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My Beard Loves These $12 Super Combs That Destroy Frizz And Last A Lifetime
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Unless you've worked as a hairstylist or barber, you've probably never used a metal comb. Professionals love metal combs because they're long-lasting, heat-resistant, they eliminate static, and for the same reasons, they're also great grooming tools for everyday use. They work especially well for beard grooming, and I'm never going back to cheap wood or plastic beard combs. Personally, my thick hair is prone to frizz, flyaways, and tangling, and metal combs easily solve all three problems.
There's one more important reason I love using metal beard combs—they look cool. Whether you choose classic silvery steel or black powder-coated metal, these combs feel great in your hand and look sleek in a dopp kit or on a bathroom counter. That's a nice added benefit considering that they cost $12-$14 and last forever.
I first started using metal combs to tame my hair, beard, and mustache four years ago. As a men's grooming writer, I get a lot of products for testing and review, and a cheap metal comb was included in a grooming kit I received. I'm still using that metal comb all these years later, and I've added several more metal combs to my grooming toolkit since then.
Men with Afro-textured hair have used metal hair picks for many years, but anyone with frizzy or hard-to-control hair can also benefit from this type of comb. Metal actually has several advantages over acetate, wood, plastic, and other common comb materials. Most importantly, metal combs are anti-static, so you can eliminate static electricity and help keep excess frizz out of your mane. Combs made from horns are also anti-static, but they're not as effective at detangling and straightening hair, and they're much more expensive.
Some metal combs are designed for use by barbers, but you can also buy metal hair and beard combs from brands such as Fendrihan, Paul Mitchell, BabyBliss Pro, and Chicago Comb, the latter of which is one of my favorite under-the-radar grooming companies. Chicago Comb Company is a small business that makes premium Made in the U.S.A. Metal combs for men and women using materials such as steel, carbon fiber, and titanium.
I've gathered some of my favorite metal combs, which are an affordable upgrade to your standard plastic comb. You can find metal combs for men's and women's hair types, all hair textures, and all styling needs.
Chicago Comb Model 2 Carbon Fiber Comb
Fendrihan 4.6" Fine-Tooth Comb
Chicago Comb Model 6 Carbon Fiber Comb
Chicago Comb Model 7 Carbon Fiber Pick Comb
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Best Dog Grooming Clippers To Give Your Pup A Trim At Home
Regular grooming is essential to keep your dog's coat in good condition and to prevent any tricky tangles.
As well as bathing and brushing, this includes cutting hair with regular trips to the groomer for a professional clip. This is especially important for dogs with curly or long hair that otherwise could knot and pull close to the skin, causing them pain.
If you choose not to go to a professional groomer, or you simply want to give your pooch a tidy up between appointments, there's a wealth of products out there to help, whether your furbaby's a miniature poodle or a wire-haired pointer.
You'll need clippers for cutting hair over large areas and trimmers for delicate parts such as faces, ears and paws. Don't forget nails too – you'll need a special pair of nail clippers for these. While daily walking helps keep nails filed down naturally, this isn't always the case so you may need to cut them from time to time.
The Dogs Trust advises getting your pets paws used to having their touched for several weeks before even attempting to cut the nails - and always reward them with a treat. When you do cut their nails, always cut just a little at a time to make sure you don't cut the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. You can see the quick in light coloured nails, but it's more difficult in dark nails so be careful. If you do catch the quick, apply a little styptic powder or wound powder to stop the bleeding.
What dog clippers are best?This depends on the breed of your dog, their size and the type of coat they have: curly and wavy, double, smooth and short, wiry, long and silky, or a combination. Some clippers have adjustable blades, some come with attachment combs that change the cutting length of the blade; some have a fixed blade and some have snap-on blades.
Always check the product description carefully before buying so you ensure the best grooming clippers for your dog.
Is corded or cordless best?This depends on personal taste, the size of your dog and his temperament – if he's nervous then cordless clippers are probably better as there's no power cable moving around and upsetting him. However, if he's a big dog then make sure you have a full charge before you start, otherwise your clippers may run out of steam before you've finished cutting his hair, especially if you're new to clipping.
Cordless models tend to be more expensive than those with power cables, so that's something else to bear in mind.
How do I clip my dog at home?When you buy your dog grooming clippers avoid using them immediately. You need to take it slowly and get your dog used to the sound and feel of the clippers. Switch them on near your pet but not touching them, until they're accustomed to the noise. Then you can progress to touching the clippers against their fur, but move them away immediately if your dog looks frightened.
The key is slowly and surely, with lots of encouragement in the tone of your voice and by way of treats as a reward. It may take a few weeks, but eventually they'll become accustomed to the noise and feel of clippers.
Always bathe and brush your dog before clipping in order to remove dirt and tangles that may clog up your clippers and stress out your pet. Work slowly and calmly, cutting in the direction of growth. Be gentle and avoid pressing down on the clippers; do one side before starting on the other.
WAHL has lots of grooming advice on its website, including guides for clipping different types of coat and YouTube tutorials. Also check out professional grooming supplies companies Christies Direct and Groomers as both have lots of helpful information for home grooming.
Best dog grooming clippers at a glance:We've rounded up the best dog clippers every owner should invest in right now to keep your pooch in pristine condition.
See the edit below
WAHL Super Groom Dog Clipper
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: corded and cordless use
Corded or cordless: both
Run time: up to 100 minutes
Charge time: 150 minutes
Weight: 721g
Warranty: two years
Suitable for: all coat types
One of the great things about this clipper – and the reason it just pips the Heiniger at the post for top spot – is you can use it cordless, or with the supplied power cable, offering you the best of both worlds.
The battery lasts for up to 100 minutes and has a quick charge option, but if the power is dropping simply plug in the cord to keep going. The motor is powerful and the blade supplied with the clipper is adjustable so it's suitable for all types and lengths of coat. WAHL also labels the Super Groom as ultra quiet (but doesn't give a dB rating) so it's suitable for nervous dogs.
This clipper comes with a charger, adjustable blade, six attachment combs, clipper oil, a cleaning brush and a storage case.
Buy now £98.99, Amazon
Heiniger Saphir Cordless Clipper Pink Paws
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: style and substance
Corded or cordless: cordless
Run time: 60 minutes
Charge time: 45 – 60 minutes
Noise level: 70dB
Weight: 440g
Warranty: one year
Suitable for: all dogs
We know it's not all about the looks, but these paw-some clippers look great and make a change from the usual plain-design grooming clippers on the market.
Rest assured they're not just for show; these are some of the most powerful cordless clippers available, at 2650 double strokes per minute. They keep going for up to an hour and take less than 60 minutes to recharge. Additionally, they're lightweight, which makes a noticeable difference when you're using on a large or wriggly dog, and the slim grip feels comfortable hold.
Heiniger's clippers have been made for professional groomers, but there's nothing stopping you using them for home grooming - except, maybe, that hefty price tag. That said, it won't take long before they've paid for themselves.
They also come with two batteries and a charger, which while not so relevant for home groomers, could be a real bonus if you have more than one dog. Clipper oil and cleaning brush also included.
Buy now £324.95, Amazon
Furrish Cordless Pet Clipper
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: limited budgets
Corded or cordless: cordless
Run time: up to 3 hours
Charge time: 3 hours
Suitable for: long and straight, short hair, curly and wavy, puppy
For those new to home grooming who want something that's not too expensive, this Furrish Cordless Pet Clipper could well fit the bill. The battery lasts three hours, so you can take your time over your pet's 'do' (if they'll sit still for three hours) and the useful clip-on comb guides help you choose the correct length for her coat.
This clipper is billed as low noise and low vibration, so it's suitable for anxious dogs.
It comes with USB charger, cleaning brush and oil, and three stainless steel comb guides (3mm, 6mm, 10mm).
Buy now £39.36, Amazon
Andis AGC 2 Speed Brushless Clipper
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: mains-powered grooming
Corded or cordless: corded
Weight: 498g
Warranty: one year
Suitable for: all dog coats and breeds
Andis is a well-known name in dog clippers and its products are popular with professional dog groomers, so you know Andis clippers are a solid choice for home use. The AGC is a professional piece of kit for a great price and it has two speeds – 2300 and 3400 spm so can handle pretty much any kind and thickness of coat.
Comes with a size 10 Andis ceramic edge blade and blade oil, but the AGC is also compatible with various attachments combs and universal snap-on blades.
Buy now £147.95, Amazon
WAHL Creativa
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: cordless cutting
Corded or cordless: cordless
Run time: 180 minutes
Charge time: 120 minutes
Weight: 288g
Warranty: one year
Suitable for: small and medium size dogs – light body clipping
This ergonomic cordless clipper is easy to hold and manoeuvre while grooming – and it weighs just 288g so your hands and wrists won't tire as quickly as they might with heavier competitors. That said, the clipper is no lightweight when it comes to battery life, providing three hours run time on a two-hour charge.
It's quiet with minimal vibration, which is helpful if your pooch is nervous. The five-in-one blade is adjustable from 0.7mm to 3mm and is made from stainless steel. The Creativa comes with two lithium ion XXL batteries so you'll aways have a fully-charge battery to hand and the clipper has an LED charge indicator light so you know when to switch batteries over.
Also supplied with four attachment combs, a charging stand, blade oil and cleaning brush.
Buy now £172.98, Amazon
Masterclip Pedigree Pro Home Grooming Starter Pack
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: mains-powered grooming kit
Corded or cordless: corded
Noise level: 60dB
Weight: 375g
Warranty: two years
Suitable for: all breeds
This all-in-one pet grooming kit from Leicestershire-based Masterclip comes with extras that will prove useful for home grooming, especially if you don't already own any equipment for your dog, or you're trying clipping for the first time.
The pack contains Masterclip's Pedigree Pro corded clipper, which has two speeds – 4600spm and 5800spm – a toughened steel blade, four comb guides (3, 6, 10 and 13mm), clipper oil, a metal comb, bull-nose (rounded end) scissors and a slicker brush, all contained in a useful carry case.
Buy now £129.99, Amazon
Oneisall Dog Grooming Kit
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: budget grooming kit
Corded or cordless: cordless
Run time: 80 minutes
Charge time: 80 minutes
Noise level: 50dB
Weight: 200g
Warranty: 2 years
Suitable for: all breeds
Not sure if home dog grooming is for you? Then this cordless clipper kit won't set you back a fortune and it gets 4.4 stars on Amazon from over 61,000 reviews. On a full charge, the clipper will run for 80 minutes but if you feel it's running low, simply plug it in and you can continue to use it while it's charging.
Comes with six guards (3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18mm), scissors, comb, clipper oil and a cleaning brush. Available in rose and gold colour options.
Buy now £30.58, Amazon
Jollyes Spa Deluxe Large Nail Clipper
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: large nails
Corded or cordless: manual tool
Material: stainless steel
Suitable for: large dogs
While walking your dog will wear down their nails, you may still need to trim them regularly – the Dog's Trust recommends checking them every two weeks.
If claws become too long then you risk them tearing or splitting, which can be very painful for your pet. Your dog may also try to compensate for the discomfort caused by over-long nails by changing their gait – and that can result in joint problems.
These stainless-steel nail clippers are designed for larger dogs. They have rounded tips and a safety guard to prevent over-trimming and stop you cutting into the quick. They also feature a soft-touch handle which is comfortable to hold and provides a secure grip to help stop your hand from slipping while you work.
Buy now £7.99, Jollyes
Miki Scratch Me Not Scissor Claw Clipper
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: traditional scissor style
Cordless or corded: manual tool
Material: stainless steel, suitable for: small dogs
These dog nail clippers look like regular scissors, which makes them less scary to use for the first time, and they're a great alternative if you find you can't get on with the more usual style clippers for dogs.
Cut a little at a time to avoid catching the quick, which will bleed. The brand offers some guidance, saying: "It is easy to locate the quick on animals with light-coloured claws. For those with dark coloured claws it may be easier to locate the quick by looking on the underside of the nail – however if in doubt seek the advice of your vet".
The blades are micro-serrated, which gives an easy cutting action, and they're made from heat treated stainless steel to stay sharper for longer. They're also suitable for both right and left handers.
Buy now £10.45, Amazon
Aesculap Exacta Cordless Trimmer
© Provided by Evening Standard Best for: paws and faces
Corded or cordless: cordless
Run time: up to 120 minutes
Charge time: 90 minutes
Noise level: 60dB
Weight: 115g
Warranty: two years
Wuitable for: all dogs – paws, legs, ears, face, whiskers, stomach
For cutting hair on your dog's paws, face, ears or legs, or for precision contouring you need a trimmer rather than a clipper, and a cordless trimmer means the power cord isn't going to be getting in her way as you work.
The Aesculap Exacta is great for home grooming as it's very quiet, which is not only useful for nervous dogs, but for any dog who's having these sensitive areas trimmed. Each 90-minute charge gives you up to 120 minutes' run time, which is more than you're likely ever going to need.
The trimmer comes with an attachment comb that can be set to four different lengths (3 – 6 mm), charging station, clipper oil and a brush.
Buy now £144.90, Amazon
Verdict
We love WAHL's Supper Groom clippers because it can be used cordless or with the power cable, and it has a powerful motor. This clipper is ideal for home grooming and suitable for all types of dog coat; if your dog is nervous or new to clippers, the fact it's quiet will also be a big help. Not bad for sub-£100.
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10 Viral Pet Products TikTok Made Me Buy
These trending pet products are exploding on TikTokIN THIS ARTICLE:
Scrolling for even a few minutes on TikTok usually results in buying something you never knew you needed — especially when it comes to pets. If you have a furry loved one at home, then you know all too well about sparing no expense for them.
Now that TikTok has become one of the top spots for recommending products, pet parents everywhere want to know what others think before buying. This "TikTok made me buy it," the pet edition, includes some of the most popular pet products, pulled straight from TikTok's "For you" page.
Which TikTok pet products are worth the hype?Viral #PetTok products have earned the trust of many — from doggie water bottles with compartments for poop bags and snacks to grooming products and hand-warming dog leashes for the wintertime.
Best TikTok products for pets
Lilly Brush Mini Pet Hair Detailer Pet-Hair Remover for Car Carpet
This pet hair remover is made with plastic and wood. Its pointed corners fit into crevices for raking out hard-to-reach pet hair from the car's interior, car mats or any other fabric surface. While it may be mini (it's only 3 by 4 inches by three-quarters of an inch), it has a 4.6-star rating and more than 50,000 reviews on Amazon.
Sold by Amazon
Syz-inems Cute Cat Crocs
Made with picture and pet lovers in mind, these tiny shoes are designed for cats to wear during a photo shoot. While they're not made for everyday wear, the interior fits paws 2.25 by 1.55 inches and under.
Sold by Amazon and Walmart
Hanamya 3 in 1 Dog Travel Bottle Set
This multipurpose dog water bottle also has compartments for storing treats and poop bags. With a capacity of up to 10 ounces, water flows out of it with the push of a button, allowing you to control how much water comes out at once. It also comes with a small pooper scooper that can be stored in its water compartment as well as a lanyard that can be hung off a backpack or keychain.
Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
Hertzko Pet Undercoat Dematting Comb
For dogs and cats, the Hertzko Pet Undercoat Dematting Comb has 2.5-inch, serrated teeth designed for intense tangles and matting. Each tooth features a rounded tip for preventing scratches or cuts, and the comb has an anti-slip rubber grip that makes it easy to use.
Sold by Amazon
Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
Available in small, medium and large, this paw cleaner has silicone bristles that remove dirt from muddy paws. Add water, insert a paw, twist, then dab dry with a towel. The medium size fits most dogs and is best for paws between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches wide.
Sold by Amazon and Walmart
Catit Senses 2.0 Self Groomer Cat Brush
This self-grooming cat brush can be attached to any flat surface or corner at your cat's height so they can scratch whenever they feel like it. The plastic bristles coax out loose hair as your cat rubs against it. You can also add the included catnip to its inner compartment to encourage your cat.
Sold by Amazon
Blazin LED Light Up Dog Collar
With visibility of 350 yards, this light-up collar runs over eight hours and features three modes: on, strobe and blink. This LED dog collar has a slim bulb strip and a barely-there on/off box for switching modes or turning it off.
Sold by Amazon
iPrimio Universal Cat Litter Scooper Holder
This holder box fits all types of scoopers — regular, long-handled, plastic or otherwise. It collects litter from the scooper, making it easy to dump the litter into the trash. It comes with decorative paws in four colors that can be switched out depending on your preference, and it works for small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
Reddy Grey Handwarmer Dog Lead
For walking your dog during those cold winter months, this hand-warming pet leash lead is 4 feet long with a metal D-ring attachment and swivel clasp. The handwarmer's interior pocket is lined with faux shearling and a convenient handle for keeping your hands toasty as you brave the cold.
Sold by Petco
Neobay Adjustable Door Strap and Latch for Cats
This door strap is designed to keep the door ajar anywhere from 1.5 to 6 inches, so a cat can fit through but a dog can't. With this privacy latch, cats can have their own space and pet parents don't have to worry about dog- or baby-proofing the kitty litter. It features a plastic piece on the loop end that prevents the door from closing and pinching your cat's tail as they wander through.
Sold by Amazon
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Stephanie Osmanski writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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