How to Part Your Hair Cleanly With a Rat Tail Comb

To part your hair cleanly, comb it straight back, place the tip of a rat tail comb at the hairline where you want the part to begin, and draw it back along the scalp in one steady line to the crown. Then use your free hand to sweep the hair to one side of the line and the comb to move the rest to the other. The thin tail separates hairs right at the root, which is why it gives a sharper line than fingers or the teeth of a comb.

What is a rat tail comb?

It is a fine-tooth comb with a long, narrow, pointed handle. The teeth smooth and direct the hair. The tail does the precise work: parting, sectioning, lifting and weaving out strands. Tails are made of plastic or metal. A metal pin tail is thinner and stiffer, so it draws a finer line and slides through dense hair more easily.

How do you find where to part?

Your hair often has a natural parting. To find it, comb wet hair straight back and push it gently forward with your palm. It tends to split along its natural line.

How to draw a straight part, step by step

1. Start with detangled hair. Slightly damp hair parts most cleanly. Dry hair works too if it is smooth.
2. Comb everything straight back from the forehead so the old parting is erased.
3. Stand square to the mirror with your head level.
4. Place the tip of the tail on your scalp at the hairline, at your chosen starting point.
5. Pick an end point. For most styles the part runs to the crown, the highest point at the back of the head.
6. Draw the line. Keep the tail in light contact with the scalp and move it back in one smooth motion. Look at the end point, not at the tip.
7. Separate. Without lifting the tail, use your other hand to push the hair on one side away. Then lift the tail and comb the other side in the opposite direction.
8. Check and tidy. If hairs cross the line, slide the tail under them and flick them to the correct side.
9. Smooth each side with the teeth, combing away from the part.

How do you part the back of your head?

Use two mirrors, one in front and one held behind, or part by feel. Rest the tail at the crown, keep your elbow high, and draw down toward the nape in a straight line. Check with the hand mirror and correct any drift by redrawing from the top.

How do you do a zigzag part?

1. Draw a straight center part first.
2. Comb the hair straight back again.
3. Place the tail at the hairline and move it back in short diagonal strokes, about two centimeters to the left, then two to the right.
4. Separate the hair along the zigzag with your fingers.

A comb for clean lines

The Uexim rat tail comb with steel pin tail has a steel pin tail for clean sectioning and precision styling, with a plastic comb body. It is described as suitable for salon, barber and home use, and it comes in several colors and pack options, from single combs to multi-packs and a 9-piece sectioning set. Check the variant selector for what each option includes.

What else is the tail useful for?

• Sectioning hair for blow-drying, curling, coloring or braiding.
• Lifting the crown. Slide the tail under the top layer after styling and lift gently for volume.
• Tucking in strays around a bun or ponytail.
• Weaving out fine strands for highlights.
• Separating curls at the root without disturbing the lengths.

Common mistakes

• Parting tangled hair. The tail catches and the line wobbles.
• Pressing hard. A metal tail should glide over the scalp, not scratch it.
• Short, hesitant strokes. One continuous motion gives a straighter line.
• Tilting your head. The part will slant.
• Using the same parting every day in a tight style. Moving it slightly now and then eases tension on the same hairs.

Safety and care

A steel pin is pointed. Use light pressure, keep it away from eyes, and store it where it will not poke through a bag. Wipe the comb after use and wash it in warm soapy water when product builds up. Dry a metal tail to keep it in good condition.

Frequently asked questions

Should hair be wet or dry when parting?

Slightly damp is easiest. If your hair is dry, smooth it first.

Is a metal tail better than a plastic one?

A metal pin is finer and stiffer, which gives a sharper line. A plastic tail is gentler and fine for everyday partings.

Why is my part never straight?

Usually because of looking at the comb instead of the end point, or tilting the head. Fix your eyes on where the part should finish.

How do I make a part look fuller?

Try a slight zigzag, or move the part a centimeter to one side.

The bottom line

Comb back, place the tail at the hairline, draw one steady line to the crown, and separate. The tail does the precise work, and the teeth finish the job.