Rat Tail Comb: Uses, Types & Beginner Guide (2025)

If you have ever tried styling your hair at home and felt confused about which tool to use, the rat tail comb is one of the simplest and most helpful tools you can start with. A rat tail comb also called a rattail comb is a must-have in almost every salon and is now very popular in home hairstyling tools across the USA.

This guide will explain everything in very easy words, even if you are a complete beginner. You will learn:

• What a rat tail comb is

• How to use a rat tail comb step-by-step

• The best materials and types

• Why hair stylists love this comb

• Which models like Allegro Combs 441, Allegro Combs 60, Allegro Combs 61, and JuvaBun tools are trusted

• Tips for curly hair, straight hair, thin hair, thick hair, and weak hair

• Best combs for coloring, braiding, root volume, highlighting, and more

Let’s start in simple language.

What Is a Rat Tail Comb?

A rat tail comb is a small hair styling tool that has:

• A comb on one side (fine tooth comb, wide tooth comb, or bristle comb)

• A long, thin, tapered tail on the other side

This tail works as a hair parting tool, sectioning comb, and tapered tail comb for dividing hair into clean sections.

It is used by:

• Hair stylists

• Barbers

• Makeup artists

• Home users

People use it for styling, coloring, braiding, and even creating bouffant hairstyles, teasing, or root lift.

Why the Rat Tail Comb Matters

A rat tail comb is important because it makes hairstyling easy, clean, and quick. Whether you’re combing short hair, separating hair strands, working on long curls, or creating a neat part, this comb gives you control.

It is also very helpful for:

• Applying hair dye

• Highlighting

• Creating root volume

• Combing curly hair carefully

• Making clean sections

• Building smooth hairstyles

This is why every salon keeps several types of hair parting tools, professional hair combs, and hair styling accessories—and the rat tail comb is always one of them.

Best Materials Used in Rat Tail Combs

Different people prefer different materials. Here are the most common materials explained simply.

1. Plastic Rat Tail Comb

A plastic rat tail comb is lightweight, affordable, and great for home use. It is a popular budget-friendly comb.

Best for:

• Everyday combing

• Parting hair

• Beginners

2. Silicone Comb

A silicone comb is gentle on hair and works well for sensitive or weak hair.

Best for:

• Combing wet or delicate hair

• Reducing hair breakage

3. Rubber Comb

A rubber rat tail comb creates less static and feels comfortable in the hand.

Best for:

• Curly hair

• Thick or frizzy hair

4. Metal Rat Tail Comb

A metal rat tail comb is the top choice for professional stylists.

Benefits:

• Very precise

• Great for comb for highlights or coloring

• Works perfectly as a tail comb for braiding

However, metal combs may create more static.

5. Natural Comb Materials

These are premium quality:

• Turtle shell comb

• Wooden comb

• Horn comb

These materials are durable, comfortable, and better for home hair care, but cost more.

Types of Rat Tail Combs (Beginner-Friendly)

There are many types, but here are the most common:

✔ Fine Tooth Comb

Best for thin hair and detailed styling.

✔ Wide Tooth Comb

Perfect for curly hair or thick hair.

✔ Double Comb & Triple Comb

These have different teeth on each side.

✔ Combination Comb

Has bristles, rows, and different tooth sizes.

✔ Multi-row Bristle Comb

Great for bouffant hairstyles and teasing.

✔ Heat-resistant Comb

Designed for use with blow dryers and hot tools.

✔ Lightweight Hair Comb & Ergonomic Grip Comb

Easy to hold and reduces hand tiredness.

Popular Models (Entities Included)

Here are trusted brands and models used in salons across the USA:

• Allegro Combs 441 – professional and durable

• Allegro Combs 60 – great for parting and coloring

• Allegro Combs 61 – flexible and easy for home styling

• JuvaBun rat tail comb – popular for beginners and quick hairstyling

These are known for:

• Flexible comb body

• Strong comb teeth spacing

• Heat-resistant styling tool build

• High-quality comb materials

How to Use a Rat Tail Comb (Beginner Step-by-Step)

Here is a very simple guide anyone can follow.

1. Parting Hair

1. Hold the rat tail comb by the handle.

2. Place the tapered handle comb (tail) on your scalp.

3. Slide it straight to the back.

4. Separate the two sections with your fingers.

2. Combing Short Hair

• Start from top to bottom.

• Use a fine tooth comb for smooth results.

3. Combing Long Curls

• Start from the ends.

• Move slowly upward.

• Use a wide tooth comb to avoid breakage.

4. Applying Hair Dye

1. Brush the entire hair first.

2. Use the tail to create clean sections.

3. Use the comb to spread the color evenly.

4. Repeat for each section.

This is why it is also called a hair coloring comb or comb for dyeing.

5. Creating Root Volume

This is common in salons.

1. Flip hair forward.

2. Use the comb to tease layer by layer.

3. Keep the top layer smooth for a clean look.

This creates a beautiful bouffant comb effect.

6. Highlighting or Bleaching

• Use a comb for highlighting to separate tiny strands.

• Metal rat tail combs work best for this.

7. Braiding

The thin tail helps create clean, straight sections for tight braids.

Who Should Use a Rat Tail Comb?

This comb works for:

• Curly hair

• Straight hair

• Thin hair

• Thick hair

• Weak hair

• Short hair

• Long hair

It is useful for beginners, home users, hair stylists, and anyone wanting clean, neat hairstyles.

Benefits of Using a Rat Tail Comb

• Easy parting

• Quick styling

• Perfect for coloring

• Helps with clean highlights

• Creates professional results at home

• Soft on scalp (depending on material)

• Gives volume

• Works on all hair types

It is also one of the most durable hair combs, lightweight hair combs, and high-quality combs you can buy.

FAQs About Rat Tail Combs

1. Is a rat tail comb safe for curly hair?

Yes, but choose a wide tooth comb or rubber comb to avoid breakage.

2. Can I use a rat tail comb for hair dye?

Yes! It is one of the best hair coloring combs for applying and spreading dye evenly.

3. Are metal rat tail combs better?

They are great for highlights and precise parting, but may create static.

4. Can beginners use a rat tail comb easily?

Absolutely. It’s one of the easiest hair styling tools for home users.

5. Which rat tail comb is best?

Models like Allegro Combs 441, Allegro Combs 60, Allegro Combs 61, and JuvaBun are trusted in the USA.

Conclusion

A rat tail comb is a simple but powerful hair styling tool. Whether you want neat parting, clean braids, smooth coloring, or beautiful volume, this lightweight and flexible comb makes hairstyling much easier. With options like metal rat tail comb, plastic rat tail comb, silicone comb, and rubber comb, you can choose the one that fits your hair type and your daily needs.