What Is a Razor Comb?

A razor comb is a hair-cutting and hair-shaping tool that has a handle like a comb but may or may not include an actual comb. Less expensive models may be made of plastic and include a stainless steel blade, and high-end models may be completely made of metal and support various attachments. Razor combs are used for creating texture in both short and long hairstyles and also are useful for thinning out thick, coarse hair. They are usually used by sliding the razor comb through wet hair, but this technique may not be suitable for all hair types.

A less expensive type of razor comb is made of plastic and features a plastic comb on one or both sides of the tool. Both sides of the comb may have a blade with a different-shaped comb to create unique results when passed through the hair. More expensive razor combs may lack a physical comb but have a metal guard over the actual razor. This metal guard has notches that can be spaced apart in different ways and accomplishes a more precise cut than razor combs with a plastic comb can. Many of these models have a removable metal guard so stylists can easily install a different guard to achieve a different cut.

Although one can use a razor comb on hair of any length, razor combs are commonly used with short hairstyles that require a lot of texture, the appearance of movement and complex layers. The result is much less blunt than a hairstyle one cuts with scissors, and stylists also get more control over each section of the hair. If the hair is thick, one can use a razor comb to remove much of the bulk that can make styling more difficult. Razor combs are especially useful for the front of the hair and can make the hair look less flat in that area.

Razor combs are not the best tool for every head of hair, especially those with extremely wavy, curly or frizzy hair, because they can make the hair even more frizzy and unmanageable. This problem usually occurs when the hair becomes too thin to be weighed down by its own thickness. The problem may be prevented — or at least eased — by not removing too much hair through the use of a styling tool designed to, well, remove hair. Another problem that can occur is that the hair can be damaged by the razor being too dull or the hair being cut while it's dry. These concerns make razor combs most suitable for those who already have straight hair and those who usually straighten their hair daily.