So Should You Comb Your Beard Up or Down?

Many men question whether there is a correct direction when it comes to combing. In short, the usually is. So, should you comb your beard up or down?

Start at your neck and brush upward and outward. Continue combing up to your cheeks. Combing upward in this way often makes your beard will look fuller by separating the hairs, and “fluffing” them up. Once the entire beard has been brushed upwards, comb the beard back down. 

All beards are different, so you might need to adjust this guide based on the style you’re working toward, as well as your personal preferences.

Let’s go through this all in a little more detail. 

If you’re interested, do check out this article listing my most recommended beard trimming and grooming products of the year.

So, Why Comb Your Beard Up First?

There are several reasons why you would usually benefit from combing your beard upwards and outwards first. Let me tell you the main ones. 

Makes Your Beard Easier to Style

Combing your beard upwards first helps to separate and untangle the strands. This should allow you to glide your comb or brush through your beard more easily when it’s time.

When it comes to combing your beard downwards (the next step in our process) it’s much easier when the hairs are separated and untangled.

It Often Makes Your Beard Look Fuller

A fuller-looking beard is perhaps one of the most noticeable benefits of combing your beard up.

Separating the hairs by pulling them upwards and outwards with the comb often gives the illusion of volume.  

Sure, you’ll be combing it back down afterward. But it’ll still look fuller than if you were to just comb downward right from the start. 

By the way, if you’re looking for a comb, this one by Kent is worth checking out on Amazon.

But getting back to the point, what’s next?

Why Comb Your Beard Down Afterward?

So, combing your beard up often works well for the styling and appearance of your beard. But what about combing your beard down afterward? What exactly will this do for you?

Helps Style Your Beard

To put it simply, if you combed your beard up and left it that way, it wouldn’t look terrific. Your facial hair would be sticking out in all directions and would not look the way you want it to. It’ll look more like a lion’s mane than a well-groomed and rugged beard.

Combing it down afterward should prevent this.

It flattens the beard in the direction you want, while still maintaining the volume you gained from the first step. It’s a great way to keep your beard looking its best, depending on your personal style preferences.  

If your beard is quite full already, the volume-adding benefit of combing upward first may not seem as significant to you. In contrast, if your beard is thinner, you may place more importance on combing your beard upward first. 

It tames the beard

This can be particularly helpful for those with unruly beards that stick out.

Similarly, those with a stubborn mustache will also benefit. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than the tingle of hair on your upper lip.

Is a Comb Different from a Brush?

Although some people use the terms interchangeably, a beard comb is very different from a beard brush. Knowing the difference is essential to understanding which product you should use, and for what reason.

Beard brushes have bristles made from either synthetic or natural materials, whereas combs have teeth. Beard brushes are great for distributing products evenly.

Combs, on the other hand, are essential for styling, detangling, and grooming on the go.  

Wider spacing is perfect for those with curly and coarse beards, as they’re generally thicker and need more space. For fine, straight beards, a comb with narrow spacing will work well.

Conclusion

The direction in which you comb your beard can have an impact on its overall look. However, as all beards are different, there is no one way to do this.

You should consider the texture and nature of your beard, as well as the style you want to achieve before deciding how to comb your beard.