There used to be hard rules around using the best hair wax—about what each product would do once applied. Those lines are blurred more and more: The best hair waxes, while traditionally offering the wearer both high hold and medium to low shine, can now run the gamut in both categories. Some give medium or light hold, others offer a shine-free, matte finish.
Universally, though, hair waxes are suited to guys who don't want to spend a ton of time styling, but also who want long-lasting hold. That doesn’t mean high hold, just persistent, reliable, and more natural-looking than a gel or pomade.
Waxes wear well in short styles, by giving them texture and definition. That definition is magnified in medium styles, as is the shine. (Apply with caution—or with abandon, if that’s what you’re going for.) Some waxes are water-based and can be applied to towel-dried hair; those ones will provide even more luster and separation. Others are waxy through and through. They’re less pliable and only transfer to dry strands. These provide less shine, and less movement—which can be good, if that’s what you need.
Before we run you in circles, let’s look at the seven best waxes on the market right now, and you can decide which is best for your situation. Somewhere out there is a wax that can help you achieve what you want, and this list is a good place to find it.
The Best Light-Hold Hair WaxesLight-Hold, Medium-Shine
Amazon
Less rigid than the competition, one allows hair to move. It’s infused with wild geranium extract to tone the oil production in the scalp while also fortifying the hair.
Light-Hold, High-Shine
Amazon
An all-purpose wax that gives high pliability thanks to a light consistency—but also a product that delivers terrific, brilliant shine.
The Best Medium-Hold Hair WaxesMedium-Hold, Matte Finish
Amazon
Jojoba and castor seed oil nourish the scalps and prevent clogged pores, as lemon extract and mallow flower soften and strengthen the hair. Gives the hair touchable hold for the entire day.
Medium-Hold, Low-Shine
Amazon
Blind Barber adds hops to its hair wax—as in, the key ingredient in beer, too—to help prevent dandruff and boost hair volume. It’s also got a subtle vanilla scent, thanks to the addition of tonka beans.
Medium-Hold, Medium-Shine
Amazon
One of the main exceptions to the 'wax is better in short styles" rules, since this liquid-set wax also looks killer in slicked-back ponytails/knots, too—but also in short, choppy styles of course.
Medium-Hold, High-Shine
Amazon
The perfect product for sculpting brilliant, eye-catching, voluminous hair—and what R+Co labels "exaggerated texture".
The Best High-Hold Hair WaxesHigh-Hold, Matte Finish
Amazon
Get all the high-hold benefits of a wax, with none of the polish. Terrific for short styles that don't want to risk looking greasy.
High-Hold, Low-Shine
Church California
A wax-clay hybrid that allows for day-long hold with minimal\ shine. This brand makes terrific natural products (preserved in biophotonic glass to cut out the science-y preservatives).
High-Hold, Medium-Shine
Oribe
Perhaps you steer clear of waxes because they weigh your hair down—but perhaps you also enjoy the way those waxes define your hair and let it (literally) shine. This finishing spray is a happy medium, and will allow you to sculpt your hair like it’s covered in lightweight, buoyant wax.
High-Hold, High-Shine
Dermstore
Sachajuan uses what it calls “Ocean Silk Technology” in all of its products, and the result is exactly what that implies: silky-to-the-touch hair, even when it’s a wax.
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