Ĭelebrity hairstylist Oliver J Woods, whose clients have included Robbie Williams and Brad Pitt, placed great importance on efficacy when developing his eponymous line of styling compounds, using active ingredients that also benefit the condition of the hair. It’s also supported by organic beeswax, conditioning organic Arabian aloe vera and vitamin E, a healthy-hair supporting natural antioxidant. Icelandic bentonite clay, formed from rare volcanic ash, is also in the mix, which adds volume and thickness. Suited to all hair types and particularly good for longer-length hair, as the absorbent clay stops it looking too greasy, it has been formulated using unrefined Atlantic sea salt (the flagship ingredient), which assists to absorb excess oils and grease while nourishing the scalp with essential minerals. Taking two years to develop and using natural ingredients, the certified organic styling aid offers all of the benefits of a traditional wax but, thanks to the clay content, with a more textured finish.

A reaction to the men’s hair-styling market becoming too complex and difficult to navigate, its a one-size-fits-all compound, a hybridised mix of wax and clay that achieves a super-high hold and natural-looking finish. New British haircare brand Salt Grooming has launched its inaugural styling product. Shop GQ’s pick of the best hair wax for men: Plus, by avoiding the hairline, you’re avoiding it getting onto your forehead, which, again, can cause breakouts.”įor more fashion, grooming and technology releases delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our GQ Recommends newsletter. This is when you might notice the hair getting a little heavier and floppier several hours into applying product. I avoid getting too close to the hairline, as waxes slide over time, meaning the product will move down the hair shaft throughout the day. I tend to start at the front and run the hands back through the hair. “Rub a little into the palms of your hands and start in the area that needs most control. Applying to wet hair means the hair is coated in gloss but has not formed density, so becomes very floppy and hard to control. “Waxes are best applied to dry hair, either after blow-drying or waiting until your hair has fully dried. The wax will get onto your bed linen and, when you move around, end up all over your face, which can then block pores and cause acne.” What’s the best way to apply hair wax? Particularly if, like me, you move around a lot in bed. Clays are better used on styles that need texture and hold.” Should you wash hair wax out before going to bed? That’s why waxes tend to be better on thicker, stronger hair types that need little in the way of fixing, but maybe a bit of additional gloss.

“Waxes are designed with a high shine and little hold, while clays are designed with low shine and lots of guts. And, although it could be used on longer hair types, adding a little too much wax can make hair look greasy and lank, so best kept to shorter and mid-length styles.” What’s the difference between hair wax and clay? If you’re after a style that needs a lot of help with structure, wax probably isn’t the way to go. “Waxes are a soft and shiny product, with not much in the way of hold but great for creating a sheen. “Wax can be used on pretty much any style, to be honest – styling products change the appearance of the style, not the style itself,” explains Robinson. What styles are best to create with hair wax? But first, here’s a little more on why a hair wax is worth its place in your styling routine, care of Ruffians creative director Denis Robinson. Concocted with ingredients ranging from beeswax to candelilla, carnauba, castor and more, the majority also allow for easy pliability to remould your style throughout the day.Īlas, not all hair waxes were created equal and a select few come with a particularly enthusiastic thumbs-up from us.

Lighter and easier to apply than most other hair products, hair wax is perfect for adding texture to styles without looking over groomed. Granted, the styling calls on a little less attention to detail than pomade-honed pompadours and gel-crafted partings, but if you’re looking to go au natural up top with just a hint of shine, a bit of hair wax goes a long way. We hate to break it to you, but that untextured, fresh-out-of-bed look à la Robert Pattinson circa 2009 doesn’t just happen by itself.

Hair wax men