The invention relates to a top comb (1) for a combing machine, comprising a top comb carrier (2) which has a retainer section (4, 34) connected to a carrier plate (5) to which a needle strip or top comb fitting (7) is secured, said top comb carrier (2), in the region of its retainer section (4, 34) and by means of at least one retainer bracket (21, 31) that is associated with a top comb retainer (17), being able to be fixed to said retainer. In order to minimise the wear between the top comb carrier (2) and a retainer bracket (21, 31) that is hinged to a top comb retainer, it is suggested that at least two additional retainer means (30) are mounted on the retainer section (34) of the top comb and can be encompassed by one retainer bracket (31) in each case, said retainer means (30), at least in the region that can be encompassed by the respective retainer bracket, consisting of a material that is harder than the retainer section (34).