The Best Hair Waxes for Every Styling Situation

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.

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 away.

This gentle wax is designed to condition as it styles, with castor, coconut, and argan oils for hydrating dry and frizzy strands.

For high shine and a fancy scent, look to Balmain’s argan oil–infused wax.

A classic from the ’00s, 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.

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.

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.