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The Best Hair Wax for Every Styling Situation
Waxing poetic on grooming’s original player
Hair wax isn’t new, big, or even particularly clever. An essay can be written on retinol, or the best way to annihilate your blackheads, but hair wax just kind of, exists, doesn’t it?
Honestly, yes: there are no scientific breakthroughs or zeitgeisty ingredients to get excited about in the hair wax realm. But for men with hair that doesn't form naturally into a Pattinson coif, a tub of the right wax is a quiet essential – a key contributor to those satisfying good hair days.
Here, Maxwell Oakley of barbershop Supply 91 steers you to your best hair wax, whatever kind of hair you’ve got on your head.
First things first, what’s the difference between a wax, a pomade, and a gel, apart from the fact that one sounds a lot fancier than the other two? According to Oakley, “wax is usually an oil-based product and works really well for a slick, polished look. Pomade is used to soften and bring more movement to thicker hair, and gel is going to offer a very strong hold and a wet-look finish.”
Hair wax, Oakley adds, is the best styling option for those with thick hair that needs manipulating into something more sophisticated. “Resilient hair types with natural texture or a wave tend to hold hair wax really well. That’s not to say thinner hair can’t benefit, but you’ll want to use a bit less.”
How To Use A Hair Wax Correctly
Unlike a polished pomade or glossy gel, hair wax is a versatile option that can help you achieve plenty of styles. “You can create so many textures and looks depending on the amount you use, plus it's really long wearing,” says Oakley. “Wax is great on dry hair: work it forward from the crown to make sure there's not an overload of product at the fringe area. Use your fingertips to mould it from root to ends."
If you want to apply to damp hair, you can: it can be easier to disperse evenly, which works for finer or straighter hair. "When applying your hair wax on damp hair, using your dryer on a low power and medium heat will achieve a looser, lived-in look," Oakley adds.
Here, see the best men's hair wax to invest in now.
The Men's Hair Wax For Every Styling Situation
EVO Cassius Styling Clay Styling Hair Clay
Oakley’s top recommendation is a strong-hold wax with low shine, and is ideal for lending rough, shaggy texture to longer and thicker hair types. Bonus point for the brand’s focus on hair-nourishing natural ingredients.
Acqua di Parma Barbiere Fixing Wax
Strong and transparent, Acqua di Parma’s classic wax offers lift, shape and subtle shine without any residue – ideal for finer hair types. The inimitable Colonia scent is a welcome addition, too.
This firm wax is a potent one: don’t be tempted to use more than a pea-sized amount. That said, the final result is impressive: it feels weightless in hair and offers a moderate hold that’ll never veer into crunchy territory.
Anyone completely allergic to hands-on styling will find solace in a spray wax. This one is a can’t-go-wrong option for any hair type and length. Just spray lightly, and from a few inches.
Bumble & Bumble Sumotech Styling Wax
This one feels like a styling cream, but sets with the strength of a wax. With low shine and high hold, it's ideal for shorter cuts that need a little added texture.
This gentle wax is designed to condition as it styles, with castor, coconut and argan oils for hydrating dry and frizzy strands.
Balmain Paris Hair Couture Shine Wax
For high shine and a fancy scent, look to Balmain's argan-oil infused wax.
Bed Head by Tigi Matte Separation Mens Hair Wax
A classic from the 00's, this men's hair wax is still Tigi's bestselling product. Use it on damp hair for a softer, low-hold result, or apply on dry lengths for high, flexible hold.
ORIBE Rough Luxury Moulding Wax
Clearly the most luxurious choice, Oribe's hairdresser-approved hair wax is best used on sleeker styles prone to frizz and flyaways. It'll smooth everything down without adding too much shine.
Wax is great for a beard too, but you might want to use a specialised formula. Infuse with castor oil, this softening wax will tame and moisturise a longer beard, keeping strands in line without adding weight or residue.
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