Side combs, in case you’re unaware (as I was), are those clips with a comb attached to them that some women may know best from their being attached to wedding veils in bridal hairstyles. But side combs are more than just veil clips – they’re also an awesome and versatile hairstyling tool.

But how do you use side combs, really? I got a pack to play around with and I gotta admit, at first I was confused. But here’s an easy way to start:

1. Hold the side comb so the curve bows out toward your face. As in:
   Your Face (
   or
   ) Your Face

   Here, I just drew it for you.

2. Comb into the section of hair you want to be pulled back.
3. When you get just past the point where you want the comb to sit, flip the comb so it curves down toward your scalp, like a frowny face.
4. Push the comb forward toward your scalp and wiggle it gently into place until it’s secure in your hair.

If you’re anything like me, after reading that, your mind is blown. I finally get the way girls use those cool, decorative side combs in their hair.

The cool thing about side combs is you can use them either to add volume in a rockabilly style or to make a style sleeker, more glamorous or more vintage looking. There are lots of options, so let go and get creative.

Have you ever played with side combs?