Styling Your Hair Without the Crunch - Part II: Wax

Hair wax may be an old standby, but it’s still a fun product to use when you’ve got to create pliable but effective hold. If you think you’re a newbie to the whole wax thing, think again: wax is also offered in forms such as pomade, putty, or styling paste.

The Basics

If you’ve never tried hair wax, it can be pretty strange looking stuff indeed. You’ll probably want to ease yourself into it by using a little, because when you open up a pot of goo, there’s a lot of potential for misuse!

1. Get a daub of hair wax on the palms of your hands.

2. “Warm” the product up by briskly rubbing your hands together. This makes it more pliable to use.

3. Quickly massage product through your hair evenly to distribute the product. Move your hands in the direction that you’d like your hair to go.

4. Arrange your hair with your fingertips to create your look, and you’re done!

Note: Be sure to apply hair wax sparingly. It’s better to start off with a little and build up than to have stiff hair that’s weighed down and greasy looking, don’t you think?

What Styles Does It Suit? Short and medium-length hair looks best with a little added wax, especially if you need some height to go along with it.

Why You’ll Love It: Hair wax product can be varied. Some heavier wax products are perfect for styling heavier or coarse hair, but you can try out a putty for a lightweight hold. Spray wax can even be used for fine hair!

Additional Tips: Try to use a clarifying shampoo to remove wax buildup. Due to the composition of wax products, you’ll find that continued use leads to limp and lifeless hair. Great claifying shampoos include Redken For Men Go Clean Shampoo, Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, and Nexxus Gentle Clarifying Shampoo.

Suggested Products

1. KMS California Hair Play Hard Wax 1.7oz/50ml: KMS is great for creating a sleek look, and it’s surprisingly soft. Expect professional results when you use this product.

2. Ojon Conditioning Finishing Paste: This Finishing Paste is rarely sticky, and it’s made from natural ingredients.

3. BUMBLE AND BUMBLE - SURF SPRAY 4 OZ for Unisex: You can get a wind-styled look easily with this light-hold, unisex spray. You may want to hide this from your significant other– it tends to disappear.

2. BED HEAD TIGI Manipulator Sculpting Putty for Spiking, Dreads, Body & Texture 2oz/50ml: Get this while it lasts. Manipulator may be discontinued, but you can still find it online.