If you read our fairly thorough guide to the hair products available to men at the moment, or our Groom 101: fundamentals of haircare, you'll be familiar with the kinds of styling products on the market. Amongst these, hair waxes are an important category, albeit one that's a little difficult to pin down. Hair waxes are something of a catch-all product, sitting somewhere in betweenclays, creams, and pomades, and often possessing properties which span these boundaries. In this article, we've put together some handy information on what waxes are, how best to use them, and we've included a list of products that we believe to be the best hair wax for men.
What is a hair wax?
Hair waxes typically act a little like hair clays or pastes, but typically speaking, are lighter, slightly more fluid, and easier to apply. Either due to a higher oil or higher water content, they're usually softer than clays, offering a lower level of hold, but with a greater degree of remouldability.
Waxes often have a low to medium shine, which means that in most cases they normally avoid the 'wet look' that can come about with pomades and gels. Instead, non matte-waxes usually impart a shine that enhances the natural colour of your hair, and when used in small amounts, creates contrast and texture which can work really well in relaxed as well as formal hairstyles.
Best hair wax for men
1. American Crew Fiber (85g)
The
American Crew Fiber is a typical matte wax. Easy to apply, with a fantastic hold that is re-workable when needed, we can see why it's a favourite among so many hair stylists.
2. Hawkins & Brimble Hair Wax 100ml
For a soft, re-workable wax, this product has a remarkable hold, which is why
Hawkins & Brimble Hair Moulding Wax makes the list. Its Jojoba and Almond oils enhance the natural colour of your hair without feeling greasy.
3. Hanz de Fuko Hybridized Wax 56g
The
Hybridized Wax from
Hanz De Fuko is a wax with a medium hold and a medium-high shine which imparts a satin finish. Great for creating shape and texture while enhancing the natural colour of your hair and adding contrast.
4. Fudge Matte Hed Mouldable 75g
Fudge Matte Hed stands out from the rest of these waxes for its finish. It applies like a wax, but sets somewhat like a gel with a totally matte finish. This is great for those with hard to tame hair who want to create volume, or for those looking to set their hair firmly in place for the day.
5. Recipe for Men Bionic Sheen Wax 80ml
The Bionic Sheen Wax from
Recipe for Men makes use of silver pigment to create its shine without looking greasy. It freshens and revitalises hair while offering an impressively strong hold.
6. Hanz de Fuko Sponge Wax 56g
This lightweight, water soluble
Sponge Wax from
Hanz De Fuko is is versatile and easy to use. Perfect for creating messy, relaxed styles, as well as more subtle, neat, or sophisticated looks, this wax has a matte finish and a medium hold.
7. Redken Brews Men's Wax Pomade 100ml
Another hybrid product, this
Men's Wax Pomade from
Redken Brews combines the shine of a pomade with the hold and ease of application of a wax. This means you can create classic looks like side partings and slicked back hair without worrying about your look losing its shape, requiring you to reapply throughout the day.
8. KMS HairPlay Dry Wax 150ml
The
KMS HairPlay Dry Wax is a pliable, volume-boosting wax that absorbs light while densifying the hair strand with its Copolymer blend. Its Rice Powder content provides grip and texture to the hair, while its medium, re-mouldable hold makes it an ideal candidate for short and long hair.
