The 15 Best Hair Waxes To Set Your Strands For Good (2024)

Pomade may get most of the attention in the men’s hairstyling world, but there are plenty of reasons to use hair wax. You wake up with an especially extreme bed head and you need to wrangle your wig into place quickly, for instance. Or say you’re going to a wedding and you need your hair to stay locked in place all day. Perhaps you favor a more artfully disheveled hairstyle that needs a textured, piecey look? It could also be as simple as taming a cowlick or keeping your hair out of your face. In all those scenarios, a wax is going to do a much better job than pomade or any other hair product for that matter.

Hair wax should always be in your hairstyling arsenal, especially if you have short hair. Just like the name suggests, these products generally include actual wax, like beeswax, that locks onto hair and helps it keep its shape.

Traditionally, hair waxes are oil-based, which means they do their job for longer than similar water-based products. “Hair wax is best used when doing tightly styled looks when you’re not really leaving much room for error,” says celebrity men’s groomer Melissa DeZarate. “While it’s definitely restyleable compared to a gel, it’s meant to lock in the look for a long time.”

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Most traditional waxes are best for short, medium-weight hair. Think classic side parts, says DeZarate, or to create definition and texture in messier styles. Old school waxes are thick and, well, waxy—and there is still a use for those depending on the look you’re going for—but new versions of hair wax have upgraded to make them more versatile. Some incorporate moisturizing ingredients and a little less hold to make them more appropriate for longer, more natural-looking styles. Others, like spray wax, have addressed user error. “Spray waxes can be especially helpful when creating definition without overusing the product and completely weighing hair down,” she advises.

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These lightweight hair waxes are not only easier to apply but are appropriate for a larger variety of hair textures and weights. A good rule of thumb: the longer your hair, the lighter wax you want to use. And one word of caution: start with a little bit and gradually work your way up. If you put too much in, you can’t do much to remove it except getting back in the shower.

So, is hair wax right for you? Probably. But how do you pick the best hair wax for your hair? Consider what kind of hair you have, what style you’re going for, and read this list. There’s a hair wax here for everyone.

A little goes a long way with wax—if you’ve ever accidentally put in too much, you know how annoying (and sticky) it can be. This liquid wax solves that problem. It’s easier to apply evenly through your hair but still gives you the hold and styling options you want from a more traditional wax product.

Oribe's spray wax provides a gentle mist that lets you work your hair into a messy textured form. And because it's a spray, it's an excellent option for those who like to control the amount of product they put into their hair—whether it be on the light or heavy side.

No bees (or any other animals for that matter) were harmed in the making of this vegan wax. The botanical waxes and oils nourish your hair—and since it’s water-based, it washes out without a trace.

Wax powder is great at getting a dry texture look without having to get your hands all messy. You can shake some into the palm of your hand and then apply to your dry hair, or you can shake it from the bottle onto your dry hair directly. Just be sure to use it sparingly, because you will definitely get high hold and volume.

If you want your hair to stay in place through hurricane winds, this is the wax for you. The extra-strong hold will keep hair in place all day (and probably longer) and is perfect for shorter hair and spiky styles.

The creamy base of this wax is what gives your hair a natural “no product” finish, but what we love about it most is how easy it is to use. It’s perfect to use all over for a shaped and secure look or on specific parts of your hair (like cowlicks) to keep it in place.

The natural finish and flexible hold of this wax make it a contender for the perfect all-around product, no matter what kind of haircut or style you have. And the fact that it can double as a beard balm? Well, that’s just showing off.

This wax might give you a legitimate all-day hold, but it’s not the sticky, goopy wax you’re used to. Moisturizing ingredients like shea butter combined with beeswax keep your hair from getting dry or greasy while still taming frizz and keeping your hair in place.

Hair pros know that one of the best uses for wax is a finisher—taming cowlicks, adding texture, locking it all in place. This spray wax can be used like a hairspray at the end or as a standalone product to add texture and hold without weighing down your hair.

The lightweight texture of this wax makes it perfect for thick or especially unmanageable hair. It smooths through your strands easily and holds them in place with a flexible hold that you can rework easily throughout the day as needed.

This wax does great at creating a strong hold while taking out any greasy feel. And if you like scented hair products, this matte wax has a clean cologne fragrance.

While similar in hold and texture to the Sponge Wax, the Hybridized Wax is made to create a smooth shine when applied. The result is a wax with malleable hold and a glistening touch.