The 10 Best Hair Waxes for Men
This wiki has been updated 29 times since it was first published in January of 2017. If you're the type of man who doesn't want people to know you style your hair, then you will appreciate some of these discreet waxes that won't reveal your secret, yet will maintain your 'do all day. We've included options that provide a firm hold, as well as those that leave strands malleable, and we also found a few that produce a nice shine for those who prefer a slicker look. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Ssanai Stunner
2. American Crew Liquid
3. Jack Black Natural Shine
Editor's Notes
August 20, 2020:
As you might imagine, there aren't too many groundbreaking technological breakthroughs in the world of hair wax, so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that we still stand behind pretty much all of the products we recommended the last time we visited this list. There was one notable exception though, we decided to eliminate Dashu Super Mat as it tends to leave hair looking and feeling a little greasy. While that is something we might have been able to overlook if it at least held styles all day, it failed to do that.
In the end, we thought it best to replace Dashu Super Mat with Jack Black Natural Shine. This one scored high marks for being both alcohol and fragrance free, which means it is gentle on the hair and almost anyone can use it. Plus, it is formulated with a variety of botanicals that are said to be very beneficial for the hair, including tea tree oil, sea kelp, and green tea extract. The fact that it can be used on facial hair didn't hurt either, so you don't need to buy a separate beard wax or balm.
Redken Maneuver was replaced as well, not because there was anything particularly wrong with it, but it seems the company may have discontinued it. In its place we have Redken Brews Pomade, which is water based and rinses out of the hair quickly and easily at the end of the day. It is best for those who don't want a stiff hold, since it leaves the hair malleable, though it does produce a shiny finish, so if you don't want that, you should look at something like Vogarte Styling Matte Clay or Krieger + Söhne Styling instead.
March 19, 2019:
Looking good is just as important to men as it is to ladies, so it is no wonder there are a slew of products available on the market that promise amazing results. Unfortunately, many don't fully deliver on their promises. We've got your back though, or perhaps we should say we've got your do. After careful research, we've cultivated a list of the best hair waxes for men. If you are the type of guy who prefers a more natural look, then you'll definitely want something like Ssanai Stunner, Tigi Bed Head, Redken Maneuver, Vogarte Natural Hold, Dashu Super Mat, and Krieger + Söhne, as these are all formulated to leave-behind a matte appearance. If you are a cultured gentlemen who prefers a sleeker style, then you'll want to check out Brickell Flexible Hold and Old Spice Fiber, which will create a moderate shine. American Crew Liquid, which is a wax-gel hybrid, falls somewhere between these two options. We wouldn't call it matte, yet we also can't say it produces an overly noticeable sheen either.
Special Honors
Jack Henry OG Jack Henry OG is a beeswax-based pomade that has a very short ingredient list, making it ideal for anyone trying to avoid harsh chemicals. In addition to the aforementioned beeswax, the only other things in it are lavender and coconut oil, all off which are certified organic. jackhenry.co
Chronos and Creed Organic Pomade Made with just four ingredients, one of which is caranuba wax that provides good strand separation, Chronos and Creed Organic Pomade is very gentle on hair. It also contains shea butter, which may be help moisturize the scalp, and pine essential oil, which the company claims can help encourage growth. chronosandcreed.com
4. Brickell Flexible Hold Pomade
5. Tigi Bed Head
6. Redken Brews Pomade
7. Redist Redone Aqua
8. Vogarte Styling Matte Clay
9. Old Spice Swagger Fiber
10. Krieger + Söhne Styling
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.