Thick hair is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it means you’re not likely to spot any patchy areas near your hairline or crown in the near future—on the other, it means getting your hair in line for work is close to a Herculean feat. If styling your hair feels like a losing battle, you’re probably not using the right product! May we suggest the humble hair wax instead of whatever’s been letting you down?
Carmen Serna, Baxter of California barber, gave us a master class in all things hair wax and luck you—we’re about to pass that knowledge on. For the best hair wax for men and how to apply it, keep reading.
Why would you use hair wax?
Unlike serums and sprays, which may offer plenty of benefits but skimp on hold, hair wax is a product that’s specifically formulated to help keep your hair under control.
“A hair wax is a moldable, non-crispy texture product,” Serna explains. “Hair wax works best in coarser and denser hair textures, as well as short to medium length hair.”
Not sure if you’re in need of wax in your daily routine? Think about how you experience your hair throughout the day. If you find yourself frustrated that it won’t stay put or you have curls escaping every style, hair wax may be the right styling choice for you.
To apply wax the confident, suave man-about-town we imagine you are, Serna recommends starting with dry hair.
“Make sure to heat it up in your hands—emulsify—before applying it to your hair,” she explains. Start out with less product than you think you’ll need and build it up if you feel you need the extra control.”
Just to make sure you’ve got the technique down pat, try your hair wax out the night before you need to wear it in public. A trial run will help build your confidence.
What are the benefits of hair wax?
When it comes to wax, the priority will always be hold—which what makes it the obvious choice for men who wear styles like pompadours and quiffs. We’d even recommend it for the odd Halloween costume party.
Which wax is best for hair?
Each head of hair may need a different hair wax formula, but we have a few undeniable favorites. As an added (and really important) side note, Serna advises that men with thinning or very fine hair look to a lighter hold product for their hair—a cream hair pomade like Baxter of California's, perhaps.If you’ve got a head of hair and aren’t sure what to do with it, however, look no further than our picks below.
Redken Brews Wax Pomade
If you like to touch-up your hair multiple times throughout the day, get a hair wax that lets you. Redken Brews Wax Pomade combines all the best of wax's hold with the ease of a classic pomade in a water-based formula that’s fully reworkable.
Redken Brews Wax Pomade, $18.50 MSRP
Redken Wax Blast 10 Finishing Hairspray Wax
There's no law saying hair waxes have to come in jars. If you're open to a spray instead, try Redken's Wax Blast 10. The texturizing hairspray adds texture with a bold finish—and you don't even have to get your hands dirty.
Redken Wax Blast 10 Finishing Hairspray Wax, $19.50 MSRP
Blind Barber 60 Proof Wax
If you're a man who cares about owning the coolest things on the market, you need Blind Barber 60 Proof Wax. Infused with hops from beer to help create more volume and defend against dandruff, this medium hold favorite won't let you down. As an added bonus, you can schedule recurring deliveries so you never run out of your wax supply.
Blind Barber 60 Proof Wax, $20.00 MSRP
Fatboy Tough Guy Water Wax
Pomades can make certain hair types look oily or overdone, but not all formulas are created the same way. Fatboy's Tough Guy Water Wax is designed with flyaways and everyday use in mind—and, somewhat unconventionally, is designed to be applied to wet hair.
Fatboy Tough Guy Water Wax, $21.00 MSRP
Vernon Francois Pure~Fro Loc And Twist Holding Wax
If you're looking for a wax that's designed to support locs and braids, celebrity stylist Vernon Francois has you covered. This wax helps tame flyaways while nourishing the hair and scalp.
Vernon Francois Pure~Fro Loc And Twist Holding Wax, $20.00 MSRP
Armed with these hair wax picks and styling tricks, you're all set to confidently wrangle that hair of yours—either that, or you could head to the salon in person.
