Here's how to choose the right hair comb for your hair and the style you want, with our size chart and the combs we'd pick for fine, medium and thick hair.
Two types of comb
Side combs
Usually sold in pairs, with short, straight teeth. Use them to hold back the sides, for a half-up style, or one at the top of a French pleat. They come in widths from about 6 to 9cm.
French twist combs
A single comb with longer, smooth, gently curved teeth that reach right into an updo. Made for French twists, pleats and chignons in longer hair.
Hair comb sizes at a glance
Fine or short hair, small sections, or holding back a fringe.
The everyday size. Suits most fine to medium hair, and the top of a French pleat.
Medium to thick hair, or more hair than a 7cm comb will hold.
Longer, curved teeth for updos in long hair. Choose the 10cm for long, thick hair.
What makes a comb hold
1. Width
A wider comb gathers more hair across your head. Too wide for fine hair and it sits away from your head and slips; too narrow for thick hair and it can't hold the weight.
2. Teeth
Short, straight teeth suit side combs. Longer, curved teeth reach into a twist or pleat and hold it from inside, which is why French twist combs are best for updos.
3. Grip
Smooth combs can slide out of fine or straight hair. Our Made in England side combs have a fine ridged texture that gives the hair something to hold on to.
Our hair comb size chart
| Size | Best for | Our combs |
|---|---|---|
|
Small 6cm |
Fine or short hair, small sections | Handmade 6cm Side Combs (pair) |
|
Standard 7 to 7.5cm |
Fine to medium hair, half-up styles, the top of a pleat | Made in England 7 x 5cm (pair, ridged grip, ten colours), Vivienne 7cm (pair), Chain 7cm (pair), Handmade 7.5cm (pair) |
|
Large 9cm |
Medium to thick hair, more hair | 9cm French Side Combs (pair) |
|
French twist 7.5 to 10cm |
Updos, French pleats and twists in long hair | 7cm French Twist Comb (7.5 x 8cm), 10cm French Twist Comb |
Which comb for your hair?
Fine hair
Go for grip and a modest width. Our Made in England side combs were designed for fine hair, and the Handmade 6cm suits a smaller section.
Medium hair
Most 7 to 7.5cm side combs work well. Try the Vivienne or Handmade 7.5cm, or a 7cm French Twist Comb for an updo.
Thick hair
Choose width and longer teeth. The 9cm French Side Combs hold more hair, and the 10cm French Twist Comb is our choice for a pleat in thick hair.
Short hair
A small side comb is best for sweeping back the sides or a fringe. Try the Handmade 6cm, or a pair of Made in England combs.
Good to know
What size side comb should I buy?
For most people, 7 to 7.5cm. Go down to 6cm for fine or short hair, or up to 9cm if you have thick hair or want to hold back more hair at once.
What's the difference between a side comb and a French twist comb?
Side combs are short with straight teeth and usually come in pairs, for holding back sections. A French twist comb is a single comb with longer, curved teeth that reach inside an updo and hold it from within.
Do hair combs stay in fine hair?
They can, if the comb has some grip and isn't too wide. Smooth combs tend to slide out of fine hair. A comb with a ridged texture, like our Made in England side combs, holds much better. The way you put it in matters too: see how to wear a side comb.
Should I use one comb or two?
One is plenty for a half-up style or the top of a French pleat. Use two for holding back both sides, or side by side if you have a lot of hair.
Will a plastic comb snap?
Ours are made from strong, flexible materials rather than brittle acrylic, so they bend to the shape of your head and shouldn't shatter if you drop one.
Combs we've sold since 2003
Our French combs are made in France and finished by hand. Our newest side combs are made here in Warwickshire, in ten colours including Walnut and Honey, our alternatives to tortoiseshell.
More guides: how to wear a side comb and how to do a French pleat.
